Sodium dodecyl sulfate CAS#151-21-3
Sodium dodecyl sulfate is an anionic surfactant and a typical representative of sulfate‑based surfactants. Commonly abbreviated as SDS, it also goes by other trade names including AS, K12, sodium coco‑sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate, and is widely used as a foaming agent. Commercially it appears as white‑to‑light‑yellow crystalline powder. It is non‑toxic, slightly soluble in alcohol, insoluble in chloroform and ether, yet readily soluble in water. It exhibits good compatibility with both anionic and non‑ionic ingredients.
Sodium dodecyl sulfate delivers outstanding emulsification, foaming, wetting‑penetration, detergency and dispersing capacity, generating abundant foam while featuring rapid biodegradability. Nevertheless, its aqueous solubility is inferior to that of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES / AES).
Sodium Dodecyl Chemical Properties
| Melting point | 204-207 °C (lit.) |
| density | 1.03 g/mL at 20 °C |
| bulk density | 490-560kg/m3 |
| FEMA | 4437 | SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE |
| Fp | >100°C |
| storage temp. | 2-8°C |
| solubility | H2O: 0.1 M, clear to nearly clear, colorless to slightly yellow |
| form | Powder or Crystals |
| color | White to pale yellow |
| Odor | Slight fatty odour |
| PH Rane | 7.2 |
| PH | 6-9 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| biological source | synthetic (oragnic) |
| Water Solubility | ca. 150 g/L (20 ºC) |
| λmax | λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.3 λ: 280 nm Amax: 0.2 |
| Merck | 14,8636 |
| BRN | 3599286 |
| InChIKey | DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M |
| LogP | 1.600 |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 151-21-3(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Sodium lauryl sulfate (151-21-3) |
| Absorption | ≤0.1 at 280nm in water at 30mg/mL |
Product Application of Sodium Dodecyl
Sodium dodecyl sulfate features strong cleaning, emulsifying and foaming capabilities. It works as a detergent and textile auxiliary, with broad applications: anionic surfactant, foaming agent for toothpaste, mine fire suppressant, fire-fighting foam additive, emulsifier for emulsion polymerization, and emulsifying dispersant for pharmaceuticals. It is also incorporated into cosmetic products like shampoos, wool cleaners, and detergents for silk and fine wool fabrics. Besides, it can be applied as a flotation reagent in mineral processing and metal beneficiation.
Under GB 2760-96, it is approved as a food processing aid. Within the food industry, it acts as a foaming agent, emulsifier and anionic surfactant for cakes, beverages, protein products, fresh fruits, fruit juices and edible oils.
