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Benzylsulfonic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H8O3S
CAS number
7789-55-5
IUPAC name
phenylmethanesulfonic acid
State
State

Benzylsulfonic acid is generally in a solid state at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
109.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
382.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
172.21g/mol
Molar mass
172.2050g/mol
Density
1.3330g/cm3
Appearence

Benzylsulfonic acid typically appears as a white to slightly off-white crystalline powder.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Phenylmethanesulfonic Acid

Pheylmethanesulfonic acid, or sup> C7H8O3S, presents some interesting characteristics regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: This compound is readily soluble in water, making it highly useful in various aqueous reactions and processes.
  • Organic Solvents: It also displays good solubility in many organic solvents, including ethanol and acetone.
  • pH Influence: The solubility can be affected by pH changes, where alterations in acidity or alkalinity could impact its ionization state and, accordingly, its dissolution.

The solubility behavior of phenylmethanesulfonic acid demonstrates its versatility in chemical applications. As a reminder, compounds that are *more polar* typically exhibit greater solubility in polar solvents like water, while *nonpolar compounds* dissolve better in organic solvents.

In practice, "like dissolves like" is a useful maxim to keep in mind when working with this compound:

  • Polar solvents (e.g., water) work best for phenylmethanesulfonic acid due to its polar sulfonic acid group.
  • Nonpolar solvents might be less effective for dissolution.

Overall, the solubility properties of phenylmethanesulfonic acid render it a valuable substance in both academic and industrial chemistry contexts.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Phenylmethanesulfonic Acid

Phemylmethanesulfonic acid, often referred to as PMSA, is a unique sulfonic acid that combines an aromatic phenyl group with a sulfonic acid functional group. This compound is notable for several interesting aspects:

  • Versatile Reagent: PMSA is widely regarded as a versatile reagent in organic synthesis. It is often utilized for the functionalization of compounds, showcasing its ability to facilitate various chemical transformations.
  • Acidity: Due to the presence of the sulfonic acid group, PMSA exhibits strong acidity. This characteristic can be leveraged in a variety of chemical reactions, making it valuable in both research and industrial applications.
  • Preference in Catalysis: The compound is recognized for its role as a catalyst in reactions such as electrophilic substitution. Its acid strength enhances reaction rates and improves yields, proving essential in synthesizing more complex molecules.
  • Biological Applications: Research has indicated that PMSA may aid in various biological processes, providing a pathway for developing pharmaceuticals that target specific biological mechanisms.
  • Environmental Importance: PMSA also holds importance in environmental chemistry, where it might be used as an indicator in analytical techniques to measure environmental pollutants.

In conclusion, phenylmethanesulfonic acid is not just a simple sulfonic acid. Its extensive applications and strong acidity make it a noteworthy compound in the realm of chemistry. As a student or researcher, exploring the diverse functionalities of PMSA can lead to exciting discoveries and advancements in both organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

Synonyms
Phenylmethanesulfonic acid
BENZYLSULFONIC ACID
100-87-8
Benzenemethanesulfonic acid
Toluene-alpha-sulphonic acid
alpha-Toluenesulfonic acid
Methanesulfonic acid, phenyl-
HSDB 5339
EINECS 202-897-6
UNII-5BRP81V98H
BRN 2208420
5BRP81V98H
DTXSID2059221
BENZYLSULFONIC ACID [HSDB]
4-11-00-00485 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
.ALPHA.-TOLUENESULFONIC ACID
BENZYL-.ALPHA.-SULFONIC ACID
TOLUENE-.ALPHA.-SULPHONIC ACID
57267-76-2
Toluene-alpha-sulfonic acid
starbld0018790
alphaToluenesulfonic acid
phenylmethanesulphonic acid
SCHEMBL1749
Methanesulfonic acid, phenyl
CHEMBL1171433
DTXCID3032462
SCHEMBL10433744
BENZYL-ALPHA-SULFONIC ACID
NIXKBAZVOQAHGC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
AKOS006279270
DB03297
DB-321391
NS00041325
AL-398/25017056
Q27261795