At what point in drawing a lewis structure is it appropriate to form double or triple bonds between atoms?.

Answer

Double or triple bonds are formed when the octet rule cannot be satisfied with single bonds alone. In general, double and triple bonds are formed to minimize the total energy of the molecule and to satisfy the octet rule.

Q: What is a Lewis structure? A: A Lewis structure is a diagram that shows the bonding between atoms in a molecule as well as the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule.
Q: What is the octet rule? A: The octet rule states that atoms tend to form chemical bonds to achieve a full valence shell of electrons (eight electrons).
Q: When is it appropriate to form double or triple bonds in a Lewis structure? A: Double or triple bonds are formed when the octet rule cannot be satisfied with single bonds alone. For example, carbon can form four single bonds, but needs eight electrons to satisfy the octet rule. Therefore, carbon can form double and triple bonds to satisfy the octet rule. In general, double and triple bonds are formed to minimize the total energy of the molecule and to satisfy the octet rule.