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Understanding the Context

What is C₂H₄?

Ethylene, known chemically as C₂H₄, is a simple hydrocarbon and an important building block in organic chemistry and industrial applications such as plastic production and polymer synthesis. Its structure features two carbon atoms and four hydrogen atoms arranged in a planar double bond configuration, distinguishing it from alkanes and alcanes at a molecular level.

The Lewis Structure of C₂H₄: Step-by-Step Construction

Key Insights

Forming a Lewis structure begins with calculating the total number of valence electrons. Carbon has 4 valence electrons and hydrogen has 1. For C₂H₄:

• Carbon atoms: 2 × 4 = 8
  
• Hydrogen atoms: 4 × 1 = 4
  
• Total valence electrons: 12

Step 1: Arrange atoms in a framework

Carbon atoms are connected via a double bond (two pairs of shared electrons), representing the carbon-carbon (C=C) double bond. Each carbon is bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

Step 2: Distribute bonding electrons

The double bond (C=C) uses 4 electrons (2 shared pairs). Remaining electrons: 12 – 4 = 8 electrons are distributed as single bonds to hydrogen: two H–C bonds for each carbon, totaling 8 single bonds (8 electrons).

Step 3: Check octet rule compliance

• Each carbon shares four bonds (double bond counts as 4 electrons), fulfilling an octet.
  
• Hydrogens each form one bond (two electrons), satisfying duet rules.
  
• All atoms meet their valence requirements.

Final Thoughts

The Final Lewis Structure of C₂H₄

H
|
H–C=C–H
|
H

A clearer representation shows each carbon with:

• A double bond (共有两对电子) between the carbons
  
• Two single bonds to hydrogen atoms
  
• Each carbon atom carries a complete octet (8 electrons around it)

Key Features of the C₂H₄ Lewis Structure