|
HS Code |
519830 |
| Chemicalname | Chlorosulfonic acid |
| Chemicalformula | HSO3Cl |
| Molarmass | 116.52 g/mol |
| Casnumber | 7790-94-5 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid |
| Density | 1.75 g/cm³ |
| Meltingpoint | -80 °C |
| Boilingpoint | 151 °C |
| Solubilityinwater | Reacts violently |
| Odor | Pungent, suffocating |
| Vaporpressure | 13 hPa at 20 °C |
| Refractiveindex | 1.468 |
| Ph | Strongly acidic |
| Flashpoint | Non-flammable |
| Unnumber | 1754 |
As an accredited Chlorosulfonic acid factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Chlorosulfonic acid is packaged in a 2.5-liter amber glass bottle with a secure, chemical-resistant cap and appropriate hazard labeling. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | Chlorosulfonic acid is shipped in 20′ FCL ISO tanks or drums, securely packed, complying with hazardous material transport regulations. |
| Shipping | Chlorosulfonic acid must be shipped in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers, clearly labeled with hazard warnings. Transport is strictly regulated; it requires secure packaging to prevent leaks and protection from water and incompatible substances. Shipments should comply with international and local hazardous material regulations, ensuring emergency procedures and documentation accompany the cargo. |
| Storage | Chlorosulfonic acid should be stored in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials, such as glass or certain plastics, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture, heat, and incompatible substances like organic materials, water, and bases. The storage area should be equipped with secondary containment, corrosion-resistant shelving, and clear hazard labeling to prevent accidental exposure or chemical reactions. |
| Shelf Life | Chlorosulfonic acid has a stable shelf life of at least 2 years when stored tightly sealed in a cool, dry place. |
Applications of Chlorosulfonic Acid in Industrial ManufacturingOur chlorosulfonic acid is utilized as a critical intermediate and catalyst in several core manufacturing sectors, supporting key transformations where sulfonation, chlorination, or the generation of sulfonic acid groups is required. Below, we detail primary downstream application scenarios based on real industrial uses, focusing on differentiated processes and compliance requirements in each field. 1. Sulfonation Agent in Detergent Surfactant ManufacturingMajor detergent and surfactant producers leverage chlorosulfonic acid to introduce sulfonic acid groups into linear alkylbenzenes, creating linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA). This step forms the foundation for producing biodegradable anionic surfactants used in modern laundry and cleaning formulations. Manufacturers must control sulfonation kinetics and manage reaction exothermicity for batch or continuous systems, ensuring neither over-sulfonation nor unwanted chlorination occurs. Industry compliance standards
Typical usage ratio
Downstream process integration
Final product types
2. Chemical Intermediate in Agrochemical ProductionLeading agrochemical synthesis plants deploy chlorosulfonic acid to sulfochlorinate aromatic hydrocarbons, yielding aromatic sulfonyl chlorides used in the production of herbicide and pesticide actives. Precision is critical in this stage, as sulfonation directly influences bioactive specificity and downstream functionalization. This reaction generally precedes amination or condensation in proprietary crop protection compound synthesis. Industry compliance standards
Typical usage ratio
Downstream process integration
Final product types
3. Catalyst in Pharmaceutical Sulfonamide SynthesisPharmaceutical manufacturers integrate chlorosulfonic acid in the synthesis of sulfonamide core structures, catalyzing direct sulfonation of anilines and heterocyclic compounds under tightly controlled cGMP conditions. This enables the scalable production of sulfa drug APIs and sulfonamide intermediates, where impurity profiles, reaction selectivity, and residual acid removal require rigorous process validation and analytical tracking. Industry compliance standards
Typical usage ratio
Downstream process integration
Final product types
4. Synthesis of Dye IntermediatesDye manufacturers apply chlorosulfonic acid in the production of sulfonated aromatic intermediates for azo and anthraquinone dye classes. Selective sulfonation or chlorosulfonation imparts water solubility, required for application in textile and leather dyeing. The acid acts early in the process, ensuring the resultant dye has precise solubilizing groups and color-fastness while avoiding over-sulfonation that impacts hue fidelity during scale-up. Industry compliance standards
Typical usage ratio
Downstream process integration
Final product types
5. Synthesis of Ion-Exchange Resin MonomersIndustrial polymerization plants utilize chlorosulfonic acid to introduce sulfonic acid groups into styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers, forming cation-exchange resin monomers. This functionalization step defines the exchange capacity and selectivity of the resulting resin, foundational in water treatment, industrial purification, and pharmaceutical separation applications. The process requires strict moisture and temperature control to prevent resin degradation and ensure uniformity. Industry compliance standards
Typical usage ratio
Downstream process integration
Final product types
6. Reagent in Chlorination Processes for Fluorochemical SynthesisProducers of fluorinated intermediates and specialty chemicals employ chlorosulfonic acid as a chlorinating reagent during the conversion of aromatic rings or as a dehydration agent in halogen exchange synthesis. The material is introduced under controlled anhydrous conditions to prevent undesired hydrolysis and to deliver selectivity, especially in multi-step syntheses leading to acid fluorides or perfluoroalkyl derivatives vital for producing fluoropolymers and specialty fluids. Industry compliance standards
Typical usage ratio
Downstream process integration
Final product types
|
Competitive Chlorosulfonic acid prices that fit your budget—flexible terms and customized quotes for every order.
For samples, pricing, or more information, please contact us at +8615380400285 or mail to sales2@liwei-chem.com.
We will respond to you as soon as possible.
Tel: +8615380400285
Email: sales2@liwei-chem.com
Flexible payment, competitive price, premium service - Inquire now!
On the factory floor, every drum and tanker of chlorosulfonic acid demands care and attention to detail. Our crews have handled this high-reactivity acid daily for decades, so we know well that its true value lies not only in its reactivity but in the controlled environment and skill it takes to handle safely at industrial volumes. From batch to batch, the process involves meticulous steps—carefully measured sulfur trioxide and dry hydrogen chloride, precise temperature controls, and real-time monitoring. As a result, we consistently produce chlorosulfonic acid with remarkable purity—typically upwards of 98%—to meet rigorous standards set by the largest global chemical enterprises.
In practice, high-quality chlorosulfonic acid means few surprises in downstream applications. Several models circulate the market, but our mainstay product keeps the water content below 1%, minimizing risk of unwanted hydrolysis. Impurity content runs below 0.5%, restricting variables for end users who demand reliable reaction profiles. The distinct clarity and sharp fuming odor mark a well-produced product; cloudiness or color signals contamination or excessive aging.
Compared with less-refined batches sometimes seen in the open market, purity counts. Even trace water levels spike the risk of violent hydrolysis, generating hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid vapors. Apparent savings in cut-rate product soon vanish when corrosion, off-specification polymerization, or process blockages force shutdowns.
Few chemicals require such tight control as chlorosulfonic acid. We draw SO3 gas from contact-process sulfuric acid, thoroughly dried, then bubble it into cooled, dry HCl. The reaction liberates heat, so reactor jackets circulate brine or glycol at closely monitored rates. Operators—clad in chemically resistant suits—constantly check for leaks, which performance coatings and triple-sealed flanges help prevent. Even the tanks themselves rely on acid-resistant metallurgy and specialty liners to thwart the vigorous attack by the acid.
Emissions are another major concern. Unchecked, chlorosulfonic acid can fume violently on exposure to humidity, producing thick clouds of hydrogen chloride that must not escape containment. Scrubbers and sealed transfer lines create a safe workplace and prevent regulatory fines. Our wastewater treatment agents neutralize acids vigorously, but not so quickly as to risk exothermic surges.
Chlorosulfonic acid stands apart in our business for its colossally exothermic nature and extreme affinity for moisture. Most clients source this acid for sulfonation and chlorosulfonation—crucial steps in surfactant, agrochemical, and specialty polymer manufacturing. In detergents, it links the simple with the complex: long-chain hydrocarbons and aromatic rings receive sulfonic acid groups that put soaps and cleaners into action. Every major surfactant producer has relied on this acid at some stage, because it cuts out steps and tightens quality bands.
Dye manufacturers value the specificity: introducing a chlorosulfonic group shifts molecular absorption to achieve an exact shade, stable through thousands of wash cycles and product lifespans. Agrochemical makers, especially those focused on crop protection formulations, depend on the reactivity of chlorosulfonic for synthesizing safer herbicides and fungicide precursors. In our reactors, every kilogram matters; the right heat rates, dwell times, and product handling protocols define whether it all ends in the right molecule or a batch of unusable sludge.
Pharmaceutical synthesis draws on chlorosulfonic acid for more than its reactivity. Some intermediates demand tight control over side products and by-products—the difference between an off-color API and a pharmaceutical-grade result. Close collaboration with chemists and engineers ensures not only a reliable supply but also process adjustments tuned to exacting batch parameters.
A lot of buyers compare chlorosulfonic acid with sulfuric acid, oleum, or sulfur trioxide itself. Each has its place, but chlorosulfonic remains the reagent of choice for introducing both sulfonic and chlorosulfonic functionality in a single step. Oleum, for example, serves bigger volumes but brings extra water that limits selectivity in reactions with moisture-sensitive feedstocks. Sulfur trioxide, though effective, presents greater handling risks due to volatility and requires larger investments in pressurized containment and lead-lined infrastructure.
Chlorosulfonic acid, instead, delivers dual reactivity: a direct source of both electrophilic chlorination and sulfonation. Processes that once ran through multiple reactors and elaborate temperature stages shrink down with the right grade of this acid. Fewer side reactions mean less purification, lower energy consumption, and reduced effluent loads—major advantages in markets pressed for cleaner, leaner operations.
Whereas hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid each play specific roles, neither will create the particular chlorosulfonic intermediates essential to certain polymer backbones or pesticide scaffolds. End users choosing among these acids quickly learn from hard-won practical experience where one outperforms the other—not by lab theory, but by operating throughput and the challenge of dealing with side stream treatment and waste handling.
Transporting chlorosulfonic acid takes more than compliance paperwork and bulk tanker logistics. Shipping a few hundred kilometers exposes the product to temperature swings and moisture risk. Containers always use acid-resistant alloys, and our loading teams double-check for tight seals. Winter brings another layer of challenge, with condensation risking crust formation or partial neutralisation at the fill necks. Any sign of cloudiness or settling during transfer prompts an immediate inspection—years of shipping have shown us that skipping steps means downtime for us and for customers.
On receipt, storage tanks stay sealed from air, typically under a dry nitrogen blanket. Our operators inspect all valves and sample ports regularly for corrosion; even a pinhole leak can draw moist air, leading to aggressive internal fuming and acid vapor loss. Pressure relief assemblies use inert gas rather than air. As producers, our insurance against incidents always includes direct engineer involvement at major customers’ sites during setup and commissioning.
Handling at the user’s facility often brings questions on transfer systems—pumps need full polymer linings, not just acid-flex tubing. Over a decade, we have replaced many old metal pipe networks that fell to pieces under the acid’s attack. Every batch that leaves our plant carries a story of years of learning, contractor training, and iterative adjustment of shipping methods.
All manufacturing involves risks, but chlorosulfonic acid raises the bar significantly. Direct exposure prompts not mere irritation, but deep burns and rapid fume generation. We never rely solely on theoretical risk charts—decades of operating data drive our safety protocols at every step.
Training starts with understanding that this acid reacts violently with water, skin, and organic matter. Our line teams wear acid-resistant suits and full-face helmets with supplied air. Shower stations and chemical neutralizers sit no more than 10 meters from every handling point, ready for instant use. This level of precaution has kept our accident rates below industry averages—no luck involved, just hard-learned discipline and recurring drills.
No batch leaves our facility without a full safety review, updated handling documentation, and confirmation that customers understand the exact reactivity profile. Our own teams test containment, neutralization, and spill response systems every quarter. It’s not just regulatory compliance—it’s the only way to guarantee safety, batch after batch.
Even a product with over a century of industrial use benefits from continued process innovation. We have tuned our reaction yields to maximize conversion rates from sulfur trioxide, recuperate heat, and minimize formation of chlorinated side-streams. In many plants, venting or flaring was once routine; by optimizing closed-loop systems and buffer solutions, we’ve dramatically cut emissions and residual waste. The focus has shifted from sheer volume to outcome consistency—every step toward higher purity reduces downstream filtration, recovery, and waste disposal bills.
New investments in online analytics and automated controls let us catch deviations in real time. That data, compiled over years, shows a steady drop in both batch rejections and out-of-spec product. For downstream partners, tighter process control translates directly into predictable product launches and manufacturing cycles. For regulators, it means fewer compliance headaches, less spent on end-of-pipe treatment, and more positive engagement with oversight communities.
Some assume all chlorosulfonic acid is created equal—as manufacturers, we see real-world differences every day. Our experience shows that purity isn’t just a chemical number but a practical advantage. Purified acid, free of color and grit, keeps reactor fouling rates low. Fewer shut-ins or manual flushes give substantial productivity gains, which matter most for continuous-run surfactant and dye facilities. Customers tell us their filter cycles last longer, product off-color rates drop, and throughput gains often offset tiny cost differences at purchase.
Our product’s performance in reaction selectivity—especially for high-value pharmaceuticals or active pesticide ingredients—traces back to exacting batch QC and constant operator presence on the line. Instrumentation can only do so much; veteran technicians notice subtle changes that may signal a deterioration in insulation, an upstream impurity, or a subtle air leak. Adding sensors does not replace expertise—it merely gives experienced operators better information to act on.
In our experience, a customer’s ability to run high-quality, clean, stable processes starts at our plant, not at their reactor’s inlet. A product built around quality assurance—not minimum spec chasing—earns loyalty and streamlines everyone’s bottom line.
Global regulation for hazardous chemicals grows stricter every year, and chlorosulfonic acid sits high on compliance lists. We have invested in third-party auditing for plant emissions, supply chain traceability, and incident response. Regulations differ by region, but best practices stay constant: double containment, dry nitrogen blankets, redundant pressure relief, and full incident recording. We routinely exceed local and global environmental standards, not just to avoid penalties but because it supports stable long-term partnerships with clients and communities.
Our plant emissions monitoring has improved year after year, with new data showing near-zero chlorinated emission rates. Efficient scrubbers, vapor recovery systems, and proactive maintenance schedules ensure sustained compliance. These investments may increase operating costs, but in practice, they reduce accident risks and long-term remediation expenses. Stakeholders—whether regulators or community representatives—value not just paperwork but open plant tours, live data access, and transparent environmental updates, which we offer as part of any major contract.
Manufacturing chemicals as aggressive as chlorosulfonic acid takes more than machinery and technical specifications; it demands deep-rooted expertise. On our team, knowledge passed from one generation to the next anchors safety and performance standards. Technicians join as apprentices, learning not from manuals but by working alongside skilled operators, handling real product, troubleshooting systems, and internalizing every safety step.
Over time, we have identified subtle patterns: early signs of a failing bond on a flange, a sound that indicates pump cavitation, a whiff that catches a potential leak before instruments trigger. People make a difference every day—our lowest incident rates follow periods with the lowest staff turnover, while hiccups sync with rapid workforce changes. Every batch that loads out carries not only chemical value but years of vigilance and incremental improvement.
Chlorosulfonic acid sits at the core of many modern industrial transformations. Its reactivity, versatility, and demand for skilled handling make it a cornerstone of our business and the progress of countless industries that rely on high-purity chemical intermediates. Decades of continual refinement, investment in safety, and development of expertise have set our product apart from mere commodity grades.
The challenges posed by chlorosulfonic acid keep us on our toes—from secure storage to exacting production, from regulatory compliance to innovation on the line. We remain committed to supplying not just a chemical, but an assurance of quality, reliability, and partnership, rooted in experience and the practical demands of today’s manufacturing landscape. Each delivery carries a commitment to safety, quality, and the pursuit of better outcomes across the industries we serve.
