CramX Logo

Q
QuestionChemistry

Draw the Lewis structure for the sulfur monoxide (SO) molecule.
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

Step 1:
I'll solve this Lewis structure problem step by step:

Step 2:
: Determine the total number of valence electrons

- Total valence electrons: $$6 + 6 = 12$$ electrons
- Sulfur (S) is in Group 16, so it has 6 valence electrons - Oxygen (O) is in Group 16, so it also has 6 valence electrons

Step 3:
: Arrange atoms and create single bond

- Remaining electrons: $$12 - 2 = 10$$ electrons
- Place sulfur and oxygen atoms next to each other - Create an initial single bond between S and O

Step 4:
: Distribute remaining electrons as lone pairs

- Remaining electrons: $$4$$ electrons
- Add lone pairs to oxygen first (needs 8 electrons to complete octet) - Place 3 lone pair sets (6 electrons) around oxygen - Place remaining 2 electrons as a lone pair on sulfur

Step 5:
: Check formal charges

- Sulfur: $$6 - 4 - 1 = 1$$ formal charge
- Oxygen: 6 - 6 - 0 = 0 formal charge

Final Answer

The Lewis structure for SO shows a single bond between S and O, with 3 lone pairs on oxygen and 1 lone pair on sulfur. [Diagram would show S-O with 3 lone pairs on O and 1 lone pair on S]