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For the B(OH)3 Lewis structure, we have 3 valence electrons for Boron and then we have
6 for Oxygen, plus 1 for the Hydrogen, but we have three of these OH's so we're going
to multiply this whole thing by three. So 3 plus 7 times 3, that's 21; 24 valence electrons
for the B(OH)3 Lewis structure. The way it's written suggests that we should put the Boron
at the center and then the OH's around it. We'll put two valence electrons between atoms
to form chemical bonds. We've used 12. And then we'll fill the octets for the Oxygens:
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24. So we've used all 24 valence electrons for the B(OH)3 Lewis
structure. We have Hydrogens with two valence electrons each, so their outer shells are
full. And then the Oxygens, they all have eight, so they have an octet, their shells
are full. And the Boron only has six, but Boron is an exception and it's OK with six
valence electrons. So that's it: that's the Lewis structure for B(OH)3. This is Dr. B.,
and thanks for watching.