What is the correct Lewis dot structure for BeF₂ molecule?

The correct Lewis dot structure for BeF₂ (beryllium fluoride) is a linear molecule where beryllium is at the center with two single bonds connecting to two fluorine atoms, and each fluorine has three lone pairs of electrons.

Lewis Structure

• Step 1: Count the valence electrons. Beryllium has 2, and each fluorine has 7. Total = 16 valence electrons.
• Step 2: Place Be in the center and connect each F with a single bond.
• Step 3: Each bond uses 2 electrons (4 in total). Remaining = 12 electrons.
• Step 4: Distribute 6 electrons (3 lone pairs) on each fluorine to complete octets.
• Step 5: Beryllium ends up with only 4 electrons, which is an exception to the octet rule.

This makes BeF₂ a linear molecule with bond angle of 180°. It is an example where the central atom does not follow the octet rule.