[FutureDoc]

What is the correct Lewis structure for KClO₄?

So far I have this, but the K and Cl atoms do not have full octets.

         O
         ||
K--O--Cl--O
         ||
         O


Any help is greatly appreciated.

[FutureDoc]

Is it possible for every atom to acquire an octet, or is ClO₄ one of those "exceptions"?

[FutureDoc]

Anyone able to help?

[enahs]

Your perchlorate is wrong.

I would do it as a Cl surrounded by 4 singly bonded oxygens, put that entire thing in brackets with a negative charge. Then next to it at a K+, because the K+ and ClO4- are ionically bonded, whereas lewis structures are for covalent bonds.


I have seen other valid structures for perchlorate then the one I purposed. But I am guessing what your professors wanted you to realize with this question is that there is ionic and covalent bonds going on.

[FutureDoc]

Oh OK.

There's an ionic bond between the K⁺ and the ClO₄^-, and a covalent bond between Cl and O.

It seems so obvious now...

Thanks!