What does sulfone mean?
A sulfone is an organic chemical compound containing a sulfur atom attached to two carbon groups and two oxygen atoms. Its characteristic structural group is often written as R–S(=O)₂–R′ and is valued in chemistry because it is stable, polar, and can strongly influence a molecule's shape and chemical behavior. Sulfones occur in various medicines and industrial substances, although they are not a familiar feature of everyday vocabulary. The term is principally used by chemists and students of organic chemistry. It is more specific than the general description “sulfur-containing compound”: a sulfone has a definite arrangement of sulfur, oxygen, and carbon atoms, distinguishing it from related compounds such as sulfides, sulfoxides, sulfites, and sulfates.
nounA chemical compound containing a sulfur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms and two carbon-containing groups, with the general structure R–S(=O)₂–R′. Sulfones are used in organic chemistry and are found in some pharmaceuticals and industrial materials.
- A chemical compound or functional group in which sulfur is double-bonded to two oxygen atoms and single-bonded to two carbon-containing groups.
"The researchers synthesized a sulfone that served as an effective intermediate in the production of the drug."
"Dimethyl sulfone is the simplest common member of the sulfone family."
"The sulfone group increased the compound's stability during the high-temperature reaction."
The plural is used when referring to a class of compounds or to multiple individual chemical substances.
"Several sulfones were evaluated as potential catalysts."
The sulfone group is a sulfur atom wearing the unmistakable signature of two oxygens: one of chemistry's most useful and versatile sulfur motifs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sulfone come from?
The word is formed within chemical nomenclature by combining “sulfur” with the element-ending suffix “-one,” reflecting the sulfur-based functional group. Its terminology belongs to the systematic naming conventions used for organic compounds. The name shares its root with related chemical terms such as sulfide, sulfite, and sulfate, all of which derive from the element name sulfur.
Related word forms
How sulfone is actually used
The term is chiefly used in chemistry and is normally encountered in technical, academic, or industrial contexts. It should not be used as a general synonym for a sulfur-containing compound.
Easily confused with sulfone
A sulfone contains sulfur bonded to two carbon groups and two oxygen atoms, whereas a sulfite is a salt or ester derived from sulfurous acid and contains a sulfite ion or group.