8955. Sulfolane

Nomenclature

CAS number: 126-33-0
Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide; tetrahydrothiophene 1-dioxide; thiophan sulfone.
C4H8O2S; mol wt 120.17.
C 39.98%, H 6.71%, O 26.63%, S 26.68%.

Description and references

Prepn by catalytic hydrogenation of sulfolene oxides: Mahan, Fauske, US 2578565 (1951 to Phillips Petroleum); from butadiene and sulfur dioxide: Staaterman et al., Chem. Eng. Prog. 43, 148 (1947); Evans, Morris, US 2360859 (1944 to Shell). Toxicity study: H. F. Smyth et al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30, 470 (1962).

Chemical structure

Properties

Liquid, d430 1.2606. mp 27.4-27.8°. bp760 285°. nD30 1.481. Viscosity at 30° = 10.34 cP. Flash pt, open cup: 350°F (176°C). At 30°, miscible with water, acetone, toluene; partially misc with octanes, olefins and naphthenes. LD50 orally in rats: 1.54 ml/kg (Smyth).

Use

Selective solvent for liquid-vapor extractions.