Is sulfur dioxide linear?

As a chemical expert with a strong background in molecular geometry, I can provide a detailed explanation regarding the structure of sulfur dioxide (SO2). The question at hand is whether sulfur dioxide is linear or not. To answer this, we need to consider the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory, which is a model that helps predict the shapes of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. Step 1: Understanding the VSEPR Theory The VSEPR theory states that electron pairs around a central atom will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion. In the case of SO2, the central atom is sulfur (S), which has six valence electrons. It forms two double bonds with two oxygen (O) atoms, accounting for four of these electrons. The remaining two electrons form a lone pair on the sulfur atom. **Step 2: Determining the Electron Pair Geometry** To determine the electron pair geometry, we count both the bonding pairs (which are the double bonds to oxygen) and the lone pair on the sulfur atom. This gives us a total of three electron pairs around the sulfur atom. According to the VSEPR theory, three electron pairs result in a trigonal planar electron pair geometry. **Step 3: Determining the Molecular Geometry** However, when we consider the molecular geometry, which takes into account only the positions of the atoms and not the lone pairs, we find that SO2 adopts a bent or V-shaped structure. This is because the lone pair of electrons occupies more space than the bonding pairs, and it repels the bonding pairs, pushing them closer together. This results in a bond angle that is less than the 120 degrees expected for a perfect trigonal planar arrangement. Step 4: The Actual Bond Angle in SO2 The reference content provided suggests that the SO2 bond angle is 120 degrees, which is not accurate. The actual bond angle in SO2 is slightly less than 120 degrees due to the repulsion from the lone pair. Experimental measurements have shown that the bond angle is approximately 119.5 degrees. **Step 5: Conclusion on the Linearity of SO2** Based on the molecular geometry analysis, we can conclude that sulfur dioxide (SO2) is not linear. It has a bent molecular shape due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the sulfur atom, which pushes the oxygen atoms closer together, resulting in a bond angle of approximately 119.5 degrees. Now, let's proceed with the translation into Chinese.

When they do so they are forced to the opposite side of the Sulfur atom giving SO2 a Bent molecular shape. The lone pair of electrons is at the top of the SO2 molecule. The SO2 bond angle will be 120 degrees since it has a Bent molecular geometry.Aug 19, 2013