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Sodium dodecyl sulfate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C12H25NaO4S
CAS number
151-21-3
IUPAC name
sodium;decyl sulfate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium dodecyl sulfate is typically in a solid state, often available as a powder.

Melting point (Celsius)
204.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
477.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
215.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
488.15
General information
Molecular weight
288.37g/mol
Molar mass
288.3720g/mol
Density
1.0100g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium dodecyl sulfate is typically a white or cream-colored solid in its purified form. It is often found as a crystalline powder or as needle-like crystals. In solution, it forms a clear to slightly hazy liquid.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Decyl Sulfate

Sodium decyl sulfate, with the chemical formula C10H21NaO4S, is a surfactant that exhibits interesting solubility properties. Being an anionic surfactant, it is generally soluble in water, owing to its ionic nature. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Sodium decyl sulfate is highly soluble in water, especially at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for various applications in cleaning and personal care products.
  • Organic Solvents: It shows limited solubility in organic solvents, which can restrict its use in certain formulations that require compatibility with oils.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility increases with temperature, which is common for many surfactants, enhancing its effectiveness at higher temperatures.
  • Concentration Effects: At higher concentrations, the solubility can reach a limit, leading to precipitation; thus, a balance is needed for optimal performance.

In summary, sodium decyl sulfate is a water-soluble compound that plays a crucial role in formulation chemistry, providing both efficiency and versatility. Its solubility characteristics are a vital consideration in applications, ensuring the formulation maintains desired stability and performance levels.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Decyl Sulfate

Sodium decyl sulfate is a fascinating compound in the realm of surfactants and can be described as a salt derived from decyl alcohol and sulfuric acid. It is primarily known for its applications in various industries due to its surfactant properties. Here are some intriguing points about sodium decyl sulfate:

  • Surfactant Properties: Sodium decyl sulfate is commonly used as a surfactant, which allows it to effectively reduce the surface tension between liquids, making it useful in detergents and cleaning formulations.
  • Biodegradability: This compound is considered to be environmentally friendly as it is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally over time, reducing its impact on the environment.
  • Foaming Action: It can produce a stable foam when mixed with water, making it a popular choice in personal care products such as shampoos and body washes.
  • Industrial Applications: Beyond household products, sodium decyl sulfate is also used in industrial applications for processes such as emulsification, lubricating oils, and even in textiles.
  • Safety Profile: Notably, sodium decyl sulfate has a relatively mild safety profile in comparison to other synthetic surfactants, making it a preferable option in formulations aimed at sensitive skin.

In the words of a prominent chemist, "The beauty of surfactants lies in their ability to modify interfacial properties, thus creating myriad applications through their simple molecular structure."
Sodium decyl sulfate exemplifies this principle, showcasing both versatility and effectiveness in a variety of roles across different fields.