Lewis structures for SO3 (not SO3^-2)

[bebebebebebe]

I know there are three resonance structures: sulfur (as a central atom) has 2 single bonds to two of the oxygens and 1 double bond to the third oxygen.(In gchem textbook)

But what about additional structures a) with an expanded octet on the sulfur. The sulfur has three double bonds to each oxygen? or b)Two double bonds to the oxygen, and one single bond to the remaining oxygen?

And my last question is: Which one of the above resonance contributors is the most stable? The one that sulfur obeyed the octet rule( 2 single bonds to two oxygen, and 1 double bond) , or the one that all formal charges are zero ( expanded octet on sulfur)

Thanks guys.

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[purplepanda]

The sulfur has three double bonds to each oxygen and the one where it exceeded the octet because the formal charges are zero.


S=6(group 6)-6(shared bonds)=0
Every Oxygen atom has a full valence and zero formal charge.