Question:medium

What is formal charge on sulphur in sulphuric acid molecule?

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Use FC = valence electrons - non-bonding electrons - half of bonding electrons on the usual structure with two S=O bonds.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(-2\)
  • \(+2\)
  • \(-1\)
  • \(0\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Count electrons owned:
In the accepted structure sulphur forms 6 shared pairs (2 single and 2 double bonds), using 12 electrons, and it keeps no lone pairs.

Step 2: Apply the rule:
Each shared pair gives sulphur one electron, so it owns $6$ electrons from bonding.
It has $6$ valence electrons in the free atom.
\[ FC = 6 - 6 = 0 \]
So options A, B and C do not fit this structure.

Final Answer:
The formal charge on S is $0$, option (D). \[ \boxed{0} \]
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