Lewis Structure of H2 (With Simple Steps to Draw!)

Ready to learn how to draw the lewis structure of H2?

Awesome!

Here, I have explained simple steps to draw the lewis dot structure of H2 (along with images).

So let’s dive right into it!

Lewis structure of H2 (or diatomic hydrogen) contains a single bond between both the Hydrogen (H) atoms.

Let’s draw and understand this lewis dot structure in simple steps.

Steps to Draw the Lewis Structure of H2

Step #1: Calculate the total number of valence electrons

Here, the given molecule is H2 (or diatomic hydrogen). In order to draw the lewis structure of H2, first of all you have to find the total number of valence electrons present in the H2 molecule.
(Valence electrons are the number of electrons present in the outermost shell of an atom).

So, let’s calculate this first.

• For Hydrogen: 

Hydrogen is a group 1 element on the periodic table. ^[1]

Hence, the valence electron present in hydrogen is 1 (see below image).

Hence in a H2 molecule,  
Valence electron given by each Hydrogen (H) atom = 1
So, total number of Valence electrons in H2 molecule = 1(2) = 2

Step #2: Make the rough sketch

While selecting the atom, you have to put the least electronegative atom at the center. 

But here in the H2 molecule, both the atoms are same. So you can consider any of the atoms as a center atom.

Step #3: Put two electrons between the atoms to represent a chemical bond

Now in the above sketch of H2 molecule, put the two electrons (i.e electron pair) between each hydrogen atom to represent a chemical bond between them.

These pairs of electrons present between the Hydrogen (H) atoms form a chemical bond, which bonds the hydrogen atoms with each other in a H2 molecule.

Step #4: Complete the octet (or duplet) on the atoms

Hydrogen requires only 2 electrons to have a complete outer shell.

You can see in the above image that both the hydrogen atoms form a duplet.

Also, the 2 valence electrons of H2 molecule (as calculated in step #1) are used in the above structure. And hence, the above lewis structure of H2 is the final stable structure only.

The electron pair (:) in the lewis dot structure of H2 represents the single bond ( | ). So the above lewis dot structure of H2 can also be represented as shown below.

Well, this was a very simple lewis structure.

For more practice and better understanding, you can try other lewis structures listed below.

Related lewis structures for your practice:
Lewis structure of N3-
Lewis structure of BH3
Lewis structure of C2H6
Lewis structure of COCl2
Lewis structure of BrF5

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