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Sodium oleyl sulfate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C18H37NaO4S
CAS number
143-19-1
IUPAC name
sodium;octadec-9-enyl sulfate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium oleyl sulfate is often found as a liquid or semi-solid paste. The state can change to a waxy solid when cooled, depending on its formulation.

Melting point (Celsius)
-10.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
263.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
365.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
638.15
General information
Molecular weight
372.56g/mol
Molar mass
372.5580g/mol
Density
1.0206g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium oleyl sulfate typically appears as a pale yellow or yellowish liquid, paste, or waxy solid. It can also be found as a powder when dried, but its appearance can be influenced by the formulation and concentration used.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Octadec-9-enyl Sulfate

Sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate, with the chemical formula C18H37NaO4S, is an amphiphilic compound, meaning it possesses both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) characteristics. This unique structure significantly influences its solubility properties:

  • Water solubility: Due to the sulfate group present in its molecular structure, sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate exhibits good solubility in water, although it may not be completely soluble in all conditions.
  • Organic solvent compatibility: This compound is also soluble in various organic solvents, particularly non-polar solvents, which is attributed to its long hydrophobic carbon chain.
  • Self-assembly behavior: At certain concentrations, it may form micelles in aqueous solutions, which is a phenomenon observed with many surfactants due to their amphiphilic nature.

In practice, the solubility of sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate is affected by factors such as:

  1. Temperature: Higher temperatures typically increase solubility.
  2. pH levels: Variations in pH can influence the ionization of the sulfate group, thus affecting solubility.
  3. Presence of salts: Adding other ionic compounds can lead to changes in solubility through mechanisms like salting-out effects.

Overall, the solubility characteristics of sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate make it an important compound in various applications, especially in the realms of surfactants and emulsifiers. Understanding its solubility behavior is crucial for optimizing its use in different chemical processes and formulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium Octadec-9-enyl Sulfate

Sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate is a fascinating compound that plays a significant role in various chemical and industrial applications. Here are some intriguing facts about this compound:

  • Surfactant Properties: This compound is primarily known for its surfactant qualities. Surfactants are agents that reduce the surface tension between two substances, which makes sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate useful in many formulations such as detergents and emulsifiers.
  • Biological Relevance: Sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate has been studied for its potential effects in biological systems, particularly in membrane interactions. Its amphiphilic characteristics allow it to interact with lipids and proteins, which can be essential in cellular processes.
  • Applicability in Nanotechnology: Due to its unique structural properties, this sulfate salt is leveraged in nanotechnology for creating nanoparticles and other nanoscale materials. The ability to functionalize surfaces with this compound opens up new avenues for research and application.
  • Role in Organic Chemistry: In organic synthesis, sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate can act as an effective reagent in various chemical reactions, contributing to the production of complex organic molecules.
  • Environmental Considerations: As with many surfactants, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate. While it is effective in many applications, studies are ongoing to ensure that its use does not adversely affect aquatic ecosystems.

In summary, sodium octadec-9-enyl sulfate is more than just a chemical compound; it is a versatile agent with significant implications in both science and industry. Understanding its properties and applications can lead to innovative solutions in various fields!