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Sodium benzenesulfinate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H5NaO2S
CAS number
873-55-2
IUPAC name
sodium;benzenesulfinate
State
State

Sodium benzenesulfinate is typically in a solid state at room temperature. It consists of a stable crystalline powder that remains solid under standard conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
250.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
523.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
645.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
918.15
General information
Molecular weight
164.17g/mol
Molar mass
164.1700g/mol
Density
1.4850g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium benzenesulfinate appears as a white to slightly beige crystalline powder. It is generally odorless and has a hygroscopic nature, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of sodium benzenesulfinate

Sodium benzenesulfinate, a compound with the formula C6H5NaO3S, exhibits notable solubility characteristics in various solvents. Understanding its solubility can be crucial for applications in organic synthesis and the chemical industry.

Solubility in Water

Sodium benzenesulfinate is highly soluble in water due to the presence of the polar sulfonate group (-SO3Na), which interacts favorably with water molecules. The solubility can be described as:

  • High Solubility: It readily dissolves in water, making it useful in aqueous reactions.

Solubility in Organic Solvents

When considering organic solvents, the solubility profile may vary significantly:

  • Polar Organic Solvents: It is generally soluble in polar solvents like ethanol and methanol, which can stabilize the ionic form.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: However, sodium benzenesulfinate is expected to be less soluble or insoluble in non-polar solvents like hexane or toluene due to the lack of favorable interactions.

Factors Influencing Solubility

Several factors can affect the solubility of sodium benzenesulfinate:

  • Temperature: Increased temperature tends to enhance solubility in liquids, including water.
  • pH Level: Variations in pH can influence the ionization and hence the solubility.

In conclusion, sodium benzenesulfinate exhibits excellent solubility characteristics in polar media, particularly water, while showing limited solubility in non-polar solvents. This property makes it a versatile reagent with many practical applications in the field of chemistry.

Interesting facts

Exploring Sodium Benzenesulfinate

Sodium Benzenesulfinate is an intriguing compound that is widely recognized in the field of organic chemistry for its applications and unique properties. Here are some fascinating aspects that highlight its significance:

  • Role as a Reducing Agent: Sodium Benzenesulfinate is commonly used as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions, particularly in the reduction of nitro compounds to amines. This property makes it a valuable tool in synthetic organic chemistry.
  • Application in Sulfonation Reactions: It serves as a source of the benzenesulfinate ion, which can be utilized in sulfonation reactions to introduce sulfonic acid groups into aromatic compounds, enhancing their reactivity and solubility.
  • Precursor to Sulfonate Esters: This compound acts as a precursor in the formation of sulfonate esters, which find applications in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
  • Stability and Storage: Due to its stability under ambient conditions, Sodium Benzenesulfinate can be stored for extended periods, making it a convenient reagent in laboratories.
  • Biological Relevance: Research shows that some derivatives of benzenesulfinate may possess antimicrobial properties, suggesting a potential for use in medical applications, such as developing new antibiotics.

As the esteemed chemist Linus Pauling once said, “The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” Sodium Benzenesulfinate exemplifies this notion by opening doors to various research avenues and industrial applications. Its versatility not only makes it a staple in labs but also a compound of interest for future innovations in organic synthesis.

In conclusion, Sodium Benzenesulfinate is more than just a chemical compound; it's a gateway to understanding complex chemical processes and a vital ingredient in the vast world of synthetic organic chemistry.