How do you use the VSEPR theory to predict the molecular shape of #SO_2#?

1 Answer
Mar 22, 2018

#SO_2# has a 'bent' structure

Explanation:

So we start by looking at the valence electrons of sulfer which is 6. But if we look at the bonds between sulfer and oxygen in #SO_2# we see:

#O=S=O#

resulting in 4 electrons, thereby leaving two valence electrons in sulfer. Because of this the molecule won't be linear, but be bent (since the lone pairs doesn't count as bonds).