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Sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C14H29NaO3S
CAS number
6237-93-2
IUPAC name
sodium;tetradecane-3-sulfonate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate is a solid. It maintains its stability and condition in standard atmospheric conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
350.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
623.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
432.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
705.70
General information
Molecular weight
320.50g/mol
Molar mass
320.4950g/mol
Density
1.1268g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate is typically a white, crystalline powder. It may also appear as a granular solid and is highly soluble in water, forming clear solutions. Due to its surfactant properties, it can create foamy textures when dissolved in water.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Tetradecane-3-sulfonate

Sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate, with its unique structure, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics. Being a sodium salt of a long-chain sulfonic acid, its solubility can be discussed as follows:

  • Water Solubility: This compound is generally soluble in water due to the presence of the sulfonate group (-SO3Na), which can interact favorably with water molecules.
  • Solvent Interactions: It tends to exhibit better solubility in polar solvents compared to non-polar solvents, due to the polar character of the sulfonate moiety.
  • Influence of Chain Length: The long hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain (tetradecane) can limit solubility in pure water, but it enhances compatibility with organic solvents.
  • Concentration Effects: At higher concentrations, sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate may exhibit surfactant properties, forming micelles and thus affecting its effective solubility in a solution.

It’s important to note that as with many surfactants, the solubility can also change with temperature and the presence of other solutes. In practical applications, understanding this solubility behavior is key for effective utilization in formulations such as detergents or in the processing of emulsions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium Tetradecane-3-sulfonate

Sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate is a fascinating compound that belongs to the category of sulfonates, which are known for their surfactant properties. Here are some intriguing insights about this compound:

  • Surfactant Properties: This compound acts as an effective surfactant, reducing the surface tension of water and allowing for better wetting and spreading of liquids. This property makes it useful in a variety of applications including detergents, personal care products, and even pharmaceuticals.
  • Environmental Impact: Tetradecane-3-sulfonate is considered relatively biodegradable, which is an important aspect in the modern quest for environmentally friendly chemicals. This characteristic helps in minimizing the long-term ecological footprint of products containing this compound.
  • Applications in Industry: Sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate finds utility in several industrial sectors. It's frequently used in:
    • Cosmetics and personal care formulations such as shampoos and lotions.
    • Food production as an emulsifier.
    • Research settings as a versatile reagent in chemical processes.
  • Role in Biological Systems: Surfactants like sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate play a crucial role in biological membranes. They can interact with lipid layers, influencing membrane fluidity and permeability which is essential for cellular functions.
  • Research Interest: Ongoing studies are investigating the potential of sulfonates in drug delivery systems due to their ability to enhance solubility and bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds. 'The promise of these compounds in novel formulations holds immense potential,' remarks leading chemists.

In conclusion, sodium tetradecane-3-sulfonate represents a remarkable intersection of chemistry, industry, and environmental science, highlighting its significance in our daily lives and in advanced scientific research. With continuous research and development, the future for this compound looks bright!