Main-Product

Sulfur oxides (SO_x) are a group of compounds made up of sulfur and oxygen atoms. The most common sulfur oxides are sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and sulfur trioxide (SO₃)^[1].

Sulfur oxide (SO_x) refers to one or more of the following^[2]:

• Lower sulfur oxides (S_nO, S₇O₂ and S₆O₂)
• Sulfur monoxide (SO) and its dimer, Disulfur dioxide (S₂O₂)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
• Sulfur trioxide (SO₃)
• Higher sulfur oxides (SO₃ and SO₄ and polymeric condensates of them)
• Disulfur monoxide (S₂O)

SO_x are primarily emitted into the atmosphere through human activities, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil in power plants and industrial facilities. Natural sources, like volcanoes, contribute only a small fraction of the total emissions^[1].

SO₂ and other sulfur oxides can react with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid, which is a key component of acid rain. Additionally, SO_x can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form fine particles, contributing to particulate matter (PM) pollution^[1].

Control measures that reduce SO₂ emissions can also help reduce people’s exposure to other gaseous SO_x, potentially reducing the formation of particulate sulfur pollutants. These measures are important for improving air quality and protecting human health and the environment^[1].

References

1. Brave search summarizer, 1st 2024, Prompt: 'sulfur oxides SOx'.
2. Wikipedia, Sulfur oxide