sulfonic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a large group of organic compounds of the structure RSO 2 OH, which are strong acids that give neutral sodium salts: used in the synthesis of phenols, dyes, and other substances.

sulfonic acid

/ sŭl-fŏn′ĭk /

1. Any of several acids containing the group SO 3 H attached to an organic radical. Sulfonic acids and their salts are important in industry as catalysts in organic synthesis and in making sulfonamide drugs, detergents, and dyes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulfonic acid¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid found in many energy drinks due to its performance-enhancing properties.

From Seattle Times

The city closed the Haven well in May 2014 after high levels of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid were found in its water supply.

From Washington Times

The city closed the Pease base’s Haven well in May 2014 after high levels of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid were found in its water supply.

From Washington Times

The Haven well at the Pease base was closed in 2014 after the Air Force found levels of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid more than 12 times higher than the EPA’s Provisional Health Advisory.

From Washington Times

The other ingredients mainly seem to serve the purpose of window dressing and advertising. For instance there’s taurine, an amino acid with an unusual structure sporting a sulfonic acid group.

From Scientific American