What is a sulfoxide?

Author: Leandro Alegsa

Q: What is a sulfoxide?


A: A sulfoxide is a molecule that has a sulfur atom bonded to two carbons and one oxygen atom.

Q: Where does sulfoxide come from?


A: Sulfoxide comes from oxidising thioethers without going all the way to the sulfone.

Q: What is the general formula for sulfoxides?


A: The general formula for sulfoxides is R–S(=O)–R'.

Q: What is the shape of the atom in sulfoxides?


A: The shape at the atom in sulfoxides is tetrahedral.

Q: Can sulfur be a chiral center in sulfoxides?


A: Yes, sulfur in sulfoxides can be a chiral center.

Q: What is dimethyl sulfoxide and what is its use?


A: Dimethyl sulfoxide, also known as DMSO, is an important sulfoxide molecule and is used as a solvent for many reactions, especially in biochemistry.

Q: Why are sulfoxides used as good ligands for transition metals?


A: Sulfoxides are used as good ligands for transition metals because of their ability to coordinate with metal ions due to the electron pair on the sulfur atom.


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