Question

a student draws this lewis structure for the neutral covalent species socl₂. why is this not the optimal lewis structure for this molecule? choose one: chlorine should have a double bond. chlorine should be the central atom. sulfur and oxygen have nonzero formal charges. there are too many valence electrons.

Explanation:

The optimal Lewis - structure has the lowest formal charges. In the given structure of $SOCl_2$, sulfur and oxygen have non - zero formal charges. Sulfur can expand its octet to reduce formal charges and chlorine is more electronegative than sulfur so it is not the central atom. Also, chlorine usually forms single bonds and the number of valence electrons is correct for $SOCl_2$.

Answer:

Sulfur and oxygen have nonzero formal charges.