Question

1. which of the following lewis dot formations is correct from the options listed below?

a)

b)

c)

d)

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate total valence electrons

Sulfur (S) has 6 valence electrons, each oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons. For $\text{SO}_2$, total valence electrons = $6 + 2\times6 = 18$.

Step2: Check octet rule for each option

• Option a: Each O has 4 non-bonding + 4 bonding electrons (8 total), S has 8 bonding electrons. Total electrons: $4+4+8=16$ (does not match 18, incorrect).
• Option b: Left O has 4 non-bonding + 4 bonding electrons (8 total), S has 4 bonding + 2 non-bonding electrons (6 total, violates octet rule, incorrect).
• Option c: Left O has 6 non-bonding + 2 bonding electrons (8 total), S has 4 bonding + 2 non-bonding electrons (6 total, violates octet rule, incorrect).
• Option d: Each O has 6 non-bonding + 2 bonding electrons (8 total), S has 2+2 bonding + 2 non-bonding electrons (8 total). Total electrons: $6+2+6+2+2=18$ (matches total, follows octet rule, correct).

Answer:

d) $:\ddot{\text{O}}-\ddot{\text{S}}-\ddot{\text{O}}:$