Is a Double Bond Required in the Lewis Structure of SnCl2?

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SUMMARY

The Lewis structure of SnCl2 consists of a central tin (Sn) atom bonded to two chlorine (Cl) atoms through single bonds, with one lone pair of electrons on the tin atom. The octet rule does not apply to tin, which is a key point of confusion for many students. Unlike elements in the second period of the periodic table, such as carbon and oxygen, tin can accommodate more than eight electrons in its valence shell. This discussion clarifies that the octet rule is a simplification and does not universally apply to all elements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lewis structures
  • Familiarity with the octet rule
  • Basic knowledge of chemical bonding
  • Concept of lone pairs in molecular structures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the exceptions to the octet rule in chemistry
  • Study the Lewis structures of compounds with expanded octets
  • Learn about the bonding characteristics of group 14 elements, including tin
  • Explore the role of lone pairs in molecular geometry and reactivity
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding molecular structures and bonding principles, particularly in relation to Lewis structures and the octet rule.

blue bloom
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a question in Lewis structure?

I know that Lewis structure is so easy to discuss ..but I have this compound :
SnCl2
when I drew the Lewis structure of its , I had to make Double bond between the Cl & Sn
..but a teacher told me once that when the Cl is not the central atom it can just make a single bond ..
so that it looks so weird for me !
Is it an abnormal case -like PO4- ?
what is the real structure ?
 
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One free electron pair on tin, single bonds to the chlorines which have full octets.
(The octet rule doesn't apply to tin.)
 


alxm said:
(The octet rule doesn't apply to tin.)

More precisely, octet rule works mainly for the second period of periodic table.

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Don't worry - there is no obvious border where it works, where it doesn't. Octet rule and Lewis structures are only a simplification of the reality, no wonder they regularly fail.

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actually ..in MY book they are talking about the octet rule as a main rule
I mean.. it works with all the compounds except some odd of them
& I still do not know the structure of (SnCl2):shy:
 


blue bloom said:
actually ..in MY book they are talking about the octet rule as a main rule
I mean.. it works with all the compounds except some odd of them

Let me guess - that's your first year of chemistry?

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