Drawing Lewis Structures

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There is a simple step by step method for drawing Lewis structures.
  1. Decide which atoms are bonded.
    For example, lets draw the Lewis structure for a SO3 molecule.
  2. Count all valence electrons.
    There are a total of 24 valence electrons in SO3 (6 from the sulfur, and 6 each from the 3 oxygens).
  3. Place two electrons in each bond.
  4. Complete the octets of the atoms attached to the central atom by adding electrons in pairs.
  5. Place any remaining electrons on the central atom in pairs.
    (already has 24, no remaining electrons in this example)
  6. If the central atom does not have an octet, form double bonds. If necessary form triple bonds.
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