Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), classified as an anionic surfactant, serves as a characteristic example of sulfate-based surfactants. Also commercially designated as AS, K12, sodium coco-sulfate, or sodium lauryl sulfate, it is widely utilized as a foaming agent. Market formulations typically appear as white to pale yellow crystalline powders that are non-toxic. This compound demonstrates limited solubility in alcohol while being insoluble in chloroform and ether, though it readily dissolves in water. SDS exhibits excellent compatibility with both anionic and nonionic compounds.
The surfactant displays superior emulsifying, foaming, wetting, cleaning, and dispersing properties, producing abundant foam while undergoing rapid biodegradation. However, its aqueous solubility is comparatively lower than that of sodium alcohol ether sulfate (AES).
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) (C₁₂H₂₅SO₄Na, CAS 151-21-3), classified as an anionic surfactant, is the benchmark sulfate-based surfactant. Also designated as AS, K12, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), or sodium coco-sulfate (C12-C16 chain blend), it typically appears as white to pale yellow hygroscopic crystals with a characteristic faint fatty odor.


Structural & Chemical Features
Molecular Geometry:
Hydrophobic tail: 12-carbon alkyl chain (length: 1.67 nm)
Hydrophilic head: sulfate group (diameter: 0.45 nm)
Crystalline Form:
Hexagonal/lamellar structure below Krafft point
Monoclinic crystals (space group P2₁/c)

Application Scenarios
Cleaning Systems
Detergents: 10-25% in laundry powders (removes sebum/stains)
Dish Liquids: 3-15% (grease-cutting synergy with CAPB)
Personal Care
Toothpaste: 1.0-1.5% (creamy foam, plaque removal)
Shampoos: 8-15% (primary surfactant in clarifying formulas)
Industrial Processes
Emulsion Polymerization: 0.5-2% (styrene-butadiene rubber)
Textile Processing: Scouring agent (1-3 g/L, 80°C)
Scientific Uses
SDS-PAGE: 0.1-0.5% in buffers (protein charge masking)
Cell Biology: 0.05-0.1% in lysis buffers
Specialty Formulations
Firefighting Foam: 2-5% (AFFF concentrates)
Microbubbles: Ultrasound contrast agents