This section provides an overview for sulfur trioxide as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 7 sulfur trioxide manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked sulfur trioxide companies as of November, 2024: 1.Atul Ltd, 2.Shree Sulphurics PVT.LTD., 3.Aarti Industries Limited.
Table of Contents
Figure 1. Basic Information on Sulfur Trioxide
Sulfur trioxide is an oxide of sulfur with the chemical formula SO3.
It is synonymous with anhydrous sulfuric acid and serves as an intermediate in the contact process for manufacturing sulfuric acid.
Classified by the GHS as hazardous, sulfur trioxide poses risks such as severe skin and eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation, and potential dental damage from prolonged or repeated exposure. It is a specified substance under the Air Pollution Control Law but is exempt from several other regulations including the Industrial Safety and Health Law and the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law.
Sulfur trioxide acts as an oxidizing and sulfonating agent, used in manufacturing ion exchange resins and sulfuric acid. Its role as a sulfonating agent extends to the industrial synthesis of dyes and neutral detergents.
As an intermediate in the contact process, sulfur trioxide is formed from sulfur dioxide in the presence of a catalyst and is crucial for producing high-purity concentrated sulfuric acid.
Sulfur trioxide, a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature, has a melting point of 16.9°C and a boiling point of 45°C. It emits a strong pungent odor and forms fuming sulfuric acid when dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid.
Its high hygroscopic nature means that sulfur trioxide can cause wood and cotton to ignite by dehydrating the water content, thus increasing flammability.
Figure 2. Structure of Sulfur Trioxide
With a molar mass of 80.06 g/mol and a density of 1.92 g/cm3, sulfur trioxide typically has a planar equilateral triangle structure. The sulfur atom, at the center, exhibits an oxidation number of +6 and is surrounded by six electron pairs, most of which are non-bonding in nature. The three S-O bonds are equal in length, at 1.42 Å, and form a 120° angle (∠O-S-O).
Figure 3. Types of Sulfur Trioxide
Sulfur trioxide exists in three polymorphic forms: α-SO3, β-SO3, and γ-SO3, each exhibiting unique behavior in the presence of trace amounts of water. The γ form aggregates to form a molecular crystal, while α and β forms can transition to each other under specific conditions, showcasing a range of structural complexities from fibrous to helical arrangements.
Laboratory synthesis of sulfur trioxide involves the thermal decomposition of sodium hydrogen sulfate, among other methods. Industrially, the contact method predominates, involving the oxidation of sulfur dioxide at high temperatures to produce sulfur trioxide.
The lead chamber process, once a common method for sulfuric acid production, has become obsolete with the advent of the more efficient contact method.
As an anhydride of sulfuric acid, sulfur trioxide reacts exothermically with water, contributing to acid rain. It is also involved in the production of thionyl chloride through the reaction with sulfur dichloride.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Atul Ltd was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Valsad, India, as a diversified manufacturer of chemicals. The company's varied manufacturing portfolio has gained recognition in the business. This is a chemical firm that concentrates on continuous improvement. The organization aims to establish a work environment that constantly upholds and fosters its core ideals while ensuring that these standards are not compromised in pursuit of short-term benefits. The company has consistently delivered products and services of superior quality, establishing itself as the chosen partner in its business.
Industrial Solvents & Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 1959 in Mumbai, India, as a manufacturer of hazardous chemicals based on methanol, ethanol, and aniline. The company's product line encompasses Dimethyl Sulphate (DMS), Oleum 65%, Liquid Sulphur Trioxide, Sulphuric Acid 70%, and Ether Anaesthetic IP, among others. The products serve as reagents in chemical synthesis processes and are vital for industrial operations and battery production. Finding application in various chemical processes, the products are also utilized in chemical synthesis, dye and pigment production, and anesthesia. The company serves various industries, including construction, manufacturing, medical, electrical, chemical, and pharmaceuticals.
Aarti Industries Limited (AIL) is a global manufacturer of speciality chemicals and pharmaceuticals based in India. They were founded in 1984 and provide services to the chemical industry's 700+ domestic clients as well as 400+ international clients. Chemical products produced by Aarti Industries are used in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymers, additives, and dyes. They started out as an Indian company serving international markets and now they are a worldwide organization with manufacturing facilities in India.
Millipore Sigma, formerly known as Sigma-Aldrich, was created in 175 through the merger of Sigma Chemical Company and Aldrich Chemical company and today is a subsidiary of Merck. Millipore Sigma is a life science and biotechnology company serving the industry with several products and services. Some of their product categories include peptide synthesis materials, biochemicals, building blocks, catalysts, chemical biology, chemical synthesis, flavors & fragrances, formulation, lab chemicals, lab safety, APIs, and stable isotopes. Services include characterization, contract manufacturing, custom products, software, support, testing, and mRNA development & manufacturing.
Shree Sulphurics Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 1979 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, as a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of an unlimited complication of pharmaceutical and lab chemicals. The product portfolio of the company encompasses oleum, hydrochloric acid, thionyl chloride, sulfur trioxide, and chlorosulphonic acid. The products find application in various industrial processes, serving roles in coloring, purifying, and facilitating the processing of chemicals across different sectors. The company serves various industries, including manufacturing, chemical, food, textile, plastic, metal, and pharmaceuticals.
Jigs Chemical was established in 1998 and is based in India with global offices in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Jigs Chemical is a manufacturer, distributor, and marketing & sales provider for organizations in India, specializing in chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients for pharmaceutical, agriculture, ceramics, metal treatment, and other industries. Jigs Chemical helps facilitate international customers to obtain chemicals from India, providing import and export assistance. Jigs Chemical’s product catalog includes over 40000 active pharmaceutical ingredients, commonly called APIs, their respective intermediates, and other chemicals.
India Fine Chemicals, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan, is a distributor and supplier of chemicals, functional materials, food additives, as well as a planner and developer of health foods. The company offers an extensive range of products, including sodium vinylsulfonate 25% water solution, sodium cumene sulfonate, N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine, and diethyl sulfate. These chemicals serve various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, cosmetics, dyes, and flavors. The company also offers a range of services, including information about chemicals, a chemical search engine, product analysis, and contract development.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Atul Ltd |
31.1%
|
2 | MilliporeSigma |
15.6%
|
3 | Shree Sulphurics PVT.LTD. |
13.3%
|
4 | Aarti Industries Limited |
13.3%
|
5 | India Fine Chemicals |
11.1%
|
6 | Jigs chemical |
8.9%
|
7 | Industrial Solvents & Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. |
6.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the sulfur trioxide page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
India | 4 | 100.0% |