Sulfonyls

Enabler for biodiesel manufacturing from recycled feedstocks

Arkema offers innovative thiochemical solutions which allow biodiesel manufacturers to produce the highest quality of biodiesel in a safe and cost-effective manner. MSA LC (Low Corrosion) is a strong acid that can be used as an acidulation or neutralization agent, or as a (trans)esterification catalyst that improves yield for biodiesel producers.This allows the use of  advantaged feedstocks like waste oils or animal fats, while significantly reducing the corrosivity toward stainless steel materials.

(TIN) electroplating: fewer side reactions and higher performance

E-Pure MSA^® replaces most classical acids used in Sn or Sn/Pb electroplating baths, and frees processes from toxic lead and hazardous fluoborates. With E-Pure MSA^®, bath can operate with lower metal content and allows for reduced waste, sludge and fewer residues and effluents. E-Pure MSA^® also offers the possibility to recycle electrolytes.

Q1:  What are sulfonyls?

Sulfonyl derivatives are a class of chemical compounds characterized by the presence of the sulfonyl functional group (-SO2-). This group consists of a sulfur atom double-bonded to two oxygen atoms and is commonly attached to an organic moiety. Sulfonyls exhibit diverse chemical properties and find extensive use in various industries.

Arkema sulfonyls range covers several grades of Methane Sulfonic Acid, first alkane sulfonic acid and Methanesulfonyl chloride.

Q2: How are sulfonyls utilized in industrial applications?

Sulfonyls play a crucial role in numerous industrial processes and applications. They are employed as intermediates in organic synthesis, serving as building blocks for the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. Additionally, sulfonyls are utilized as reagents in chemical reactions, electrolytes in plating industry and as components in polymer chemistry, materials science and cleaning formulations.

Q3: What are the key characteristics of sulfonyls?

Sulfonyls are known for their exceptional stability and chemical reactivity, making them valuable components in synthetic chemistry.

Methanesulfonic acid displays strong acidity, great solubility in aqueous media and its salts can be soluble in high concentrations versus respective sulfates. Its non-oxidative profile and great thermal stability makes it a great brönsted acid catalyst for a variety of reactions with the advantage of selectivity improvement and better coloration of resulting products.

Methanesulfonic acid is biodegradable and part of natural cycle of organic sulfur. It is often considered as a bio-acid.

Methanesulfonyl chloride is a versatile building block used in pharmaceutical industry as well as in agrochemicals manufacturing, used to introduce the methanesulfonyl moiety on other reactive molecules: ie through reaction with alcohol (forming methanesulfonate), amine ( forming methanesulfonamide), alkynes (forming chlorosulfones) etc.

Methanesulfonylchloride is readily hydrolyzed  in the environment, generating Methane sulfonic acid and HCl, and is then biodegraded as methanesulfonic acid.

Q4: How do sulfonyls contribute to the pharmaceutical industry?

Sulfonyls are extensively used in pharmaceutical synthesis, where they serve as essential intermediates in the production of various drugs. Their unique chemical structure enables the creation of complex molecular scaffolds, facilitating the development of novel therapeutic agents with improved efficacy and selectivity.

The salification of amine bearing API is a specific application in which anhydrous methanesulfonic acid is used extensively. It enables the production of high solubility API salts improving its bioavailability in the organism. Its strong acidity but non oxidative profile makes it a good counter ion candidate for a variety of weak and strong bases. It thus compares favorably versus most organic acids (weaker acids) and versus inorganic acids displaying handling issues.

Q5: Are sulfonyls environmentally friendly?

Methanesulfonic acid is greatly appreciated for its environmentally friendly properties, being readily biodegradable with low Chemical Oxygen Demand and not bringing any nitrate or phosphate to the environment (known for their consequences on waterways eutrophication phenomenon).

Methanesulfonic acid is part of natural cycle of organic sulfur and often considered as a bio-acid.

Its thermal stability makes it possible to be recycled in some processes as well.

Q6: Can Arkema provide customized sulfonyls for specific applications?

Yes, Arkema is dedicated to assist customers and partners in their developments and is able to adjust its sulfonyles portfolio to make sure we deliver the required quality to the most stringent markets.

We also innovate by developing MSA Low Corrosion  grade  (MSA LC) so that our customers can use more economic materials in their installation to store and still benefit from unique methanesulfonic acid performances.

Q7: How do I request further information or inquire about Arkema's sulfonyls?

To learn more about Arkema's sulfonyls or to discuss your specific requirements, please contact our sales team using the provided contact information. We are dedicated to providing personalized assistance and prompt responses to address your inquiries effectively.