1. Count the Total Valence Electrons:
* Carbon (C): 4 valence electrons each (2 carbons = 8)
* Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons
* Hydrogen (H): 1 valence electron each (6 hydrogens = 6)
* Total: 8 + 6 + 6 = 20 valence electrons
2. Determine the Central Atom:
* Oxygen (O) is the most electronegative atom and will be the central atom.
3. Connect the Atoms:
* Connect the two carbon atoms to the oxygen atom.
* Connect the hydrogen atoms to the carbon atoms.
4. Distribute the Remaining Electrons:
* Place lone pairs around the oxygen atom to complete its octet (2 lone pairs).
* Place lone pairs around each carbon atom to complete their octets (3 lone pairs around each carbon).
5. Check for Octet Rule Compliance:
* Each hydrogen atom has 2 electrons (a duet, which is stable).
* Oxygen has 8 electrons (a full octet).
* Each carbon has 8 electrons (a full octet).
Final Lewis Structure:
```
H H
| |
C---O---C
| |
H H
```
Important Note: This Lewis structure represents just one possible resonance structure for dimethyl ether. The actual structure is a hybrid of several resonance structures, where the double bond character is delocalized between the carbon and oxygen atoms.
