Sulfonic acid

Sulfonic acid is a type of acid that contains a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrocarbon chain. The sulfur atom is also bonded to an oxygen atom and a hydroxyl group, forming a sulfonate group (-SO3H). Sulfonic acids are strong acids and are important in many industrial processes.

Structure and properties

Sulfonic acids have the general formula RSO3H, where R is a hydrocarbon chain. The sulfur atom is bonded to the hydrocarbon chain and to an oxygen atom, forming a double bond. The sulfur atom is also bonded to a hydroxyl group. This structure is known as a sulfonate group.

Sulfonic acids are strong acids, stronger than carboxylic acids. They are also highly soluble in water and are stable in aqueous solution.

Synthesis

Sulfonic acids can be synthesized in several ways. One common method is the sulfonation of hydrocarbons with sulfuric acid or sulfur trioxide. Another method is the oxidation of thiols or disulfides.

Uses

Sulfonic acids are used in many industrial processes. They are used as catalysts in the production of esters and polymers, and in the synthesis of dyes and surfactants. They are also used in the production of detergents and pharmaceuticals.

See also

• Sulfuric acid
• Sulfur trioxide
• Carboxylic acid
• Ester
• Polymer
• Dye
• Surfactant
• Detergent
• Pharmaceutical

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