Question

The lewis structure of sulfuric acid contains?

1) 2 double bonds, 4 single bonds, and 8 lone pairs
2) 4 double bonds, and two single bonds
3) 2 double bonds and 4 single bonds
4) 6 single bonds and 4 lone pairs
5) 2 double bonds, 4 single bonds, and 4 lone pairs

Answer 1

The Lewis structure of sulfuric acid includes 1) 2 double bonds, 2 single bonds to hydrogen atoms, 2 single bonds to hydroxyl groups, and multiple lone pairs on the oxygen atoms, with the oxygen atoms in hydroxyl groups each having a formal charge of -1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Lewis structure of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) consists of a sulfur atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms. Two oxygens are connected by double bonds and exhibit two lone pairs each. The other two oxygens are connected by single bonds and have three lone pairs each, carrying a formal charge of -1. In addition to the bonds, there are also lone pairs on the sulfur atom. However, the sulfur does not have any lone pairs due to its expanded octet.

Overall, the correct Lewis structure will include 2 double bonds, 2 single bonds, and 12 lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atoms, resulting in the oxygens with single bonds each carrying a formal charge of -1. Therefore, option 1) '2 double bonds, 4 single bonds, and 8 lone pairs' is the closest to the correct structure, with a note that there should be 12 lone pairs represented in total.