What is the Difference Between SO2 and SO3?

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:

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.