Sodium dodecyl sulfate(SLS)
| Formula: | C12H25NaO4S |
| Chemical formula: | C12H25OSO2ONa |
| Density: | 1.1 g/cm3 (20 °C) |
| Molar mass: | 288.38 g/mol |
| Bulk density: | ~ 200 -300 kg/m3 |
| CAS number: | 151-21-3 |
| HS code: | 29209010 |
| EC number: | 205-788-1 |
| Storage (temperature): | Store at +5°C to +30 °C |
| SDS | available |
| R phrase: | R 11-21/22-36/37/38 |
| S phrase: | S 26-36/37 |
| Odour: | almost odourless |
| Form: | powder |
| Color: | light yellowish |
| PH value: | 6 – 9 (10 g/l 20 °C) |
| Solubility in water: | 150 g/l (20 °C) |
| Solubility in ethanol: | 9.96 g/l (20 °C) |
| Flash point: | > 150 °C |
| Melting point: | 204 – 207 °C |
| Thermal decomposition: | 380 °C |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0/002 | % |
| Assay (Sodium chloride & Sodium sulfate) | ≤ | 8 | % |
| Alkalinity | ≤ | 0/6 | ml |
| Unsulfonated alcohols | ≤ | 4 | % |
| Total alcohols | ≤ | 59 | % |
Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium lauryl sulfate, is an anionic surfactant with the chemical formula C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S. It appears as a white or cream-colored powder or flakes and is widely used as a detergent and emulsifying agent.
🏭⚗️ Production
SLS is produced by the sulfation of lauryl alcohol (dodecanol) followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. The process yields sodium dodecyl sulfate as a purified product commonly used in many industrial and consumer applications.
🔬 Properties
SLS is a water-soluble anionic surfactant that lowers surface tension, allowing it to effectively remove oils and dirt. It is soluble in water, forms foams easily, and is stable under normal conditions. It has a melting point of around 204–207 °C (decomposes). SLS is known for its strong cleaning and emulsifying properties but can be irritating to skin and eyes at high concentrations.
🧪 Applications
• Widely used in personal care products like shampoos, toothpaste, and soaps for its foaming and cleansing ability.
• Employed in household cleaning products and detergents.
• Used in laboratory settings as a protein denaturant in SDS-PAGE electrophoresis.
• Utilized in industrial processes including textile and leather processing.
