Resonance and Formal Charge

AP Chemistry· difficulty 3/5

For SO₄²⁻, the best Lewis structure (minimizing formal charges) has S with

A
$No bonds$
B
$Two single bonds and two double bonds (expanded octet, all formal charges minimized)$
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C
$All triple bonds$
D
$Four single bonds (octet on S)$

Explanation

With expanded octet, S can form 2 single + 2 double bonds; the extra electrons reduce formal charges to a minimum (S = 0, single-bonded O = -1, double-bonded O = 0).

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