Resonance Equivalent Lewis Structures for the Same Molecule

6 Resonance Equivalent Lewis Structures for the Same Molecule  

When writing Lewis structures, we may find that, for some molecules, we can write more than one good Lewis structure. For example, consider writing a Lewis structure for SO2. We begin with the skeletal structure  

We next place two electrons between each pair of atoms 

Since the central atom lacks an octet, we move one lone pair from an oxygen atom into the bonding region to form a double bond, giving all of the atoms octets. 

However, we could have formed the double bond with the other oxygen atom. 

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Lewis Structures of Ionic Compounds Electrons Transferred 327 10.6 Resonance Equivalent Lewis Structures for the Same Molecule 334 ... 

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