The rotational spectrum and geometrical structure of thiozone, S3.

The rotational spectrum of thiozone, S3, has been observed for the first time. From the rotational constants of the normal and 34S isotopic species, a precise geometrical structure has been derived: S3 is a bent chain with a bond to the apex S of length 1.917(1) A and an apex angle of 117.36(6) degrees . The derived structural parameters indicate substantial double-bonding character in S3 and sp2 hybridization of the central sulfur atom. Thiozone is an excellent candidate for astronomical detection in the atmosphere of Io, the innermost Galilean moon of Jupiter, and in rich interstellar sources.