Question

SO2 can be drawn as a molecule which satisfies the octet rule (using one double bond and
a single bond) or as an expanded octet (using two double bonds). A measurement of the
S-O bond distance demonstrates that the two bond lengths are identical. Does this clarify
which Lewis structure is correct? Explain.

Answer 1

No, the true structure is a resonance hybrid of all of the possible Lewis structures that one can draw. Actually, no Lewis structure that we can draw is the correct structure.

Answer 2

Well that was no help at all
!