metaaminosulfonic

Metaaminosulfonic acid, also known as 3-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H7NO3S. It is a derivative of benzenesulfonic acid where an amino group is attached to the benzene ring at the meta position relative to the sulfonic acid group. This compound is a white solid that is soluble in water. It is an amphoteric substance, meaning it can act as both an acid and a base due to the presence of both the acidic sulfonic acid group and the basic amino group. Metaaminosulfonic acid is an isomer of other aminobenzenesulfonic acids, including ortho- and para-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, which have different positions of the amino group on the benzene ring. These isomers exhibit distinct chemical and physical properties. The compound can be synthesized through various chemical routes, often involving the sulfonation of aniline followed by isomer separation or other specific synthetic pathways. Its applications are primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemicals. The sulfonic acid group imparts water solubility and reactive sites for further chemical modifications, while the amino group can be readily functionalized.