Sulfuryl Halide

any of several oxohalides of sulfur with the general formula SO₂X₂, where X represents a halogen. The

group is called the sulfuryl group or the sulfonyl group.

Sulfuryl fluoride, SO₂F₂, is a colorless gas that condenses to a liquid at – 55°C and solidifies at – 136°C; it is sparingly soluble in water and has low chemical reactivity (for example, it does not react with molten sodium).

Sulfuryl choride, SO₂C1₂, is a colorless, pungent liquid that boils at 69.2°C and solidifies at – 54.7°C. It fumes in air and is hydrolyzed according to the reaction

SO₂Cl₂ + 2H₂O = H₂SO₄ + 2HCl

Sulfuryl chloride is obtained by the reaction of SO₂ with Cl₂ in the presence of catalysts, such as activated carbon or camphor. It is used as a chlorinating agent in organic synthesis.

Mixed sulfuryl halides, such as sulfuryl chlorofluoride, SO₂C1F, are also known.