0 votes
24 views
in Inorganic Chemistry by (370 points)
What is the molecular geometry and polarity of sulfur dioxide (SO2)?

1 Answer

0 votes
by (370 points)
Sulfur dioxide  SO2  has a molecular formula of one sulfur atom  S  and two oxygen atoms  O . To determine its molecular geometry, we first need to look at the valence electrons of sulfur and oxygen.Sulfur has 6 valence electrons, and each oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons. In SO2, sulfur forms double bonds with each of the two oxygen atoms. This accounts for 4 of sulfur's valence electrons, and the remaining 2 electrons form a lone pair on the sulfur atom.The molecular geometry of SO2 can be described as a bent or angular shape due to the presence of the lone pair on the sulfur atom, which repels the oxygen atoms and causes the O-S-O bond angle to be less than 180 degrees. The bond angle is approximately 119 degrees.As for polarity, SO2 is a polar molecule. This is because the oxygen atoms are more electronegative than the sulfur atom, creating a difference in electronegativity between the S-O bonds. This results in a net dipole moment, making the molecule polar. The lone pair on the sulfur atom also contributes to the overall polarity of the molecule.
Welcome to Sarvan Science Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...