Question:
Why is dioxygen a gas but sulphur a solid?
Solution:
Oxygen is smaller in size as compared to sulphur. Due to its smaller size, it can effectively form pπ−pπ bonds and form O2 (O==O) molecule. Also, the intermolecular forces in oxygen are weak van der Wall’s, which cause it to exist as gas. On the other hand, sulphur does not form M2 molecule but exists as a puckered structure held together by strong covalent bonds. Hence, it is a solid.