Sulfolane (C₄H₈O₂S) – Premium Industrial-Grade Supplier
Discover high-purity sulfolane, a versatile polar aprotic solvent renowned for its thermal stability and solvency power. With CAS number 126-33-0, our sulfolane provides exceptional extraction efficiency and compatibility in demanding processes. Crucial for petrochemical refining, polymer manufacturing, and pharmaceutical synthesis, it offers superior selectivity and low volatility. Produced with sustainability in mind, our product complies with global quality and regulatory standards.
Key Properties
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid.
- Molecular Weight: 120.17 g/mol.
- Boiling Point: 285°C at 760 mmHg.
- Melting Point: 27.4-27.8°C.
- Density: 1.261 g/cm³ at 30°C.
- Flash Point: 165°C (open cup).
- Purity: 99.5% minimum, low water content for optimal performance.
These attributes render sulfolane ideal for high-temperature and selective dissolution tasks.
Primary Applications
Sulfolane drives innovation in extraction and synthesis across industries. Key uses include:
- Petrochemical Extraction: Excels in BTX (benzene-toluene-xylene) separation from reformate streams, achieving 99% recovery rates.
- Polymer Processing: Serves as a solvent in polyacrylonitrile spinning, enhancing fiber uniformity and tensile strength by 15-20%.
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Facilitates reactions like sulfonation, improving yield in API production through precise solvency.
- Dye and Agrochemicals: Aids in purification of colorants and pesticides, reducing impurities by 10-15% in crystallization steps.
- Gas Sweetening: Removes H₂S and CO₂ from natural gas, boosting process efficiency in amine systems.
Our sulfolane enables seamless integration for both batch and continuous operations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (GC Area %) | ≥99.5% | Gas Chromatography |
| Water Content | ≤0.1% | Karl Fischer |
| Color (Pt/Co) | ≤10 | Spectrophotometry |
| Acid Number (mg KOH/g) | ≤0.1 | Titration |
| Density (30°C) | 1.260-1.262 g/mL | Pycnometry |
| Refractive Index (25°C) | 1.442-1.445 | Refractometry |
Custom formulations available to suit specific process needs.
Why Choose Our Sulfolane?
Integrate our sulfolane for enhanced reliability and efficiency. It delivers:
- Thermal Resilience: Stable up to 300°C, minimizing degradation and extending equipment life.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets REACH, TSCA, and FDA guidelines for safe industrial and pharmaceutical use.
- Cost-Effective Solvency: High selectivity reduces solvent volumes, cutting operational expenses by 10-20%.
- Eco-Friendly Profile: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions, supporting green chemistry initiatives.
Comprehensive quality testing ensures dependable results every time.
Safety and Handling
Sulfolane is mildly toxic with low acute oral toxicity (LD50 >2,000 mg/kg in rats), but prolonged skin contact may cause irritation or dermatitis. Inhalation of vapors can lead to eye and respiratory irritation, while high exposures risk central nervous system effects like dizziness. It is combustible (flash point 165°C) and decomposes above 400°C, potentially releasing SO₂. Harmful to aquatic life (LC50 500-1,000 mg/L), with moderate persistence. Handle in ventilated areas with PPE including nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats. Store in cool, dry conditions below 40°C in HDPE or stainless steel containers, away from strong oxidizers. For spills, absorb with vermiculite and rinse residues; monitor air quality. Consult SDS for detailed exposure limits and first aid measures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is sulfolane primarily used for in the petrochemical industry?
Sulfolane acts as an extractive solvent in aromatic hydrocarbon separation, efficiently isolating BTX from aliphatic mixtures with high selectivity and minimal energy input.
Is sulfolane soluble in water?
It exhibits limited miscibility, with solubility of about 10% w/w at 25°C, making it suitable for aqueous-organic extractions without phase separation issues.
What are the main health concerns with sulfolane exposure?
It may irritate skin and eyes upon contact; chronic inhalation could affect the nervous system. Use protective equipment and ensure good ventilation to prevent accumulation.
How does sulfolane benefit polymer manufacturing?
As a high-boiling solvent, it dissolves polymers like PAN without degradation, promoting even dope preparation for superior fiber and film quality.
What purity grades are available for industrial sulfolane?
Our standard is 99.5% pure, with electronic-grade options up to 99.9% for sensitive applications, including full traceability documentation.
What are optimal storage conditions for sulfolane?
Store in sealed containers at ambient temperatures under nitrogen to avoid oxidation; it remains stable for 24 months with low moisture control.
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