Question

What is the hybridization of sulfur dioxide?

Answer 1

Step 1: Hybridization:

• “Hybridization is defined as the process of intermixing of the orbitals of slightly different energies so as to redistribute their energies, resulting in the formation of a new set of orbitals of equivalent energies and shape.”

Step 2: Formula used for calculation:

• $\mathrm{Steric}\mathrm{number}=\frac{1}{2}\left[\mathrm{V}+\mathrm{M}+\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{A}\right]$
• Where V is the number of valence electrons, M is the monovalent electron, C is the positive charge and A represents the negative charge.

Step 3: Calculation for Hybridisation of ${\mathrm{SO}}_2$:

• The total number of valence electrons of Sulfur in ${\mathrm{SO}}_2$ is 6 and there is no monovalent atom.
• $\mathrm{Steric}\mathrm{number}=\frac{1}{2}\left[6\right]=3$
• The hybridization number is 3, thus the hybridization of ${\mathrm{SO}}_2$ is ${\mathrm{sp}}^2$.
• During the formation of Sulfur dioxide ${\mathrm{SO}}_2$_, the central atom i.e. Sulfur is bonded with two oxygen atoms and thus the structure is represented as $\mathrm{O}=\mathrm{S}=\mathrm{O}$.
• The hybridization that takes place in ${\mathrm{SO}}_2$ is ${\mathrm{sp}}^2$ and has bent/V-shaped geometry.