Question

The sulfur atom of sulfur dioxide is considered to be sp2-hybridized. The expected bond angle is 120°, but is actually slightly smaller (119°). Write down the correct statement that explains the smaller bond angle.

Answer 1

Answer: The bonds are intermediate between double and single bonds

Explanation:

A closer look at the diagram below shows that the bonds in sulphur IV oxide are intermediate between double and single bonds. Hence they do not have the exact bond angle of single bonds. This is why the bond angle is not exactly 120°. There are two resonance structures in the diagram that clearly show this point.