Due to small size and high electro negativity, oxygen atom forms pπ – pπ double bond. (O = O) The intermolecular forces in the oxygen are weak van der Waal’s forces and therefore, oxygen exists as a gas. On the other hand sulphur does not form stable pπ – pπ bonds and do not exists as S2. It is linked by single bonds and form polyatomic complex molecules having eight atoms per molecules (S8) and have puckered ring structure. Therefore S atoms are strongly held together and it exists as solid.
