Question

The most likely arrangement of atoms in \(\mathrm{S}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) is (1) S-S-C]-Cl (2) \(\mathrm{S}-\mathrm{Cl}-\mathrm{S}-\mathrm{Cl}\) (3) S-CI-Cl-S (4) \(\mathrm{Cl}-\mathrm{S}-\mathrm{S}-\mathrm{Cl}\)

Short answer

The most likely arrangement of atoms in \(\text{S}_2\text{Cl}_2\) is \(\text{Cl-S-S-Cl}\).

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Molecular Structure

The molecular formula \(\text{S}_2\text{Cl}_2\) indicates there are two sulfur atoms and two chlorine atoms. We need to determine the most likely arrangement of these atoms.

- Consider the Possible Arrangements

Examine the four given options: \(1) \text{S-S-Cl-Cl}\), \(2) \text{S-Cl-S-Cl}\), \(3) \text{S-Cl-Cl-S}\), \(4) \text{Cl-S-S-Cl}\). Determine whether each of these arrangements could realistically occur based on typical bonding patterns.

- Evaluate Bonding Preferences

Sulfur typically forms two bonds, while chlorine typically forms a single bond. This information helps evaluate which arrangements make the most sense chemically.

- Eliminate Incorrect Options

Based on bonding preferences, eliminate impossible structures: \(3) \text{S-Cl-Cl-S}\) is less likely because it involves unusual bonding for chlorine atoms. \(1) \text{S-S-Cl-Cl}\) and \(2) \text{S-Cl-S-Cl}\) do not provide the best matchup for typical sulfur and chlorine bonding preferences.

- Identify the Correct Structure

The structure \(\text{Cl-S-S-Cl}\) (option 4) aligns with typical bonding patterns, where each sulfur atom forms two bonds, and each chlorine atom forms one bond. This pattern is chemically stable.

Key concepts

S2Cl2 bonding

In chemistry, understanding how atoms bond to each other is crucial. The molecule \(\text{S}_2\text{Cl}_2\) consists of two sulfur atoms and two chlorine atoms. To determine its structure, it’s important to consider how these atoms typically bond. Sulfur generally forms two bonds, whereas chlorine usually forms just one. The arrangement that makes the most sense is \(\text{Cl-S-S-Cl}\). This structure represents a stable configuration where each sulfur atom is bonded to another sulfur atom and a chlorine atom. The molecular bonds in \(\text{S}_2\text{Cl}_2}\) follow common bonding rules: each sulfur forms two bonds, and each chlorine forms one. This results in a stable configuration best depicted as \(\text{Cl-S-S-Cl}\).

chemical bonding patterns

Chemical bonding patterns help predict how atoms will connect. Sulfur typically forms two bonds due to its six valence electrons, seeking two more to complete its outer shell. Chlorine, with seven valence electrons, typically forms one bond to complete its shell. Recognizing each element's bonding preferences can help determine the molecule's structure. In \(\text{S}_2\text{Cl}_2}\), sulfur atoms form single bonds with each other and single bonds with chlorine atoms. This configuration aligns with known bonding patterns for both sulfur and chlorine. The arrangement \(\text{Cl-S-S-Cl}\) is the most stable, adhering to the standard bonding rules and ensuring that each atom achieves a stable electronic configuration. The familiarity with these patterns is beneficial for analyzing and predicting molecular structures.

sulfur and chlorine bonding

Bonding between sulfur and chlorine in \(\text{S}_2\text{Cl}_2}\) can be better understood through their individual bonding tendencies. Sulfur atoms often form a chain by bonding with each other, attributable to their propensity for forming strong S-S bonds. Chlorine atoms, on the other hand, like to form single bonds due to their seven valence electrons needing just one more to complete the octet. In \(\text{S}_2\text{Cl}_2}\), each sulfur connects with another sulfur atom and a chlorine atom, ensuring both elements achieve stable electronic configurations. This is the most thermodynamically favorable and chemically stable arrangement. Consequently, the molecule takes on a \(\text{Cl-S-S-Cl}\) structure. This structure is intuitive and aligns with the fundamental principles of atomic bonding preferences, making it an essential example of how sulfur and chlorine atoms bond effectively.