How formal charge is distributed on a hypochlorite molecule? Write the symbols of both chlorine and oxygen placed adjacent to one another and place available valence electrons in pairs around them.

In hypochlorite, it is chlorine that will make the maximum number of bonds. The lower the electronegativity value, the more will be the number of bonds. It can be analyzed by figuring out the electronegativity values of the participating atoms. Here, it is important to determine the atom that will make the maximum number of bonds. Hypochlorite being a diatomic molecule does not require to have a central atom. Hence, the total number of valence electrons required by one hypochlorite molecule is 16. It is two as both chlorine and oxygen need eight valence electrons to complete their octet. Step 2: Determine the number of valence electrons further required to complete the octet in one hypochlorite molecule.

In addition to this, there is one more valence electron at hypochlorite available as a negative sign. The chlorine atom has seven valence electrons, and the oxygen atom has six valence electrons. Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons in one hypochlorite molecule. Steps to Draw a Lewis structure of Hypochlorite (ClO) It is considered the foremost step if anyone wants to study a chemical compound. Moreover, it also explains the reason behind the formation of bonds and their behavior for newer properties. Let us understand this compound in more detail by studying its lewis structure, geometry, hybridization, and polarity.Ī Lewis diagram is a structural representation of valence electron distribution around an atom. This reaction is always undertaken at room temperature to prevent the formation of chlorates.Ģ Cl2 + 2 Ca(OH)2 → CaCl2 + Ca(ClO)2 + 2 H2O Here, it is important to understand that hypochlorite of lithium, calcium, and barium exists in an anhydrous condition.įor industrial production, hypochlorite salts are produced by reacting chlorine with alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides.

Being an anion, hypochlorite is known to be highly unstable and is available in liquid form when reacts with any cation.

Pf3 molecular geometry