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Sodium Isethionate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C2H5NaO4S
CAS number
1562-00-1
IUPAC name
sodium;2-hydroxyethanesulfonate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium isethionate is typically found in a solid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
206.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
479.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
158.11g/mol
Molar mass
158.1080g/mol
Density
1.4800g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium isethionate appears as a white, crystalline powder or granules. It is highly soluble in water and serves as an effective surfactant, often used in personal care products like shampoos and soaps due to its mildness and ability to produce a dense, creamy lather.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonate

Sodium 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, often referred to as HEPES, is a widely used buffering agent in biological and biochemical research. Its solubility characteristics are noteworthy:

  • Highly Soluble: HEPES is soluble in water at concentrations up to 1M, making it an excellent choice for preparing biological buffers.
  • pH Stability: It maintains a stable pH range of about 7.2 to 7.6 when dissolved, which is ideal for many biological applications.
  • Temperature Dependence: Solubility can slightly vary with temperature, being more soluble at elevated temperatures compared to colder conditions.
  • Low Ionic Strength: Solutions of HEPES do not significantly alter the ionic strength of buffers, which is advantageous for sensitive biochemical assays.

To summarize, the high solubility of sodium 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate in water and its ability to function effectively in various pH environments underlines its popularity in laboratories. As often stated, "The greater the solubility, the greater the utility," and HEPES is a prime example of this principle in action.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonate

Sodium 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonate, often referred to in scientific contexts as a versatile zwitterionic compound, offers a plethora of intriguing properties and applications:

  • Zwitterionic Nature: As a zwitterion, this compound possesses both positive and negative charges. This characteristic allows it to be an excellent buffer in biochemical experiments, maintaining pH stability in solutions.
  • Biocompatibility: Due to its gentle chemical nature, Sodium 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonate is often used in the formulation of biomaterials. It is particularly popular in the fields of pharmacology and cosmetics.
  • Applications in Research: This compound is widely utilized in various laboratory settings, especially in protein studies where maintaining a non-denaturing environment is crucial for the integrity of protein structures.
  • Stabilization Agent: Sodium 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonate serves as a stabilizing agent for enzymes and proteins, helping to preserve their functionality during storage and use.
  • Safety Profile: It is generally considered safe for use in many applications, making it a popular choice among researchers who prioritize low toxicity.

In summary, the unique attributes of Sodium 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonate make it an essential compound in various scientific disciplines. Its ability to act as a stabilizer, buffer, and biocompatible agent underscores its significance in both research and practical applications. As one prominent chemist once said, "The beauty of chemistry is in the details – it's all about the interactions."