Sulfur Trioxide - Structure and Bonding

Structure and Bonding

Gaseous SO3 is a trigonal planar molecule of D3h symmetry, as predicted by VSEPR theory. SO3 belongs to the D3h point group.

In terms of electron-counting formalism, the sulfur atom has an oxidation state of +6 and a formal charge of +2 (note that in the optimum Lewis structure, two sulfur-oxygen bonds are dative bonds as quantum chemical calculations have shown that d-orbitals are not involved in bonding). Therefore, 3 double bonds shown in the top diagram are misleading. One double and two single (dative) bonds should be shown, resulting in 3 resonance structures. In any case, Sulfur trioxide is a non-polar molecule.

Read more about this topic:  Sulfur Trioxide

Famous quotes containing the words structure and/or bonding:

    It is difficult even to choose the adjective
    For this blank cold, this sadness without cause.
    The great structure has become a minor house.
    No turban walks across the lessened floors.
    The greenhouse never so badly needed paint.
    Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)

    The bottom line on bonding with multiples seems to be that if you see bonding as a static event—a moment in time at which you must have eye contact and skin contact simultaneously with two or more infants—you may indeed be in trouble.
    Pamela Patrick Novotny (20th century)