sulfuryl group: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Very Low FrequencyHighly technical, formal
Quick answer
What does “sulfuryl group” mean?
The bivalent molecular group SO₂ (sulfur dioxide group) bound to two other atoms or groups.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The bivalent molecular group SO₂ (sulfur dioxide group) bound to two other atoms or groups.
A functional group in inorganic and organic chemistry consisting of a sulfur atom double-bonded to two oxygen atoms (O=S=O) and forming two additional bonds to other atoms, often as part of reagents (e.g., sulfuryl chloride) or in enzyme chemistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English prefers 'sulphuryl', while American English uses 'sulfuryl'. Pronunciation follows the spelling difference.
Connotations
None beyond the spelling variation. The chemical concept is identical.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both dialects, used almost exclusively in chemistry contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sulfuryl group” in a Sentence
[compound] with a sulfuryl group[verb] the sulfuryl group to [substrate]the sulfuryl group of [molecule name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulfuryl group” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sulphury group transfer reaction was catalysed by the enzyme.
American English
- The sulfuryl group transfer reaction was catalyzed by the enzyme.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced chemistry textbooks and research papers, particularly in inorganic, organic, and bioorganic chemistry contexts.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in specialized chemical synthesis, mechanistic studies, and descriptions of reagents like sulfuryl chloride (SO₂Cl₂).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulfuryl group”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulfuryl group”
- Misspelling as 'sulphuryl' in American contexts or 'sulfuryl' in British academic writing where local conventions apply.
- Confusing it with the similar-sounding 'sulfinyl group' (S=O) or 'sulfonyl group' (R-SO₂-R').
- Using it in non-chemical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sulfate group is SO₄²⁻ (a tetrahedral anion). A sulfuryl group is SO₂ as a bivalent unit, as in SO₂Cl₂.
It is the key functional unit in sulfuryl chloride (SO₂Cl₂), an important chlorinating and sulfonating agent.
Yes, but rarely. It is involved in key enzymatic transfer reactions, such as those catalyzed by sulfurylases, which transfer SO₃ (not SO₂) from APS (adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate), where the transferred group is sometimes conceptually related.
It follows the different elemental spellings: 'sulfur' (AmE) vs. 'sulphur' (BrE). The IUPAC standard uses 'sulfur-', but traditional British publications may still use 'sulphur-'.
The bivalent molecular group SO₂ (sulfur dioxide group) bound to two other atoms or groups.
Sulfuryl group is usually highly technical, formal in register.
Sulfuryl group: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlfjʊrɪl ˌɡruːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlfjərɪl ˌɡrup/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sulfur' with two 'y's reaching out to bind things: Sulfur-Y-L. The Y's look like arms, and the group is O=S=O.
Conceptual Metaphor
A central hub (sulfur) with two strong, rigid connections (double-bonded oxygens) and two flexible connection points for other components.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary difference between a sulfuryl group and a sulfonyl group?