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

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Structure and Bonding in $S_8$ **Step 1: Determine the structure of $S_8$** Sulfur forms a cyclic ring structure with 8 atoms arranged in a crown/puckered conformation. Each sulfur is bonded to exactly 2 neighboring sulfur atoms. **Step 2: Count S—S bonds** In a cyclic $S_8$ molecule with 8 sulfur atoms where each S bonds to 2 others: $$\text{Number of S—S bonds} = \frac{8 \times 2}{2} = 8$$ (Divide by 2 because each bond connects two atoms) **Step 3: Count lone pairs per sulfur atom** Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. In $S_8$: - Each S forms 2 single bonds (uses 2 electrons) - Remaining electrons: $6 - 2 = 4$ electrons = **2 lone pairs per S atom** **Step 4: Calculate total lone pairs** $$\text{Total lone pairs} = 8 \text{ S atoms} \times 2 \text{ lone pairs each} = 16 \text{ lone pairs}$$ **Answer: 16 lone pairs and 8 S—S bonds** Option B correctly identifies both values.