The history of Ammonium 2-Methyl-2-[(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Amino]-1-Propanesulfonate traces back to the rise of acrylic functional monomers during the industrial chemistry boom in the twentieth century. Researchers chased ways to improve water solubility and reactivity of polymer building blocks, especially for applications where strong ion exchange behavior commands center stage. Early patents from Europe and Japan in the 1970s often point to derivatives of propanesulfonate to improve binding properties and temperature stability. This compound gained market traction alongside advancing emulsion polymerization techniques, particularly in paint, textile finishing, and specialty coatings. My first encounter with this chemical happened during a stint in an industrial coatings lab, where its use for boosting electrostatic interactions in latex polymers drew a lot of attention because of its balance between cost and efficacy.
This compound, formally called Ammonium 2-Methyl-2-[(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Amino]-1-Propanesulfonate, fits into the wider family of functionalized acrylamides. Suppliers provide it as a free-flowing crystalline solid or as an aqueous solution in several purity grades. It carries an acrylamide backbone, which contributes to its polymerizability, and a sulfonate group, boosting water compatibility. Chemists recognize its versatility in copolymerization, particularly for tuning hydrophilicity or ionic character in final applications. The ammonium counterion helps foster compatibility in recipes that demand both water and organic phases for polymer synthesis.
The compound presents as a white or off-white crystalline powder, soluble in water, sparingly soluble in common organic solvents like acetone or toluene. Its molecular weight typically clocks in around 225-250 g/mol, depending on hydrate content. Melting points can vary but remain above room temperature. The substance features characteristic acrylamide reactivity: it quickly participates in free-radical polymerizations under mild temperature and gentle peroxide or azo-initiator conditions. Sulfonate groups deliver strong ionic hydration, resisting precipitation even at moderately high salt concentrations. These attributes open doors for chemical engineers designers seeking performance coatings, flocculants, and dispersants.
Manufacturers mark product quality through purity, moisture content, and residual monomer analysis. Labels often cite active content from 95% up, with most reputable brands running HPLC verification. Product datasheets explain risks from dust inhalation and recommend keeping quantities in double-sealed high-density polyethylene drums. I have seen strict batch traceability protocols in place, especially when this ingredient feeds pharmaceutical or water treatment markets. GHS safety symbols flag risks related to skin or eye irritation—an issue not to ignore in an unventilated lab or plant setting.
Synthetic production relies on the Michael addition of acrylamide to 2-methylpropanesulfonic acid amide, followed by neutralization with aqueous ammonia. Chemists monitor pH and conversion closely to limit oligomers or by-products. Aqueous crystallization provides physical purification. Industrial-scale units precisely meter reactants and run at reduced temperatures to suppress side reactions. From experience, temperature spikes late in the reaction invite unwanted crosslinking, so close attention to exotherms shapes a cleaner batch. Afterward, filtration and vacuum drying wrap up the process, ensuring manageable dust and granulation size.
The acrylamide group takes center stage for polymerization. Under peroxide or redox initiation, it quickly chains up with vinyl monomers like acrylic acid, acrylates, or styrenes, yielding hydrophilic, charged copolymers with remarkable durability. Modifiers can protect the sulfonate during cross-coupling, although hydrolysis steps must remove any protecting groups. In my experience, blending in sodium or potassium analogs improves processing in some recipes thanks to better salt-out properties, though ammonium versions excel where low ash or high-purity are musts. Sulfonated acrylamides also undergo amidation or esterification, allowing surfactant or emulsifier formulators to experiment with foaming, wetting, or anti-static improvements.
Across markets, the compound appears under several trade names: AMPSA, AMPS ammonium salt, and ammonium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate. Supply catalogs list CAS numbers for clarity, usually tied to specific hydrate levels. In polymer research, shorthand such as “ammonium AMPS” signals its role during copolymerization, especially when compared to sodium or free acid versions. Some legacy suppliers have coined proprietary blends for specialty cement or EOR (enhanced oil recovery), often tweaking the labeling slightly for marketing flair, but chemical structure takes center stage beyond the brand.
Regulatory compliance usually orbits around workplace exposure limits, dust control, and environmental disposal. OSHA and EU REACH registers generally err on the side of caution, treating ammonium acrylamide salts as irritants requiring gloves, goggles, and dust masks. My time in manufacturing saw routine audits checking for spill containment and fume extraction, along with emergency washing kits at bench level. Fire risk remains low, but fine particulate must not accumulate as air-dispersed powder. Standard operating procedures call for prompt clean-up and batch logs, especially in pharma or drinking water sectors.
Paint and ink manufacturers use the compound for its role in improving binder wetting, pigment dispersion, and print durability. Textile processors favor it for anti-static and anti-soil additives in wash-resistant finishes. Water treatment plants rely on it during sludge dewatering, leveraging its ability to tie up charged contaminants and improve clarification. Oil field engineers deploy selected grades for drilling mud and hydraulic fracturing fluids, where it stabilizes clay swelling and suspends solids at high temperatures. In cement formulation, the compound fights setting time drift and enhances workability, especially when local conditions hamper standard formulations. On the research front, polymer scientists build hydrogels and super-absorbent fibers, drawing on its water-sensitivity and ionic charge to create new wound dressing and personal care materials.
Academic and industrial labs keep casting about for novel copolymers and additives built around this compound’s backbone. Current studies target sustainable resin blends, leveraging its hydrophile-lipophile balance for advanced barrier coatings or medical adhesives. The biocompatible nature of sulfonated acrylamides has caught the eye of drug delivery researchers working to load hydrogels with actives for controlled release. I’ve watched collaborations between chemical engineers and environmental teams work up modified versions to strip heavy metals or microplastics from industrial effluents, using targeted copolymerization recipes. Computer-aided design platforms now simulate its effect within larger macromolecules, reducing development time for green packaging or specialty surfactants.
Safety research confirms low acute toxicity, though the compound presents mild to moderate risks when inhaled or when skin contact lasts too long without washing. Chronic exposure data remain limited, pushing safety committees to favor rinse-off handling, local exhaust, and regular employee health screening. Environmental studies in the last decade offer some reassurance; the compound biodegrades slowly but shows little sign of persistent harm in aquatic life. Acute fish and invertebrate toxicity data show higher margins of safety than many cationic monomers. In my own field visits, wastewater discharge monitoring tracked rapid dilution and breakdown, but environmental officers still call for responsible containment and discharge below strict thresholds.
Looking ahead, demand seems tied to trends in green chemistry and new hybrid materials design. With pressure mounting on producers to ship eco-friendly, high-performance coatings and water treatment chemicals, ammonium 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-1-propanesulfonate stands poised to anchor new plant-based or recyclable polymer blends. Companies investing in closed-loop recycling or advanced wastewater treatment recognize its potential for safer, more effective process aids. Academic labs now tinker with bio-based analogs or molecular tweaks to reduce environmental footprint while keeping the sulfonate group’s water-grabbing prowess. This direction calls for tight collaboration between suppliers, end-users, and regulators, focusing on open research, new synthesis routes, and safe disposal strategies. Investment in data transparency, green chemistry certifications, and third-party audits will help accelerate broader adoption while guarding health and safety for workers and communities.
Chemicals with complicated names often make most people’s eyes glaze over. Yet, behind those long strings of scientific terms, there’s usually a clear reason for their existence. Ammonium 2-Methyl-2-[(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Amino]-1-Propanesulfonate stands as one of those specialty compounds that rarely makes headlines, but it makes a difference in regular products.
This compound often ends up in personal care and cleaning products—think shampoos, body washes, or even dish soaps lurking under your kitchen sink. Chemists rely on it for its surfactant properties. Surfactants are the unsung heroes of cleaning: they grab onto dirt and oil, allowing water to wash them away. Without surfactants, oil would cling to plates, and conditioner wouldn’t coat hair evenly. Getting a sudsy lather or streak-free glass relies on smart chemical design, and that’s where this ammonium-based molecule steps up.
Manufacturers aren't just looking for lather or cleaning. Consumers today want products that don’t irritate skin and deliver a “clean” feel without residue. This means chemists turn to compounds that can cut through grime but rinse away cleanly. In my work with cosmetic formulators, they mention the need to balance mildness and cleaning power, especially for sensitive-skin lines. This chemical offers a way to soften the harshness of traditional soaps. It fits well with milder, sulfate-free blends that people with delicate skin often prefer.
Any ingredient showing up in rinse-off products raises questions—both about skin reactions and what happens once it washes down the drain. Dermatologists and toxicologists have spent years studying surfactants, tracking how some can trigger allergies or dryness. The industry has responded with patch tests and detailed safety reviews, keeping a close eye on feedback from actual users.
The environmental story adds another layer. Water utilities deal with chemicals left behind after soaps and shampoos go down the drain. Ammonium-based surfactants break down more easily than older, persistent options, easing the load on wastewater treatment. Consumer groups keep asking for biodegradable ingredients, and researchers keep looking for ways to dial in cleaning performance while dialing back long-term chemical buildup in rivers and lakes.
Companies know customers read labels more than ever before. If a product triggers a rash or isn’t friendly to local waterways, brands hear about it fast. The push for “greener” ingredients drives ongoing innovation. Scientists are always on the hunt for data about what works, what lingers, and what rinses away with no fuss. There’s pressure to improve transparency, so responsible brands regularly publish safety reports and commit to phasing out ingredients if science or feedback suggests a good reason.
The search for better surfactants is constant. Entrepreneurs chase plant-based alternatives, and major brand labs keep testing blends with different ratios for foam, feel, or biodegradability. Feedback from dermatologists, wastewater engineers, and everyday customers all circle back to the same priorities: safety, effectiveness, and environmental impact. The world keeps asking for products that clean well but don’t stick around in places where they can do harm.
Working in a lab with long chemical names feels like playing a memory game, but the bigger challenge starts once you understand what you’re working with. A compound like Ammonium 2-Methyl-2-[(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Amino]-1-Propanesulfonate usually shows up in specialized research, manufacturing, or textile settings. Folks in these jobs know that handling any chemical means more than reading a safety data sheet—it’s about remembering how small mistakes can snowball if you get complacent.
This sulfonate-based compound lands somewhere in the middle of the danger scale. It doesn’t burn skin on contact like acids or bases, but it can still irritate eyes and lungs. I remember a colleague who shrugged off his goggles for “just a second” while decanting a clear solution. He rubbed his eye, and it swelled up within the hour—nothing life-threatening, but still a wake-up call. Most industrial chemicals share this risk profile: not outright deadly at first encounter, yet easily capable of causing discomfort or longer-lasting problems if handled carelessly.
The biggest risks come through inhalation and eye exposure. With compounds like this, powder or aerosol can float in the air. A good day’s work shouldn’t leave you coughing or dealing with red, itchy eyes. Any area that handles chemicals ought to use local exhaust ventilation; that means a proper hood and filters, not just opening a window. Protective gloves—nitrile holds up best—and splash goggles become a habit, not a hassle. People often think a chemical is “not that toxic,” so they rely on latex gloves or, worse, none at all. Cheap protection breeds expensive mistakes.
In my own experience, folks get into trouble by underestimating what they can’t see or smell. This ammonium compound dissolves easily, so spills don’t always look dramatic. Residue seeps into the gaps on benches or floor tiles, dries, and then flakes off when disturbed. That dust builds up over time, invisible until someone starts sneezing or the cleaning crew complains. Simple protocols—wet wiping, not dry sweeping—make all the difference here. Water deactivates most residues, but nobody should push it around without gloves.
Regulatory bodies such as OSHA and the European Chemicals Agency recommend treating these types of chemicals with respect, even if animal studies haven’t shown clear links to cancer or birth defects. Chronic exposure builds up over years. Loose routines risk future health. Some of my old lab partners still talk about the years of “odd coughs” and skin rashes, little reminders from days spent cutting corners. Health consequences don’t always crash in the door—they slip in gradually.
The best teams set up a culture where safety steps come naturally. Training matters more than signs on a wall, and real learning comes from stories of slips and fixes. Regular reviews keep habits sharp. Spill kits need to stay stocked, and first aid stations belong nearby, not buried in a storeroom. A single label can save hours of trouble if a container tips over and people know what’s inside.
Everyday safety is built on consistency, not complexity. Ammonium 2-Methyl-2-[(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Amino]-1-Propanesulfonate doesn’t demand panic—it asks for respect. With steady routines, real awareness, and a bit of humility, anyone can handle tricky chemicals without the drama.
A chemical formula— such as H2O for water or C6H12O6 for glucose— often gets treated like a code meant only for scientists. In reality, every household product, medication, cleaning solution, and even the air you breathe relies on the basic language of these formulas. Each tiny letter and number describes a real thing you can touch, taste, or smell. They lay out the ingredients, just as a cooking recipe does, showing exactly what’s in your cupboard or your bloodstream. If you ignore those details, you lose grip on what’s safe, what’s healthy, and what actually works.
While formulas tell you which atoms make up a compound, the structure shows how those atoms connect. A single change— flipping an atom’s position— can turn a harmless chemical into a toxin, or switch a bland food flavor into something irresistible. Take glucose and fructose: both have the same chemical formula, but their molecular structures pull their sweetness and health impacts in different directions. A medication like thalidomide was designed with the right formula, but the wrong structural version caused harm across the globe many decades ago. This teaches a hard lesson: structure is not window dressing, it’s the blueprint that shapes real consequences.
Shopping for food or medicine, most people rarely check a compound’s details. If a child is allergic to peanuts, it’s not just “peanuts” to watch for, but the chemical markers that can be lurking in flavor additives or stabilizers. Even something as simple as baking soda (NaHCO3) vs. baking powder (which adds acid salts) drastically changes the chemistry of cooking. Knowing what sits inside these everyday items isn’t about showing off knowledge— it’s about safety, health, and honest labeling.
History has piled up examples of poor chemical awareness causing big problems. The misuse of DDT as a pesticide, the lead in gasoline and paint, and the misunderstanding of asbestos risks all trace back to either ignoring a compound’s structure or downplaying its side effects. Solutions start with education not just for chemists, but for parents, teachers, and anybody who makes choices about what goes in their body or their home. Schools need to teach the basics of formulas and structures earlier and link them to familiar items. Companies must offer better transparency on labels, putting real chemical names alongside trade names.
Trust comes from clarity. People feel more confident in the food, medicine, and products they use when manufacturers stick to clear labeling, honesty about sourcing, and up-to-date research. I’ve worked with teachers and students who light up at real-life stories: why salt lowers the freezing point of ice, or why plastic bottles shouldn’t be reused indefinitely. Facts that connect structure to everyday impact change habits more than rules ever do.
Everyone—from farmers to pharmacists— shares the duty to learn a bit more about the chemistry behind daily life. The chemical formula and structure of any compound aren’t just abstract science; they’re tools for better choices, safer homes, and healthier families. The more we know, the more we control our lives, instead of leaving key decisions to chance or marketing spin.
Handling chemicals like Ammonium 2-Methyl-2-[(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Amino]-1-Propanesulfonate doesn’t leave much room for shortcuts. In my work in industrial safety, I learned early on that mistakes in storage end up being costly, not just for equipment but for people. This compound, often found in labs or manufacturing, can become unstable under the wrong conditions. Moisture creeps in, heat sources nearby raise the odds of degradation, and sometimes even incompatibility with other chemicals sparks trouble.
I once helped overhaul a mid-sized lab's storage area. We found several containers sweating from humidity and others caked with residue. The staff admitted the warehouse lacked dehumidifiers and shelving kept slipping below shoulder height. It struck me that every missed step was an invitation to risk. Our first fix involved raising all containers off the floor and ensuring the room stayed dry with constant airflow.
High temperatures can take a stable material and flip it into an accident waiting to happen. Keep storage areas cool and shaded; if air conditioning isn’t possible, heavy drapes or reflective paint on windows can keep things from heating up. My own rule has always been that if you wouldn't want to spend an afternoon in that space, neither does a sensitive chemical.
Spills almost always come from two sources: people being in a hurry or a poor layout. Store this ammonium sulfonate well away from water sources. Water not only causes clumping but can trigger slow reactions that nobody wants. In my years of training people, I saw more damage done by leaky pipes than by open flames.
Chemicals work best in containers that refuse to absorb moisture and stay tightly sealed. Polyethylene and sturdy glass both handle this job well. Never trust a label written in pencil or faded ink. Use chemical-resistant labels and clear handwriting, marking not just the name but the date received. In a crisis, reading the right info without squinting speeds up decision-making.
Never stack highly reactive substances together. This ammonium compound shouldn’t nestle close to strong acids, oxidizers, or organics. Storage manuals sometimes get ignored, but I keep laminated quick-reference cards near eye level, so nobody claims ignorance. Separate shelves for incompatible materials and distinct color-coding cut confusion, especially for new workers or those in a hurry.
Monthly audits might sound like a pain, but they catch minor issues before they balloon into real problems. A checklist—are lids tight, is everything labeled, did someone clean up last week’s spill—catches more than most realize. I encourage teams to report close calls, not punish them. That way, everyone learns and storage setups keep improving.
From my years on shop floors and in labs, safety isn’t just about following rules on paper. It’s respecting the way chemicals behave and never underestimating a minor leak or an unlabeled jar. A cool, dry, well-organized, and clearly labeled storage zone gives everyone peace of mind.
Working on construction projects over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how much rides on reliable materials. Concrete and cement products often seem basic, but choosing the right admixtures or specialized compounds can make or break a project. For example, certain additives help concrete set faster during cold weather, keeping teams productive even during unexpected weather shifts. Others prevent cracks, so buildings last longer and stay safer. Not many people stop to think about it, but bridges, highways, and water treatment plants rely on these products every single day. The buildings we work, shop, and live in owe a lot to advances in construction chemicals.
Out in the fields, farmers count on straightforward results. Pesticides and fertilizers do more than boost crop yields; they give harvests a fighting chance against pests and unpredictable seasons. The right compounds make sure nutrients reach roots at the right time, and modern products safeguard crops from disease. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, crop losses due to pests and disease drop significantly with targeted protection. With global food demand on the rise, effective crop inputs help feed millions of people who might otherwise go hungry.
Pharmaceuticals might look tiny, but a lot of science goes into each tablet. Binders and coatings decide how fast medicine works and how easily people can swallow them. Hospitals rely on sterilization agents and diagnostic chemicals that keep infectious outbreaks in check or flatten the learning curve for complex lab work. Doctors and nurses use these products every shift. In my local community, pharmacists mention patient compliance improves when medicine is easy to take, and quality remains consistent because formulation chemistry works behind the scenes.
Inside crowded factory floors, cleaners and degreasers are workhorses for safety, allowing machines to hum without downtime. Water treatment plants depend on specialized flocculants and coagulants that help remove harmful substances before water cycles back to households. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports safer water for millions comes from advances in these treatment products. I once spent a summer inspecting municipal water systems, and I saw how chemical dosing can spell the difference between a safe supply and a long boil notice.
Most people never spot the chemicals inside their car’s engine oil or underneath the cap of their shampoo bottle. Lubricants keep engines running longer with fewer repairs, reducing oil waste and saving drivers money. Personal care makers mix surfactants and stabilizers so our shampoos lather up and look clear on a store shelf, often without any noticeable smell or feel. When talking with chemists, I hear them talk about long, careful development cycles. The goal: reduce unwanted reactions and make sure the bottle in your hand feels as good as the last one you bought.
More industries, from energy to electronics, expand their reliance on tailored compounds year after year. Cleaner energy production, reliable batteries, and advanced electronics depend on nuanced material improvements. With new challenges arising, smart companies partner with universities and research labs to create better-performing products and safer, greener processes. Investing in education, supporting science-driven policy, and bringing more transparency to sourcing—these steps build trust and keep progress rolling in the right direction.
![Ammonium 2-Methyl-2-[(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Amino]-1-Propanesulfonate](/static/81c4c90b-3bfe-4770-bbec-fcbf5e0a3809/images/2d/ammonium-2-methyl-2-1-oxo-2-propenyl-amino-1-propanesulfonate.png)
![Ammonium 2-Methyl-2-[(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Amino]-1-Propanesulfonate](/static/81c4c90b-3bfe-4770-bbec-fcbf5e0a3809/images/3d/ammonium-2-methyl-2-1-oxo-2-propenyl-amino-1-propanesulfonate.gif)
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Ammonium 2-methyl-2-[(prop-2-enoyl)amino]propane-1-sulfonate |
| Other names |
AMPS 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, ammonium salt Acrylamide, 2-methyl-, N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, monomer, ammonium salt |
| Pronunciation | /əˈmoʊniəm tuː ˈmɛθəl tuː ˈwʌn ˈɒksoʊ tuː proʊˈpiːnɪl əˈmiːnoʊ ˈwʌn proʊˈpeɪnˌsʌlˌfəˌneɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 15214-89-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3659242 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:64056 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1792512 |
| ChemSpider | 18793545 |
| DrugBank | DB13751 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b519af-3eea-458a-a23b-e7baf94bcb4f |
| EC Number | 223-668-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 132089 |
| KEGG | C05204 |
| MeSH | D04.210.500.118.563.100.075 |
| PubChem CID | 24824932 |
| RTECS number | AS3325000 |
| UNII | K5764QGG2K |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID9037873 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H12N2O4S |
| Molar mass | 287.34 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.36 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Soluble |
| log P | -2.1 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | -1.8 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 1.65 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -4.59 × 10⁻⁴ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.490 |
| Viscosity | 10-20 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 4.56 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 389.3 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D06AX21 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P362+P364 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 > 2000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | RV3675000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | No PEL established |
| REL (Recommended) | REL: Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Acrylamide 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid Sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate N,N-Dimethylacrylamide N-Isopropylacrylamide |
