sulfanilic acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sulfanilic acid” mean?
A white crystalline organic acid used as a chemical intermediate in dye production and analytical chemistry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white crystalline organic acid used as a chemical intermediate in dye production and analytical chemistry.
Specifically, it is the compound p-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, where an amino group is positioned para (opposite) to a sulfonic acid group on a benzene ring. It is a key precursor to many azo dyes and pharmaceuticals, and forms diazonium salts used in chemical tests.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling: 'sulph-' is the British English standard, while 'sulf-' is American English. The chemical name is otherwise identical in usage.
Connotations
None beyond the chemical and industrial contexts.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialized chemical literature and industry.
Grammar
How to Use “sulfanilic acid” in a Sentence
[compound] is prepared from [precursor][compound] is used in the synthesis of [product][compound] reacts with [reagent] to form [product]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulfanilic acid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The aniline was sulphonated to yield sulph-anilic acid.
American English
- The aniline was sulfonated to yield sulfanilic acid.
adverb
British English
- The compound reacted sulfanilically, forming the characteristic colour.
American English
- The compound reacted sulfanilically, forming the characteristic color.
adjective
British English
- The sulph-anilic acid solution was prepared for the test.
American English
- The sulfanilic acid reagent is stored in the dark.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts related to the chemical manufacturing, dye, or pharmaceutical industries (e.g., 'The price of sulfanilic acid feedstock has risen.').
Academic
Central in organic chemistry, industrial chemistry, and analytical chemistry research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in lab procedures, chemical patents, safety data sheets, and industrial process descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulfanilic acid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulfanilic acid”
- Misspelling as 'sulfanillic' (double 'l').
- Confusing it with 'sulfanilamide', a medicinal derivative.
- Mispronouncing with stress on 'fan' (/ˈsʌlfənɪlɪk/) instead of on 'nil' (/ˌsʌlfəˈnɪlɪk/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a laboratory chemical, it can be irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be consulted and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) used.
Sulfanilic acid has a sulfonic acid group (-SO3H). Sulfanilamide is a derivative where this group is converted to a sulfonamide (-SO2NH2), giving it antibacterial properties.
'Sulf-' is the standard International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommendation and American English spelling. 'Sulph-' is the traditional British English spelling, though the scientific community increasingly uses 'sulf-'.
Not directly. It is an intermediate, so it is used to make other chemicals (like dyes or drugs) that may end up in products, but the acid itself is not a consumer product.
A white crystalline organic acid used as a chemical intermediate in dye production and analytical chemistry.
Sulfanilic acid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Sulfanilic acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌlfəˈnɪlɪk ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌlfəˈnɪlɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SULFur + ANILine + IC Acid = SULFANILIC ACID, an acid made from aniline (a benzene derivative) and containing sulfur.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this highly technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of sulfanilic acid?