How Many Lone Pairs Does Oxygen Have?

Answer: Oxygen atoms generally have 2 bonds or 2 lone pairs. Hydrogen atoms contain only one bond and also no lone pairs. 

Oxygen atoms typically have 2 bonds, including 2 lone pairs. Chlorine atoms typically have three lone pairs instead of bonds.

The coordination geometry of oxygen is the basis for the tetrahedral arrangement of four pairs of electrons in water. Two lone pairs exist because there are only two bonded groups left. With no bonds, oxygen has six electrons in the outer shell, but it would prefer to have eight. With four bonds, oxygen will share electrons with its four neighbours, requiring it to lose two of its own six to reach eight.