C12H10O4S

C12H10O4S is the molecular formula for a class of organic compounds known as sulfonic acids, specifically benzenesulfonic acids with a methyl group substitution. One of the most well-known compounds with this formula is **saccharin**, a synthetic artificial sweetener widely recognized for its intense sweetness relative to sucrose (table sugar). Saccharin was first isolated in 1879 by Constantin Fahlberg and Ira Remsen during research on coal tar derivatives, marking a significant milestone in the development of artificial sweeteners.

Saccharin has a chemical structure consisting of a benzene ring fused with a sulfonic acid group and a methyl group, giving it the empirical formula C7H5NO3S when considering its ionized form. It is approximately 200–700 times sweeter than sucrose, depending on the concentration and formulation. Due to its high sweetness and low caloric content, saccharin has been used extensively in sugar-free foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

Historically, saccharin faced controversy due to early studies suggesting potential carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals. However, subsequent research has largely debunked these claims, and saccharin is now considered safe by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It remains a popular non-nutritive sweetener, particularly for individuals managing diabetes or weight control.

Beyond saccharin, other compounds with the formula C12H10O4S include various substituted benzenesulfonic acids, though they are less commonly encountered in commercial applications. These compounds may exhibit different chemical properties depending on their specific functional groups and substitutions. Saccharin remains the most significant representative of this molecular formula in practical use.