Sulfur trioxide is commonly known by a few other names, including Sulfuric anhydride and Sulfur(VI) oxide.
Understanding Sulfur Trioxide (SO₃)
Sulfur trioxide (SO₃) is a significant chemical compound in industrial chemistry, primarily known for its role as the anhydride of sulfuric acid. It is a critical intermediate in the production of sulfuric acid, which is one of the most widely produced chemicals globally, used in various industries from fertilizers to petroleum refining. Due to its importance and various chemical properties, sulfur trioxide is recognized by several names within the scientific community.
Other Names for Sulfur Trioxide
Beyond its most common name, sulfur trioxide has alternative designations that are frequently encountered in chemical literature and practice. These names often provide insights into its chemical structure, composition, or relationship to other compounds.
The key "other names" for sulfur trioxide are:
- Sulfuric anhydride: This name highlights its chemical relationship to sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). An anhydride is a compound that, when combined with water, forms an acid or base. In this case, SO₃ reacts with water to form H₂SO₄.
- Sulfur(VI) oxide: This name indicates the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in the compound. The Roman numeral (VI) specifies that sulfur is in the +6 oxidation state.
For a comprehensive understanding of its various naming conventions and identifiers, the following table provides a clear breakdown:
| Type of Name | Name |
|---|---|
| Systematic IUPAC Name | Sulfonylideneoxidane |
| Other Names | Sulfuric anhydride |
| Sulfur(VI) oxide | |
| Identifiers | CAS Number: 7446-11-9 |
The Systematic IUPAC Name, Sulfonylideneoxidane, is a more formal and precise name established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) for clear and unambiguous communication among chemists. The CAS Number (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to chemical substances, widely used for databases and regulatory purposes.
