Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Chemical Formula

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a chemical compound composed of one sulphur atom and two oxygen atoms. It is a colorless gas with a pungent smell and is commonly found in the atmosphere, particularly around volcanic areas and industrial regions.

Chemical Formula
The chemical formula of sulphur dioxide is represented as SO2. This formula indicates that one molecule of sulphur dioxide contains one sulphur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. The atomic symbol for sulphur is S, and for oxygen, it is O.

Composition
Sulphur dioxide is composed of a single sulphur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. The sulphur atom forms a double bond with one oxygen atom and a single bond with the other oxygen atom. This arrangement leads to the formation of a bent molecular shape for SO2.

Structure
The molecular structure of sulphur dioxide is best described as a bent or V-shaped molecule. The sulphur atom is located in the center, with the two oxygen atoms positioned on either side. The bond angle between the sulphur and oxygen atoms is approximately 119 degrees. This bent structure is due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the sulphur atom, which creates repulsion and causes the molecule to adopt this shape.

Properties
Sulphur dioxide has several notable properties:
1. Physical State: It exists as a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
2. Odor: It has a pungent and suffocating odor.
3. Solubility: It is highly soluble in water, forming sulfurous acid (H2SO3).
4. Density: The density of SO2 gas is higher than air.
5. Reactivity: Sulphur dioxide is a highly reactive gas that readily undergoes various chemical reactions.

Applications
Sulphur dioxide has numerous applications in different industries and processes, including:
1. Preservative: It is commonly used as a preservative in food and beverages to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Bleaching Agent: It is utilized in the production of paper and textiles as a bleaching agent.
3. Industrial Processes: Sulphur dioxide is involved in the manufacturing of sulfuric acid, which is widely used in various industrial processes.
4. Refrigerant: It is used as a refrigerant in certain cooling systems.
5. Chemical Synthesis: SO2 is employed in the synthesis of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

In conclusion, sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a chemical compound consisting of one sulphur atom and two oxygen atoms. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, and its chemical formula indicates the number and type of atoms present in a molecule. Sulphur dioxide has a bent molecular structure and possesses several properties that make it useful in various applications across different industries.

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