what is the lewis dot structure of phosphorus decasulfide

Chemistry · College · Thu Feb 04 2021

Answered on

Phosphorus decasulfide (P4S10) is a molecular compound composed of phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) atoms. To draw the Lewis dot structure, you need to consider the number of valence electrons for each element.

Phosphorus is in Group 15 and has 5 valence electrons. Sulfur is in Group 16 and has 6 valence electrons. Since there are four phosphorus atoms and ten sulfur atoms in phosphorus decasulfide, you need to account for the total number of valence electrons.

4×5 (phosphorus) + 10×6 (sulfur)= 20+60 = 80 valence electrons

Now, arrange the atoms in the molecule, with phosphorus in the center surrounded by sulfur atoms. Connect them with single bonds (pair of electrons). Distribute the remaining electrons as lone pairs on the outer atoms to satisfy the octet rule.

The Lewis dot structure for phosphorus decasulfide (P4S10) is as follows:

   :

 ..  ..

 :P  P:

 ..  ..

  :  :

  S S

  .:.:.:.

 : :S S:

 : ::::: :

:  : :  :

 :     :

 :.......:

In this structure, the lines represent bonds, and the dots represent electrons. Each sulfur atom is bonded to the central phosphorus atom, and the octet rule is satisfied for each atom. Keep in mind that Lewis structures are a simple representation, and the actual geometry of the molecule may deviate slightly due to factors such as lone pair repulsion and molecular shape.

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