Sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

C₁₆H₂₅NaO₃S

CAS number

15763-76-5

IUPAC name

sodium;4-decylbenzenesulfonate

State

At room temperature, sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate stands as a solid powder. It retains stability and remains non-volatile under standard conditions, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

Melting point (Celsius)

300.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

573.00

Boiling point (Celsius)

400.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

673.00

General information

Molecular weight

348.43g/mol

Molar mass

348.5200g/mol

Density

1.0900g/cm³

Appearence

Sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate manifests as a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is an organic salt that features a sulfonate group bonded to a benzene ring with an attached decyl chain. Being a surfactant, it is often used in detergents and cleaning products.

Comment on solubility

Solubility Overview of Sodium 4-Decylbenzenesulfonate

Sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate, often abbreviated as NaC₁₀H₁₃O₃S, is a compound known for its excellent solubility characteristics. Here are some insightful points regarding its solubility:

Water Solubility: This compound is highly soluble in water, which is primarily due to the presence of the sulfonate group (–SO₃Na). This anionic functional group enhances the compound's ability to interact with water molecules.
Organic Solvents: Sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate displays limited solubility in non-polar organic solvents. This is indicative of its amphiphilic nature where the hydrophobic decyl chain renders it less compatible with organic phases.
Temperature Dependence: Solubility can be influenced by temperature; an increase in temperature often leads to enhanced solubility for many compounds in aqueous solutions.
Applications: Due to its solubility properties, sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate is widely used in various applications, particularly in detergents and surfactants, where its ability to reduce surface tension is particularly valuable.

In conclusion, sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate's solubility profile makes it a versatile compound in chemical applications, particularly in environments where both water and organic solubility are considerations. Its combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components is key to its functionality.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium 4-Decylbenzenesulfonate

Sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate is a fascinating compound known for its unique properties and applications. Here are some intriguing aspects of this chemical:

Surfactant Properties: This compound serves as a potent surfactant, which means it has the ability to reduce surface tension between liquids. This property makes it valuable in various industrial applications.
Applications in Detergents: Sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate is commonly used in the formulation of detergents and cleaning agents due to its effectiveness in emulsifying oils and greases.
Environmental Impact: As a biodegradable surfactant, it poses a lesser risk to aquatic life compared to many synthetic surfactants. This characteristic makes it a more environmentally friendly option for cleaning products.
Emulsifying Agent in Foods: This compound may also find utility as an emulsifier in food products, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water.
Biomedical Applications: Researchers are exploring sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate for potential uses in drug delivery systems due to its ability to interact with biological membranes, enhancing the solubility of hydrophobic drugs.
Structural Features: The compound has a unique long-chain hydrocarbon structure with a sulfonate group, which contributes to its amphiphilic nature. This property allows it to interact with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances.

In summary, sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate is more than just a simple chemical; it is a compound with diverse applications ranging from cleaning products to potential biomedical uses, making it a subject of interest for scientists and industry professionals alike.