Skip to main content

Sodium isopentyl sulfate

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C5H11NaO4S
CAS number
26264-05-1
IUPAC name
sodium;isopentyl sulfate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium isopentyl sulfate is typically a liquid but can also be found as a solid crystalline salt depending on its purity and any water content it may contain.

Melting point (Celsius)
16.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
289.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
180.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
453.15
General information
Molecular weight
192.24g/mol
Molar mass
192.2420g/mol
Density
1.0650g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium isopentyl sulfate typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid or as a solid that is highly soluble in water. In its pure form, it can appear as a crystalline salt.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Isopentyl Sulfate

Sodium isopentyl sulfate (C5H11NaO4S) exhibits a unique profile when it comes to solubility. Its behavior in various solvents can be summarized as follows:

  • Water Solubility: Sodium isopentyl sulfate is highly soluble in water. This characteristic is common among many sodium salts, due to the ionic nature of the compound.
  • Organic Solvents: The solubility in organic solvents may vary, but polar organic solvents like methanol or ethanol often show higher compatibility compared to non-polar solvents.
  • Temperature Influence: The solubility of sodium isopentyl sulfate typically increases with rising temperatures, making it easier to dissolve at elevated conditions.
  • pH Effect: The solubility can be affected by the pH of the solution, as changes in acidity may influence the compound’s ionic form.

In conclusion, sodium isopentyl sulfate is known for its excellent solubility in water, making it an effective surfactant in various applications. As noted, it's essential to consider factors such as solvent type and temperature to optimize its use.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Isopentyl Sulfate

Sodium isopentyl sulfate, a compound belonging to the class of alkyl sulfates, is of particular interest due to its unique chemical and physical properties. Here are some intriguing facts:

  • Surfactant Properties: Sodium isopentyl sulfate acts as an effective surfactant. This means it has the ability to lower surface tension between substances, making it useful in a range of industries from personal care products to cleaning agents.
  • Emulsifying Agent: It serves as an emulsifier, facilitating the mixing of oil and water. This property is vital in cosmetics and food products where stable mixtures are required.
  • Research Applications: In scientific studies, sodium isopentyl sulfate is often used in various biochemical experiments due to its capacity to solubilize membrane proteins and other biomolecules.
  • Environmental Impact: As with many chemical compounds, the environmental impact of sodium isopentyl sulfate must be considered, especially in terms of biodegradability and potential toxicity to aquatic life.
  • Historical Use: Surfactants like sodium isopentyl sulfate have been used for decades, underscoring the compound's long-standing importance in both industrial applications and household products.

As an adaptable compound, sodium isopentyl sulfate illustrates the intersection of chemistry with real-world applications. Its role in enhancing functionality while maintaining product stability makes it a noteworthy subject for both students and professionals in the field of chemistry.