R-SO2O-. Sulfonate salts Anions with the general formula RSO2O− are called sulfonates. They are the conjugate bases of sulfonic acids with formula RSO2OH. As sulfonic acids tend to be strong acids, the corresponding sulfonates are weak bases. Due to the stability of sulfonate anions, the cations of sulfonate salts such as scandium triflate have application as Lewis acids. A classic organic reaction for the preparation of sulfonates is that of alkyl halides with sulfites such as sodium s… (More on Sulfonate)