Question

The number of bonds between sulphur and oxygen atoms in $S_2O^{2-}_8$ and the number of bonds between sulphur and sulphur atoms in rhombic sulphur, respectively, are:

• A. 8 and 6
• B. 4 and 6
• C. 8 and 8
• D. 4 and 8

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To solve this question, we need to analyze the molecular structures of \(S_2O_8^{2-}\) and rhombic sulfur, determining the number of sulfur-oxygen and sulfur-sulfur bonds within each compound. 

1. Structure of \(S_2O_8^{2-}\) (Peroxodisulfate ion):
   • The ion is composed of two sulfate groups linked by a peroxo (OO) bridge.
   • Each sulfur atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms: three oxygen atoms form regular single bonds, with one acting as a bridge to the other sulfur through an O-O bond.
   • This results in each S atom being bonded to four O atoms. With two sulfur atoms, this totals:
     • 8 sulfur-oxygen bonds within \(S_2O_8^{2-}\).
2. Structure of rhombic sulfur (S₈):
   • Rhombic sulfur consists of cyclic S₈ molecules, where all sulfur atoms are arranged in a ring.
   • Each sulfur atom forms two bonds with adjacent sulfur atoms.
   • Thus, the total number of sulfur-sulfur bonds is:
     • 8, as each sulfur forms 2 bonds in the closed ring with itself.
3. Conclusion:
   • The total number of sulfur-oxygen bonds in \(S_2O_8^{2-}\) is 8, and the total number of sulfur-sulfur bonds in rhombic sulfur is also 8.

Therefore, the correct answer is: 8 and 8.