Question

How many different types of resonance structures can be drawn for the ion so32- where all atoms satisfy the octet rule? how many different types of resonance structures can be drawn for the ion so32- where all atoms satisfy the octet rule? 4 1 5 3 2?

Answer 1

Answer: If all atoms are to adhere to the octet rule, then only one structure is available. This would have S with a formal charge of +1 and all oxygens with formal charge of -1. A better structure would be for S to have a formal charge of 0, but it would then violate the octet rule. In that case however, there would be 3 resonance structures.