Interesting facts
Interesting Facts about Dodecyl Benzenesulfonate
Dodecyl benzenesulfonate, a widely used compound in various industrial applications, is particularly recognized for its properties as a surfactant. Here are some intriguing insights about this versatile chemical:
- Surfactant Properties: Dodecyl benzenesulfonate serves as an effective surfactant, meaning it can reduce the surface tension of water. This property makes it invaluable in the formulation of detergents and cleaning agents.
- Emulsification: This compound excels in emulsifying agents, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, which is essential in many cosmetic and food product formulations.
- Wide Range of Applications: Its applications span across industries. From household cleaning products to large-scale industrial processes, dodecyl benzenesulfonate is integral to modifying surfaces and improving product performance.
- Environmental Impact: As with many surfactants, environmental considerations are crucial. Dodecyl benzenesulfonate is gradually biodegraded, which can mitigate some ecological concerns in contrast to less environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Structural Characteristics: The unique structure of dodecyl benzenesulfonate, featuring a long hydrophobic alkyl chain and a polar sulfonate group, is key to its function. This amphiphilic nature allows it to interact with both water and oils, enhancing its effectiveness as a surfactant.
In summary, dodecyl benzenesulfonate combines functionality and versatility, making it a crucial player in enhancing the efficacy of products in several fields. As scientists and chemists continue to explore its properties, its significance in sustainable chemistry is likely to grow, driving innovations in the industry.
Synonyms
1886-81-3
Benzenesulfonic acid, dodecyl ester
DTXSID801014604
DODECYL BENZENESULFONATE
Dodecyl benzenesulphonate
121734-15-4
Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
dodecylbenzene sulfonate
n-dodecylbenzenesulfonate
SCHEMBL161091
DTXSID30153351
DB-243466
NS00040801
Solubility of Dodecyl Benzenesulfonate
Dodecyl benzenesulfonate, a common surfactant, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics.
Solubility in Water
This compound is known to be >em>soluble in water, primarily due to its surfactant properties, which allow it to interact effectively with water molecules. Its structure includes:
The balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions contributes to its ability to dissolve in aqueous solutions.
Effects of Concentration
As the concentration increases, dodecyl benzenesulfonate demonstrates a critical micelle concentration (CMC), which is essential for its function as a surfactant. Below this threshold, it effectively reduces surface tension, leading to enhanced wetting and emulsifying properties.
Influence of Temperature
Temperature also affects its solubility:
This behavior is critical for applications in detergents and cleaning products.
Solubility in Organic Solvents
Dodecyl benzenesulfonate is typically insoluble in nonpolar organic solvents due to its polar sulfonate group, which does not favor interactions with nonpolar molecules. It highlights the importance of the principle of "like dissolves like" in chemistry.
In summary, dodecyl benzenesulfonate showcases the dual nature of solubility, making it versatile for various applications while maintaining a distinct profile in both polar and nonpolar environments.