Question

what is the best lewis/electron - dot structure for so₂? hint: which structure has minimal formal charges?
a) :ö=s - ö:
b) :ö - s - ö:
c) :ö - s=ö:
d) :ö=s=ö:
multiple choice

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate formal charge

Formal charge formula: \(FC = V - N - \frac{B}{2}\), where \(V\) is valence electrons, \(N\) is non - bonding electrons, \(B\) is bonding electrons.
For \(S\) in \(SO_{2}\), \(V = 6\).
For \(O\), \(V = 6\).

• Structure a:
• Left \(O\): \(FC=6 - 6-\frac{2}{2}=- 1\)
• \(S\): \(FC = 6-4-\frac{4}{2}=0\)
• Right \(O\): \(FC=6 - 6-\frac{2}{2}=-1\)
• Structure b:
• Left \(O\): \(FC=6 - 6-\frac{2}{2}=-1\)
• \(S\): \(FC = 6-6-\frac{2}{2}=-1\)
• Right \(O\): \(FC=6 - 6-\frac{2}{2}=-1\)
• Structure c:
• Left \(O\): \(FC=6 - 6-\frac{2}{2}=-1\)
• \(S\): \(FC = 6-4-\frac{4}{2}=0\)
• Right \(O\): \(FC=6 - 4-\frac{4}{2}=0\)
• Structure d:
• Left \(O\): \(FC=6 - 4-\frac{4}{2}=0\)
• \(S\): \(FC = 6-4-\frac{4}{2}=0\)
• Right \(O\): \(FC=6 - 4-\frac{4}{2}=0\)

Answer:

D. Option d