Determine the Lewis Dot Structure for the disulfur dichloride molecule, S₂Cl₂.

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of valence electrons in the S2Cl2 molecule. Sulfur (S) has 6 valence electrons and chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons. Therefore, the total number of valence electrons is 2(6) + 2(7) = 26 electrons.
2. Determine the central atoms in the molecule. In S2Cl2, the sulfur atoms are central, with each sulfur atom bonded to one chlorine atom and to each other.
3. Draw a skeletal structure with the sulfur atoms in the center and chlorine atoms on the ends: Cl-S-S-Cl.
4. Distribute the remaining valence electrons to satisfy the octet rule. Start by placing lone pairs on the outer chlorine atoms to complete their octets, then place any remaining electrons on the sulfur atoms.
5. Ensure that each atom has a complete octet (8 electrons) and adjust the structure if necessary to minimize formal charges, ensuring the most stable configuration.