Sulfur dioxide is a toxic gas that can be harmful to one’s health.It can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.Its excessive amounts might irritate and induce inflammation in the respiratory system.Sulfur dioxide emissions in the atmosphere can result in the formation of additional sulfur oxides (SOx).Small particles can develop when SOx reacts with other chemicals in the environment.These tiny particles can penetrate far into the lungs and, in large enough quantities, can cause health issues. It is readily oxidized by concentrated sulfuric acid or nitric acid. When steam is passed through boilingsulfur, a little hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide is formed. Key Points Similarities between Sulfur and Oxygen atoms Dissimilarities between oxygen and sulfur This makes SO2 a polar molecule.In addition, the unbonded electrons on the sulfur and oxygen create repulsion between atoms.This is another cause of the polarity of the sulfur dioxide molecule. Whereas, the portion which has the sulfur atom has a slightly positive charge. The side of the molecule containing both oxygen atoms is somewhat negatively charged. As a result, oxygen exerts a stronger pull on sulfur dioxide’s covalent bonds. In SO2 molecules, the electronegative potential of oxygen is higher than that of sulfur. Molar mass of Sulfur =32.066 g/mol.O2 molar mass = 16.00 x 2 = 32.00 g/mol.Molar mass of SO2 = 64.066g/mol Polarity of SO2 molecule
The molar mass of sulfur dioxide is 64.1 g/mol because the molar mass of sulfur is 32.1 g/mol and the molar mass of oxygen is 16.0 g/mol.