sulfoxide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sulfoxide” mean?
A chemical compound containing a sulfur atom bonded to two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing a sulfur atom bonded to two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.
In biochemistry and pharmacology, the term often refers specifically to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a polar organic compound used as a solvent and for its medicinal properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is spelling. UK conventions favour 'sulphoxide', while US spelling uses 'sulfoxide'. This follows the broader pattern of sulphur/sulfur.
Connotations
None beyond the scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage in both regions, but standard within relevant scientific fields. The spelling difference is strict in formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “sulfoxide” in a Sentence
The [compound] oxidised to form a sulfoxide.The reaction yielded a chiral sulfoxide.DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a common [solvent].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulfoxide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sulphoxide derivative was more stable.
- A key sulphoxide intermediate was isolated.
American English
- The sulfoxide derivative was more stable.
- A key sulfoxide intermediate was isolated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like pharmaceutical manufacturing or chemical supply.
Academic
Standard in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and materials science journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely to describe a specific class of chemical compounds or the solvent DMSO.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulfoxide”
- Misspelling as 'sulphoxide' in American English contexts.
- Using 'sulfoxide' as a general term for any sulfur compound.
- Incorrect pronunciation with stress on the first syllable (/ˈsʌlfəksaɪd/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A sulfoxide has one oxygen atom double-bonded to sulfur (S=O), while a sulfone has two oxygen atoms double-bonded to sulfur (O=S=O).
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is one specific, well-known compound within the broader class of chemicals called sulfoxides.
In British English: /sʌlˈfɒksaɪd/ (sul-FOK-side). In American English: /sʌlˈfɑːksaɪd/ (sul-FAHK-side). The stress is on the second syllable.
Use 'sulfoxide' for American English and most international scientific journals. Use 'sulphoxide' for UK English contexts. Consistency within a document is key.
A chemical compound containing a sulfur atom bonded to two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.
Sulfoxide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SULFur + OXide = SULFOXIDE. A compound where sulfur is bonded to oxygen.
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable for this highly technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common everyday reference to a sulfoxide?