The molecule with the highest number of lone pair of electrons is

Answer Details

A lone pair is a pair of valence electrons on an atom that is not shared in a bond. To find which molecule has the highest number of lone pairs, draw the Lewis structure of each molecule and count all lone pairs on every atom.

CH₄: Carbon has four bonding pairs (one to each hydrogen) and no lone pairs. Each hydrogen also has no lone pairs. Total lone pairs: 0.

NH₃: Nitrogen has three bonding pairs (one to each hydrogen) and one lone pair. Total lone pairs: 1.

H₂O: Oxygen has two bonding pairs (one to each hydrogen) and two lone pairs. Total lone pairs: 2.

CO₂: Carbon forms two double bonds (one to each oxygen) and has no lone pairs. Each oxygen in a double bond with carbon retains two lone pairs. Total lone pairs: 2 + 2 = 4.

CO₂ has the highest total number of lone pairs (four), making it the correct answer.

Exam tip: When counting lone pairs, remember to include those on every atom in the molecule, not just the central atom.