Question

Is ${\mathrm{SO}}_3$ a Base or Acid?

Answer 1

${\mathrm{SO}}_3$: Sulfur trioxide, abbreviated as ${\mathrm{SO}}_3$, is a chemical compound with the formula ${\mathrm{SO}}_3$, Sulfur trioxide comes in a variety of molecular forms and crystalline forms.

1. It is colorless in liquid form and emits fumes into the atmosphere at room temperature.
2. It is a highly reactive substance that is also a powerful oxidizer and a fire hazard.
3. The sulfur atom tends to accept a pair of electrons.
4. Furthermore, ${\mathrm{SO}}_3$ is an acidic non-metal oxide.

Since the sulfur atom in ${\mathrm{SO}}_3$ is electron deficient, ${\mathrm{SO}}_3$(sulfur trioxide) is a Lewis acid.

Diagram:

Hence, s ${\mathrm{SO}}_3$ is an Acid.