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Sodium dodecyl sulfate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C12H25NaO4S
CAS number
151-21-3
IUPAC name
sodium;dodecane-1-sulfonate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium dodecyl sulfate is typically a solid, often in the form of a fine powder.

Melting point (Celsius)
204.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
477.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
216.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
489.15
General information
Molecular weight
288.37g/mol
Molar mass
288.3720g/mol
Density
1.0100g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium dodecyl sulfate is a white or cream-colored solid that may sometimes appear as a powder. It is odorless and is known for its ability to produce foam when agitated in water, which is why it is often used in cleaning and hygiene products.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Dodecane-1-sulfonate

Sodium dodecane-1-sulfonate, with its chemical formula C12H25NaO3S, exhibits interesting solubility properties that are significant for its applications.

This compound is known for being highly soluble in water due to its ionic nature. The presence of the sodium ion (Na+) enhances its solubility by forming strong electrostatic interactions with water molecules. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Sodium dodecane-1-sulfonate is extensively soluble in water, making it a useful surfactant in various industrial and household applications.
  • Effect of Temperature: The solubility generally increases with temperature, as is common with many ionic compounds, leading to improved performance in applications when heated.
  • Organic Solvents: However, solubility in organic solvents is typically low due to the hydrophilic sulfonate group, which does not interact favorably with non-polar compounds.
  • pH Influence: The solubility can be affected by the pH of the solution; under highly acidic or basic conditions, the stability of the sulfonate ion might change, impacting its solubility.

In summary, the solubility of sodium dodecane-1-sulfonate is a critical feature that facilitates its role as an effective surfactant in aqueous environments. Its ability to dissolve readily in water while being less soluble in organic solvents underscores its suitability for a diverse range of applications. As with many chemical compounds, understanding its solubility behavior is key to harnessing its full potential.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Dodecane-1-Sulfonate

Sodium dodecane-1-sulfonate, commonly referred to in the scientific community as a type of surfactant, has significant applications in various fields. Here are some captivating insights about this compound:

  • Role as a Surfactant: It is primarily used as a surfactant due to its unique ability to reduce surface tension between liquids, making it an essential ingredient in numerous cleaning products, detergents, and emulsifiers.
  • Biodegradability: A key advantage of sodium dodecane-1-sulfonate is its biodegradability, which means it can break down naturally in the environment, reducing its ecological footprint compared to non-biodegradable alternatives.
  • Applications in Research: This compound is often utilized in biological and chemical research as a stabilizer in various formulations, particularly in the preparation of nanomaterials and the study of membrane interactions.
  • Interaction with Proteins: Sodium dodecane-1-sulfonate has been shown to influence the solubility and stability of proteins, making it a valuable additive in biochemistry and pharmaceutical formulations.
  • Compatibility with Various Systems: It demonstrates compatibility with a wide range of ionic and nonionic surfactants, allowing it to be effectively used in diverse applications, from personal care products to industrial processes.

As emphasized by many researchers, “Understanding the properties and behavior of surfactants like sodium dodecane-1-sulfonate opens up new possibilities in material science and biology.”
The exploration of its capabilities continues to inspire innovations across different scientific disciplines.