Sulfonates are a class of chemical compounds that contain a sulfonate group (-SO₃⁻) attached to an organic moiety. They are salts or esters of sulfonic acids (R–SO₃H). Sulfonates are widely used in detergents, surfactants, emulsifiers, and industrial chemicals because the sulfonate group imparts water solubility, ionic character, and surface activity.
 
Applications: Detergents, surfactants, emulsifiers, soaps, personal care, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals
Appearance:  Powder, crystalline solid, liquid, or paste; usually white or pale yellow
Solubility:  Highly water-soluble; limited solubility in nonpolar solvents
pH Range: Neutral to mildly alkaline (varies with counterion)
Chemical Formula: General: R–SO₃⁻ M⁺ (organic group + sulfonate ion)
Cas. No: Varies per compound (e.g., 25155‑30‑0 for sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate)