So3

[IMQ061000]

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Why is the structure of SO3 like this, how come S can form 6 bonds? Forming 6 bonds give S 12 valence electron. Its electronic configuration is [Ne] 2s2 2p4, which means it can only form 2 more bond. So how it is forming 6 bonds?

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[Baylor2011]

Because anything in period 3 or below can promote electrons into its d orbitals.

And it does not have 12 valence electrons. Electrons in a bond are SHARED between the two atoms. So if you're counting formal charge on that S, each bond is worth 1 electron, since there's 6 bonds, that's 6 valence electrons, therefore the formal charge is 0

 

[IMQ061000]

Because anything in period 3 or below can promote electrons into its d orbitals.

And it does not have 12 valence electrons. Electrons in a bond are SHARED between the two atoms. So if you're counting formal charge on that S, each bond is worth 1 electron, since there's 6 bonds, that's 6 valence electrons, therefore the formal charge is 0

When you said period 3 or below, thats excluding Na and Mg correct? as they are not able to fill in their d orbital

 

[Baylor2011]

correct - this is basically talking about non-metals and i think transition metals too

 

[ScGirl17]

When you said period 3 or below, thats excluding Na and Mg correct? as they are not able to fill in their d orbital

correct

 

[UndergradGuy7]

Because anything in period 3 or below can promote electrons into its d orbitals.

And it does not have 12 valence electrons. Electrons in a bond are SHARED between the two atoms. So if you're counting formal charge on that S, each bond is worth 1 electron, since there's 6 bonds, that's 6 valence electrons, therefore the formal charge is 0

My kaplan blue book has SO4 drawn like this...

And says S has 12 valence electrons... seems like they counted the bonds...

Also wouldn't the lewis structure for SO3 that was posted above be a mix of this... (not solid bonds to each O)?

 

[loveoforganic]

No, SO3 is a neutral species - all double bonds. This is the anhydrous form of sulfuric acid.

 

[UndergradGuy7]

No, SO3 is a neutral species - all double bonds. This is the anhydrous form of sulfuric acid.

In the lewis structures above that I put S has a formal charge of +2 and 2 of the oxygens have -1 each. so -2 + 1 +1 = 0 overall?

Also the number of electrons is the same in my structure and the one in the original post.