QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
How many equivalent resonance structures can be drawn for the molecule of SO^3 without violating the octet rule on the sulfur atom?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step, focusing on drawing resonance structures for SO₃.
Step 2:: Determine the total valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$6 + (6 \times 3) = 24$$ electrons
- Sulfur (S): 6 valence electrons - Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons × 3 = 18 valence electrons
Step 3:: Initial Lewis structure
- Central sulfur atom - Three oxygen atoms bonded to sulfur - Distribute remaining electrons to create octets
Step 4:: Analyze possible electron arrangements
- One possible structure has a double bond to one oxygen - By moving electron pairs, we can create equivalent resonance structures - Each oxygen can have the double bond, creating three equivalent structures
Step 5:: Count resonance structures
- We can draw 3 equivalent resonance structures - Each structure has a different oxygen atom double-bonded to sulfur - These structures are equivalent due to symmetry
Final Answer
3 equivalent resonance structures can be drawn for SO₃ without violating the octet rule on the sulfur atom.
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