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Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

Sulfur dioxide, also known as sulfurous anhydride, is a colorless gas with a bent molecular shape, binding two oxygen atoms to one sulfur atom and represented by the chemical formula SO2. In nature, sulfur dioxide is produced by volcanic activity.

Effects on Humans

Sulfur dioxide is a pungent gas, smelling strongly of burning sulfur. It irritates the eyes and throat and damages the lungs when inhaled.

Applications

Industrially, sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative in fruits and alcoholic beverages. It was a common refrigerant before the introduction of Freon in the 1930s.

Sulfur Dioxide and the Environment

Sulfur dioxide is released by the combustion of low-grade coal and petroleum products that are high in sulfur. Power-generating plants are significant emitters. Sulfur dioxide reacts with atmospheric water vapour and oxygen to produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is a constituent of corrosive acid rain and harmful to living organisms.

Detection

Our databases include 9 spectral absorption bands of carbon monoxide from 0 to 4093 cm^-1. The following figure shows a typical calculation of the spectral region 2510-2530 cm^-1 for a laboratory cell containing carbon monoxide at room temperature and pressure. To run calculations customized for your applications, get access to Genspect tools today!

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