Sulfate esters are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of sulfuric acid with alcohols or phenols. They contain a sulfate group (–OSO₃) attached to an organic molecule, which can influence the compound's properties and reactivity. These esters are commonly found in various biological systems and industrial applications. In nature, sulfate esters play a role in cellular processes and can be involved in signaling pathways. They are also used in the production of detergents and surfactants, where their ability to lower surface tension is beneficial. Understanding sulfate esters is important in fields like biochemistry and materials science.