Väävlihapnikud

Väävlihapnikud are a group of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a sulfur atom directly bonded to two carbon atoms, forming a functional group often represented as R-S-R', where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups. These compounds are also commonly referred to as sulfides. The sulfur atom in a sulfide typically has two lone pairs of electrons, giving it a bent molecular geometry similar to that of water.

The physical properties of väävlihapnikud vary depending on the size and structure of the attached organic groups. Smaller, simpler sulfides like dimethyl sulfide are volatile liquids with strong, often unpleasant odors, while larger, more complex sulfides tend to be solids with higher boiling points. Many väävlihapnikud are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

Chemically, väävlihapnikud can undergo a range of reactions. Oxidation is a common transformation, leading to the formation of sulfoxides (R-SO-R') and further to sulfones (R-SO2-R'). They can also participate in nucleophilic substitution reactions at the carbon atoms adjacent to the sulfur, though typically less readily than their oxygen analogs (ethers).

Väävlihapnikud are found naturally in various biological processes. For instance, they are produced by microorganisms and are responsible for the characteristic smell of decaying organic matter. Certain amino acids, like methionine and cysteine, contain sulfur in a form that can be converted to väävlihapnikud within biological systems. In industry, some väävlihapnikud are used as solvents, flavoring agents, or as intermediates in the synthesis of other chemicals.