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Two dots showing electrons not used in bonding.
Also known as: Non-bonding pair, Electron pair dots
Two dots beside an atom show a pair of electrons not involved in bonding. Lone pairs determine molecular shape and reactivity, and skeletal formulae usually omit them, which is why a drawing that shows them is making a point about mechanism.
Shows a pair of valence electrons not shared in a bond, drawn as two dots beside the atom.
Contexts: Laboratory
Is usually omitted from skeletal formulae, so its presence in a drawing signals that the pair matters to the argument being made.
Contexts: Laboratory
Determines molecular geometry and basicity, which is why a lone pair is drawn where a mechanism depends on it.
Contexts: Laboratory
Two small dots side by side placed beside an atom's letter in a drawn structure.