The number of lone pairs and the number of S—S bonds in molecules are respectively: — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Lone Pairs and S—S Bonds in $S_8$ **Step 1: Determine the structure of $S_8$** $S_8$ exists as a crown-shaped (puckered) eight-membered ring with sulfur atoms arranged in a cycle. **Step 2: Count S—S bonds** In a cyclic structure with 8 sulfur atoms: - Each sulfur forms 2 bonds (one to each neighboring sulfur) - Total bonds = $\frac{8 \times 2}{2} = 8$ S—S bonds (We divide by 2 because each bond is counted twice) **Step 3: Count lone pairs on sulfur** Each sulfur atom has: - Atomic number = 16, so valence electrons = 6 - 2 electrons used in 2 S—S bonds - Remaining electrons = 6 − 2 = 4 electrons = **2 lone pairs per sulfur** Total lone pairs in $S_8$ = $8 \times 2 = 16$ lone pairs **Answer: 16 lone pairs and 8 S—S bonds** This corresponds to **option B** (16, 8).