What would be the electron dot structure of a molecule of sulphur which is made up of eight atoms of sulphur? (Hint – The eight atoms of sulphur are joined together in the form of a ring.)
The electron dot structure of a molecule of sulphur (S₈) consists of eight sulphur atoms arranged in a ring. Each sulphur atom has six valence electrons and needs two more electrons to complete its octet.
In this structure, each sulphur atom forms single bonds with two neighbouring sulphur atoms by sharing one electron with each neighbor. This creates a cyclic ring structure where all eight atoms are connected in a closed loop.
The electron dot structure shows each sulphur atom with four non-bonding electrons (shown as dots) and two bonding electrons shared with adjacent atoms. This arrangement allows every sulphur atom to achieve a complete octet configuration.
Explanation
The textbook question directly asks about the electron dot structure of S₈ with a hint about the ring formation. Following the pattern shown in the context for molecules like N₂ (triple bond), NH₃ (single bonds), and cyclohexane (ring structure), sulphur atoms with six valence electrons need to form two single bonds to complete their octet. The ring structure of eight sulphur atoms is analogous to the cyclohexane ring shown in Figure 4.9 of the context.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify that sulphur has six valence electrons (needs two more for octet)
Step 2: Each sulphur atom forms two single bonds with neighboring atoms
Step 3: Arrange eight sulphur atoms in a ring with single bonds between adjacent atoms
Step 4: Show four non-bonding electrons on each sulphur atom as dots