Benzene sulfonic acid is an organosulfur compound that is the simplest aromatic sulfonic acid. It is a light yellow-brown viscous liquid. It is soluble in water and alcohol, and slightly soluble in ether and carbon disulfide. Benzene sulfonic acid is prepared through direct sulfonation of benzene with sulfuric acid, from sulfonyl chlorides, or from thiophenols. The direct sulfonation reaction involves electrophilic aromatic substitution of the benzene ring by sulfur trioxide.