sulfonate

American  

[suhl-fuh-neyt] / ˈsʌl fəˌneɪt /

noun

1. an ester or salt derived from a sulfonic acid.

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verb (used with object)

sulfonated, sulfonating

1. to make into a sulfonic acid, as by treating an aromatic hydrocarbon with concentrated sulfuric acid.

2. to introduce the sulfonic group into (an organic compound).

sulfonate Scientific  

/ sŭl′fə-nāt′ /

1. A salt or ester of sulfonic acid, containing the group SO ₃ H.

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Other Word Forms

• unsulfonated adjective

Etymology

Origin of sulfonate

1875–80; sulfon(ic acid) + -ate ¹ or -ate ²

Example Sentences

These groups act like a molecular bucket brigade to grab positively charged potassium ions and quickly pass them to the next tethered sulfonate in line, helping the ions zip through the membrane virtually unimpeded.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 26, 2023

What chemical reactions occur when you put them together or add a surfactant, such as C12-16 pareth or alkylbenzene sulfonate?

From Washington Post • Aug. 23, 2021

The ionic end can be either a sulfate or a sulfonate.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

The Rutland Herald reports elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl sulfonate, or PFAS, were found in two wells that serve the Rutland Airport Business Park.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 4, 2018

PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonate, produced by 3M and used in Scotchgard, was phased out in 2001, but remains the predominant PFC in the environment.

From Scientific American • Mar. 14, 2013