Rotational isomeric state models of sulphur and selenium chains. Part 3.—Large rings in liquid sulphur and the nature of Sπ

Abstract

Using the Jacobson and Stockmayer cyclization theory and the rotational isomeric state model of polycatenasulphur, large rings are calculated to be present in appreciable concentrations in liquid sulphur. On the basis of this calculation, it is proposed that Aten's sulphur (or S_π) is a mixture of sulphur rings with more than 8 chemical bonds. Experimental observations in support of this proposal are cited. The effect of neglecting excluded volume effects in the calculation of ring concentrations is discussed.