2-Oxobornane-10-sulphonic acid shows up in chemical supply lists under a variety of names, but underneath those names, the main thing that matters is its structure. It’s a molecule shaped by the bornane framework, with a sulfonic acid group anchored on the ten position and a ketone resting at the two position. This tight, camphor-like skeleton is at the root of many of its chemical qualities, and the presence of the sulfonic acid group adds a water-loving edge. People use this compound in the production of dyes, certain pharmaceuticals, and as a raw material in specialty chemical pathways where high reactivity and reliable performance matter. The density, appearance, and other properties come straight from its specific molecular structure.
This molecule carries the formula C10H14O4S. It comes together around a rigid bicyclic system, marking a departure from more flexible chains found elsewhere in the chemical toolbox. The molecular weight clocks in at around 230.28 g/mol, giving a lot of clues about how it behaves in the lab and in larger industrial setups. In its solid form, 2-oxobornane-10-sulphonic acid usually looks like a white or off-white powder. It also comes in flakes, pearls, crystalline forms, and occasionally appears as a dense liquid solution, although the free acid rarely takes on a true liquid form at room temperature. Material samples tend to reflect a density that falls in the range of 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm³, depending on the specific crystal packing and purity.
Physically, this compound resists easy melting, standing up to moderate heat with a melting point that can start above 160°C. Solubility in water rises due to the sulfonic acid group, so dissolving it for solution-phase work goes smoothly without much coaxing. The acidity makes it effective in driving certain reactions that need a strong proton donor, but safety goggles come into play pretty quickly, since this acid can irritate the eyes and sensitive skin if used carelessly. Handling this material with gloves and eye protection feels less like box-ticking and more like basic self-preservation after the first splash or wafted whiff. Ventilation matters, too, as some breakdown products can be pungent or irritating.
In real-world production, 2-oxobornane-10-sulphonic acid serves as a critical building block. Dye manufacturers value the sulfonic acid for its ability to hook up to colorants and bind well to fibers. Pharmachemical companies appreciate the rigid structure for building bulkier, more stable molecules. As a raw material, this substance gets stored and shipped as a granulated solid more often than not, because flakes and powders pour well and hold up during handling. The HS Code for trade typically falls under the classification for organic sulfonic acids, and compliance with shipping regulations helps limit risk during transfer and storage.
Working with strong acids always brings risk, and this one is no exception. Direct contact often leads to redness, irritation, and persistent burning if left untreated. Inhalation hazards spike when working with dry powder or during weighing in breezy spaces. Emergency data sheets advise flushing with plenty of water on contact and treating accidental ingestion or inhalation as occupational exposure events. Most chemical producers mark transport with corrosive labels due to the sulfonic acid, and storage best practices separate it from bases, oxidizing agents, and anything sensitive to strong acids. United Nations and EU regulators lay out specific guidelines for labeling, spill management, and waste disposal.
Industry buyers set tight specs on this material, asking for high purity (often 98% or above by mass) and consistent particle size from lot to lot. Crystal or powder shipments come double-bagged against moisture, since sulfonic acids draw water straight from the air. Solution forms sometimes get stabilized with buffers to prevent decomposition in storage tanks. Quality control at manufacturing focuses on both the sulfur content and the expected melting range, flagging drift from specification as a sign of cross-contamination or poor synthesis. Certificates of analysis track the average density, moisture percentage, and any visible impurities before release to the market.
This acid’s reputation as a specialty intermediate comes from how it delivers reliability in dye baths, pigment manufacturing, and even certain textile finishes. Labs use it as a substrate or as a starting point for new catalytic processes, capitalizing on its high activity. Paints, inks, and colorants often trace performance back to the purity of their starting materials, with even minor contamination translating into inconsistent shades or finishes. In solution, the acid reacts readily and can link up to other molecules, expanding its use into adhesives, surfactants, and complexing agents. No two applications treat it exactly the same, but performance always hinges on trusted supply and safe handling.
