Sulfoxides are organic compounds that contain a sulfur atom bonded to an oxygen atom and two carbon groups. The general formula for sulfoxides is R-S(=O)-R', where R and R' represent hydrocarbon chains or groups. One of the most well-known sulfoxides is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is widely used as a solvent in chemical reactions and in pharmaceuticals due to its ability to penetrate biological membranes. These compounds are characterized by their polar nature, which allows them to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances. Sulfoxides are often used in various industrial applications, including the production of sulfonamides and as intermediates in organic synthesis. Their unique properties make them valuable in both research and commercial settings.