How can I draw the Lewis structure for PH3?

1 Answer
BRIAN M.
Jul 16, 2014

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Phosphosus has an electron configuration of [Ne]2s22p3.
Therefore, it has a dot digram in the red of two electrons on top and one electron on each side. Providing for three open bonding sites.

Hydrogen has an electron configuration of 1s1. Therefore, it has only one electron on top. Each of the three hydrogens will fill one of the empty spaces of the phosphorus atom in a covalent bond. This will provide eight electrons for phosphorus, to complete the rule of octet.

Each hydrogen now has two electrons to complete the rule of duet.

I hope this was helpful.
SMARTERTEACHER

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