Dot Structures

C has 4 outer electrons, compounds generally stabalise it to 8 electrons

Structures are generally balanced with Carbon having 8 electrons (same as stable elements).

CH₄

H

|

H - C - H

|

H

Hybridized orbitals

Sigma Bonds

Pi Bonds

Tetrahedral

Bond Angle = 109.5 deg

Steric Number = # Sigma Bonds + # lone pairs

NH3

Trigonal Pyramidal

Steric Number = 3 + 1 =4

Bond Angle = 107 deg

H2O

SN = 2 + 2 = 4

Bond Angle ~= 105 deg

Tetrahedral

Geometry = bent geometry