Is the Lewis Structure for SOCl2 Correct?

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SUMMARY

The correct Lewis structure for sulfur oxychloride (SOCl2) involves placing sulfur (S) in the center with two chlorine (Cl) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom bonded to it. The optimal structure includes a double bond between sulfur and oxygen, which eliminates formal charges on the atoms. This configuration allows sulfur to exceed the octet rule, accommodating ten electrons in its valence shell due to its position in the third period of the periodic table.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lewis structures
  • Knowledge of formal charges
  • Familiarity with the octet rule and exceptions
  • Basic concepts of molecular geometry
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  • Study the concept of formal charge calculation in molecular structures
  • Learn about exceptions to the octet rule, particularly for third-period elements
  • Explore molecular geometry and hybridization in compounds like SOCl2
  • Investigate the implications of d-orbital participation in bonding
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Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in molecular structure and bonding, particularly those studying or teaching about Lewis structures and molecular geometry.

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Homework Statement


write lewis structure for SOCl2.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


.. .. ..
:Cl-S-Cl:
.. | ..
:O:
..

what i did was put S in the middle with a single bond on both side for Cl, each Cl has six dot. S has two at the top. I havve a single bond at the bottom of S to connect to O. O has six dot.
i wanted to know if i can also write another structure. like take one set of electron away frm Oxygen and put a double bond connect sulfur and oxygen, instead of a single bond? please let me know if the top diagram is correct also. Thank you
 
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From the Lewis structure you drew, the oxygen would have a formal charge of -1 and the sulfur would have a formal charge of +1. In order to eliminate these formal charges you can use a lone pair from the oxygen to form a double bond with the sulfur. This leaves none of the atoms with a formal charge, but it leaves sulfur with 10 electrons in its valence shell. This would normally be a problem, but because sulfur is in the third period of the periodic table, it can violate the octet rule by using its d-orbitals to expand its valence shell and hold more than eight electrons.

So the structure with a double bond between the sulfur and oxygen would be the correct Lewis structure.
 
thank you
 

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