Sulphur molecule at room temperature is

The correct answer is Option (4) → Octatomic

Oxygen forms a diatomic molecule \( \ce{O2} \) because it can make strong pπ–pπ double bonds. Sulphur, being larger, forms pπ–pπ bonds poorly and prefers single S–S bonds (catenation). Each sulphur atom bonds to two others, and eight atoms close into a ring.

Why the other options are incorrect

• Option (1) Diatomic — Incorrect. \( \ce{S2} \) molecules exist only in sulphur vapour at high temperature (about 1000 K), where \( \ce{S2} \) is paramagnetic like \( \ce{O2} \).

• Option (2) Tetratomic — Incorrect. A tetratomic molecule is typical of white phosphorus, \( \ce{P4} \), not of sulphur.

• Option (3) Triatomic — Incorrect. The triatomic molecule of group 16 is ozone, \( \ce{O3} \).

Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.

NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Allotropes of Sulphur – “Both rhombic and monoclinic sulphur have S₈ molecules. These S₈ molecules are packed to give different crystal structures. The S₈ ring in both the forms is puckered and has a crown shape.”