Shown here is a Lewis structure for SO₃ that expands the octet to minimize formal charges. The formal charge on the sulfur atom is zero.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Lewis structure shown here is consistent with the rules of octet expansion, in which an atom in the third or higher period can have more than eight valence electrons in order to minimize formal charges. In this case, the sulfur atom has a formal charge of zero, indicating that its electron count is balanced with its valence electrons. Therefore, the answer is A, true.

Shown Here Is a Lewis Structure for SO3 That Expands

Shown Here Is a Lewis Structure for SO₃ That Expands