Q38 / 120 · VITEEE 2012 · Chemistry

Which of the following structures is the most preferred and hence of lowest energy for $\mathrm{SO}_{3}$ ?

  • A
    Figure
  • B
    Figure
  • C
    Figure
  • Correct answer
    D
    Figure

Solution

Formal charges help in selection of the lowest energy structure from a number of possible Lewis structures for a given species. Generally the lowest energy structure is the one with the smallest formal charges on the atoms. Formal charge on an atom $=$ total no. of valence electrons-non-bonding electrons $-\frac{1}{2} \times$ bonding electrons. For Lewis structure of $\mathrm{SO}_{3}$ Figure
Formal charge on $\mathrm{S}$ atom $$ =6-0-\frac{1}{2} \times 12=0 $$ Formal charge on three $\mathrm{O}$ atoms $$ =6-4-\frac{1}{2} \times 4=0 $$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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