2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid: Overview, Versatile Applications and Detection Method

General Description

2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid is a versatile sulfonic acid with a wide array of applications. Its molecular structure, characterized by a hydroxyl group and sulfonic acid group, enables diverse chemical reactions and formulations, making it valuable for various industries. Specifically, it serves as an additive in electrochemical devices and electrolytic solutions, enhancing performance properties and stability in electrodes. Moreover, 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid plays a crucial role in the production of acyloxyalkanesulfonic acids, improving final product quality. 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid can be reliably detected using gas-liquid chromatography following methylation with diazomethane, enabling accurate measurement in biological samples. These applications underscore its significance in chemical manufacturing and its potential impact on various systems, highlighting its importance in industrial and biological contexts.

Figure 1. 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid

Overview

2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid, also known as 2-hydroxyethane-1-sulfonic acid or isethionic acid, is an organic compound classified as a sulfonic acid. Its molecular structure includes a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the second carbon atom of an ethane chain, with the sulfonic acid group (-SO3H) situated at the terminal carbon position. This colorless to white crystalline solid demonstrates high water solubility. Widely utilized across industries, it serves as a surfactant, plays a role as an intermediate in organic synthesis, and contributes to the production of other sulfonated compounds. With its distinct functional groups, 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid possesses properties that render it versatile for a myriad of chemical reactions and formulations. The sulfonic acid's acidity and the hydroxyl group's reactivity enable a broad spectrum of chemical transformations, making this compound a valuable asset in the realm of chemical manufacturing and applications. Its diverse utility underscores its significance in various sectors, highlighting its importance as a key component in the development of innovative products and processes within the chemical industry. ¹

Versatile Applications

2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid has a wide range of applications in various industries. One key application is as additives in electrochemical devices and electrolytic solutions. These additives contain compounds with oxo acid ester bonds and sulfonic acid groups, providing enhanced performance properties. In the field of electrodes, 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid additives are utilized to improve the efficiency and stability of the electrodes in various electronic devices. Moreover, in lithium secondary batteries and lithium ion capacitors, the electrolytic solutions or electrodes containing this acid demonstrate excellent high-temperature storage properties, charging/discharging cycle properties, and output properties. Additionally, 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid plays a crucial role in the preparation of acyloxyalkanesulfonic acids through esterification processes. This method results in the production of fatty acid esters of isethionic acid or its salts, enhancing the quality of the final products by reducing the formation of byproducts and improving color and odor characteristics. Overall, the versatile applications of 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid highlight its significance in enhancing performance and quality standards in electrochemical devices, batteries, capacitors, and chemical synthesis processes. ²

Detection Method

2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid can be detected using various methods. One method involves gas-liquid chromatography after methylation with diazomethane, which allows for the measurement of 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid. The products of methylation can be confirmed using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ensuring the accuracy of the results. This method has been successfully utilized to measure 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid in mammalian tissues such as rat heart, dog heart, and rat brain. Validation of the assay was achieved by measuring isethionic acid in squid axoplasm. The results of this analysis revealed only trace amounts of 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid in rat brain (0.2 mg/100g) and rat heart (0.1 mg/100g), with none detected in dog heart. This method provides a reliable means of quantifying and detecting 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid in biological samples, offering valuable insights into its distribution and concentration in different tissues. Additional research and refinement of these detection methods can further enhance our understanding of the presence and role of 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonic acid in mammalian systems. ³

Reference

1. 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonic acid. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 2024; PubChem Compound Summary for CID 7866.

2. Makino H, Yoshida B. Additives for electrochemical devices and electrolytic solutions, electrodes, lithium secondary batteries, and lithium ion capacitors using same. 2015; Patent Number: JP2015035409.

3. Mohamed A. Remtulla, Derek A. Applegarth, Donald G. Clark, Ian H. Williams. Analysis of isethionic acid in mammalian tissues. Life sciences. 1977; 20(12): 2029-2036.