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Question

Lewis structure for polyatomic trisulfide

Asked By VelvetDreams90 at

Answered By Expert

Sean

Expert · 3.7k answers · 3k people helped

To draw the Lewis structure for the polyatomic trisulfide ion (S3^2-), follow these steps:

#### Solution By Steps

***Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons***

Each sulfur atom has 6 valence electrons. Since there are 3 sulfur atoms and the ion has a charge of 2-, there are 3 * 6 + 2 = 20 valence electrons.

***Step 2: Connect the atoms with single bonds***

Start by placing the three sulfur atoms in a linear arrangement and connect them with single bonds. Each single bond represents 2 electrons, so 3 single bonds use 6 electrons.

***Step 3: Distribute the remaining valence electrons***

After placing the single bonds, distribute the remaining 20 - 6 = 14 electrons as lone pairs on the sulfur atoms to satisfy the octet rule for each sulfur.

***Step 4: Check for octet completion***

Each sulfur atom should have 8 electrons around it (2 electrons from each single bond and 6 electrons from three lone pairs). This configuration satisfies the octet rule for all sulfur atoms.

#### Final Answer

The Lewis structure for the polyatomic trisulfide ion (S3^2-) shows a linear arrangement of three sulfur atoms, each connected by single bonds and surrounded by three lone pairs, totaling 8 valence electrons per sulfur atom.