Question

part 4 (1 point) which of the following is the most likely lewis structure for cs₂ and why? use your determinations in parts 1 - 3 to help you decide. choose one: a. c=s=s; the atom that can form the most bonds is in the center b. s=c=s; the atom that can form the most bonds is in the center c. c=s=s; formal charges are minimized d. s=c=s; formal charges are minimized

Explanation:

In Lewis - structure determination, the most stable structure has minimized formal charges. Carbon has 4 valence electrons and sulfur has 6 valence electrons. In $CS_2$, the structure $S = C = S$ has each atom with a formal charge of zero. Carbon can form 4 bonds and sulfur can form 2 bonds. The central atom is the one that can form the most bonds among the atoms in the molecule, which is carbon here. But the key factor for the most likely structure is minimizing formal charges.

Answer:

D. S=C=S; formal charges are minimized