sulfone

[ suhl-fohn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a class of organic compounds containing the bivalent group –SO 2 –, united with two hydrocarbon groups.

sulfone

/ sŭl′fōn′ /

1. Any of various organic sulfur compounds having a sulfonyl group (SO 2 ) attached to two carbon atoms. Sulfones were formerly used to treat leprosy and tuberculosis, and are now used in making synthetic resins for wire coatings, automotive parts, and plumbing items.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulfone¹

1870–75; < German Sulfon; sulfur, -one