Lewis structures are diagrams that show the bonds between atoms in a molecule as well as the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They serve as a more detailed visual representation compared to SMILES notation, aiding in better understanding of how atoms are bonded in a compound.
To draw a Lewis structure:
- Start with the skeletal structure, indicating the arrangement of atoms.
- Represent each covalent bond with a line. If atoms share two pairs of electrons, use a double line, and so on.
- Fill in the valence electrons surrounding each atom. Each line between atoms represents a shared pair of electrons.
For example, with the compound
C=CC(C)Br, the Lewis structure helps to highlight the position of the double bond, the side chains, and where the bromine atom attaches to the carbon chain.
Understanding Lewis structures is fundamental in organic chemistry as it reveals the molecule's connectivity and helps predict reactivity and properties based on electron arrangement.