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Methanesulfonic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
CH4O3S
CAS number
75-75-2
IUPAC name
methanesulfonic acid
State
State

Methanesulfonic acid is a liquid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
20.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
293.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
167.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
440.15
General information
Molecular weight
96.11g/mol
Molar mass
96.1070g/mol
Density
1.4810g/cm3
Appearence

Methanesulfonic acid is a colorless or slightly yellow liquid. It is hygroscopic and highly soluble in water.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Methanesulfonic Acid

Methanesulfonic acid, with the chemical formula CH33H, is a strong acid known for its remarkable solubility in various solvents. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Methanesulfonic acid is highly soluble in water, reflecting its ionic nature and the ability to form hydrogen bonds. It readily dissociates, contributing to its acidic character.
  • Organic Solvents: It also exhibits good solubility in many polar organic solvents, such as methanol, acetone, and ethanol, which makes it suitable for diverse applications.
  • Pure Organic Solvents: In less polar solvents, solubility may decrease, yet methanesulfonic acid remains more soluble than some other strong acids.

Due to its excellent solubility profile, one can state that "methanesulfonic acid is versatile" and can be easily integrated into various chemical processes. Understanding its solubility aids in predicting its behavior in both laboratory and industrial settings.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Methanesulfonic Acid

Methanesulfonic acid, often abbreviated as MSA, is an intriguing compound that showcases the unique characteristics of sulfonic acids. Below are some fascinating insights about this versatile substance:

  • Strong Acidity: MSA is known for its high acidity, which makes it a strong acidic proton donor. This property is essential in various chemical reactions, providing a robust environment for catalysis.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Compared to other strong acids, methanesulfonic acid is considered to be more environmentally benign. Its degradation products are less harmful, making it a preferred choice in many green chemistry applications.
  • Application Spectrum: MSA finds applications across multiple fields such as:
    • Chemical Synthesis: Used in the synthesis of various organic compounds.
    • Electrolyte in Fuel Cells: Acts as an efficient electrolyte in certain types of fuel cells.
    • Use in Pharmaceuticals: Employed as an intermediate in drug formulation.
  • Non-Volatile: Unlike other strong acids, MSA is non-volatile, meaning it does not evaporate easily. This characteristic enhances its usability in processes that require stability.
  • Comparison with Sulfuric Acid: While both MSA and sulfuric acid are strong acids, MSA is often favored in certain organic reactions due to its more manageable properties and lower corrosiveness.

In conclusion, methanesulfonic acid is not just another strong acid; it represents a blend of effectiveness and environmental consciousness, making it a valuable tool for chemists in diverse industrial applications.

Synonyms
METHANESULFONIC ACID
75-75-2
Methylsulfonic acid
Methanesulphonic acid
Mesylate
Mesylic acid
Sulfomethane
Kyselina methansulfonova
Methansulfonsaeure
NSC 3718
CCRIS 2783
HSDB 5004
EINECS 200-898-6
METHANE SULFONIC ACID
MsOH
MFCD00007518
BRN 1446024
DTXSID4026422
MSA
UNII-12EH9M7279
CHEBI:27376
AI3-28532
NSC-3718
12EH9M7279
DTXCID806422
NSC3718
EC 200-898-6
4-04-00-00010 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
J1.465F
Methanesulfonicacid
ammoniummethanesulfonate
METHANESULFONIC ACID (II)
METHANESULFONIC ACID [II]
Kyselina methansulfonova [Czech]
CH4O3S
Alkanesulfonate
metanesulfonic acid
methansulfonic acid
Aliphatic sulfonate
methansulphonic acid
methylsulphonic acid
03S
methyl sulfonic acid
methyl-sulfonic acid
methane-sulfonic acid
MeSO3H
methane sulphonic acid
methanesulphonic-acid-
LACTIC ACID(DL)
CH3SO2OH
H3CSO3H
WLN: WSQ1
Methanesulfonic acid solution
Methanesulfonic acid, 99.5%
Methanesulfonic acid, anhydrous
CHEMBL3039600
Methanesulfonic Acid (CH3SO3H)
METHANESULFONIC ACID [MI]
Methanesulfonic acid, HPLC grade
Methanesulfonic acid, >=99.0%
METHANESULFONIC ACID [HSDB]
Tox21_201073
STL264182
AKOS009146947
AT25153
CAS-75-75-2
NCGC00248914-01
NCGC00258626-01
BP-12823
FA164682
FM158427
DB-075013
M0093
M2059
Methanesulfonic acid - 70% aqueous solution
NS00004472
EN300-29198
Methanesulfonic acid, >=99.0%, ReagentPlus(R)
Methanesulfonic acid, for HPLC, >=99.5% (T)
A934985
Q414168
Methanesulfonic acid, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
F1908-0093
Z281776238
InChI=1/CH4O3S/c1-5(2,3)4/h1H3,(H,2,3,4
200-898-6