Sulfonium
Sulfonium compounds are a group of organic chemical compounds which contain a positively charged sulfur atom with three substituents. Their general structure is R1R2R3S , where R1, R2 and R3 is alkyl or aryl radicals. Their structure is pyramidal.
Representation
Sulfonium salts can be derived from thioethers by alkylation, eg, halogen alkanes produced in nonpolar solvents and isolated in substance.
Properties
Sulfonium salts are usually crystalline solids, which are stable in the absence of water. They are strong alkylating agent.
Occurrence
In nature they usually occur only as unstable intermediates. A biochemically relevant example is the methyl group transfer agent S- adenosylmethionine.
- Substance Group
- Organosulfur compound