C4H10O2S

C4H10O2S is the molecular formula for several organosulfur compounds that share four carbon atoms, two oxygen atoms, and one sulfur atom. Compounds with this formula belong to the class of sulfones, which feature the sulfone functional group, R-SO2-R', where R and R' are alkyl groups.

There are three constitutional isomers that fit C4H10O2S. The first is diethyl sulfone, with the two substituents both being ethyl groups (Et-SO2-Et). The other two are methyl propyl sulfones, where the propyl group can be either n-propyl or isopropyl, giving methyl n-propyl sulfone and methyl isopropyl sulfone. These three forms are distinct compounds with the same molecular formula.

Sulfones of this formula are typically polar and have relatively high boiling points, which makes them useful as solvents and reaction media in organic synthesis. They are also explored as components in electrolyte formulations for certain battery technologies. Specific properties such as polarity, solubility, and volatility vary among the isomers.

Safety and handling depend on the precise isomer; consult the appropriate safety data sheet for each compound. In general, sulfones are handled with standard laboratory precautions, with attention to any toxicity, flammability, and environmental considerations that apply to the particular isomer.

Because C4H10O2S corresponds to more than one compound, the formula alone does not identify a single substance. Structural identification requires spectroscopic analysis (such as NMR and IR) and often mass spectrometry to determine the exact arrangement of atoms.