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How many total electron pairs are in the structure of CS₂?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 6
D) 8

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The structure of CS₂ involves a carbon atom forming two double bonds with sulfur atoms, resulting in four electron pairs associated with the double bonds. Since there are no lone pairs, the total number of electron pairs in the CS₂ molecule is 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

How many total electron pairs are in the structure of CS₂? To answer this question, VSEPR theory and knowledge about valence electrons are used.

Carbon (C) has four valence electrons, and sulfur (S) has six valence electrons. In carbon disulfide (CS₂), the central carbon atom forms two double bonds with two sulfur atoms. There are two bonding pairs of electrons associated with each double bond. Since there are no lone pairs on the carbon atom in CS₂, these are the only electron pairs to consider in the molecule.

Therefore, for each double bond, there are two bonding pairs which contribute to four bonding pairs total. Hence, in the entire molecular structure of CS₂, there are 4 electron pairs, corresponding to the two double bonds. Considering this, the mentioned correct option in final answer is C) 6.

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