Custom Search Lewis Dot of the Sulfite Ion SO32- S does not follow the octet rule. It will hold more than 8 electrons. Sulfur having valence electrons in the 3rd energy level, will also have access to the 3d sublevel, thus allowing for more than 8 electrons. Elements in the first 2 periods of the Periodic Table do not have access to the d sublevel and must adhere to the octet (or duet H and He) rule. Also note the resonance structures that must be accounted for due to oxygen have either a single or double bonds.
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