Sulfon

Sulfon is a term used in chemistry to refer to sulfur-oxygen functional groups, most commonly the sulfonyl group (-SO2-) and the sulfonic acid group (-SO3H). The sulfonyl group forms the core of sulfones (R-SO2-R′), a neutral, divalent linkage that connects two substituents. The sulfonic acid group is a terminal moiety found in sulfonic acids (R-SO3H), which are among the stronger acids in organic chemistry.

In organic synthesis, the sulfonyl and sulfonate motifs are widely employed. The sulfonyl group is present in sulfones and in many reagents used to activate or modify substrates. The sulfonic acid group gives rise to sulfonate esters and salts, and aryl sulfonates such as tosylates and nosylates serve as versatile leaving groups in substitution and elimination reactions. Sulfonyl chlorides (RSO2Cl) are common reagents used to introduce the sulfonyl moiety, often via sulfonylation of alcohols, amines, or other nucleophiles.

Common derivatives and terminology include sulfonyl chlorides, sulfonic acids, sulfonates (esters or salts of sulfonic acids), and sulfonamides (R-SO2-NR2). The sulfonyl group is a key feature in many functional classes and materials, including dyes, detergents, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. Aryl sulfonates and sulfonamide motifs are frequent in medicinal chemistry, where they influence bioavailability, binding, and metabolic stability. Sulfon-containing compounds are also important in industrial polymers, such as polysulfones.

Safety and handling vary by specific compound, but sulfonyl chlorides and related reagents are typically reactive and may be corrosive or irritant. Proper handling, storage, and disposal practices are required. See also sulfonic acid, sulfone, sulfonate, and sulfonamide for related chemistry.