Question

In the following equation, what hybridization change, if any, occurs for sulfur?

SO₂+ 2/1 O₂ → SO₃
Select the single best answer.
- sp→sp²
- sp²→sp³
- sp³→sp
​- no change
- sp 2→sp³d
- sp³→sp³d

Answer 1

The sulfur atom in the conversion from SO2 to SO3 maintains its sp² hybridization; thus, there is no change in hybridization for sulfur in this reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the reaction SO2 + O2 → SO3, the hybridization of the sulfur atom changes from sp² in SO2, where sulfur is surrounded by two bonds and one lone pair of electrons in a trigonal planar configuration, to sp² in SO3, where the sulfur atom is joined by three oxygen atoms in a trigonal planar arrangement.

The correct answer to the question is, therefore, no change in hybridization because sulfur maintains its sp² hybridization when converting from SO2 to SO3