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Trisodium Butylbenzenesulfonate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C28H39Na3O9S3
CAS number
85117-50-6
IUPAC name
trisodium;2-butylbenzenesulfonate;3-butylbenzenesulfonate;4-butylbenzenesulfonate
State
State

At room temperature, trisodium butylbenzenesulfonate is typically a solid. It is stable under normal conditions and should be stored in a cool, dry place away from strong acids and oxidizing agents.

Melting point (Celsius)
90.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
363.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
300.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
573.00
General information
Molecular weight
378.33g/mol
Molar mass
378.3330g/mol
Density
0.8500g/cm3
Appearence

Trisodium butylbenzenesulfonate appears as a colorless to pale-yellow solid. It is often found in a granular or powder form, and is typically odorless. Being a surfactant, it can form foams and bubbles with air in aqueous solutions.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Trisodium 2-butylbenzenesulfonate, 3-butylbenzenesulfonate, and 4-butylbenzenesulfonate

Trisodium salts of sulfonic acids, such as those derived from butylbenzenesulfonic acid, generally exhibit interesting solubility characteristics. The solubility of these trisodium butylbenzenesulfonates in water can be attributed to a few key factors:

  • Ionic Nature: The presence of sodium ions (Na+) enhances water solubility because they can easily dissociate in aqueous solutions.
  • Hydrophilic Sulfonate Group: The sulfonate functional group (–SO3Na) is polar and hydrophilic, contributing to the overall solubility.
  • Hydrophobic Butyl Chains: While the butyl chains introduce hydrophobic characteristics, the trisodium salt form usually leads to a balance that maintains significant solubility in water.

Depending on the environmental conditions such as temperature and pH, the solubility can vary. It's notable that:

  1. The solubility often increases with temperature.
  2. Lower pH levels may also enhance solubility due to protonation effects.

In conclusion, the solubility of trisodium 2-butylbenzenesulfonate, 3-butylbenzenesulfonate, and 4-butylbenzenesulfonate is generally high in water thanks to their ionic and polar characteristics, making them suitable for various applications in chemical formulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Trisodium 2-Butylbenzenesulfonate, 3-Butylbenzenesulfonate, and 4-Butylbenzenesulfonate

The compound known as trisodium 2-butylbenzenesulfonate, 3-butylbenzenesulfonate, and 4-butylbenzenesulfonate, often referred to as a type of sulfonate, exhibits several intriguing characteristics that make it a compound of interest in both research and industry.

Key Features

  • Surfactant Properties: This compound functions as an effective surfactant, meaning it reduces the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. This property makes it valuable in various cleaning and washing applications.
  • Versatile Applications: Its applications extend to industries such as detergents, cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals. It's particularly useful in formulations that require emulsification.
  • Environmental Impact: As with many sulfonates, the environmental impact during its biodegradation has been a subject of study, emphasizing the importance of understanding the lifecycle and potential effects on ecosystems.
  • Structure-Function Relationship: The specific positions of the butyl groups in the benzene ring (2-, 3-, and 4-) can affect the compound's chemical behavior and interaction with other molecules, making it a fascinating case for chemists studying structure-activity relationships.

Research Insights

Studies have shown that the arrangement of functional groups can lead to variations in solubility and efficacy in various applications. According to research, these structural variations can influence:

  • Stability in different pH environments
  • Interactions with proteins and other biomolecules
  • Overall biological activity, which is crucial in designing effective surfactants for specific tasks

In summary, trisodium 2-butylbenzenesulfonate, 3-butylbenzenesulfonate, and 4-butylbenzenesulfonate not only showcase the fascinating world of sulfonated compounds, but they also exemplify how subtle structural changes can lead to significant differences in functionality and applications. As a compound used in diverse fields, it illustrates the complexities of chemical interactions in both industrial and environmental contexts.

Synonyms
26746-29-2
AC1L1PWQ
DTXSID00275054
trisodium;2-butylbenzenesulfonate;3-butylbenzenesulfonate;4-butylbenzenesulfonate