Comment on the nature of two $S-O$ bonds formed in $SO_{2}$ molecule. Are the two $S-O$ bonds in this molecule equal?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The electronic configuration of $S$ is $1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{4}$.
During the formation of $SO_{2}$, one electron from the $3p$ orbital is promoted to the $3d$ orbital, and $S$ undergoes $sp^{2}$ hybridization. Two of these hybrid orbitals form sigma bonds with two oxygen atoms, and the third contains a lone pair.
The remaining $p$-orbital and $d$-orbital on $S$ contain an unpaired electron each. One of these electrons forms a $p\pi-p\pi$ bond with one oxygen atom, and the other forms a $p\pi-d\pi$ bond with the other oxygen atom.
Due to resonance, $SO_{2}$ exists as a resonance hybrid of structures $I$ and $II$. As a result, both $S-O$ bonds are equivalent in length $(143 \ pm)$ and possess a partial double bond character.

Explore More

Similar Questions

What is the carbon-carbon bond length in benzene (in $pm$)?

Draw the Lewis structure of $NO_2^-$.

Despite having an unpaired electron,the $ClO_2$ molecule does not undergo dimerization because .................

In benzene, why is neither of the two given resonance structures considered to be the correct representation of the actual molecule?

The resonance hybrid of the nitrate ion $(NO_3^-)$ is represented as:

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo