Urea overview
The stored Lewis connectivity is H₂N—C(=O)—NH₂. Both nitrogen lone pairs can conjugate with the carbonyl, giving partial C–N double-bond character and a largely planar framework.
How to draw CH₄N₂O
- Count 24 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
- Use the reviewed connectivity H₂N—C(=O)—NH₂. Do not infer a different isomer from the formula alone.
- Place the required single, double or multiple bonds. Keep a running electron total.
- Complete terminal valence shells and add lone pairs or formal charges. Both nitrogen lone pairs can conjugate with the carbonyl, giving partial C–N double-bond character and a largely planar framework.
- Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Approximately planar around the carbonyl group.
Why this example matters
Both nitrogen lone pairs can conjugate with the carbonyl, giving partial C–N double-bond character and a largely planar framework.
Scope and model limits
A single Lewis contributor cannot fully represent the delocalized amide bonding; resonance contributors are part of the description.
Common mistakes
- Drawing a tetrahedral carbonyl carbon
- Omitting nitrogen lone pairs
- Treating both C–N bonds as purely localized single bonds
Related reviewed guides
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16. Educational reference only; verify graded work with course materials.