benzenesulfonohydrazide

Benzenesulfonamide is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5SO2NH2. It is a derivative of benzenesulfonic acid, where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is replaced by an amino group (-NH2). Structurally, it consists of a phenyl group (C6H5) attached to a sulfonyl group (-SO2-), which is then bonded to an amine group (-NH2).

Benzenesulfonamide is a white crystalline solid and is soluble in water and organic solvents like ethanol and ether. It can be synthesized through various methods, including the reaction of benzenesulfonyl chloride with ammonia. Benzenesulfonamide and its derivatives have found applications in medicinal chemistry, particularly as precursors for sulfonamide drugs, which were among the first effective antimicrobial agents. These drugs work by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria. Beyond pharmaceuticals, benzenesulfonamide can be used as a plasticizer and in the synthesis of other organic compounds. Its chemical properties make it a versatile building block in organic synthesis.