S

Sulfolane

IUPAC: thiolane 1,1-dioxide

C4H8O2S Solvents CAS 126-33-0
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H8O2S
CAS Number126-33-0
Molecular Weight120.17
Melting Point79 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point545 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density1.26 at 86 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilityPartially miscible with octanes, olefins, naphthenes; miscible with water, Acetone, toluene at 30 °C
AppearanceSulfolane is a colorless oily liquid with a weak oily odor. Solidifies (freezing point is 79 °F) and sinks on first contact with water, then mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known Asthiolane 1,1-dioxide; 126-33-0; Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide; Tetramethylene sulfone; Sulfolan; Thiophene, tetrahydro-, 1,1-dioxide; 1,1-Dioxothiolan; Sulpholane; Sulfalone; Sulphoxaline
CategorySolvents

What is Sulfolane?

Sulfolane is a member of the class of tetrahydrothiophenes that is tetrahydrothiophene in which the sulfur has been oxidised to give the corresponding sulfone. A colourless, high-boiling (285C) liquid that is miscible with both water and hydrocarbons, it is used as an industrial solvent, particularly for the purification of hydrocarbon mixtures by liquid-vapour extraction. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent. It is a sulfone and a member of tetrahydrothiophenes. It derives from a hydride of a tetrahydrothiophene.

Formula & Notation

C4H8O2S

IUPAC Name: thiolane 1,1-dioxide

Other Names / Synonyms: thiolane 1,1-dioxide; 126-33-0; Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide; Tetramethylene sulfone; Sulfolan; Thiophene, tetrahydro-, 1,1-dioxide; 1,1-Dioxothiolan; Sulpholane; Sulfalone; Sulphoxaline

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Sulfolane is a colorless oily liquid with a weak oily odor. Solidifies (freezing point is 79 °F) and sinks on first contact with water, then mixes with water. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: C4H8O2S. Molecular weight: 120.17 g/mol. Boiling point: 545 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 79 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 1.26 at 86 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Partially miscible with octanes, olefins, naphthenes; miscible with water, Acetone, toluene at 30 °C. Vapor pressure: 0.0062 [mmHg]. LogP: -0.8.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point79 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point545 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density1.26 at 86 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight120.17
SolubilityPartially miscible with octanes, olefins, naphthenes; miscible with water, Acetone, toluene at 30 °C
AppearanceSulfolane is a colorless oily liquid with a weak oily odor. Solidifies (freezing point is 79 °F) and sinks on first contact with water, then mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

Uses & Applications

Used as a reaction solvent in organic synthesis, extraction solvent, cleaning agent, or in pharmaceutical manufacture.

Safety Information

Flammable solvent. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Use in well-ventilated area or fume hood. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Sulfolane
Formula C4H8O2S
CAS Number 126-33-0
Molecular Weight 120.17
Category Solvents
Synonyms thiolane 1,1-dioxide; 126-33-0; Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide; Tetramethylene sulfone; Sulfolan; Thiophene, tetrahydro-, 1,1-dioxide; 1,1-Dioxothiolan; Sulpholane; Sulfalone; Sulphoxaline

Frequently Asked Questions

Sulfolane is a member of the class of tetrahydrothiophenes that is tetrahydrothiophene in which the sulfur has been oxidised to give the corresponding sulfone. A colourless, high-boiling (285C) liquid that is miscible with both water and hydrocarbons, it is used as an industrial solvent, particularly for the purification of hydrocarbon mixtures by liquid-vapour extraction. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent. It is a sulfone and a member of tetrahydrothiophenes. It derives from a hydride of a tetrahydrothiophene.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.