Sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate

Identification

Molecular formula

C₂₀H₃₃NaO₃S

CAS number

10543-49-4

IUPAC name

sodium;4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate

State

At room temperature, Sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate is typically in a solid state. It is commonly available in powders or granules for use in various applications such as in detergents and cleaning solutions.

Melting point (Celsius)

206.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

479.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

350.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

623.15

General information

Molecular weight

368.53g/mol

Molar mass

368.6290g/mol

Density

0.5101g/cm³

Appearence

Sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate typically appears as a white to off-white powder or granular solid. It may also form as a crystalline solid. The compound is known for its surfactant properties and is often used in detergents and cleaning agents.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium 4-(1-Methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate

Sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate is a surfactant that exhibits fascinating solubility characteristics due to its unique molecular structure.

Understanding its solubility involves considering several factors:

Polar and Nonpolar Components: The compound's structure consists of a hydrophilic sulfonate group and a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain. This dichotomy plays a critical role in determining its solubility in various solvents.
Solvent Type: Water is an excellent solvent for this compound due to the presence of the sulfonate group, which is highly soluble in polar solvents. In contrast, solubility in nonpolar solvents may be significantly lower due to the hydrophobic nature of the alkyl chain.
Temperature Influence: The solubility of sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate can also be influenced by temperature; generally, increasing temperature enhances solubility in water.

It is noteworthy that compounds in the sulfonate family, such as this one, tend to achieve considerable solubility in aqueous environments, making them highly effective as detergents and emulsifiers. As a practical observation, their performance improves in formulations aimed at solubilizing hydrophobic substances.

In conclusion, the solubility profile of sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate makes it a valuable component in various applications, particularly in the presence of water due to its surfactant properties.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium 4-(1-Methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate

Sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate is a fascinating compound with a range of unique properties and applications that make it particularly interesting to chemists and researchers alike.

Key Characteristics

Surfactant Properties: This compound acts as a surfactant, which means it can significantly reduce the surface tension between liquids, making it useful in various industries such as detergents and emulsifiers.
Biodegradability: One of the remarkable aspects of this compound is its potential for biodegradability, which is essential in the development of environmentally friendly products.
Use in Research: Sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate has applications in scientific research, particularly in the field of biochemical assays and formulations due to its solubilizing properties.

Applications

The applications of this compound are diverse and impactful:

Industrial Cleaning: Utilized in commercial cleaning products for its ability to break down grease and oil.
Cosmetic Formulations: An important ingredient in personal care products such as shampoos and conditioners, helping to stabilize emulsions.
Food Industry: Potential use as an emulsifier in food products, enhancing texture and stability.

Fun Fact

In the words of a well-known chemist, "The beauty of chemistry lies in the interaction of molecules and their capabilities to create new and exciting products." Sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate embodies this principle, bridging the gap between simple compounds and their multifaceted applications.

Overall, sodium 4-(1-methyltridecyl)benzenesulfonate is a prime example of how a single chemical compound can play an essential role in a variety of fields, from environmental science to the development of everyday consumer products.