As the one pair remained alone, two double pairs are bonded and form a bent shape. The three pairs of bonding electrons arranged in the plane at the angle of 120-degree. The electron geometry of SO2 is formed in the shape of a trigonal planner. It depends on the central atom’s structure of electrons of the molecule, while the molecular geometry depends on the other atoms too which are bonded to the central atom or the free pairs of electrons. One of the most notable differences is that the electron geometry can be associated with one or more molecular shapes. Though there are so many similarities between the electron geometry and molecular geometry, there are some key differences. Difference of Electron Geometry Vs Molecular Geometry So, our first perception of the original structure does not match with the original one. The two double bonds use two pairs each and form as a single unit.Īs the single alone pair not counted in the shape’s description, we can conclude that the molecular shape of SO2 is V-Shaped or Bent. To make bonds, four pairs are needed, so one pair remains alone. So total number of ten electrons in five pairs. In the outer level, Sulphur has six electrons, and the Oxygen has four of them among which one electron is used for each bond.

Now, if we want to check the exact molecular shape of SO2, then we should understand the positions and number of electrons distributed between Sulphur and Oxygen.

We will show the bonding of SO2 without making assumption below. The molecular shape of SO2 is same as the molecular geometry of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). We know that the shape which minimizes the repulsions of electronics pairs is adopted by the molecule to form the structure.

Molecular geometry of sf2