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Sodium lauryl sulfate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C24H46NaO4S
CAS number
151-21-3
IUPAC name
sodium;2-[methyl(octadecanoyl)amino]ethyl sulfate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium lauryl sulfate is typically a solid. It is often found in a powdered or granular form and is known for being highly soluble in water, leading to a foamy solution.

Melting point (Celsius)
206.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
479.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
100.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
373.15
General information
Molecular weight
288.37g/mol
Molar mass
288.3720g/mol
Density
1.0100g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) usually appears as a white or cream-colored crystalline powder or small beads. It can also be found in solid form or dissolved in water, forming a clear or slightly turbid liquid. Due to its surfactant properties, when dissolved, it tends to produce a lot of foam which is a characteristic feature.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium 2-[Methyl(octadecanoyl)amino]ethyl Sulfate

Sodium 2-[methyl(octadecanoyl)amino]ethyl sulfate, often referred to in the context of amphiphilic compounds, exhibits intriguing solubility characteristics. Understanding its solubility behavior can be crucial for applications in various fields, especially in surfactant chemistry.

Factors Influencing Solubility

  • Polarity: The presence of sulfate groups enhances its polarity, leading to better solubility in polar solvents.
  • Hydrophobic Tail: The long hydrocarbon chain (octadecanoyl) contributes to hydrophobic interactions, which can affect solubility in non-polar solvents.
  • Temperature: As with many salts, increasing the temperature can improve solubility in aqueous solutions.

It is typically observed that:

  • Sodium 2-[methyl(octadecanoyl)amino]ethyl sulfate is soluble in water due to its ionic nature.
  • It may exhibit reduced solubility in organic solvents, particularly those that are non-polar.

In practical terms, one might say that "its solubility is a dance between its hydrophilic and hydrophobic components." Understanding these solubility dynamics is essential for researchers and formulators working with such compounds.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium; 2-[Methyl(octadecanoyl)amino]ethyl Sulfate

Sodium; 2-[methyl(octadecanoyl)amino]ethyl sulfate is a fascinating compound that finds its application primarily in the formulation of various personal care products and industrial cleaning agents. Here are some intriguing aspects about this compound:

  • Surfactant Properties: This compound serves as a surfactant, meaning it lowers the surface tension between different substances, such as oil and water. This property makes it effective in *cleansing* and *emulsifying* formulations.
  • Biodegradability: One of the advantages of using this compound is its biodegradability. As consumers increasingly prefer eco-friendly products, the *environmental impact* of this compound is a positive point.
  • Versatile Usage: Its applications stretch across multiple industries, including cosmetics, detergents, and textiles. For example, it acts as a cleansing agent in shampoos and body washes, while also being used in *industrial formulations* for cleaning agents.
  • Interaction with Skin: Due to its ability to interact with skin proteins, this compound can provide *mild conditioners* that benefit skin and hair health, making products more appealing to consumers.
  • Structural Significance: The unique structure of this compound, which includes an octadecanoyl chain, contributes to its hydrophobic characteristics while still maintaining some hydrophilic attributes due to the sulfate group, allowing it to function effectively in various formulations.

In summary, sodium; 2-[methyl(octadecanoyl)amino]ethyl sulfate exemplifies the connection between *chemistry* and everyday life. Its multifaceted properties highlight how chemical compounds can be tailored to meet specific needs in both consumer products and industrial applications.