sulfonic acid

noun

: any of numerous acids that contain the SO3H group and may be derived from sulfuric acid by replacement of a hydroxyl group by either an inorganic anion or a monovalent organic group

Examples of sulfonic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s powered by exfoliating sulfonic acid (an exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells), as well as glycerin for a moisture boost, and chamomile to counteract any signs of irritation from the acid. — Lily Wohlner, Allure, 30 July 2025 Several foam samples had individual forever chemicals present at more than one million parts-per-trillion, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) — one of six PFAS explicitly regulated by the EPA. — Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Sep. 2025 The Environmental Protection Agency finalized an enforceable 4 parts per trillion (ppt) limit on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water. — Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 11 Apr. 2024 Wesley Smith, senior toxicologist with California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, told CalMatters that the agency is developing guidance for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, known as PFOS, although there is no timeline yet. — Calmatters, Mercury News, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulfonic acid was in 1873

Rhymes for sulfonic acid

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Browse Nearby Words

sulfonic
sulfonic acid
sulfonium
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Cite this Entry

“Sulfonic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfonic%20acid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

sulfonic acid

noun
: any of numerous acids that contain the SO3H group and may be derived from sulfuric acid by replacement of a hydroxyl group by either an inorganic anion or a monovalent organic group

More from Merriam-Webster on sulfonic acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sulfonic acid

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