When sulfur-containing fuels are burned, sulfur trioxide (SO₃) is formed in the atmosphere and contributes to acid rain (sulfur trioxide plus water produces sulfuric acid). How many resonance structures are there for SO₃ when each atom satisfies the octet rule?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sulfur trioxide (SO3) has three resonance structures. Each structure involves a double bond between the sulfur atom and one of the oxygen atoms, with the other two oxygens connected by single bonds. These structures are equivalent and contribute equally to the resonance hybrid, illustrating the delocalization of the π electrons across the sulfur and oxygen atoms.

When Sulfur-Containing Fuels Are Burned, Sulfur Trioxide (SO3) Is Formed

When Sulfur-Containing Fuels Are Burned, Sulfur Trioxide (SO₃) Is Formed