Sulfate esters are atmospheric pollutants of interest due to their potential role as global coolants. The structures of several sulfate esters have been elucidated from crystallization and subsequent x-ray diffractometry with good residual factors. Analysis of bond lengths and angles in the sulfate groups as well as crystal packing has given insight into the intermolecular forces present in the esters. Notably, a series of aromatic esters have demonstrated a tendency to crystallize in thin layers, as ionic bonds encourage growth in two perpendicular directions but only van der Waals forces are present for the third. Further, kinetic studies have revealed the conditions that trigger hydrolysis of potassium hydroxyacetone sulfate, and these trends may be applicable to analogous esters. Ongoing studies, including same-ester coupling and metal complexation, continue to contribute to our understanding of these molecules.

Sulfate esters in our atmosphere

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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