1,3-Propane sultone

1,3-Propane sultone is the organosulfur compound with the formula (CH2)3SO3. It is a cyclic sulfonate ester, a class of compounds called sultones. It is a readily melting colorless solid.

Synthesis
It may be prepared by the acid catalyzed reaction of allyl alcohol and sodium bisulfite.

Reactions
1,3-propane sultone is an activated ester and is susceptible to nucleophilic attack. It hydrolyzes to the 3-hydroxypropylsulfonic acid.


 * Propane-1,3-sultone hydrolysis.svg

It has been used in the synthesis of specialist surfactants, such as CHAPS detergent.

Safety
Typical of activated esters, 1,3-propane sultone is an alkylating agent. 1,3-Propane sultone is toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic.