So2 Bond Angle - How To Discuss
Andrew Campbell
Updated on May 11, 2026
So2 Bond Angle
Why is there a bond angle of about 120 degrees in SO2 instead of about 107? 3
I know that the replication of a single pair is more than the replication of a pair bound in a molecule. However, since there are single pairs around the central atom, I usually use a reference value of 109.5 degrees for the bond angle and calculate it by 2.5 degrees.
It works for NH3 with one isolated pair and 107's bond angle, H2O 2 with isolated pairs and 104.5 for bond angle etc.
Why is the bond angle of 120 (or 119 etc) for SO2 when there is only one isolated pair?
The 109.5 degree tracking point only applies to the 4-electron regions around the central atom.
In SO2, you have a pair of 2 double bonds and 3 electron regions, so the default angle is 120 degrees. The extra lps replication of the double bond explains the decrease to 119.
This page can help you.
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Why is there a bond angle of about 120 degrees in SO2 instead of about 107?
I know that the retreat of individual joints is greater than the retreat of couples bound in a molecule. However, since there are single pairs around the central atom, I usually use a reference value of 109.5 degrees for the bond angle and calculate it by 2.5 degrees.
Works for only one NH3 ...
So2 connection angle
So2 connection angle approximately 120 degrees approximately 107