Sodium cumene sulfonate came out of early 20th-century work on alkylbenzene sulfonation. In the past, soap-makers and chemical engineers turned to sulfonates when looking to make products that mixed oil and water a bit better. Factories and labs explored cumene-based routes not just for cost, but because they offered reliable outcomes in detergent chemistry. As petroleum refining advanced, making both the main ingredient and catalyst more accessible, chemists started pushing its limits. By the late 1970s, using sodium cumene sulfonate as a solubilizer and hydrotrope wasn’t just a laboratory idea; household cleaners, industrial detergents, and even crop protection products leaned on it. The substance sits in a broader movement—turning basic organic molecules into workhorse tools for everyday manufacturing.
Products carrying the Navcusol - 90 label mark a commitment to a consistent hydrotropic function: they push otherwise stubborn substances—dyes, fragrances, oils—into a water-based solution. In my experience formulating cleaning products, that consistency is gold. If you want your concentrate to hold together through temperature changes in shipping or storage, picking the soupy, clear Navcusol batch over a generic blend keeps complaints out of your inbox. Folks recognize Navcusol's branding in industrial supply houses as shorthand: if you need a sulfonate that brings solid wetting and dispersion properties, this product keeps blends predictable.
Sodium cumene sulfonate, in purest commercial form, stands as a white to off-white, sometimes slightly hygroscopic powder. It dissolves straightaway in water, producing a clear solution with a faint, characteristic aroma, far less pungent than other aromatic hydrocarbons. This makes it workable in rooms where fumes pose problems for staff. Its melting point hovers above ambient temperature, but the important part has always been stability across a range of pH and salinity. The substance can handle strong acids and bases better than many organic products—rarely falling apart or precipitating. Its molecular structure, with that sulfonate group on the aromatic ring, keeps unwanted soap scum from forming, and prevents phase separation. Salts like this won’t degrade from light exposure, so outdoor storage doesn’t turn it useless.
Manufacturers usually publish a purity of at least 90 percent sodium cumene sulfonate for Navcusol - 90. Moisture content matters too, typically less than 5 percent, because nobody wants a clumpy product. The labeling reflects both content and physical form—powder, granule, or sometimes in a concentrated liquid mix. Safety data sheets go beyond purity and address everything from intended uses to advice for accidental skin or eye exposure. Most cities and states require labels to list batch numbers for recall tracking, but those also help the end-user track what’s worked in past orders. That transparent trail, mandated or not, shows companies have a grip on quality control in this sector.
Industry often synthesizes sodium cumene sulfonate starting from cumene (isopropylbenzene). Factories mix cumene with sulfur trioxide or sometimes concentrated sulfuric acid. This creates cumene sulfonic acid as an intermediate. Neutralizing this acid with sodium hydroxide brings out the sodium salt, which the company purifies and dries into its commercial form. This pathway isn’t just historical trivia. Knowing the steps helps users troubleshoot: if end-users encounter quality issues—like color, odor, or residue—it usually points to incomplete reactions, poor reagent purity, or washing errors after sulfonation. On a mass scale, engineers have worked out how to control side reactions, which cut down on byproducts that could interfere with cleaning or emulsifying roles.
The sodium cumene sulfonate molecule responds well to further modification, though most commercial buyers take it as is. Chemists sometimes tweak the length of the alkyl chain or play with isomer distribution to alter wetting or foaming properties. For custom surfactant blends, research groups sometimes use sodium cumene sulfonate as a starting point for building more complex anionic surfactants. Its backbone structure, aromatic and sturdy, resists oxidation or most common degradation pathways. From a synthetic chemist’s perspective, this cut-and-dried reactivity means you don’t have to chase intermediates or worry about stability, which reduces waste. In some formulations, the sulfonate reacts with other surfactants to form blends, driving both solubility and cost-effectiveness. The industry appreciates such modular chemistry, because it unlocks new end-uses without sacrificing strength.
Sodium cumene sulfonate sometimes crops up as sodium isopropylbenzene sulfonate or isopropylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt. On safety sheets and international shipments, names can vary, but the core compound remains consistent. Some markets use brand names from local producers, but seasoned users scan for structure and purity instead of badges or trade names. Recognizing synonyms or alternate spellings keeps purchasing errors to a minimum; chemical buyers know the headache of missing a shipment because a label didn’t match a database. Navcusol-90 still rings familiar to regular buyers across North America and Europe.
At the plant or in the lab, dealing with sodium cumene sulfonate rarely brings surprise hazards. Proper gloves and goggles always make sense, because like many sulfonates, it can dry out skin or irritate the eyes with repeated contact. Spills clean up with running water, and the material itself doesn’t support combustion. In my years handling bulk chemicals, the biggest incident usually involves someone forgetting to secure a drum lid—resulting in a sticky floor rather than toxic fumes. The product breaks down safely in wastewater plants, avoiding the contamination alarms that plague some older surfactants. Modern workplace rules require training on storage and transfer, especially in wet climates where caking or clumping can make bulk handling tough. Companies check ventilation but rarely install special gear, since dust is minimal compared to finer powders like silica or alumina. As regulations toughen, producers continue offering batch-level safety documentation, making audits and customer trust easier to maintain.
This chemical runs through a broad set of industries, from laundry detergents and household cleaners to textiles and agrochemical adjuvants. With each use, the benefits persist—the ability to keep oil-soluble and water-soluble agents together, the knack for dampening foam when needed, the flexibility to mix into concentrated or dilute formats. I’ve seen it anchor everything from hard-surface cleaners used in commercial food plants to dye baths where color must disperse evenly on fabric. Painters and coating formulators lean on it to get uniform pigment spreads. In agriculture, tank-mixing pesticides with sodium cumene sulfonate enhances wetting and sprayability, which means more even crop coverage and reduced chemical waste. While some users might see it as just another hydrotrope, those of us who have solved stubborn solubility problems turn to this chemical for an easy win.
The chemical industry’s R&D teams grind away to push sodium cumene sulfonate further. Increasing demand for green, biodegradable ingredients puts pressure on formulators to build safer and less-persistent surfactant systems. Several research projects aim to replace older, less compatible hydrotropes with this one due to its broad compatibility and relatively low health risks. Labs now test derivatives with longer or branched alkyl chains to see if performance jumps—often targeting use in personal care products, where consumer safety standards run higher each year. Other groups investigate pairing this sulfonate with biopolymers or natural surfactants, hoping for that sweet spot between performance and sustainability. Regulations over wastewater have driven more scrutiny of how sodium cumene sulfonate breaks down or lingers in the ecosystem, so modern R&D doesn’t just focus on function, but also fate. This is no static market—better, safer blends keep surfacing with support from industry and academia.
Long-term toxicology studies show sodium cumene sulfonate lands in the safer category compared to most aromatic sulfonates. Acute oral and dermal toxicity scores are low, and environmental releases degrade quickly through standard biological treatment. Studies in lab mice and aquatic organisms put the compound far below danger thresholds, consistent with what industrial hygiene officers see on the ground. For those running manufacturing lines, this means workers face low chronic risk after proper dilution and training. Some findings link irritation to high-concentration powder handling—a call for dust control and skin barrier creams, not product bans. As the safety community demands more data, universities and commercial labs drill deeper into breakdown products and potential for bioaccumulation, but to date, the chemical doesn’t build up in food chains. In 2023, regulators in the European Union and North America stayed clear of tight restrictions, putting more faith in continued industry transparency and real-world health monitoring.
Looking at the next decade, sodium cumene sulfonate faces new tests and roles. Chemists now aim for smarter formulas: more concentrated, less waste, still effective at lower doses. Customers ask for strong performance even in cold water washing, pushing companies to adjust blends for lower energy use. In agriculture, future-ready formulations include tank-mix products that demand both environmental safety and farm-ready mixing, letting crop producers get better results with lower chemical loads. With new restrictions on certain alkylphenol ethoxylates and phosphates, sodium cumene sulfonate takes up the slack. R&D teams in Asia focus on producing high-purity versions at lower cost, widening adoption where price once set limits. In my conversations with procurement managers, the trend tips toward more traceability, more proof of low environmental load, and tight supply chain control, because downstream buyers won’t risk their brand on unproven ingredients. As manufacturing tightens its standards, Navcusol - 90 stands ready to keep its reputation as a versatile and trusted additive for years to come.
Factories, cleaning product manufacturers, and paint shops regularly use a key ingredient named Sodium Cumene Sulfonate. This chemical’s less flashy name, Navcusol – 90 Sodium Cumene Sulfonate, may not jump out at people who don’t work with industrial formulas, but it plays an unsung role behind the scenes. Many folks have touched surfaces cleaned, polished, or coated with materials that quietly rely on this compound. In the real world, Sodium Cumene Sulfonate is no rare artifact—it’s an everyday workhorse.
Sometimes, two liquids just won’t mix. This is where Sodium Cumene Sulfonate steps in. Its molecular structure helps detergents and other formulas blend water and oily ingredients. Instead of letting cleaners break apart or go cloudy, this ingredient holds everything together. That really matters in household cleaners, car wash soaps, and even personal care goods such as shampoos. Look at the back of a favorite bottle of cleaning spray—Sodium Cumene Sulfonate often appears in the fine print.
I once worked summers at a facility bottling industrial cleaners. We used giant vats of soapy solutions designed to wipe away grease and stains. The tech manager explained that, without Sodium Cumene Sulfonate, those mixtures wouldn’t stay as stable. Workers would spend more time dealing with separated gunk rather than washing floors or degreasing engines. With all the parts of a cleaner working together, the job goes faster and results improve.
Paint makers rely on Sodium Cumene Sulfonate to keep pigments and solvents blended. That smooth brush stroke or even spray relies on this helper in the mix. It stops solids from settling out or clumping together, which cuts down on wasted product and reduces frustration for painters and customers alike. Using formulas with better consistency means fewer touch-ups and a job well done the first time. That’s something professionals and hobbyists both value.
Many companies steer away from harsh solvents that threaten health or harm the environment. Compared to older additives, Sodium Cumene Sulfonate offers a safer profile and meets high manufacturing standards. Its low toxicity and better handling ratings give peace of mind to plant workers and people using finished products.
No product ingredient does magic alone. Cleaners or paints still need smart design and careful mixing. Too much of any additive might spoil the recipe or even clog equipment. Industry groups and consumer safety agencies watch over these formulas, so the right balance stays in place. Sodium Cumene Sulfonate helps achieve reliable results without requiring the use of stronger, riskier chemicals.
As businesses try to cut waste and make greener goods, ingredients like Sodium Cumene Sulfonate will matter more. It plays a pivotal role in the move toward products that perform well but still support long-term safety. In my own tours of cleaner factories, teams often said the real trick is making sure customers never need to think about what’s inside—they just see the job gets done, every time.
Anyone reading the label on a bottle of shampoo or a household cleaner may notice sodium cumene sulfonate among the list of ingredients. Navcusol - 90, a concentrated form of this compound, gets a lot of attention from both chemical suppliers and manufacturers in the personal care world. People often wonder: is it a safe pick when used in things like face wash, hand soaps, or bubble bath?
Sodium cumene sulfonate acts like a helper for surfactants, which are the core cleaning and foaming agents in many products. By thinning out solutions, it makes formulas less thick and easier to spread. This property does more than just improve the look and feel — it also helps mix all the key ingredients together properly. Industry suppliers trust Navcusol - 90 because it blends well and is stable. Many chemists and lab managers appreciate this additive because it can prevent tackiness and keep a product working smoothly even after months on a store shelf.
Dermatologists and researchers have tested sodium cumene sulfonate for years. In concentrations usually seen in personal care – often around 1–4% – studies show rare cases of irritation. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, an independent group of toxicologists and clinicians, did a full review and reported sodium cumene sulfonate shows low toxicity when applied to the skin or scalp. They did not find evidence of cancer risk, gene mutation, or birth defects at normal exposure. The European Chemicals Agency’s public database also lists this ingredient as “not classified” for environmental or acute toxicity at typical use levels.
Safety does not only come down to chemical formula. Some suppliers, especially those based outside established regulatory jurisdictions, may not meet stringent purity standards. Impurities can sneak into a batch if the supply chain is not tightly controlled. This is why reputable brands buy from companies following ISO 9001 or GMP protocols. Routine audits, transparent documentation, and independent testing help weed out any risks before the product lands in your bathroom.
Calls for “clean beauty” are more than just a trend. Consumers want to avoid ingredients with a track record of causing skin reactions or accumulating in waterways. Sodium cumene sulfonate does not build up in the body and breaks down well in wastewater plants. I have worked in environments where sensitive skin concerns were a top issue, and detailed patch testing always included this ingredient in the mix. Nearly every time, volunteers experienced no reaction. Still, some people with atypical allergies or extra-sensitive conditions may opt for formulas with fewer additives.
No single chemical fits everyone, and even with a strong safety record, honest warnings on packaging help set the right expectation. More transparency around ingredient sourcing, purity, and reason for use would help everyone understand the “why” behind formulation choices. Real progress often comes from listening to dermatologists, reading new research, and keeping an open line to concerned shoppers. While sodium cumene sulfonate like Navcusol - 90 continues to be considered safe for most, responsible sourcing and thoughtful formula design will always matter most.
Anyone who’s spent time in a formulation lab knows that one small tweak to an ingredient can change everything. Navcusol - 90, a popular grade of sodium cumene sulfonate, plays a big role in many cleaning products, agrochemical solutions, and industrial formulations. Getting its dosage right isn’t just about following a technical spec—it’s about understanding what this hydrotrope really brings to the table and how it interacts with the rest of your ingredients.
Most formulators start with a range of 1% to 10% by weight for sodium cumene sulfonate. That’s not a random figure. At concentrations as low as 1%, it begins to improve solubility and helps to keep other surfactants in solution, especially at higher salt levels or low temperatures. Move up to 5% or even a bit higher, and you’ll see more dramatic benefits—think clearer liquids and better stability for tricky actives. Sometimes, in heavy-duty or specialized products, the concentration reaches up to 10%. That’s often the cutoff. Anything over this usually runs into problems with cost, unnecessary viscosity shifts, and sometimes skin feel in personal care applications.
I remember working on a hard surface cleaner project where we kept fighting streaks on glass. Upping Navcusol - 90 to about 6% turned the formulation around. Suddenly, no more separation issues, and the streaking disappeared. It didn’t take a fancy analysis to notice the difference—just some side-by-side cleaning trials in the lab.
It’s tempting to add more and hope for better results. Still, the drawbacks sneak up quickly. Go much above 10%, and the product can feel sticky, lose its rinse-ability, and even mess with fragrance release. For folks working on eco-labeled or more natural products, overuse makes label claims harder to defend.
There’s also a point where more hydrotrope stops improving solubility and just starts wasting money. Raw material costs for sodium cumene sulfonate have climbed, especially after recent supply chain hiccups in Asia. Overdosing cuts into margins fast, and procurement teams have noticed.
Studies published in journals like the Journal of Surfactants and Detergents regularly cite 2% to 8% as a practical operating range for most cleaning and industrial uses. Technical datasheets from major chemical suppliers back this up—they recommend starting at the lower end for clear liquids and creeping higher for heavy-duty or high-alkali systems.
Batch testing and real-world trials still deliver the best answers. Analytical methods like visual clarity, phase stability after freeze-thaw, and actual cleaning performance give a clearer picture than spec sheets alone. Teamwork between R&D and manufacturing can prevent surprises later during scale-up.
Sticking close to tried-and-true ranges keeps the focus on product performance, not just hitting numbers on a spec sheet. Leveraging feedback from the lab bench and listening to end users helps catch subtle issues before they turn into customer complaints. Staying up-to-date with supplier recommendations and current research means no one has to guess if 1% Navcusol - 90 will cut it—or if 8% is stretching things too far.
Dose carefully. Run the right tests. And never accept that “just adding more” counts as a solution. That’s been my experience in formulation, and it keeps products strong in a crowded market.
A chemical name like Sodium Cumene Sulfonate won’t catch the eye at the supermarket, but this substance shows up in a surprising number of detergents, cleaners, and industrial products. Navcusol - 90 stands out as a commercial formulation with about 90% active sodium cumene sulfonate. On paper, companies often describe it as “biodegradable.” The truth deserves a closer look, especially for anyone concerned about what happens after such chemicals go down the drain.
Here’s a bit from science: biodegradability means that living microorganisms can break down a chemical into natural elements like carbon dioxide and water. Sodium cumene sulfonate does break down with the help of bacteria, but this process depends on real-world factors such as water temperature, local microbial activity, and how much product gets released in one setting. Some studies show that microbes can degrade it in a few weeks under the right laboratory conditions. In trickier environments, like cold groundwater or heavily polluted areas, that process slows dramatically.
Chemicals that biodegrade quickly leave fewer traces, which sounds positive. Still, sodium cumene sulfonate holds onto its structure just long enough to reach wastewater plants. Luckily, these treatment systems remove a good chunk before water re-enters rivers or lakes. A 2012 study from Germany’s Federal Environment Ministry looked at real-world treatment plants and found that about 85-95% of this surfactant chemically vanishes before finished water flows back to nature. That remaining fraction—though small—adds up across continents.
Toxicologists rarely sound alarm bells for sodium cumene sulfonate, since it shows fairly low acute toxicity for fish and aquatic bugs. Still, chronic exposure to even low levels can nudge sensitive species in the wrong direction. The catch: most available studies come from the manufacturers themselves, rather than independent third parties. Green consumers might notice this gap in transparency before calling any chemical “safe.”
Everyday experience tells me that “biodegradable” gets tossed around far too casually in marketing. I used to think biodegradable always meant harmless, until I saw how even biodegradable plastics turn into microplastics that hang around for years. Sodium cumene sulfonate doesn’t stick around that long, but the same principle applies. A few grams per load, multiplied across millions of households, definitely shapes what ends up in our waterways. City wastewater plants do good work, but nobody should assume these systems catch every last molecule.
As a parent and a regular shopper, my gut tells me to look for truly low-impact cleaners and to use just enough for the job. Less detergent down the pipes cuts both our water bills and chemical footprints. Instead of searching for perfect “green” chemicals, I’d rather see brands share full test results and help customers make honest comparisons. Most impressive are those rare companies swapping conventional surfactants for plant-based ones that break down in days, not weeks, and recover faster in the wild.
Navcusol - 90 Sodium Cumene Sulfonate offers performance, yes, but the real environmental story depends on quantity, disposal paths, and advances in water treatment. Regulatory agencies ought to push for long-term impact studies from outside labs, not just in-house testing. I keep telling friends: if you don’t need heavy-duty formulas, try milder alternatives. Every little bit helps keep local streams and lakes clearer both for our kids and whatever vital critters call those places home.
Navcusol - 90 Sodium Cumene Sulfonate turns up in warehouses everywhere, mostly for its role as a surfactant and solubilizer. Anyone who’s ever stored chemical goods—or even just walked inside a chemical storeroom—knows that safety doesn’t happen by chance. Taking a close look at storage and handling for Navcusol - 90 tells us how a few steps keep both workers and the product out of harm’s way.
Dry storage puts a manufacturer on the safe side. Moisture creeping in encourages caking and clumping, which makes the compound hard to use and lowers its value. I remember a facility manager showing me how just a couple hours of misplaced product turned into a mess because humidity went up. Stainless steel or polyethylene bins work well for containing the powder. Both choices shield the contents from moisture, offer chemical resistance, and clean up easily. Metal drums with lined interiors can also hold up against corrosion and keep cross-contamination at bay.
Temperature swings cause more headaches than people expect. Storing Navcusol - 90 at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, prevents degradation and helps avoid weird chemical smells or shifts in texture. Hot spots can make the sulfonate bridge, while cold snaps might stiffen and complicate handling.
Anyone trained for chemical handling likely knows the drill, but reminders never hurt. Skin contact sometimes leads to irritation, so gloves are standard. Goggles keep powder out of eyes, and long sleeves turn away stray dust. I’ve seen protection ignored for “just a few minutes,” which really means hoping nothing spills. Accident reports tell a different story—nearly every minor burn or rash comes from these short lapses.
Spills on concrete or warehouse tile get slick fast, and nobody wants a slip to knock open nearby containers. Granular spill-absorbents sweep up most small incidents, followed by a mild soapy wash, making sure no residues linger.
Rotating stock saves a lot of trouble. Old inventory loses potency and can clump, which then makes for unreliable batch results. Manufacturing teams using barcoding or clear chronological labeling stay out of trouble here. Nothing compares to time lost untangling why a batch didn’t behave as the formulators expected, only to find the problem goes back to stale material.
Municipal wastewater plants don’t treat large concentrations of sulfonates efficiently. That’s why any leftovers or failed batches should end up at an approved chemical disposal provider. Keeping product away from drains, storm sewers, and regular trash avoids fines and protects water treatment processes down the line.
Open discussions between handlers and management can flag new risks early. Training updates and simple signage around bulk storage reinforce good practices. Chemical suppliers should be open about batch age, packaging materials, and necessary certifications. These steps save money on lost product and protect health, proving that careful handling isn’t just about following the rules—it keeps businesses running smoothly.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Sodium 2-(propan-2-yl)benzenesulfonate |
| Other names |
Sodium isopropylbenzenesulfonate Sodium cumenesulphonate Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-(1-methylethyl)-, sodium salt Sodium 4-isopropylbenzenesulfonate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈnæv.kjuː.sɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 28348-53-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3594747 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:91243 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL187187 |
| ChemSpider | 12053 |
| DrugBank | DB11377 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.012.934 |
| EC Number | 26283-19-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 85214 |
| KEGG | C01487 |
| MeSH | D02.241.081.700.700 |
| PubChem CID | 24866471 |
| RTECS number | GR1575000 |
| UNII | Y1Z9NV6MR9 |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | C626471 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H11NaO3S |
| Molar mass | 216.27 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear to yellowish liquid |
| Odor | Slight aromatic |
| Density | 1.18 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.3 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.1 hPa (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | Acidity (pKa): 1.2 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 6.2 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.465 |
| Viscosity | 280 - 340 cps |
| Dipole moment | 3.91 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 192.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -693.2 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A09AX |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | Corrosive, Exclamation Mark |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use with adequate ventilation. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-0-0 |
| Flash point | Flash Point: >100°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral (rat): > 2000 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | 100 mg/m3 (inhalable) |
| REL (Recommended) | 244.0 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Sodium Xylene Sulfonate Sodium Toluene Sulfonate Calcium Cumene Sulfonate Potassium Cumene Sulfonate |
