QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Write Lewis structures that obey the octet rule for the following species. Assign the formal charge for each central atom.
b. SO^2− 4
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 step by step, carefully following the LaTeX formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Determine the total number of valence electrons
• Total valence electrons: $$6 + 24 + 2 = 32$$ electrons
• Sulfur (S): 6 valence electrons • Oxygen (O): 6 × 4 = 24 valence electrons • Charge of - 2 adds 2 more electrons
Step 3:: Arrange atoms in the structure
• Sulfur will be the central atom • Four oxygen atoms will be arranged around sulfur
Step 4:: Connect atoms with single bonds
• This uses $$4 \times 2 = 8$$ electrons
• Draw single bonds between sulfur and each oxygen
Step 5:: Add remaining electrons as lone pairs
• Remaining electrons: $$32 - 8 = 24$$ electrons
• Distribute these as lone pairs on oxygen atoms • Each oxygen will have 3 lone pairs
Step 6:: Calculate formal charges
• For each oxygen: $$6 - 6 - \frac{1}{2}(2) = -1
• For sulfur: 6 - 0 - \frac{1}{2}(8) = + 1
Final Answer
• Central sulfur has a + 1 formal charge • Each oxygen has a - 1 formal charge • Tetrahedral geometry with four equivalent oxygen atoms
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students