Draw the best Lewis structure for the SNF molecule. How many single bonds, double bonds, triple bonds, and lone-pair of electrons are found around the central atom?

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We start by restating the core question: Draw the best Lewis structure for the SNF molecule and determine how many single bonds, double bonds, triple bonds, and lone pairs are around the central atom.
Option A: 0 single bonds, 2 double bonds, 0 triple bonds, and 1 lone pair. If the central atom had two double bonds, that would imply a valence arrangement that often corresponds to a carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen core in certain oxides or diatomic contexts, but for SNF the described connectivity (two double bonds to what atoms? and only one lone pair on central atom) seems chemically unlikely because SNF typically involves different bonding patterns and valences; also having two double bonds around the central atom would imply a higher electron count around the center than is typical for a small SNF species without accommodating multiple lone pairs on the central atom.
Option B: 2 single bonds, 0 double bonds, 0 triple bonds, and 1 lone pair. This would place only single bonds around the central atom with a single lone pair. However, many SN-containing or S-centered motifs prefer at least one multiple bond to satisfy octet or valence considerations, and having zero double or triple bonds might fail to satisfy the octets on terminal atoms or reflect an incorrect total electron count for SNF.
Option C: 2 single bonds, 0 double bonds, 0 triple bonds, and 2 lone pairs. Here the central atom would have two single bonds and two lone pairs. That implies a total of four electron domains around the center, which is plausible for a tetrahedral arrangement, but the presence of two lone pairs would create a bent or distorted geometry around the center depending on the actual atoms bonded. If SNF requires a certain electron count that cannot accommodate two lone pairs at the center with only two substituents, this option could violate octet or formal charge considerations for the central atom.
Option D: 1 single bonds, 1 double bonds, 0 triple bond, and 1 lone pair. This option provides a total of two sigma bonds (one single and one double still counts as one sigma for the single, one sigma for the double) around the central atom and a single lone pair, which gives the central atom a typical valence pattern that can satisfy octets on adjacent atoms while maintaining reasonable formal charges. It often emerges as a realistic distribution for a small SNF-type species where the central atom forms one single and one double bond to neighboring atoms and retains one lone pair, balancing electron count and geometry.
Option E: 1 single bonds, 0 double bonds, 1 triple bond, and 1 lone pair. A triple bond plus a single bond around the central atom implies a high bond order distribution that is less common for a small SNF motif unless the atoms permit such a configuration. The presence of a triple bond would demand substantial electron sharing with a single partner and could overcount valence electrons for the central atom in many SNF analogs, making this arrangement less favorable unless specifically supported by formal charge and octet requirements.
In summary, when evaluating Lewis structures for SNF-type molecules, you look for a plausible valence distribution that satisfies octets, minimizes formal charges, and respects reasonable bond orders given typical chemistry of SN-containing species. Options with all single bonds or with two double bonds or a triple bond without supporting context often fail to meet these constraints, whereas a combination of one single bond and one double bond around the central atom with one lone pair frequently provides a balanced and realistic structure consistent with common valence patterns for a central atom in such compounds. The reasoning above evaluates consistency with octet/valence and common bonding tendencies rather than memorized patterns, highlighting why several options are less favorable than others.

Draw the best Lewis structure for the SNF molecule. How many single bonds, double bonds, triple bonds, and lone-pair of electrons are found around the central atom?

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