Lewis Diagram Generator

Generate accurate Lewis dot diagrams with AI. Create Lewis structures for any molecule—H2O, CO2, CH4, and more. Visualize electron dots, bonds, and lone pairs.

Lewis diagram of water molecule (H2O)
Lewis diagram of carbon dioxide (CO2)
Lewis diagram of methane (CH4)
Lewis diagram of ammonia (NH3)
Lewis diagram of PCl5 showing expanded octet

What is a Lewis Diagram?

A Lewis diagram (also called Lewis dot structure or electron dot diagram) shows how valence electrons are arranged in a molecule. Dots represent electrons, and lines represent shared electron pairs (bonds) between atoms.

Lewis diagrams help you:

  • Visualize bondingSee which atoms share electrons
  • Count electronsTrack valence electrons in molecules
  • Predict geometryUnderstand molecular shape from electron arrangement
  • Identify lone pairsSpot unshared electron pairs that affect reactivity

Invented by Gilbert N. Lewis in 1916, these diagrams are fundamental to chemistry education—from high school through organic chemistry courses. They're essential for understanding molecular structure, polarity, and chemical behavior.

How to Draw Lewis Dot Structures

Step 1: Count Valence Electrons

Add up valence electrons from all atoms. For ions, add electrons for negative charges or subtract for positive charges.

Step 2: Identify the Central Atom

Usually the least electronegative atom (not hydrogen). Carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus are common central atoms.

Step 3: Connect Atoms with Single Bonds

Draw single bonds (one electron pair) between the central atom and surrounding atoms. Each bond uses 2 electrons.

Step 4: Complete Octets

Distribute remaining electrons as lone pairs to give each atom 8 electrons (except hydrogen, which needs only 2).

Step 5: Form Multiple Bonds if Needed

If the central atom lacks an octet, convert lone pairs from adjacent atoms into double or triple bonds.

Our AI generator handles these steps automatically—just enter your molecule formula.

Popular Lewis Diagrams

Simple Molecules

  • H₂O (Water)Bent shape with 2 lone pairs on oxygen
  • CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)Linear with double bonds
  • CH₄ (Methane)Tetrahedral, no lone pairs
  • NH₃ (Ammonia)Trigonal pyramidal with 1 lone pair

Expanded Octet Molecules

  • PCl₅Trigonal bipyramidal, 5 bonds
  • SF₄See-saw shape with lone pair
  • SCl₂Bent with 2 lone pairs

Polyatomic Ions

  • NH₄⁺Tetrahedral, positive charge
  • CO₃²⁻Trigonal planar with resonance

Enter any molecule formula—from simple diatomics to complex organic compounds—and get an accurate Lewis structure.

Generate Accurate Lewis Diagrams

Lewis dot structures require precise visual rendering—electron dots must be positioned correctly around atomic symbols, with clear distinction between bonding pairs and lone pairs.

Why AI image generation works best:

Traditional text-based diagram tools can't properly render electron dot notation. Our AI generates publication-quality Lewis structures with:

  • Correctly positioned electron dots
  • Clear single, double, and triple bonds
  • Proper lone pair placement
  • Formal charges when applicable
  • Resonance structures for molecules like ozone and carbonate

How it works:

  1. Enter your molecule formula (e.g., "H2O", "CO2", "PCl5")
  2. Our AI generates the Lewis structure with accurate electron placement
  3. Download high-resolution images for homework, presentations, or publications

Lewis diagram generation uses our Pro AI image feature for accurate electron dot rendering.

Frequently Asked Questions