Lewis Structure of SO2 What is the structure of SO2? I have seen two different ways the Lewis Structure is written:



The formal charges of the SO2 with the single bond and a double bond is larger than the SO2 with two double bonds. So I would assume that the one with two double bonds is the correct structure. But chemistry books I have looked at (Zumdahl Edition 5 and 7) says that it is the opposite.

Which is the correct Lewis Structure?
The Lewis structure most closely resembling reality consists of two resonance structures: the first one posted in the question and its mirror image. The reason is that the octet rule is observed this way (no hybridization of d-orbitals for main group chemistry necessary or possible) as well as the symmetry of the molecule: the two bonds are identical.