So4 -2 Lewis [2K]

And so, ( \text{SO}_4^{2-} ) became the most stable, famous, and well-respected ion in the valley. It was the backbone of gypsum, Epsom salts, and bathtub relaxation.

In the bustling molecular city of , there lived a famous central figure named Sulfur . Sulfur was a bit of an overachiever. While his neighbors, like Oxygen and Hydrogen, were happy with simple bonds, Sulfur wanted to connect with everyone.

To the other two Oxygens, he gave single bonds but with a heavy heart: "You will carry the negative charge for the team."

"Let's bond!" said Sulfur. "I have six valence electrons of my own. You four each have six. Together, we can form a stable ring of eight."

Every millisecond, the double bonds would hop from one Oxygen to another. Click. Now a different Oxygen has the double bond. Click. Now another.

One day, Sulfur decided to host the biggest gathering in the valley. He sent invitations to four Oxygen atoms.