The Molecular Structures of Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Disulfide, and Carbonyl Sulfide

Abstract

The structures of the molecules SO₂, CS₂, and COS have been investigated by the electron diffraction method with the following results; SO₂, S – O = 1.46±0.02A; CS₂, C – S = 1.54±0.03A; COS, C – O = 1.16±0.02A, C – S = 1.56±0.03A. The types of bond arrangement compatible with these interatomic distances are discussed. In SO₂ the molecule resonates between the structures having single‐double and double‐single bonds between the sulfur and the two oxygen atoms, with a bond angle of 122°±5°. CS₂ is a linear molecule with the structure having the two double bonds predominating over those having a single and a triple bond. In COS the double‐double bond arrangement and the structure having the triple carbon‐oxygen bond predominate.