Domestically, sulfolane is also known as tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide, with the chemical formula C4H8O2S. It is a colorless transparent liquid and an excellent aprotic polar solvent, miscible with water, acetone, toluene, and others. It is also an ideal solvent in the petrochemical industry for aromatic extraction processes. Sulfolane is prone to decomposition at high temperatures.

It is packaged in galvanized iron drums and stored at room temperature or low temperatures. Storage and transportation should comply with general chemical regulations. Sulfolane decomposes easily at high temperatures. Below 220°C, the decomposition rate is relatively slow, but above 220°C, the decomposition rate increases sharply with rising temperature.