Chemists in the late nineteenth century started to shape the understanding of organic sulfonic acids, including what we recognize as 4-phenolsulfonic acid and its potassium salt. Early synthetic dyestuffs, vital to the textile boom, depended on benzene ring modifications, where sulfonation opened avenues for water solubility and easier processing. Pioneers like Friedländer and Gattermann left detailed protocols that many modern industrial methods still echo. Many laboratories used potassium salts instead of sodium due to cost, handling, and legacy machinery. Even older references talk of its role in early photolithographic solutions and as a curing agent. Reaching back matters: knowing earlier scientific curiosity drives today’s tweaks for efficiency, purity, and greener production.
This compound features a phenolic ring topped with a sulfonic acid group, paired with a potassium ion. Manufacturers rely on its high solubility, strong acidity, and robustness in handling hot or corrosive environments. Typical products roll out as white or slightly yellowish powders, although color can fluctuate based on trace iron or organic impurities. Packs range from jars for lab needs to drums for bulk clients. Demand surges in the plastics, dyes, water treatment, and electronics sectors often shape production volume and purity targets, reflecting feedback from these industries.
4-Phenolsulfonic acid potassium often crystallizes, with a melting point well above 300°C, making it well-suited for high-temperature reactions and tough industrial environments. Water solubility remains nearly complete, which supports its use in aqueous processing lines — something I’ve seen drive switching costs away from less soluble acid forms. Density comes in at 1.7–1.9 g/cm³, and the material boasts a strong acidic character, with the sulfonate group lowering the pKa relative to unmodified phenols. Potassium keeps the compound stable, non-hygroscopic, and easier to handle than the sodium alternative, especially in humid climates. As with many sulfonated aromatics, expect good resistance to strong oxidizers but not a complete shield, so compatibility testing always pays off.
Labels follow the UN’s GHS system, with hazard information clearly stated. Typical specs include purity above 98%, trace metallic impurities below 50 ppm, and sulfate content carefully tracked. Labels carry batch numbers for traceability, shelf-life dates, storage instructions, and proper graphics for corrosivity. Shipping needs require labeling in compliance with ADR and IMDG rules for corrosive, non-flammable solids. These details matter for plant managers handling bulk material, as downstream process safety depends on knowing exactly which grade landed on the loading dock.
Sulfonation begins with phenol, using fuming or concentrated sulfuric acid under controlled temperature — never a casual task. Stirring, cooling, and staged addition prevent runaway reactions or hazardous fumes. Once phenolsulfonic acid forms in situ, neutralization brings in potassium carbonate or hydroxide to yield the potassium salt. Granulation or spray-drying finishes the product for easier shipping. In my experience, smaller batches permit more finely tuned temperature ramps to control side-products, while industrial setups prioritize throughput and energy efficiency. Many modern lines recapture sulfur dioxide off-gas for environmental compliance, rather than release it.
4-Phenolsulfonic acid potassium lends itself to further chemistry, especially when used as a base substrate for sulfonate ester synthesis, phenolic resin curing, or as a leaving group in nucleophilic aromatic substitution. Under alkaline fusion, it can release simple phenol, and the sulfonate group opens the door for modification to other salts or esters. Beyond stoichiometric reactions, catalysts based on this compound find their way into polycondensation reactions, often speeding things up in ways standard acids cannot. Handling modifications requires solid pH and temperature control, as the material’s high acidity and reactivity do not tolerate sloppy protocols.
The name 4-phenolsulfonic acid potassium shows up in catalogs alongside entries like potassium p-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, potassium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, or potassium para-phenolsulfonate. German and Japanese chemical indexes sometimes twist the name a bit, so consulting local supplier catalogs avoids confusion. Safety data sheets will mention its CAS number, helping chemists match up standards across suppliers even if product names vary.
Lab workers treating this compound wear gloves and goggles, since direct contact can irritate skin or eyes. Facilities use polypropylene or ceramic pipes in transfer lines to avoid corrosion, and fume hoods limit inhalation risks. Training includes thorough reviews of the NFPA and GHS hazard profiles. Storage away from strong oxidizers, with clear signage about incompatibility, drops insurance costs and downtime in case of incidents. Waste protocols include the use of neutralization baths and sealed containers for residual solids, backed by regular audits aligned with ISO 14001 and OSHA rules. Reviewing safety incidents linked to similar sulfonic acids underlines why small oversights can snowball into avoidable hazards.
Industries turn to this compound for its acidity, not just as a reagent, but as a component in ion exchange resins, plastics additives, catalyst supports, and specialty cleaning solutions. Printed circuit board manufacturing leans on its ability to etch copper layers with precision, while the dye industry values its water solubility and bright color enhancement. In wastewater, it helps break down persistent organic pollutants, often giving municipal plants a flexible tool for compliance. Each field demands something different: reproducibility in electronics, purity in pharmaceuticals, flowability in plastics. Direct conversations with process engineers highlight how fine-tuning the grade or particle size can solve problems that broad specs alone cannot address.
Research teams look at greener sulfonation catalysts, or ways to isolate and recycle potassium streams right in the synthesis step. New methods test milder acid mixes, often relying on flow reactors to trim energy use and boost yield. In polymers, experimental work aims to graft the sulfonic acid group onto unusual backbones, searching for better conductivity or enhanced flame resistance. Environmental teams track breakdown pathways, seeing if microbes can safely digest residuals or if persistent organic pollution might demand high-temperature incineration. Academic papers document how changes in crystal habit tweak solubility, affecting everything from tablet formulation to film casting.
Modern toxicity profiles rely on in vitro assays, fish lethality studies, and simulated environmental release models. Acute toxicity trends lower than other sulfonated aromatics, but chronic exposure has raised questions about subtle metabolic effects in aquatic species. Occupational health bulletins warn of irritant and corrosive effects, pressing for strict exposure limits in high-volume plants. Ongoing studies focus on byproduct formation under strong heat or UV, which may raise new flags for persistent organic pollution or bioaccumulation. Many users trial on-site water monitoring to catch problems early, especially if discharge streams cross into sensitive lands or waterways.
Green chemistry advocates see this compound getting redesigned for less waste — for example, closed-loop systems capturing and reusing both potassium and process water. Engineered forms with even tighter control over crystal habit or particle size could help 3D printing, electronics, or filtration industries fine-tune performance. Academic interest continues to probe new derivatives, looking for next-level catalysts, sensors, or biodegradable plastics. Climate policies and stricter REACH guidelines may nudge suppliers to audit every input, update safety docs, and pressure test greener routes. Staying ahead means building research partnerships, listening closely to industrial feedback, and investing in process tweaks wherever waste or inefficiency still creeps in.
Walking into a hardware store, you might not recognize it among the shelves, but 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium has its hands in more than a few projects that day-to-day folks rely on. Chemists call it a strong organic acid salt, but in the real world, it quietly fuels progress in industries like dye-making, water purification, and even electronics. My own run-ins with chemical solutions came during a summer job at a plastics lab. The pile of jars in the corner, each labeled with bewildering names, always seemed mysterious—until you see how critical they are for the end product's color and quality.
Think about the last time you picked out a vivid jacket or chose a car’s paint color. Companies use chemicals like 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium to drive reactions that set those bright colors. In the dye world, sulfonic acids help make the color molecules water-soluble. Factories want those dyes to stick around and not wash out after one rainy day. People may take clothing colorfastness for granted, but this chemical links the color to the fiber, locking it in through every spin cycle. Industry statistics show textile makers across Asia and Europe consume tons of these sulfonic compounds every year, making lasting colors part of everyday life.
Modern electronics don't just run on silicon. A surprising share of circuit boards and flexible displays run on polymer blends, which need conductivity and durability. During one of my college lab courses, we tried to prepare conductive films, and the right chemical blend felt like magic—too much or too little, and the circuit didn't work. 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium acts as a catalyst or dopant in these polymer systems, fine-tuning how electricity moves through them. Companies building flexible screens and sensors rely on these fine-tuned reactions to create thin, rugged electronics. With global demand for flexible electronics rising, chemical suppliers have ramped up production to keep up with big brands making wearables and smart packaging.
Clean water keeps communities running. Factories often discharge organic pollutants that threaten rivers and lakes. Environmental engineers use this compound in specialty processes to break down dyes and organic waste in industrial wastewater, making it safer before it returns to the environment. In some large plants, chemical dosing systems drip 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium into treatment tanks, helping clean up everything from textile dye effluent to chemical runoff. More effective cleanup translates into less toxic sludge and better public health. The World Health Organization highlights advanced water treatment as key to safer cities, and chemistry plays a quiet but vital role in that mission.
Every job involving concentrated chemicals calls for proper training. My first day handling bulk reagents, I learned to respect the safety data sheets and double-check every label. While 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium enables valuable processes, people handling it focus on gloves, ventilation, and storage protocols. Smart companies back up these routines with updated training and spill plans. For the bigger picture, researchers continue to seek alternative methods and greener chemicals, reducing the environmental footprint. Pushes for eco-friendly dyes and advanced recycling owe a lot to breakthroughs using compounds like this one, showing how thoughtful chemistry can help industries pivot toward more sustainable practices.
Diversification of chemical synthesis stands out as a way forward. By supporting cleaner production—whether with renewable feedstocks or better-waste management—industry leaders balance progress and safety. After seeing firsthand the links between chemistry, manufacturing, and daily life, it's clear that compounds like 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium are more than just hard-to-pronounce ingredients. They form part of a larger push toward reliability, color, conductivity, and safety in our daily world.
People in chemistry labs often cross paths with 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium, especially when dealing with organic reagents or troubleshooting industrial processes. The formula for this compound looks straightforward on the surface: C6H5KO4S. This means the molecule contains six carbon atoms, five hydrogens, one potassium atom, four oxygens, and a sulfur atom. That balance of elements tells a deeper story about how this salt behaves, how it differs from other related compounds, and why it attracts attention in research and manufacturing.
Chemists need reliable, well-defined compounds to avoid unexpected results. If someone runs a reaction thinking they’ve got phenol, but their material actually contains a sulfonic acid and a potassium counterion, outcomes change. The formula isn’t just a collection of letters and numbers—it acts as a roadmap. Researchers use this information to calculate molar masses, plan stoichiometry for chemical reactions, and determine safe storage protocols.
Real mistakes happen when formulas get overlooked or mixed up. A few years back, I saw a lab partner confuse sodium phenolate with potassium 4-phenolsulfonate. The reaction failed; we burned through valuable time and resources. Later, we realized the potassium in 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium shifted the pH enough to stall the process. Understanding the formula could have saved us an entire week.
Manufacturers use this compound for dye production, resin manufacturing, and sometimes in pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical grade quality depends on the right ions lining up—potassium instead of sodium, for example, can influence solubility, toxicity, and metabolism in the body. The structural difference the formula shows, especially the presence of the sulfonic acid and potassium, leads to different behaviors than phenol or simple phenol salts.
Environmental scientists also care. Disposing of compounds like 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium creates headaches for wastewater treatment. The sulfonate group boosts water solubility. Labs and factories need solutions for wastewater rich in sulfonated aromatic compounds, which escape traditional treatment and push regulators to set stricter guidelines for disposal.
To tackle confusion around formulas, everyone from students to seasoned scientists should double-check the molecular makeup when ordering or using chemicals. Setting up labeling protocols, using reliable suppliers, and adopting digital chemical inventory systems with clear nomenclature reduce mix-ups. Chemical safety becomes a smoother ride when precision comes into play at every step—especially in sharing safety data sheets based on correct formulas.
The classroom lesson still rings true—structure leads function. Armed with the correct formula for 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium, researchers and engineers sidestep all sorts of pitfalls. The seemingly small matter of writing C6H5KO4S correctly supports everything from clean manufacturing to safer work benches and healthier communities.
This commentary pulls from hands-on lab experience, industry standards, and reputable sources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and peer-reviewed chemistry journals. Ensuring trustworthy information lines up with the latest science helps people in chemistry keep a steady course.
Most people never hear about 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium outside a chemistry lab or industrial facility. Those of us who do, know this stuff has a strong presence in making dyes, resins, and even in some analytical work. Coming across a chemical like this raises big questions—how dangerous is it, and what does contact mean for regular folks and workers?
Safety data sheets spell out the reality: 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium brings notable risks. If you get it on your skin, there’s a real chance of irritation or burns. Eyes need even more protection—any chemical mist or splash should send someone straight to an eye-wash station. Breathing in fine particulate can cause respiratory discomfort or an outright chemical reaction in sensitive lungs.
There are deeper reasons beyond the basics. This substance draws water and sticks to tissue, which makes even small, seemingly harmless dust a concern. The acid component makes it corrosive. Ingestion can damage the gastrointestinal tract. Studies show exposure causes symptoms fast, pushing straightforward safety steps into must-do territory.
I spent years training employees who had no chemistry background. Getting them to respect acids like these wasn’t easy—many saw “potassium” and thought of bananas or table salt. The difference here can’t be overstated: touching 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium without gloves can leave red, painful welts; sniffing the dust could make someone cough uncontrollably.
Long-haul dangers aren’t fully mapped out, but repeated exposure raises flags—dermatitis, lung sensitivity, maybe worse after years. Stories from seasoned lab techs say it all: no one works unprotected twice.
Spills or improper disposal of industrial acids can disrupt local waterways. Aquatic life in contaminated rivers pays the price, especially since this acid’s sulfonic group changes water chemistry and can kill off sensitive species. Real environmental risk comes from accidents and companies skipping proper containment for the sake of cost-cutting.
Regulations exist to stop this, but paperwork alone doesn’t save a fish. Workers and residents near disposal sites need companies to do more than check boxes—they need diligent handling and transparent safety practices.
Mitigating risk doesn’t take fancy technology. Basic steps matter most: gloves, goggles, face masks, and proper storage containers bring the biggest impact. I’ve watched even skeptical coworkers adopt full protection gear after seeing minor accidents up close. Chemical handling goes from an afterthought to a habit.
Companies can lean on rigorous employee training and easy access to spill kits. Labeling at every step—bottles, tanks, loading docks—keeps the message crystal clear. Community outreach and clear emergency protocols bridge the trust gap between industry and everyone else.
4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium is a useful industrial tool, but its strength lies in responsible hands. Keeping the risks visible and the solutions simple keeps everyone safer, whether in a lab coat or street clothes.
I’ve worked in a few backroom labs, and one thing that stays with me is the sense of respect—or honestly, a bit of fear—we carry for chemicals like 4-phenolsulfonic acid potassium. You spill a little water on the floor, no big deal. Spill a chemical like this, and you quickly realize why storage gets so much attention. Let’s strip away corporate lingo and talk about what actually matters if you have a bag, barrel, or drum of this compound on your shelf.
Moisture creates hazards with chemicals like this. You leave the cover loose, even for a couple hours, and you invite caking, clumping, or a mess that’s much harder to clean than flour in a pantry. Inexperienced folks sometimes store chemicals in cheap plastic containers. Trouble is, water vapor finds its way in. Glass, thick polyethylene, or metal with a solid-sealing lid holds up better, especially in humid climates. Toss in a desiccant pack for extra peace of mind. If it cakes or absorbs too much moisture, you may face degraded chemical quality or corrosion on storage shelves.
Chemicals don’t enjoy swings in temperature. This acid salt tolerates room temperature, but that phrase means little if you’re living in a place where “room” changes from 10°C in winter to 35°C in summer. I’ve seen pails deform in direct sunlight, and evenings where condensation formed inside containers, ruining the batch. If you keep 4-phenolsulfonic acid potassium near a furnace, an oven, or any machinery that creates heat, brace yourself for disappointment. Store it in a cool, shaded location, away from sources that release heat.
It’s easy to underestimate how curious kids—or even pets—can get in a lab or supply area. I once caught a cat batting around a loose cap from a container that barely dodged disaster. Chemicals don’t belong where anyone can stumble across them. Locked cabinets and clear, original labels make a difference. Label everything, and check your markers. Faded letters invite mistakes, and I’ve seen folks add the wrong powder to a mix just because containers got switched during a busy shift.
This acid salt interacts with strong bases, oxidizers, and plenty of other reactive groups. Throwing containers onto the same shelf just to save space courts trouble. An accidental spill or leaky lid could lead to smoke, heat, or harmful fumes. I split up storage areas—acids and bases have no business cuddling close together. It’s basic stuff, but sometimes common sense beats the best-designed spreadsheet. No one wants to explain smoke pouring out of a supply closet because containers got too friendly.
I’ve helped train new lab techs, and there’s always someone who asks, “Can I just leave it over here?” Picking the right place comes down to simple questions: Is it dry? Is it stable? Is it locked? Am I sure nothing will react if something spills? Keep those answers honest. Relying on theoretical guidelines without thinking about your own space—ventilation, temperature swings, foot traffic—leads to mistakes.
Respect for 4-phenolsulfonic acid potassium isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing that a little attention now means not waking up to a corroded shelf, a clumped powder, or worse. Store it smart, store it secure, keep the air dry, and check your containers every few weeks. Past experience says these habits count far more than any label tucked onto a datasheet.
4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium shows up in labs, research facilities, and some manufacturing settings. If you’ve ever worked with chemical powders, you know that complacency causes trouble—especially with substances that harm skin, eyes, and lungs. Direct contact can burn. Breathing in the dust leads to coughing and long-term health problems. Getting ready ahead of time cuts down on emergencies.
Short sleeves and open-toed shoes have no place around this kind of chemical. Goggles give proper protection, not just regular glasses, since splashes sneak in from the sides. A lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves, and solid footwear make up the basic uniform for any task. In high-dust situations, a certified respirator with correct filters blocks inhalation risks. A friend who ignored this, thinking small spills were harmless, learned the hard way—with a trip to urgent care for a nasty skin reaction.
Good air flow keeps airborne particles away from your face. A fume hood or a dedicated exhaust system gives the best protection. Cracking a window or turning on a fan doesn’t give the same results. Laboratories that invest in ventilation systems see far fewer reported exposures. OSHA data backs up this observation: reported incidents drop when facilities upgrade their ventilation. Reliable airflow isn’t just useful — it’s a safeguard.
Accidents don’t wait for you to pull out a safety manual. Having eyewash stations and safety showers within arm’s reach saves vital seconds that help prevent permanent damage. Regular walk-throughs let everyone know where the closest exits and emergency gear are located. The best labs rehearse spills and splash scenarios twice a year. I once watched a rookie chemist freeze during a spill. After a few dry runs, she became the go-to person for spill response.
Loose containers cause more headaches than any other factor. Chemicals stored in cracked bottles, crowded onto shelves, or left uncapped turn a minor slip into a full-on hazardous event. Dedicated chemical storage cabinets, properly labeled, keep everything in order and away from incompatible substances. Labels should include concentration and hazard warnings—you don’t want to grab the wrong thing in a hurry. Storing acids away from bases and flammable organics, for example, can prevent unexpected reactions. Shelf inspections every month help catch problems before they cause harm.
Pouring chemicals down the drain never works out. Municipal water treatment plants deal with enough stress; they aren’t built to handle strong acids. Proper disposal procedures, collected in airtight, labeled containers, keep local ecosystems safe. Check local and federal guidelines before making a disposal plan. Some places require pickup by certified waste handlers. In my city, the fire department works with businesses to coordinate pickups twice a year. Keeping disposal logs avoids headaches during inspections and builds trust in your workplace.
Safety data sheets exist for a reason. They spell out what to do in real language, so there’s no confusion. Staff briefings at shift changes go a long way toward keeping seasoned pros and new hires sharp. Even old-timers can benefit from a quick refresher. Reading up on changes in regulations and best practices won’t win you awards, but it will keep your lab off the evening news.
Making safety a daily habit pays off. Most issues disappear when people take gear, labeling, and training seriously. Safe storage, careful handling, and steady awareness don’t feel heroic, but they stop bad situations before they start. The old saying rings true: a clean, organized workspace beats any emergency plan written on paper.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Potassium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate |
| Other names |
Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-hydroxy-, potassium salt p-Hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid potassium salt Potassium p-hydroxybenzenesulfonate Potassium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈfɛn.oʊlˌsʌl.fə.nɪk ˈæs.ɪd pəˈtæsiəm/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 70693-62-8 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `4-phenolsulfonic acid potassium` JSmol 3D model string (also known as a **Jmol/JChem SMILES** string): ``` C1=CC(=CC=C1S(=O)(=O)[O-])O.[K+] ``` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209223 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:37167 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL444502 |
| ChemSpider | 23433 |
| DrugBank | DB14503 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.019.053 |
| EC Number | 246-404-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 93377 |
| KEGG | C02573 |
| MeSH | D010692 |
| PubChem CID | 23874733 |
| RTECS number | SM9625000 |
| UNII | 0W6LQ9A2T3 |
| UN number | UN2585 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID0041518 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H5KO4S |
| Molar mass | 236.27 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.246 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | soluble |
| log P | -2.2 |
| Acidity (pKa) | -2.8 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 11.05 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -49.5×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.605 |
| Viscosity | 20 mPa.s (80 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 4.73 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 218.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -895.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1556 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Causes serious eye damage. Harmful if swallowed. |
| GHS labelling | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | {"GHS05", "GHS07"} |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: "P264, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P330 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-0-1-Acidity |
| Flash point | >100°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 2840 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat oral 2840 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | REL (Recommended Exposure Limit) for 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid Potassium: "6 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Phenol 4-Phenolsulfonic acid Phenol red Sulfanilic acid p-Cresol sulfonic acid |
