Sodium tridecyl sulfate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

C₁₃H₂₇NaO₄S

CAS number

25446-78-0

IUPAC name

sodium;tridecyl sulfate

State

At room temperature, sodium tridecyl sulfate is usually found as a solid powder. It can, however, be dissolved in water to form a solution, demonstrating its utility as a surfactant in various applications.

Melting point (Celsius)

-10.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

263.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

337.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

610.15

General information

Molecular weight

288.40g/mol

Molar mass

288.4020g/mol

Density

0.4900g/cm³

Appearence

Sodium tridecyl sulfate typically appears as a white to yellowish solid or powder. It is often used in its powder form but can also appear in a liquid form when dissolved in water or solvents. The compound is known for its foaming and detergent capabilities.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Tridecyl Sulfate

Sodium tridecyl sulfate, with the chemical formula C₁₃H₂₇NaO₄S, is a fascinating compound known for its surfactant properties. Its solubility characteristics can be highlighted as follows:

Water Solubility: Sodium tridecyl sulfate is soluble in water, making it useful in various applications including detergents and personal care products.
Influence of Temperature: The solubility of this compound typically increases with temperature, which is common for many surfactants.
pH Sensitivity: The solubility can also be influenced by the pH of the solution, often showing better solubility in alkaline conditions.

It is important to note that the presence of ions in solution can affect the solubility of sodium tridecyl sulfate. For example, high concentrations of divalent cations can lead to a reduction in solubility, as these ions can interact with the sulfate groups, precipitating the compound.

In summary, sodium tridecyl sulfate is highly soluble in water and is influenced by temperature and pH conditions, which makes it particularly versatile in its applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Tridecyl Sulfate

Sodium tridecyl sulfate is a fascinating chemical compound that belongs to the class of surfactants. It plays a significant role in various industrial and household applications due to its unique properties. Here are some interesting aspects of sodium tridecyl sulfate:

Surfactant Properties: As a surfactant, sodium tridecyl sulfate reduces the surface tension between liquids, making it an excellent emulsifying agent. This property is crucial in products such as shampoos and detergents, where it aids in the mixing of oil and water.
Uses in Cleaning Products: You can find sodium tridecyl sulfate in numerous cleaning products due to its ability to remove dirt and grease effectively. It is particularly valued in formulations for household cleaners and laundry detergents.
Biodegradability: An important feature of sodium tridecyl sulfate is its biodegradable nature, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to some synthetic surfactants.
Laboratory Applications: In the laboratory, sodium tridecyl sulfate is often utilized in research, particularly in biochemistry and molecular biology, where it is employed to study the behavior of proteins and nucleic acids.
Safety and Handling: While it is effective in various applications, safety measures should be followed when handling sodium tridecyl sulfate to avoid irritation to the skin and eyes.

In summary, sodium tridecyl sulfate is a versatile compound with essential roles in both everyday products and scientific research. Its ability to act as a surfactant, combined with its biodegradability, makes it a valuable chemical in both consumer and industrial applications.