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Sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C16H33NaO3S
CAS number
1463-95-2
IUPAC name
sodium;hexadecane-1-sulfonate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate is a solid. It is often found in the form of free-flowing powder or crystals.

Melting point (Celsius)
288.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
561.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
-1.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
-1.00
General information
Molecular weight
348.57g/mol
Molar mass
348.5720g/mol
Density
1.0100g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate appears as a white or off-white crystalline solid. It is a surfactant and can form micelles in solution.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Hexadecane-1-Sulfonate

Sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate, often referred to as C16H33SO3Na, is an intriguing compound when it comes to its solubility characteristics. This compound belongs to a class of materials known as surfactants, which play a vital role in various chemical processes.

Key Points About Solubility

  • Solvent Compatibility: Sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate is generally soluble in water due to its ionic nature, as the sodium ion facilitates dissolution.
  • Hydrophobic Property: With a long hydrocarbon chain like hexadecane, the compound also exhibits hydrophobic characteristics, which means it can resist dissolving in polar solvents.
  • Concentration Effects: The solubility can be affected by concentration; for instance, at high concentrations, it may lead to micelle formation, which alters the behavior of the solute in solution.
  • Temperature Influence: Increasing the temperature often enhances solubility in water, allowing more of the compound to dissolve and create a uniform solution.

In summary, the solubility of sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate is a fascinating blend of its ionic and hydrophobic properties, making it a versatile compound in both aqueous and mixed solvent systems. As one navigates through its solubility attributes, it's essential to consider these aspects, which highlight the relationship between structure and solubility.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Hexadecane-1-Sulfonate

Sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate is a fascinating compound that belongs to the class of sulfonates. It is primarily known for its role as a surfactant, which makes it a vital substance in various industrial and laboratory applications. Here are some intriguing aspects about this compound:

  • Surfactant Properties: One of the most significant characteristics of sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate is its ability to lower surface tension between liquids. This property is what makes it highly valuable in detergents, emulsifiers, and wetting agents.
  • Environmental Relevance: As a surfactant, this compound helps facilitate interactions between different phases, which can be beneficial in environmental applications such as soil remediation and pollution control.
  • Applications in Research: In laboratories, sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate is often used to stabilize colloidal systems and improve the solubility of various compounds in organic solvents.
  • Biocompatibility: Due to its ionic nature, sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate is usually considered to be non-toxic and biodegradable, making it an attractive option for green chemistry applications.
  • Micellar Formation: In aqueous environments, this compound can form micelles, which are spherical aggregates of surfactant molecules. This phenomenon is crucial in pharmaceutical formulations where it helps in enhancing the solubility of poorly soluble drugs.

In summary, sodium hexadecane-1-sulfonate is not just a chemical compound; it plays a significant role in various scientific and industrial domains due to its unique chemical properties. Its contributions to surfactant chemistry and environmental science highlight its importance in both practical applications and theoretical research.