sulfuryl chloride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sulfuryl chloride” mean?
A toxic, corrosive inorganic compound with the formula SO₂Cl₂, used as a chlorinating and sulfonating agent in chemical synthesis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A toxic, corrosive inorganic compound with the formula SO₂Cl₂, used as a chlorinating and sulfonating agent in chemical synthesis.
In industrial and laboratory contexts, it refers to a reagent for introducing chlorine or sulfuryl groups into molecules; also used in the production of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English predominantly uses 'sulphuryl chloride'. American English uses 'sulfuryl chloride'.
Connotations
None beyond the technical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialist literature and industry.
Grammar
How to Use “sulfuryl chloride” in a Sentence
[Substance] is treated with sulfuryl chlorideSulfuryl chloride reacts with [compound]The chlorination was performed using sulfuryl chlorideVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A chemical commodity traded for industrial synthesis; mentioned in supply chain and safety compliance documents.
Academic
A key reagent discussed in organic chemistry journals and textbooks for electrophilic chlorination reactions.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard reagent for converting alcohols to alkyl chlorides or for sulfonylation reactions; requires strict control of moisture and temperature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulfuryl chloride”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulfuryl chloride”
- Misspelling as 'sulphuryl chloride' in American contexts or 'sulfuryl chlorid'.
- Incorrectly assuming it is a safe, common chemical.
- Mispronouncing 'sulfuryl' with stress on the second syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly toxic, corrosive, and reacts violently with water, releasing toxic gases. It requires specialist handling in a fume hood.
Sulfuryl chloride is SO₂Cl₂, used for chlorination and sulfonylation. Thionyl chloride is SOCl₂, primarily used to convert carboxylic acids and alcohols to acid chlorides and alkyl chlorides, respectively.
It must be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in a tightly sealed container, away from moisture and incompatible materials like water, alcohols, and bases.
It is used in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical (pesticide manufacturing), and specialty chemical industries for synthesis.
A toxic, corrosive inorganic compound with the formula SO₂Cl₂, used as a chlorinating and sulfonating agent in chemical synthesis.
Sulfuryl chloride is usually technical/scientific in register.
Sulfuryl chloride: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlfjʊrɪl ˈklɔːraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlfjərɪl ˈklɔːraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link 'sulfuryl' to sulfur (like the element) and 'yl' common in chemistry (like methyl), and 'chloride' to chlorine. Think: 'Sulfur-YL with Chlorine' makes SO₂Cl₂.
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary use of sulfuryl chloride?