Sulfonated: meaning, definitions and examples
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sulfonated
[ sʌlˈfoʊneɪtɪd ]
chemical process
Sulfonated refers to the process by which a sulfonic acid group is introduced into an organic compound. This modification often enhances the solubility of the compound in water, thereby making it useful in various chemical applications.
Synonyms
sulfated, sulfonic, sulfonic-acid modified.
Examples of usage
- The sulfonated polymer demonstrated excellent water solubility.
- Sulfonated surfactants are widely used in detergents.
- Researchers studied the effects of sulfonated compounds on biological systems.
Etymology
The term 'sulfonated' is derived from 'sulfonate', which itself comes from 'sulfonic acid', a class of compounds containing sulfur. The prefix 'sulfo-' refers to the presence of sulfur, while 'nate' indicates a chemical transformation into a salt or ester of the sulfonic acid. The concept developed in the early 20th century as organic chemistry advanced and the need for more soluble compounds arose, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals and materials science. This modification has significant implications in the development of detergents, dyes, and pharmaceuticals, where enhanced solubility can lead to improved efficacy and performance.