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Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C18H29NaO3S
CAS number
25155-30-0
IUPAC name
sodium;4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a solid substance. It is commonly used in powdered form for applications such as detergents.

Melting point (Celsius)
300.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
573.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
348.48g/mol
Molar mass
348.4810g/mol
Density
1.0600g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate typically appears as a white or light yellow powder or granules. Its appearance can be described as a fine, crystalline substance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium 4-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

Sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate, a surfactant with the chemical formula NaC12H17SO3, exhibits notable solubility characteristics. As a member of the sulfonate family, its behavior in various solvents can be intriguing. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: Due to its ionic nature, sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate dissolves readily in water, forming a stable solution.
  • Application in Aqueous Solutions: This solubility makes it a suitable agent for use in detergents and cleaning products.
  • Solvent Compatibility: It also demonstrates decent solubility in certain organic solvents, although water remains its primary medium.
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility typically increases with temperature, enhancing its effectiveness in applications requiring warm or hot solutions.

In essence, as a surfactant, sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate stands out for its excellent solubility in polar solvents, particularly water, making it valuable in various chemical formulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium 4-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

Sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a fascinating surfactant that showcases the interplay between chemistry and everyday life. As a member of the class of substances known as sulfonates, this compound possesses several intriguing characteristics:

  • Surfactant Properties: It effectively lowers the surface tension of water, making it an excellent emulsifier and wetting agent. This allows it to facilitate the mixing of oil and water, which is critical in various scientific and industrial applications.
  • Role in Detergents: Sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate is extensively utilized in the formulation of laundry and dish detergents. Its ability to break down grease and dirt makes it essential for maintaining cleanliness.
  • Biodegradability: This compound is recognized for its environmentally friendly properties, as it can be broken down by microbial activity, leading to less harmful ecological effects compared to some other surfactants.
  • Applications in Research: In the laboratory, sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate serves as a useful agent for stabilizing colloidal systems and can be utilized in various biochemical and physical experiments.

In summary, sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate highlights the importance of chemistry in our daily lives and environmental sustainability. As chemists and researchers continue to explore this compound, it opens doors for innovative applications in different fields, including agriculture, food science, and materials development.