metylsulfater

Metylsulfater refers to the chemical compound or the anion derived from sulfuric acid where one hydroxyl group has been replaced by a methyl group. The most common and significant example is methyl hydrogen sulfate, also known as methylsulfuric acid. Its chemical formula is CH3OSO3H. Methyl hydrogen sulfate is a strong acid, comparable in strength to sulfuric acid itself. It is a colorless liquid and is highly corrosive.

Methyl hydrogen sulfate can be synthesized by reacting methanol with sulfuric acid. This reaction is exothermic and requires careful control. The compound is often encountered as an intermediate in various chemical processes. It can also be formed as a byproduct in reactions involving methanol and sulfur-containing compounds.

The methylsulfate anion, CH3OSO3-, is the conjugate base of methyl hydrogen sulfate. It is a stable anion and can form salts with various cations. For example, sodium methylsulfate is a known compound. The methylsulfate group can also act as a methylating agent under certain conditions, although it is not as commonly used for this purpose as other methylating agents like methyl iodide or dimethyl sulfate.

Dimethyl sulfate, (CH3)2SO4, is a related but distinct compound. It is an ester of sulfuric acid and is a potent methylating agent, but it is also highly toxic and carcinogenic. While structurally similar, methyl hydrogen sulfate and dimethyl sulfate have different properties and applications. The term "metylsulfater" is sometimes used informally to refer to either methyl hydrogen sulfate or the methylsulfate anion.