Sulfone vs. Sulfoxide: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 9, 2024
Sulfones are organic sulfur compounds with two oxygen atoms double-bonded to sulfur, while sulfoxides have one double-bonded and one single-bonded oxygen to sulfur.
Key Differences
Sulfones are characterized by a sulfur atom doubly bonded to two oxygen atoms, forming a strong, stable structure. Sulfoxides, in contrast, feature a sulfur atom bonded to one oxygen atom with a double bond and another with a single bond, creating a distinct chemical structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
In sulfones, the symmetrical structure imparts considerable thermal and chemical stability. Sulfoxides, due to their asymmetric oxygen bonding, exhibit different chemical reactivities and polarities, making them unique in organic reactions.
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Jan 09, 2024
Sulfones are often used in high-performance polymers due to their stability and resistance to degradation. Sulfoxides find extensive use as solvents and reagents in organic synthesis, attributed to their ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds.
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Jan 09, 2024
The chemical stability of sulfones lends them to applications in pharmaceuticals, where they act as stable functional groups in drug molecules. Sulfoxides, with their unique electronic properties, are crucial in certain pharmaceutical syntheses, especially as intermediates.
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Jan 09, 2024
In terms of environmental impact, sulfones are generally less biodegradable due to their strong sulfur-oxygen bonds. Sulfoxides, while also challenging to degrade, are often more reactive and can be involved in various biochemical processes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Structure
Sulfur doubly bonded to two oxygen atoms
Sulfur doubly bonded to one oxygen and singly to another
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Jan 09, 2024
Stability
High thermal and chemical stability
Less stable compared to sulfones
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Uses
High-performance polymers, pharmaceuticals
Solvents, reagents in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediates
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Jan 09, 2024
Biodegradability
Generally low due to strong bonds
More reactive, but also challenging to degrade
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Jan 09, 2024
Chemical Properties
Less reactive, more symmetrical
More polar and chemically reactive
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Jan 09, 2024
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Sulfone and Sulfoxide Definitions
Sulfone
They are known for their high thermal and chemical stability.
Sulfones are used in making heat-resistant polymers.
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Sulfoxide
Sulfoxides are organic compounds containing a sulfur-oxygen single and double bond.
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is used as a polar solvent in chemical reactions.
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Sulfone
Sulfones are components in certain high-strength plastics.
Polysulfones are utilized in aerospace materials for their durability.
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Sulfoxide
Sulfoxides are important intermediates in pharmaceutical synthesis.
Certain sulfoxides are precursors in synthesizing drugs.
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Sulfone
Sulfones are used as solvents in specialized industrial applications.
Sulfone solvents are employed in high-temperature reactions.
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Dec 27, 2023
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Sulfoxide
They are known for their ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.
DMSO is commonly used to dissolve otherwise insoluble compounds.
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Sulfone
Sulfones are sulfur-containing organic compounds with a sulfonyl functional group.
Dapsone, a sulfone, is used in the treatment of leprosy.
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Sulfoxide
Sulfoxides serve as solvents and reagents in organic chemistry.
The polar nature of sulfoxides makes them useful in many chemical reactions.
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Sulfone
They play a role in medicinal chemistry as stable functional groups.
Some sulfone compounds are active in tuberculosis treatment.
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Sulfoxide
They exhibit unique chemical reactivity due to their asymmetric structure.
Sulfoxides are utilized in asymmetric synthesis in organic chemistry.
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Sulfone
Any of various organic sulfur compounds having a sulfonyl group attached to two carbon atoms.
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Sulfone
(organic chemistry) Any of a class of organic compounds that have a sulfonyl functional group attached to two carbon atoms; drugs of this structure have been used to treat leprosy.
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Sulfoxide
A sweet-smelling viscous yellow oil, C18H28O3S, used as a synergistic insecticide.
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Dec 27, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are sulfones stable compounds?
Yes, they're known for high thermal and chemical stability.
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Jan 09, 2024
What makes sulfoxides unique in chemistry?
Their asymmetric oxygen bonding and chemical reactivity.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can sulfones be used in high-temperature applications?
Yes, due to their heat resistance.
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Jan 09, 2024
What role do sulfones play in pharmaceuticals?
As stable functional groups in drug molecules.
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Jan 09, 2024
What is a sulfoxide?
Compounds with a sulfur atom bonded to one oxygen atom with a double bond and another with a single bond.
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Jan 09, 2024
What is a common sulfone used in medicine?
Dapsone, used for leprosy treatment.
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Jan 09, 2024
What is a sulfone?
Organic compounds with a sulfur atom doubly bonded to two oxygens.
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Jan 09, 2024
Are sulfones biodegradable?
Generally, they are less biodegradable due to strong sulfur-oxygen bonds.
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Jan 09, 2024
Are sulfones used in electronic applications?
Yes, in some high-performance electrical applications.
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Are sulfoxides good solvents?
Yes, especially for dissolving various organic compounds.
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How are sulfoxides used in pharmaceutical synthesis?
As intermediates in the manufacture of certain drugs.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can sulfones form strong plastics?
Yes, especially in the form of polysulfones.
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Do sulfones react easily with other chemicals?
They are less reactive compared to sulfoxides.
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Is it safe to handle sulfoxides without protection?
Caution is advised; some may be irritant.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can sulfoxides be involved in biochemical processes?
Yes, due to their reactivity.
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Jan 09, 2024
Are sulfoxides polar or non-polar?
They are polar due to their molecular structure.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can sulfoxides be used in food processing?
Generally, they are not used in food processing due to their chemical nature.
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Jan 09, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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