Sulfur dioxide (also sulphur dioxide) is the chemical compound with the formula SO2. It is produced by volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Since coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds, their combustion generates sulfur dioxide. Further oxidation of SO2, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as NO2, forms H2SO4, and thus acid rain. This is one of the causes for concern over the environmental impact of the use of these fu...
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Sulfur dioxide (also sulphur dioxide) is the chemical compound with the formula SO2. It is produced by volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Since coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds, their combustion generates sulfur dioxide. Further oxidation of SO2, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as NO2, forms H2SO4, and thus acid rain. This is one of the causes for concern over the environmental impact of the use of these fuels as power sources.
Sulfur dioxide can be prepared by burning sulfur:
The combustion of hydrogen sulfide and organosulfur compounds proceeds similarly.
The roasting of sulfide ores such as pyrites, sphalerite (zinc blende), and cinnabar (mercury sulfide) also releases SO2:
Sulfur dioxide is a by-product in the manufacture of calcium silicate cement: CaSO4 is heated with coke and sand in this process:
Action of hot sulfuric acid on copper turnings produces sulfur dioxide.
It can also be prepared with sodium metabisulfite:
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