CS2 is a covalent (nonpolar covalent) compound because when one nonmetal combines with another nonmetal, it usually forms a covalent compound. Here, C is a nonmetal and S is also a nonmetal. So when they combine, it forms a covalent compound.
Well, now you have got to know that CS2 is a covalent compound, but let me explain the in-depth reason why CS2 is a covalent compound.
If you are a visual learner like me, then here is a short one minute video for you.
Why is CS2 a Covalent compound?
As mentioned above, you can simply remember that when the nonmetal combines with another nonmetal, the bond between them is a covalent bond.
Here in CS2, the C atom is a nonmetal and the S atom is also a nonmetal.
Hence the bond between them is a covalent bond.
How does the covalent bond form in CS2?
In CS2, there are two atoms;
C and S.
About Carbon (C):
Carbon atom have 6 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Carbon (C) is 2, 4.
So the outermost orbit of Carbon atom has 4 electrons.
Now in order to achieve a stable octet, the Carbon atom needs 4 more electrons.
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Carbon atom will gain 4 electrons from the combining atom to form a stable octet.
About Sulfur (S):
Sulfur atom have 16 electrons.
The electron arrangement in Sulfur (S) is 2, 8, 6.
So the outermost orbit of Sulfur atom has 6 electrons.
Now in order to achieve a stable octet, the Sulfur atom needs 2 more electrons.
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Sulfur atom will gain 2 electrons from the combining atom to form a stable octet.
What happens when C and S combine?
When C and S combine with each other, the Carbon atom and Sulfur atoms mutually share their 2-2 electrons with each other.
Because of this the carbon atom will have 8 electrons in its outermost orbit and similarly the sulfur atom will also have 8 electrons in its outermost orbit.
As a result, the carbon atom and sulfur atom will have a stable octet.
And finally, as the bond formed between the carbon and sulfur is due to the mutual sharing of electrons, it is considered a covalent bond.
Thus, CS2 is a covalent compound.
Is CS2 polar covalent or nonpolar covalent?
In order to know whether CS2 is a polar covalent molecule or nonpolar covalent molecule, we have to check the electronegativity difference of the combining atoms.
If the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) is less than 0.4, then the bond is nonpolar covalent bond.
If the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) is between 0.4 to 1.7, then the bond is polar covalent bond.[1][2][3][4]
Now the electronegativity of Carbon and Sulfur are mentioned below. (You can see the electronegativity of all the elements from this electronegativity chart).
- Electronegativity of Hydrogen (H) = 2.2
- Electronegativity of Sulfur (S) = 2.58
So for H2S, the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) = 2.58 – 2.2 = 0.38
This value is less than 0.4, which indicates that the bond between the Carbon (C) atom and Sulfur atom (S) is nonpolar covalent bond.
Also if you look at the 3D structure of CS2, you can see that the structure of CS2 is symmetrical.
Hence, CS2 is a nonpolar covalent molecule.
I hope you have understood the reason why CS2 is a nonpolar covalent compound.
Check out other compounds to see whether they are ionic or covalent;
Is Na2CO3 Ionic or Covalent?
Is N2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is NaF Ionic or Covalent?
Is PCl3 Ionic or Covalent?
Is SF6 (Sulfur hexafluoride) Ionic or Covalent?
Jay is an educator and has helped more than 100,000 students in their studies by providing simple and easy explanations on different science-related topics. With a desire to make learning accessible for everyone, he founded Knords Learning, an online learning platform that provides students with easily understandable explanations.
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