methanesulfinate

Methanesulfinate is a chemical compound with the formula CH3SO2-. It is the anion derived from methanesulfinic acid, CH3SO2H. The methanesulfinate anion features a sulfur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms and one methyl group. The sulfur atom carries a formal negative charge, though the electron distribution is delocalized.

Methanesulfinates are typically found as salts with various cations, such as sodium methanesulfinate (CH3SO2Na) or potassium methanesulfinate (CH3SO2K). These salts are often crystalline solids and can be soluble in polar solvents like water. Methanesulfinic acid itself is a relatively strong acid.

The methanesulfinate group can act as a nucleophile in certain chemical reactions due to the presence of the negative charge on the sulfur atom. It can also participate in redox reactions. For example, methanesulfinate salts can be oxidized to methanesulfonyl derivatives.

In organic synthesis, methanesulfinates and methanesulfinic acid are used as reagents and intermediates. They can be employed in the synthesis of sulfones, sulfoxides, and other sulfur-containing organic compounds. The stability and reactivity of methanesulfinates make them useful building blocks for creating more complex molecules.