Organosulfate

The structure of a typical organosulfate.

Organosulfates in organic chemistry are a class of organic compounds sharing a common functional group with the general structure R-O-SO₂-O-R where the SO₄^2- core is a sulfate group and where R stands for any organic residue. They are esters of alcohols and sulfuric acid.

Simple organosulfates are diethyl sulfate and dimethyl sulfate which are alkylating agents and compounds such as magnesium laureth sulfate which find use as surfactants.

Several organosulfates can be prepared by the Elbs persulfate oxidation of phenols and the Boyland-Sims oxidation of anilines.