Pw Smith, A. R. Tatchell
1969
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Abstract
The typical examples of aromatic sulfonic acids are benzenesulfonic acid, C 6 H 5 .SO 3 H, and the toluene- o -, m -, or p -sulfonic acids. The aromatic sulfonic acids are colorless, low melting solids. They are exceedingly water soluble and frequently crystallize in a hydrated form. They are strongly acidic, being comparable with sulfuric acid, and may, often with advantage, replace it as the catalyst in, for example, esterification reactions. Sulfonic acid derivatives are of considerable importance in the dyestuffs industry as the result of the increased water-solubility, which the sulfonic acid group confers. Benzene is converted into benzenesulfonic acid by treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid at 60-70°. The partial neutralization of the diluted reaction mixture with sodium bicarbonate, saturation of the hot solution with sodium chloride and cooling, results in the crystallization of crude sodium benzenesulfonate. The product may be further purified by recrystallization from saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. Many of the reactions of benzenesulfonic acid may be carried out using the sodium salt.