GeH4 (germane) has one germanium atom and four hydrogen atoms.
In the GeH4 Lewis structure, there are four single bonds around the germanium atom, with four hydrogen atoms attached to it, and none of the atoms has a lone pair.
Alternative method: Lewis structure of GeH4
Rough sketch
- First, determine the total number of valence electrons
In the periodic table, germanium lies in group 14, and hydrogen lies in group 1.
Hence, germanium has four valence electrons and hydrogen has one valence electron.
Since GeH4 has one germanium atom and four hydrogen atoms, so…
Valence electrons of one germanium atom = 4 × 1 = 4
Valence electrons of four hydrogen atoms = 1 × 4 = 4
And the total valence electrons = 4 + 4 = 8
Learn how to find: Germanium valence electrons and Hydrogen valence electrons
- Second, find the total electron pairs
We have a total of 8 valence electrons. And when we divide this value by two, we get the value of total electron pairs.
Total electron pairs = total valence electrons ÷ 2
So the total electron pairs = 8 ÷ 2 = 4
- Third, determine the central atom
Here hydrogen can not be the central atom. Because the central atom is bonded with at least two other atoms, and hydrogen has only one electron in its last shell, so it can not make more than one bond.
Hence, here we have to assume that the central atom is germanium.
Therefore, place germanium in the center and hydrogens on either side.
- And finally, draw the rough sketch
Lone pair
Here, we have a total of 4 electron pairs. And four Ge — H bonds are already marked. So we do not have to mark any electron pair as a lone pair on the sketch.
Final structure
The final structure of GeH4 includes a central germanium atom connected to four hydrogen atoms through single covalent bonds. In this configuration, the germanium atom achieves a stable octet by sharing its four valence electrons with the four hydrogens. Within this layout, each hydrogen atom reaches its stable duet state by sharing a single pair of electrons with the central atom. This arrangement represents the most stable state for the molecule because it results in a formal charge of zero for all atoms involved. Accordingly, this specific electronic distribution serves as the definitive and most accurate Lewis representation of germane.
Next: GeCl4 Lewis structure
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