Sulfur trioxide

Chemical properties

Sulfur trioxide, S03, also known as sulfuric anhydride, needles or polymer, exists in a number of modifications that differ in molecular species and crystalline form. It has a white,ice-like modification that melts at 16°C (61°F) and two other as bestos-like forms that melt at the higher temperatures of 33 and 62°C (90 and 144 °F). The colorless liquid or gas form has irritating, toxic fumes and boils at 45 °C (112 °F).

Sulfur trioxide is a highly reactive substance, a strong oxidizing agent,and a fire hazard. It reacts with metallic oxides to form sulfates and with water to form sulfuric acid. Sulfur trioxide is used for sulfonation.

Physical properties

Colorless liquid at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure; fumes in air.
Sulfur trioxide tends to polymerize, particularly in the presence of traces of water or sulfuric acid. The rate of its polymerization, however, decreasesgreatly as its freezing point is approached. Solid (polymeric) sulfur trioxide exists in three polymorphic phases: alpha-, beta- and gamma- modifications.
The alpha phase is made up of ice-like needles having polymeric crosslinked structure. It melts at 62.3°C and has a vapor pressure of 73 torr at 25°C.
The beta phase is a metastable allotrope with white, asbestos-like, lustrous needles consisting of polymeric molecules, melting at 32.5°C, and with vapor pressure 344 torr at 25°C.
The gamma modification at ordinary temperatures can exist in solid or liquid form. In solid form it is a colloidal ice-like mass melting at 16.8°C. In the liquid form it has a density of 1.9224 g/mL, boiling at 44.8°C. It has a vapor pressure of 433 torr at 25°C. The gamma phase consists of both cyclic trimer and monomer molecules. When solid sulfur trioxide melts, it converts to its gamma phase which on solidification changes to alpha modification.
Critical temperature of SO3 is 217.8°C; critical pressure 80.97 atm; critical density 0.63 g/cm₃; the dielectric constant of liquid SO₃ at 18°C is 3.11.
Sulfur trioxide dissolves in water forming sulfuric acid and generating large heat.

The Uses of Sulfur trioxide

Sulfur trioxide is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and oleum for sulphonation, in particular, of dyes and dye-stuffs, and for the production of anhydrous nitric acid and explosives. Solid Sulfur trioxide is marketed under such names as Sulphan and Triosul, and is used primarily for sulphonation of organic acids. Sulphur tetrafluoride is a fluorinating agent. Sulphur hexafluoride serves as a gaseous insulator in high-voltage electric installations. Sulphyryl fluoride is used as an insecticide and a fumigant.
Sulfonation of organic compounds, especially nonionic detergents, solar energy collectors. It is usually generated in the plant where it is to be used.

The Uses of Sulfur trioxide

Sulfur trioxide may be used in the synthesis of methane sulfonic acid (MSA) by sulfonating methane. it may also be used in the synthesis of fluorinated β-sultones by reacting with fluoroolefins.

Production Methods

Sulfur trioxide is produced as an intermediate in manufacturing sulfuric acid by the contact process (See Sulfuric Acid). The process involves catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide to trioxide.
Sulfur trioxide is prepared in the laboratory by heating fuming sulfuric acid, condensing its vapors, and collecting in a cool receiver. When vapors are condensed below 27°C in the presence of trace moisture, all three polymorphic phases of SO₃ are produced. They can be separated by fractional distillation. Condensation of the vapors above 27°C forms the liquid variety of gamma-sulfur trioxide.

Definition

ChEBI: Sulfur trioxide is a sulfur oxide.

General Description

Sulfur trioxide, is a colorless to white crystalline solid which will fume in air. Often shipped with inhibitor to prevent polymerization. Sulfur trioxide reacts violently with water to form sulfuric acid with the release of heat. Sulfur trioxide is corrosive to metals and tissue. Sulfur trioxide causes eye and skin burns. Ingestion causes severe burns of mouth esophagus and stomach. The vapor is very toxic by inhalation. Sulfur trioxide is a fire risk when in contact with organic materials such as wood, cotton, fiberboard, etc.

Air & Water Reactions

Combines with water with explosive force, forming sulfuric acid due to its acidity Sulfur trioxide chars most organic substances. On exposure to air Sulfur trioxide absorbs moisture rapidly, emitting dense white fumes [Merck 11th ed. 1989].

Reactivity Profile

The reaction of Sulfur trioxide and oxygen difluoride is very vigorous and explosions occur if the reaction is carried out in the absence of a solvent [J. Chem. Eng. Data 13(4):529-531. 1968]. The reaction of Sulfur trioxide in excess with tetrafluoroethylene causes explosive decomposition to carbonyl fluoride and sulfur dioxide [Chem. Eng. News 49(22):3. 1971]. The reaction of anhydrous perchloric acid with Sulfur trioxide is violent and accompanied by the evolution of considerable heat (Pascal 16:300 1931-34). Liquid Sulfur trioxide reacts violently with nitryl chloride, even at 75° C. The reaction of Sulfur trioxide and lead oxide causes white luminescence [Mellor 7:654 1946-47]. The combination of iodine, pyridine, Sulfur trioxide, and formamide developed a gas over pressurization after several months. This is due to the slow formation of sulfuric acid, from external water or dehydration of the formamide to hydrogen cyanide.

Hazard

Oxidizing agent, fire risk in contact with organic materials, an explosive increase in vapor pressure occurs when the α form melts. The anhydride combines with water, forming sulfuric acid and evolving heat. Highly toxic, strong irritant to tissue.

Health Hazard

Sulfur trioxide is highly toxic. It is an irritant and corrosive to mucous membranes. Poisonous if inhaled or swallowed. Contact causes severe burns to skin and eyes.

Fire Hazard

Fire risk in contact with organic materials. An explosive increase in vapor pressure occurs when the alpha form melts. Combines with water with explosive violence, forming sulfuric acid. May ignite other combustible materials (wood, paper, oil, etc.). Flammable poisonous gases may accumulate in tanks and hopper cars. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Forms sulfuric acid on contact with water. Avoid water and organic materials. On exposure to air, Sulfur trioxide absorbs moisture and emits dense white fumes.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Poison by inhalation. Human systemic effects by inhalation: cough and other pulmonary and olfactory changes. A corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Violent reaction with O2F2, PbO, NClO2, HClO4, P, tetrafluorethylene, acetonitrile, sulfuric acid, dimethyl sulfoxide, dioxan, water, diphenylmercury, formamide, iodine, pyridine, metal oxides. Reacts with steam to form corrosive, toxic fumes of sulfuric acid. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SO,. See also SULFURIC ACID.

Potential Exposure

Sulfur trioxide is used as a sulfating and sulfonating agent for detergent, lubricating oil additives, and other organic compounds; in solar energy collectors. It is also used as an intermediate in sulfuric acid manufacture and in making explosives.

storage

The vapour pressure of Sulfur trioxide rises rapidly with increasing temperatures and, when the α-form melts, the pressure rise is explosive; consequently transport and storage containers must withstand pressures of 10 to 15 atm. Sulfur trioxide reacts vigorously and highly exothermically with water to produce hydrosulphuric acid. When exposed to moist air, it fumes and forms a mist of sulphuric acid which eventually fills all the available space; it also corrodes metals. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and, in the liquid phase, carbonizes organic materials.

Shipping

UN1829 Sulfur trioxide, stabilized, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, 6.1-Poisonous Inhalation Hazard, Inhalation Hazard Zone B.

Incompatibilities

Combustible and Corrosive. A strong oxidizer. Reacts violently with water, steam or moisture, releasing corrosive hydrosulfuric acid. Violent reactions occur on contact with strong bases; strong acids, chemically active metals; reducing agents; finely divided metal; cyanides, nitrates, picrates, fulminates, chlorates, sulfides, carbides, phosphorus, dioxygen difluoride, barium oxide; lead oxide; diphenyl mercury; alcohols, nitryl chloride; acetonitrile, dioxane, tetrafluoroethylene.

Waste Disposal

Return refillable compressed gas cylinders to supplier. Nonrefillable cylinders should be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. Allow remaining gas to vent slowly into atmosphere in an unconfined area or exhaust hood. Refillabletype cylinders should be returned to original supplier with any valve caps and outlet plugs secured and valve protection caps in place.