Lewis Structure; Non-bonding pair missing

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Lewis structure of sulfur dichloride (SOCl2), specifically addressing the total number of valence electrons. The correct calculation reveals that SOCl2 has 26 valence electrons, derived from the contributions of sulfur (6), oxygen (6), and two chlorine atoms (7 each). A discrepancy arises as the teacher's solution indicates only 24 electrons, leading to the conclusion that sulfur should possess a non-bonding pair of electrons, confirming that sulfur has 10 electrons in its vicinity.

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Homework Statement



http://i.minus.com/jxoYt94CAd9LY.png

Homework Equations



The total number of valence electrons in SOCl2 is 6 + 6 + 7(2) or 26 valence electrons. Dividing by 8, this implies a total of three bonds formed with the central atom (the least electronegative atom, or sulfur).

The Attempt at a Solution



However, in my teacher's solution, there appear to only be 24 electrons total. Sulfur seems to be missing an non-bonding pair of electrons.

Am I correct that there should be a pair of non-bonding electrons on sulfur?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Yes, indeed. The Sulphur atom has 10 electrons in the vecinity of the nucleus+first shell.
 

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