Input interpretation
borate anion | structure diagram
Result
Draw the Lewis structure of borate anion. Start by drawing the overall structure of the molecule: Count the total valence electrons of the boron (n_B, val = 3) and oxygen (n_O, val = 6) atoms, including the net charge: n_B, val + 3 n_O, val - n_charge = 24 Calculate the number of electrons needed to completely fill the valence shells for boron (n_B, full = 6) and oxygen (n_O, full = 8): n_B, full + 3 n_O, full = 30 Subtracting these two numbers shows that 30 - 24 = 6 bonding electrons are needed. Each bond has two electrons, so the above diagram has all the necessary bonds. There are 3 bonds and hence 6 bonding electrons in the diagram. Fill in the remaining unbonded electrons on each atom. In total, there remain 24 - 6 = 18 electrons left to draw. Lastly, fill in the formal charges: Answer: | |