Question

How do we find the bond order of SO2 ? I am unable to find the bond order as the bond order configuration is limited to 20 electrons and SO2 has electrons more than 20.

Answer 1

you can't its find bond order by molecular orbital theory, because molecular orbital theory only applicable for a molecule which has 20 or less than 20 electrons.

and you see it has (16 + 6 × 2) = 16 + 12 = 28 electrons > 20

but you can find bond order easily , this type of molecules.

just find number of sigma-bonds and pi-bonds present in a molecule then, apply formula $B.O=1+\frac{\pi}{\sigma}$

where π denotes number of pi bonds and $\sigma$ denotes number of sigma bonds.

here in SO2 molecule, structure is given below,

so, number of pi bond , $\pi$ = 1

number of sigma bond , $\sigma$ = 2

so, bond order = 1 + 1/2 = 1 + 0.5 = 1.5

hence, bond order of SO2 is 1.5.

Answer 2

Answer:

bond order by molecular orbital theory, because molecular orbital theory only applicable for a molecule which has 20 or less than 20 electrons. but you can find bond order easily , this type of molecules. ... hence, bond order of SO2 is 1.5.

Explanation:

Hope this may help you.