What is the formal charge on sulfur in SO₂? A) +2 B) +1 C) 0 D) -1 E) -2

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The formal charge on sulfur in the given molecule (SOS) can be calculated using the formula: Formal charge = Valence electrons - (Non-bonding electrons + 1/2 * Bonding electrons). Sulfur typically has 6 valence electrons. In the SOS structure, assuming it's a linear molecule with single bonds (as no specific structure is provided), sulfur would have 2 bonding electrons with each oxygen (total of 4 bonding electrons) and 2 non-bonding electrons. Thus, the formal charge on sulfur would be 6 - (2 + 1/2*4) = 6 - 4 = +2. However, without a clear structure (as the notation SO₂ is not standard chemical notation), we assume a common oxidation state or formal charge scenario for sulfur in compounds with oxygen, which often is +1, considering typical bonding scenarios where sulfur might have a slightly higher oxidation state due to its electronegativity relative to oxygen.

What Is the Formal Charge on Sulfur in SO2

What Is the Formal Charge on Sulfur in SO₂