sulfonyl compound

chemical compound

Also known as: sulphonyl compound

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July 14, 2026

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A sulfonyl compound is a chemical compound containing the divalent group SO₂. This group links two carbon-containing groups. Sulfonyl compounds are also known as sulfur ylides.123

Sulfonyl compounds are related to sulfoxides and sulfones, where sulfur is bonded to carbon atoms. Sulfones are typically colorless crystalline solids, while sulfoxides can be colorless liquids or solids with low melting points.3

Some sulfonyl compounds have important applications. Sulfonylureas are used as herbicides and in the oral treatment of diabetes. Sulfonamides, a related class of compounds, were foundational in the development of sulfa drugs, which were among the first effective treatments for bacterial infections. Other sulfonamides are used to treat erectile dysfunction, arthritis, and glaucoma.43

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organosulfur compound
Other sulfinyl and sulfonyl compounds
In sulfoxides, R―S(=O)―R′, and sulfones, R―S(=O)₂―R′, groups R and R′ both contain a carbon atom bonded to sulfur. A variety of other organosulfur compounds are known of types R―S(=O)―X, Y―S(=O)―X, R―S(=O)₂―X, and Y―S(=O)₂―X, in which X and Y are elements other than carbon—e.g.,…
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In sulfoxides, R―S(=O)―R′, and sulfones, R―S(=O)₂―R′, groups R and R′ both contain a carbon atom bonded to sulfur. A variety of other organosulfur compounds are known of types R―S(=O)―X, Y―S(=O)―X, R―S(=O)₂―X, and Y―S(=O)₂―X, in which X and Y are elements other than carbon—e.g.,…
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