1-Dodecanesulfinic acid

A solution of 70 g (0.13 mol) tridodecylaluminum in 78 mL of toluene is added dropwise over 15 min to a mixture of 60 g (0.95 mol) of sulfur dioxide and 240 g of toluene at -45 ℃. The reaction mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and the solvent is removed by distillation in vacuo. The residue is the aluminum salt of dodecylsulfinic acid, from which the sulfinic acid is liberated in 98% yield, mp 35 ℃.