Sulfonation processes

Sulfonation is a chemical process where a sulfonic acid group (–SO₃H) is added to an organic compound, often aromatic rings like benzene. This is typically achieved by exposing the compound to sulfuric acid or related compounds under controlled conditions. The process modifies the compound's properties, such as increasing its water solubility or altering its reactivity, which is useful in manufacturing dyes, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Essentially, sulfonation introduces a functional group that enhances or enables specific chemical behaviors for industrial applications.