0
$\begingroup$

Question: which molecule out of $\ce{SO2}$ and $\ce{SO3}$ has larger $\ce{S-O}$ bond length?

Both are $sp^2$ hybridised. Since $\ce{SO3}$ has more bond pair - bond pair repulsions, shouldn't $\ce{SO3}$ have more $\ce{S - O}$ bond length so it can reduce repulsion?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
4
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ I looked it up and $\ce{SO3}$ does have a slightly shorter bond than $\ce{SO2}$ which is indeed unusual. You should maybe add that fact to your question and you might draw a little more attention because your reasoning seems good to me. $\endgroup$
    – jheindel
    Nov 12, 2015 at 8:24
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ While the question itself may not be too related, the answer seems to answer exactly what OP is asking about. $\endgroup$
    – Jan
    Nov 12, 2015 at 9:41
  • $\begingroup$ Also related: molecular orbitals of $\ce{SO3}$ $\endgroup$
    – Jan
    Nov 12, 2015 at 9:42
  • $\begingroup$ Maybe we used the same book. There is a question about arranging 4 molecules in decreasing order of S-O bond length. In the hint given, the author says to apply bents rule for SO2 and SO3. $\endgroup$
    – Aditya Dev
    Nov 12, 2015 at 9:46

0

Reset to default

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.