Sulphonyl Chlorides via Chlorosulphonation or Diazotisation

RBL has been able to offer reactions with chlorosulphonic acid since 1999 after the installation of a dedicated 2250L glass-lined reactor vessel. The facility is operated using purpose built scrubber systems and dedicated feedlines and controls to ensure safe handling of this extremely reactive reagent. The technology provides a route for achieving aromatic sulphonyl chlorides, which are key intermediates in the preparation of sulphonamides for the pharmaceutical industry. The sulphonyl chlorides are also useful intermediates for the manufacture of disulphides and substituted aromatic mercaptans. 

Diazonium reactions

The chlorosulphonation mechanism is not always applicable for the preparation of aromatic sulphonyl chlorides, depending on the nature or position of groups or atoms on the aromatic ring. In such circumstances, RBL is able to offer sulphonyl chlorides via diazotisation, where the reaction proceeds by formation of a diazonium salt and subsequent catalysed reaction with sulphur dioxide.