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sulfoxide

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //sʌlˈfɒksaɪd//

KK: /sʌlˈfɑːksaɪd/

noun
Definition

A type of organic compound that includes a specific group of sulfur and oxygen atoms, known as a sulfinyl group, which is bonded to carbon atoms.


Example

Dimethyl sulfoxide is a common sulfoxide used in laboratories.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about sulfoxide?
Sloth B
I think so, isn't it used in some chemical processes?
Sloth A
Yeah, it's pretty interesting how it works with different compounds.
Sloth B
Definitely! I love learning about organic chemistry.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sulfide
sulfone
thioether
Antonyms
Root Explanation

**Sulfoxide** → It is formed from "sulfur" (from Latin *sulfur*, meaning sulfur) and "oxide" (from Greek *oxys*, meaning acid or sharp, and *-ide*, a suffix used in chemistry to denote a compound). The word "sulfoxide" refers to a compound containing sulfur and oxygen, specifically one where sulfur is bonded to an oxygen atom.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sulfur' as the key element in this compound, combined with 'oxide' which indicates the presence of oxygen. This helps you remember that sulfoxide is a compound made of sulfur and oxygen.

Visually Confused Words
sulphoxide
suboxide
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