So42 Molecular Geometry New! Page
Even though we draw single and double bonds, resonance causes all four S-O bonds to be the same length—somewhere between a single and double bond. 4. Hybridization
In a perfect tetrahedron, the atoms are spread out symmetrically. so42 molecular geometry
If you draw the Lewis structure for sulfate using simple rules, you might draw two single bonds and two double bonds. But this presents a problem: if the bonds were truly different (some single, some double), the lengths of those bonds would be different. A double bond is shorter and tighter than a long, loose single bond. Consequently, the geometry would be distorted; the tetrahedron would be lopsided. Even though we draw single and double bonds,
Correction: No. The angles are all approximately 109.5° . It is not based on octahedral or trigonal planar parent geometries. If you draw the Lewis structure for sulfate
This resonance is the silent engine of the sulfate geometry. By averaging out the electron density, the molecule enforces a perfect symmetry. The bonds are all the same length, the angles are all the same degree, and the tetrahedron remains pristine and undistorted.
To reduce the +2 on S and the -1 on each O, we form double bonds. Sulfur can expand its octet (using empty 3d orbitals). By forming two S=O double bonds:
0 (All of sulfur's outer electrons are involved in bonding) According to the VSEPR chart, an AX4cap A cap X sub 4
