Sulfur Valence Electrons
Why sulfur has 6
Sulfur has 16 electrons, arranged as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4. The highest shell is n = 3, holding 3s2 3p4, so 2 + 4 = 6.
Sulfur is in group 16; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
What that means for bonding
Sulfur needs 2 more electrons to complete an octet, so it tends to gain 2 (forming S2−) or share 2 in 2 covalent bonds.
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 6. See the sulfur electron configuration and orbital diagram or the full sulfur data sheet.
Same group, same count
Sulfur valence electrons FAQ
How many valence electrons does sulfur have?
Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴, and the outermost shell (n = 3) holds 3s² + 3p⁴.
How do you find the valence electrons of sulfur?
Sulfur is in group 16; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
How many bonds does sulfur form?
Sulfur needs 2 more electrons to complete an octet, so it tends to gain 2 (forming S2−) or share 2 in 2 covalent bonds.
What is the Lewis dot structure of sulfur?
The symbol S with 6 dots around it, one per valence electron, placed singly on each side before any side is paired.
How many core electrons does sulfur have?
10: 16 electrons in total minus the 6 valence electrons.