How many unpaired electrons are present in a single molecule of diatomic sulphur () in its vapor sta — p Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
How many unpaired electrons are present in a single molecule of diatomic sulphur ($S_2$) in its vapor state at approximately 1000 K?
Answer: 2
💡 Solution & Explanation
At high temperatures (~1000 K), sulphur vapor exists mainly as $S_2$ molecules. Similar to the $O_2$ molecule, $S_2$ possesses two unpaired electrons in its degenerate antibonding $\pi^*$ molecular orbitals, making it paramagnetic.
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