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Jump to one of the following Lewis structures' parts:   Choose One Introduction to Lewis Structures Part 1- Basics Part 2- Multiple Bonding and Polyatomic Ions Part 3- Resonance Part 4- Hypervalency Part 5- Formal Charge I Part 6- Formal Charge II Part 7- Electron Deficiency Part 8- Oxoacids Part 9- Quizzes

This tutorial assumes that you already know how to draw Lewis symbols for atoms and monatomic ions. Lewis structures, when used with some additional theory, are very useful for predicting the shape of a molecule or a polyatomic ion. Just like any tool, it does have strengths and limitations. This tutorial will show the strengths while also exploring its limitations.

Just a note of clarification. From now on, when this tutorial talks about molecules, it's also referring to polyatomic ions. I simply don't want to type "molecules or polyatomic ions" all the time. Hey, I'm lazy...

We also need to get something very clear at this stage. If you commit the following to memory, it will save you a great deal of trouble in the future. Here it is-

"Lewis structures by themselves say absolutely nothing about the shape of a molecule."

Was that perfectly clear? I hope so! You can use Lewis structures to help determine the shape of a molecule but you need to be introduced to some additional material.

Here are the different sections to this tutorial:

Part 1- Basics:

Part 2- Multiple Bonds and Polyatomic Ions:

Part 3- Resonance:

Part 4- Hypervalency:

Part 5- Formal Charge I:

Part 6- Formal Charge II:

Part 7- Electron Deficiency:

Part 8- Oxoacids:

Part 9- Quizzes: