Sodium dodecyl sulfate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S

CAS number

151-21-3

IUPAC name

sodium;dodecyl sulfate

State

At room temperature, sodium dodecyl sulfate is typically found in a solid state, appearing as a powder or crystalline substance.

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

288.3730g/mol

Density

1.0100g/cm³

Appearence

Sodium dodecyl sulfate typically appears as a white or cream-colored powder or crystals. It can also be encountered in a liquid solution form, especially when used in laboratory settings or various product formulations. Its texture can feel slippery to the touch, similar to many surfactant compounds.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), represented by the chemical formula NaC₁₂H₂₅SO₄, is a ***highly soluble*** compound in water. This solubility is a key reason for its widespread use in various applications, particularly in laboratories and industries.

Key Aspects of Solubility

Polar Nature: The presence of the sulfate group (SO₄^2-) contributes to the compound's polarity, enhancing its ability to interact with water molecules.
Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Balance: The dodecyl group (C₁₂H₂₅), being a long carbon chain, gives SDS its hydrophobic character, while the sulfate group provides hydrophilic properties. This balance plays a critical role in its solubility in water.
Micelle Formation: At certain concentrations, SDS can form micelles, which are important in solubilizing hydrophobic substances in aqueous solutions.

To summarize, sodium dodecyl sulfate’s extreme solubility in water is attributed to both its ionic nature and molecular structure. As stated, "the polar sulfate head facilitates interaction with water, while the non-polar tail allows for solubilization of various compounds." Its solubility properties make it an invaluable agent in biochemical research, cleaning products, and personal care items.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), also known as dodecyl sulfate sodium salt, is an anionic surfactant that has significant applications in various fields of chemistry and biochemistry. Here are some fascinating insights about this compound:

Versatile Detergent: SDS is widely used as a detergent in both laboratory and industrial processes. Its ability to solubilize proteins and lipids makes it invaluable in protein biochemistry.
Electrophoresis: One of the hallmark applications of SDS is in SDS-PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), a technique used to separate proteins based on their molecular weight. This allows scientists to study a protein's structure and function in detail.
Surface Active Agent: As a surfactant, SDS reduces surface tension, which enables it to penetrate and disrupt cellular membranes. This property is particularly useful in cell lysis protocols, allowing for the extraction of cellular contents.
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC): SDS forms micelles above a certain concentration, which is a critical property for its use in biochemical applications. These micelles can encapsulate hydrophobic molecules, facilitating their analytical study.
Research Importance: Beyond its laboratory applications, sodium dodecyl sulfate is an important tool for scientists exploring cellular mechanisms, protein interactions, and for the development of pharmaceuticals.

In summary, sodium dodecyl sulfate is not just a common lab reagent; it is a crucial player in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Understanding its chemistry opens up numerous possibilities for research and industrial applications, making it an essential compound in the toolkit of modern science. As the famous chemist Robert H. Grubbs once said, "Chemistry is the science of transformation," and SDS indeed embodies this spirit by transforming our understanding of biomolecular processes.