Is SO3 Actually Soluble in Water?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the solubility of sulfur trioxide (SO3) in water, including its reaction with water and the nature of the resulting products. Participants explore whether SO3 can exist in a water solution given its exothermic reaction with water to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks if SO3 is soluble in water, noting that it reacts exothermically to form H2SO4.
  • Another participant asserts that SO3 is soluble in water, describing the reaction as energetically favorable.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that while SO3 is considered the anhydrous form of sulfuric acid, the instantaneous reaction with water complicates the observation of a water solution of SO3.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the existence of a water solution of SO3, questioning how it could be observed given its rapid reaction with water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the solubility of SO3 in water, with some asserting it is soluble while others highlight the practical challenges of observing such a solution due to the immediate reaction with water. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the dangers associated with handling sulfur trioxide and sulfuric acid, emphasizing the need for caution in experimental contexts.

Kushal
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Is SO3 soluble in water??

i know it reacts very exothermically with water to form water soluble products (H2SO4). But is SO3 itself soluble in water?
 
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of course, which is energetically favourable.
 
Think of it this way: If you heat (but do not try this because it can be extremely dangerous) sulfuric acid enough, it will push sulfur trioxide as a gas out of solution. Think of sulfur trioxide as the anhydrous form of sulfuric acid. Yes, sulfur trioxide is soluble in water.
 
symbolipoint said:
Think of it this way: If you heat (but do not try this because it can be extremely dangerous) sulfuric acid enough, it will push sulfur trioxide as a gas out of solution. Think of sulfur trioxide as the anhydrous form of sulfuric acid. Yes, sulfur trioxide is soluble in water.
It probably is, but, have you really ever seen a water solution of SO3?
 
noo... i don't think they have those in high school labs!
 
Kushal said:
noo... i don't think they have those in high school labs!
Don't know what you intended exactly, but I intended: since SO3 reacts with water instantaneously, how can we see a water solution of it?
 
awwww ok... lol... i didn't think of it as sarcastic... i thought there really were solutions of SO3 dissolved in water.

haha, thnks anyway
 
Kushal said:
awwww ok... lol... i didn't think of it as sarcastic... i thought there really were solutions of SO3 dissolved in water.

haha, thnks anyway
:smile:
 

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