Question

The skeletal structure of CH₃COOH as shown below is correct, but some of the bonds are shown incorrectly. Write the correct Lewis structure for acetic acid.

Answer 1

Correct Lewis structure of acetic acid (CH₃COOH):

The skeletal structure of acetic acid is correct, but the correct Lewis structure must show proper single and double bonds along with lone pairs on oxygen atoms.

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Key points for the correct Lewis structure:

• The molecule contains two carbon atoms, two oxygen atoms, and four hydrogen atoms. 
• The first carbon (methyl carbon) forms four single bonds with three hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom. 
• The second carbon (carbonyl carbon) forms: 
  – a double bond with one oxygen atom (C=O) 
  – a single bond with the hydroxyl oxygen (C–O–H)

• Each oxygen atom has two lone pairs. 
• All atoms satisfy the octet rule (hydrogen follows the duplet rule).

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Correct Lewis structure representation:

H₃C — C(=O) — O — H

(Each oxygen atom carries two lone pairs of electrons.)

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Lewis structure diagram:

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Conclusion:

Thus, the correct Lewis structure of acetic acid shows a carbonyl group (C=O), a hydroxyl group (–OH), and proper placement of lone pairs on oxygen atoms.