Benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate (CAS 26158-00-9) is a crucial aromatic sulfonic acid with extensive industrial applications. This comprehensive guide explores its properties, benefits, uses, and safety considerations for chemical professionals and industry stakeholders.
What is Benzenesulfonic Acid Monohydrate?
Benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate, with the chemical formula C6H6O3S·H2O, is the hydrated form of benzenesulfonic acid. It appears as a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and polar organic solvents. This compound serves as a fundamental building block in various chemical syntheses and industrial processes.
The monohydrate form offers excellent solubility and strong acidic properties, making it ideal for numerous applications in detergents, agrochemicals, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its versatility stems from the sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), which provides both acidic character and chemical reactivity.
What Are the Benefits?
Benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate offers several key benefits that make it valuable across industries:
Excellent Solubility
One of the primary benefits of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate is its excellent solubility in water and various organic solvents. This property allows for easy incorporation into aqueous-based formulations and facilitates efficient chemical reactions in solution. The high solubility also enables easy cleaning and rinsing in industrial applications.
Strong Acidic Properties
As a strong organic acid, benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate provides excellent catalytic properties for various chemical reactions. Its acidity makes it valuable as a catalyst in esterification, alkylation, and sulfonation processes. The strong acidic nature also contributes to its effectiveness as a pH adjuster in industrial formulations.
Versatile Chemical Intermediate
Benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate serves as a versatile chemical intermediate in organic synthesis. It functions as a protecting group for alcohols and as a meta director in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. This versatility allows chemists to use it in complex synthetic pathways for producing pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other specialty chemicals.
What Are the Uses?
The applications of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate span multiple industries:
Detergent Industry
The primary industrial use of benzenesulfonic acid is in the production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), which are key active ingredients in laundry detergents, dishwashing soaps, and industrial cleaning products. LAS compounds provide excellent foaming properties and superior grease-cutting abilities, making them essential for effective cleaning formulations.
Agrochemical Production
In the agricultural sector, benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate serves as an important intermediate in the synthesis of various agrochemicals, including herbicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators. Its chemical properties enable the development of effective crop protection agents that help improve agricultural productivity.
Chemical Synthesis
Within organic chemistry, benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate is widely used as an acid catalyst in various chemical reactions. It facilitates esterification, polymerization, and alkylation processes. Additionally, it is used in the industrial production of phenol through alkali metal salt neutralization, a process that has been significant in the chemical industry for decades.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Recent research has highlighted the use of benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate in pharmaceutical synthesis. It has been employed in the development of HER2/EGFR dual inhibitors, which show promising anti-tumor activities for cancer treatment. This emerging application demonstrates the compound’s potential in advancing therapeutic agents.
Sécurité et manipulation
When handling benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate, appropriate safety precautions should be observed:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and lab coat
- Handle in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing
- In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing and rinse immediately with plenty of water
- If swallowed, seek immediate medical attention and do not induce vomiting
- Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials
For comprehensive safety information, consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before handling this chemical.
Chemical Specifications
| Property | Valeur |
| Numéro CAS | 26158-00-9 |
| Formule moléculaire | C6H6O3S·H2O |
| Poids moléculaire | 176.19 g/mol |
| Apparence | Solide cristallin blanc |
| Solubilité | Highly soluble in water and polar solvents |
| Point de fusion | 45-50°C (monohydrate) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate used for?
Benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate is primarily used in the detergent industry for producing linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS). It also serves as a chemical intermediate in agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis, and as an acid catalyst in various organic reactions.
Is benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate safe to use?
When handled with appropriate safety precautions, including PPE and proper ventilation, benzenesulfonic acid monohydrate can be used safely. Always consult the MSDS and follow established safety protocols for handling corrosive chemicals.
What is the difference between benzenesulfonic acid and its monohydrate form?
The monohydrate form contains one water molecule per molecule of benzenesulfonic acid. This hydrated form often provides better handling properties and solubility compared to the anhydrous form, making it preferred for certain industrial applications.
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