p-Toluenesulfonic acid
RELATED: H2SO4
AKA: TsOH, tosic acid
Most Common Use
para-Toluenesulfonic acid is a strong, organic-soluble acid (pKa = −6) most commonly used as an acid catalyst:
- in acid-catalyzed dehydrations of alcohols to form alkenes
- in the formation of acetals, imines and enamines
The conjugate base of TsOH, TsO−, is non-nucleophilic. Being a solid at room temperature, it easy to weigh out although it is very hygroscopic (readily absorbs water).