Sulfolane

Sulfolane (CAS 126-33-0), also known as thiophane dioxide, is a high-boiling, water-miscible polar aprotic solvent used across extraction, purification, and reaction processes in demanding industrial applications.

Its thermal stability and selectivity make it a preferred solvent where conventional options fall short. In natural gas and refinery operations, it is the active solvent in the Sulfinol and other licensed processes.

This chemical is essential for removing hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from gas streams. Petrochemical producers use it in aromatic extraction units, particularly BTX separation, where it selectively recovers benzene, toluene, and xylene.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on it as a reaction solvent for synthesis steps requiring a stable, high-polarity medium. It is particularly useful in environments that must tolerate strong bases and nucleophiles during production.

In electronics, it is used in electrolyte formulations and as a processing solvent where low volatility is critical. Chemical inertness ensures product consistency in these highly sensitive manufacturing environments.

The product is supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, typically in drum, IBC, and bulk quantities. Technical grade is the standard commercial offering, with high-purity grades available for specialized applications.

Specifications commonly reference purity by GC, water content, and color (APHA) depending on the end-use requirement. This ensures the material meets the rigorous demands of both the pharmaceutical and electronics industries.