Question

How many total equivalent likely resonance structures exist for s₂o₃²⁻?

Answer 1

For S₂O₃²⁻, there are two likely equivalent resonance structures. These involve the movement of π electrons and a lone pair around the sulfur and oxygen atoms due to the sp³ hybridization of the central sulfur atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked, "How many total equivalent likely resonance structures exist for S₂O₃²⁻?" To explain this, we need to consider the sulfur atoms in S₂O₃²⁻, which have an oxidation state of +2. Each sulfur atom can form multiple bonds with oxygen atoms and also exhibit resonance. In resonance structures, electrons are delocalized over several atoms, which allows the depiction of multiple structures that describe the electron distribution in the molecule.

For S₂O₃²⁻, commonly known as the thiosulfate ion, there are a total of three oxygen atoms bonded to two sulfur atoms, where one sulfur is bonded to the central sulfur via a single bond and has a lone pair, and the other two oxygens are double bonded individually to the central sulfur. This arrangement allows for resonance as the double bonds and lone pair can shift positions. Based on these possibilities, S₂O₃²⁻ can have two likely equivalent resonance structures, where the central sulfur with four electron pairs is sp³ hybridized. These structures involve shifting the π (pi) electrons and the lone pair among the oxygen and sulfur atoms.

Answer 2

There are a total of 3 equivalent likely resonance structures for
`\( \text{S}_2\text{O}_3^(2-) \).`

Step-by-step explanation:

Sulfite ion
`(\( \text{SO}_3^(2-) \))` exhibits resonance, where the double bonds can be delocalized among different oxygen atoms. In the case of
`\( \text{S}_2\text{O}_3^(2-) \),` which is known as thiosulfate ion, we need to consider the resonance structures to understand its electronic structure. The central sulfur atom is bonded to three oxygen atoms and another sulfur atom, forming a trigonal pyramid. To determine the number of resonance structures, we evaluate the possible arrangements of double bonds.

In the first resonance structure, we can place the double bond between the central sulfur atom and one of the terminal oxygen atoms. In the second resonance structure, the double bond can be placed between the central sulfur atom and the other terminal oxygen atom. Lastly, the third resonance structure involves a double bond between the two sulfur atoms. These three structures are equivalent, as they can be interconverted by simply moving the double bonds. Therefore, the total number of equivalent likely resonance structures for
`\( \text{S}_2\text{O}_3^(2-) \) is 3.`

Understanding the resonance structures helps in describing the electron distribution more accurately, indicating the delocalization of electrons and the stability of the molecule. This concept is crucial in predicting the reactivity and behavior of thiosulfate ion in various chemical reactions.