Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes the bonding in the Lewis dot structure of neutral SO_2?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis structure of SO_2 in which all atoms obey the octet rule?
A
SO_2 has three single bonds between sulfur and oxygen atoms, with all atoms having complete octets and no formal charges.
B
SO_2 has one double bond and one single bond between sulfur and oxygen atoms, with a lone pair on sulfur and formal charges present.
C
SO_2 has two double bonds between sulfur and each oxygen atom, with no lone pairs on sulfur.
D
SO_2 has a triple bond between sulfur and one oxygen atom, and a single bond to the other oxygen atom, with no lone pairs on sulfur.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis structure represents the arrangement of valence electrons around atoms in a molecule, showing bonds and lone pairs to satisfy the octet rule where possible.
Count the total number of valence electrons in SO_2: sulfur has 6 valence electrons, and each oxygen has 6 valence electrons, so total valence electrons = 6 + 6 + 6 = 18.
Try to distribute these 18 electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom. Start by connecting sulfur to each oxygen with single bonds, then add lone pairs to complete octets.
Check if all atoms have complete octets and calculate formal charges to see if the structure is reasonable. Formal charges help identify the most stable Lewis structure.
Evaluate the given options by comparing their bonding patterns, lone pairs, and formal charges to the correct Lewis structure that obeys the octet rule and has the lowest formal charges.
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