how does the Sulfur in Sulfate SO4 2- have 12 valence electrons?

[bugmento]

so my book says Sulfur in a Sulfate ion has 12 valence electrons, but I don't understand where the other 6 valence electrons are coming from

sulfur by itself is [Ne] 3s2 3p6 so i guess the part i don't understand is how the sulfate ion adds 6 electrons to the Sulfur

can someone please clarify this?

thanks for any feedback

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[jkhambruin]

Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. [Ne] 3s2 3p4, however, it has empty 3-d orbital and can expand its octet. Thus, 6 extra valence electrons from the oxygen can be added.

 

[pharmDan]

If you draw the structure, it's easier to see: