Sulphating

Sulphating is a chemical process that involves the addition of a sulfate group (SO4^2-) to a molecule. This process can occur through various chemical reactions and is significant in both natural and industrial contexts. In organic chemistry, sulphation often refers to the formation of sulfate esters, where a sulfate group is attached to an organic molecule via an oxygen atom. This can be achieved through reactions with sulfonating agents like sulfuric acid or sulfur trioxide.

In industrial applications, sulphation is employed in the production of detergents, surfactants, and pharmaceuticals. For example, the sulphation of fatty alcohols is a key step in manufacturing anionic surfactants widely used in cleaning products. In the pharmaceutical industry, sulphation can modify the properties of drugs, affecting their solubility, stability, or biological activity.

Naturally occurring sulphation plays a role in biological systems. For instance, in the human body, sulphation is a common metabolic pathway involving the addition of a sulfate group to various molecules, including hormones, neurotransmitters, and xenobiotics. This process is often mediated by enzymes called sulfotransferases and is crucial for detoxification, signaling, and nutrient metabolism. Environmental sulphation can also occur, for example, through the formation of sulfates in the atmosphere and their subsequent deposition.