Bent (angular) molecular shape

A bent molecular shape has a bond angle between 104^o and 120^o which is dependent upon the repulsion of unshared electron pairs.

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is characterized by a bent or angular molecular shape. It is composed of one sulfur and two oxygens. It contains also one unshared electron pair.

Molecular model of sulfur dioxide

Animated model of sulfur dioxide

Structural formula of sulfur dioxide

---

---

Created and maintained by: Dr. Anna Cavinato anna.cavinato@eou.edu and Dr. David Camp
Last modified on: Friday January 24, 1997.
All Material Copyright Eastern ChemWeb, Eastern Oregon University, 2003.