Sulfateare

Sulfateare is a term used in some languages to describe the chemical process of introducing sulfate groups into a molecule, producing sulfate esters or sulfated products. In English, the corresponding term is sulfation. The usage of sulfateare can vary by discipline, spanning synthetic chemistry and biochemistry.

In chemistry, sulfation refers to transforming substrates by appending a –SO3H or –OSO3 group. This is typically achieved with reagents such as chlorosulfonic acid, sulfur trioxide–pyridine complex, or sulfuryl chloride, under conditions chosen to suit the substrate. The resulting products include sulfate esters (R–OSO3H) and related polymeric sulfates.

In biology, sulfation is a phase II metabolic reaction in which sulfotransferase enzymes transfer a sulfo group from the donor molecule 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to hydroxyl or amino groups on xenobiotics, hormones, and glycoconjugates. Sulfation generally increases water solubility and promotes excretion.

Applications of sulfation include enhancing drug solubility and modifying the properties of polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and dyes. It is also used in synthetic chemistry to prepare sulfated intermediates and in analytical workflows for derivative formation.

Safety and environmental notes: sulfation reagents are strongly acidic and corrosive; proper protective equipment, ventilation, and waste neutralization are required. Disposal of sulfate-containing residues follows local regulations for inorganic salts and hazardous waste.