What is the Difference Between SO2 and SO3?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between SO2 and SO3 lies in their chemical composition, structure, and properties. Here are the key differences between the two compounds:
- Chemical Composition: SO2, or sulfur dioxide, is a compound composed of one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms. In contrast, SO3, or sulfur trioxide, is a compound composed of one sulfur atom and three oxygen atoms.
- Nature: SO2 is a colorless gas at room temperature, while SO3 is a colorless to white crystalline solid.
- Molar Mass: The molar mass of SO2 is 64 g/mol, whereas the molar mass of SO3 is 80 g/mol.
- Oxidation State: The oxidation state of sulfur in SO2 is +4, while in SO3, it is +6.
- Acidity: SO3 is much more acidic than SO2. SO3 is the anhydride of sulfuric acid, while SO2 is the anhydride of sulfurous acid.
- Polarity: SO2 is a polar compound due to its geometry (angular) and the presence of a lone electron pair. On the other hand, SO3 is a nonpolar compound due to its geometry (trigonal planar) and the absence of a lone electron pair.
In summary, SO2 and SO3 are both oxides of sulfur, but they differ in their chemical composition, structure, and properties. SO2 is a colorless gas, while SO3 is a colorless to white crystalline solid. The oxidation state of sulfur and their acidity also vary between the two compounds.
Comparative Table: SO2 vs SO3
Here is a table comparing the differences between SO2 and SO3:
Property | SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) | SO3 (Sulfur Trioxide) |
---|---|---|
Molecular Formula | SO2 | SO3 |
Molecular Mass | 64 g/mol | 80 g/mol |
Melting Point (°C) | -75°C | 16.8°C |
Boiling Point (°C) | -10°C | 43.7°C |
Density (g/dm³) | 1.250 g/dm³ (0°C, 101.3 kPa) | 2.052 g/dm³ (20°C, 101.3 kPa) |
Solubility in Water | 80 dm³/dm³ (97.7 ppm) | |
Oxidation State of Sulfur | +4 | +6 |
Polarity | Polar | Nonpolar |
Stability | More stable under standard conditions | Less stable under standard conditions |
SO2 is a colorless gas at room temperature, while SO3 is a colorless to white crystalline solid. The key difference between the two lies in the number of oxygen atoms and the oxidation state of sulfur in each compound.
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