Thread: Pi Bonding (p-d) Orbitals

Hi everyone,

I have something that I don't understand, and forgive me for not drawing you a Lewis structure and the VSPER model. I don't think I can on the forum. In the anion SO4-2, there are 4 Sigma bonds, 2 of which are (sp3-sp3) and two that are (sp3-sp2) hybridization, and two pi bonds. I don't understand the pi bond (d-p). How is an electron jumping to a d orbital, and how can I determine when this happens. I understand the Sp3 and Sp2 through VSPER, but am totally lost on the (p-d) bonds. Some insight on the P orbital would be helpful too.. There are 5 resonance structures , and I think this would apply to all 5

Thanks for all your help.

Mikie

Welp, got the answer to my question, and correct me if i'm worng here. Sulfur is in column 3 along with Si,P,Cl and Ar on the periodic table. (3)^2 = 9 Where Sulfur is capable of making up to 9 bonds. The remaining electrons in O are in 2 P orbitals y and z, and the S remaining electrons are promoted to the d ordital because the p orbital is filled. As I was told, "They have to go somewhere" Thus, you would have 2 pi bonds with (p-d) orbitals.

Mikie