Chapter 4, Problem 4.93CP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The Lewis dot structures of Sulfite ion and sulfur trioxide has to be drawn and the geometries has to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Lewis structures are also known as Lewis dot structures which represent the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule.

Molecular geometry can be predicted from the structure by using the valence-shell Electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) model.

• Count the number of valence electron pairs (bond pairs and lone pairs).
• Assume that the valence electron pairs form a structure that allows them to be as far away from each other as possible.
• If there are only two bond pair electrons, the molecule is linear.
• If there are three bond pair electrons, the molecule is shaped like a trigonal planar.
• If there are four bond pair electrons, the molecule is shaped as a regular tetrahedral.
• Repulsion between lone pair-bond pair of electrons effect the geometry of molecules.