Chemistry, when viewed through the lens of history, reveals trends as well as lessons in perseverance. Sodium 4-Hydroxybenzene Sulfonate (Anhydrous) grew out of late 19th and early 20th century discoveries that drove the explosive growth of organic dyes and intermediates in Europe and North America. Chemical companies scrambled to unlock new methods for introducing functional groups to aromatic rings, racing to outmaneuver competition and meet the insatiable demand for better dyes, photographic developers, and pharmaceutical building blocks. Early scientists recognized that sulfonation and hydroxy substitution both made benzene rings more reactive, setting the stage for sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate’s emergence. Over the decades, universities and industry teams refined these synthesis routes, balancing performance with production safety. The legacy sits not just in textbooks, but in the broader accessibility of colorants, surfactants, and specialty chemicals underpinning thousands of products.
In the warehouse, this compound appears as a white or faintly colored crystalline powder that dissolves well in water, making it convenient for aqueous processes in industrial operations. Chemists value its ability to improve the solubility of other organic compounds and introduce sulfonate groups that tweak chemical reactivity. Over countless batches, I’ve seen how this molecule gets packed up for shipment to manufacturers handling dyes, pharmaceuticals, and various specialty materials. Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate earns permanent shelf space in laboratories for both its utility as a reagent and its role as an intermediate. In my experience, even modest facilities keep stock on hand to adjust pH, enhance surface activity, or modify color depth during production runs.
You can count on predictable performance from this white, free-flowing solid. Its melting point sits above 300°C, resisting breakdown under standard processing. The sodium salt form prevents unnecessary clumping even when air moisture is high, which helps with dosing and mixing. Its strong sulfonic acid group, placed right next to a hydroxy function, brings a powerful punch to chemical reactions. In liquid solution, the strong hydrophilicity stands out; it stays stable, offering reliable pH characteristics. Unlike some chemicals that invite accidental degradation under sunlight or oxygen, sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate stays robust, which matters, especially if processes occasionally stretch longer than planned. Its reactivity sits in the hydroxy and sulfonate handles, giving downstream chemists hooks to graft new groups or trigger secondary reactions. Even after years around chemical warehouses, few substances match this one’s blend of solubility, stability, and multitasking chemical identity.
Clarity around technical specs keeps quality consistent and avoids costly production hiccups. Manufacturers usually set purity minimums at 98%, with the rest filled by trace sodium salts or water. Particle size remains loose but must pass through a standard mesh sieve to avoid clogging feed systems. Visual inspections should report a clean, nearly white appearance with only minimal discoloration. Labels carry CAS and EINECS numbers to avoid mix-ups. Documentation also details water content, pH (in a defined concentration), specific gravity, and details on trace impurities. Standard labeling, in line with GHS and local transport codes, features hazard pictograms describing eye or respiratory hazards, even though this compound’s primary risks come from dust inhalation or direct eye contact rather than severe toxicity.
Industrial synthesis brings together phenol and fuming sulfuric acid, triggering sulfonation exclusively at the para position thanks to the hydroxy group’s activating influence. Workers carefully control temperature and concentration during sulfonation to avoid byproduct formation. After the initial reaction, excess acid is neutralized using sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, bringing the pH back in line and converting the sulfonic acid product to the sodium salt. Filtration and multiple washing steps drive out acid residues, while slow drying under mild heat preserves crystal integrity. Once dried, the solid is broken up, milled, and sieved for consistency. Consistent yields depend on precise temperature control, careful addition of reagents, and regular analysis of intermediate samples. No high-pressure reactors or exotic solvents are required, which keeps both capital and long-term maintenance costs reasonable in manufacturing plants.
Chemists reach for sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate any time a reaction calls for introducing new functional groups into a stable aromatic ring. Its hydroxy group can be protected, alkylated, or used as a starting handle for coupling reactions. The sulfonate group, powerfully hydrophilic, introduces water solubility to otherwise stubborn molecules, turning oily substances into easier-to-handle dispersions. In practice, sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate undergoes diazotization, making it useful in manufacturing complex azo dyes. It handles carboxylation, etherification, and even some catalytic hydrogenations, provided the conditions spare the sulfonate. The reliability makes it popular for modifying the backbone of pharmaceutical candidates, especially where developers want to increase solubility or reduce aggregation. Researchers I’ve spoken with value the dense functional handles for combinatorial chemistry, which needs predictable coupling to minimize wasted effort and expensive failures.
Most people who work with aromatic chemistry recognize names like sodium para-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, sodium p-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, or sodium p-phenolsulfonate. Some European suppliers lean on names such as sodium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate or sodium sulfohydroquinone. Whatever the label, the chemical structure stays the same: a benzene ring with a hydroxy and a sulfonate group at opposite corners, tethered to a sodium ion. Product codes can vary by company, though most packaging includes globally recognized numbers like the CAS registry.
Contact with sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate brings only low acute toxicity, based on its safety sheet and firsthand handling at several plants. The main hazard comes from airborne dust; operators working with large bags wear N95-type masks and goggles, even though skin contact rarely leads to irritation. Even accidental spills clean up with water and a mop, with minimal risk of hazardous vapor release. Fire risk sits low since the compound resists ignition and doesn’t decompose into hazardous gases unless exposed to very high temperatures. Good ventilation, dust controls, and regular skin checks keep teams safe. From my visits to different chemical plants, I’ve seen that facilities following GHS labeling, routine training sessions, and personal protective equipment policies experience fewer safety incidents. Standard disposal as non-hazardous waste avoids environmental headaches, though large-scale disposal should always involve internal review and follow local rules. For shipping, labeling includes all required hazard icons and emergency data, streamlining customs and regulatory checks worldwide.
This compound’s footprint stretches across industries. Dye makers depend on it for vivid, reliably reproducible shades, exploiting its diazotization and coupling properties. Medical researchers count on its water solubility for drug discovery work, especially for optimizing active pharmaceutical ingredients that otherwise aggregate or stick to surfaces. Manufacturers incorporate the compound into auxiliary chemicals for textile processing, photographic chemicals, and some electroplating baths. In water treatment plants, its sulfonate group binds to metals and problematic ions, helping to keep supply networks free from scale or biofilm buildup. Over years of consulting work, I’ve seen how food-grade or lower-toxicity labels can spur further adoption whenever regulators tighten standards. The chemical’s adaptability means new uses pop up each decade, including recent efforts in organic electronics as a conductivity modifier or dispersant.
Labs enjoy exploring both new and classic chemistry with sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate. Universities use it in studies that test greener synthesis methods, aiming to cut out harsh acids or minimize side reactions. Some teams have published innovations around microwave-assisted sulfonation or catalytic oxidation, boosting efficiency while generating fewer byproducts. In pharmaceutical development, research shifts toward using sulfonated aromatics as solubilizing partners for poorly soluble drugs, improving delivery without increasing toxicity. Electronic materials specialists experiment with blends including sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate, nudging conductivity upward in flexible devices or smart coatings. I’ve worked along teams troubleshooting scale-up problems, since real-world reactors and lab flasks rarely behave the same. Ongoing R&D also focuses on biocompatibility—making the compound more friendly for use in foods, cosmetics, or direct medical applications.
Experience with sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate reveals modest toxicity. Most acute tests show low harm at industrial concentrations: oral LD50 values in rodents run above typical exposure levels, and repeated dermal application has not yielded sensitization in controlled studies. Eye or respiratory irritation can crop up if workers handle powder without proper PPE. Chronic exposure data, including long-term studies and animal models, show no evidence tying this substance to carcinogenicity or reproductive risks. Environmental impact assessments describe low bioaccumulation given the quick breakdown of the aromatic sulfonate in surface waters. Wastewater from dye or pharmaceuticals plants undergoes additional pH and metallic ion testing to avoid downstream surprises. Regulatory updates rely on ongoing monitoring and third-party reviews, so large plants audit their chemical hygiene practices at least yearly.
Looking at the market, demand for sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate keeps rising in step with the call for more water-soluble intermediates and lower-impact chemical processes. Advanced wastewater treatment and the push for green chemistry build interest in reliable, easily characterized inputs. In my own projects, electronic materials and pharmaceutical trials highlight the need for legacy compounds with well-documented safety and performance. Regulatory frameworks may push some producers to develop even cleaner manufacturing methods, cutting out residual solvents or streamlining waste streams. With the surge in specialty chemicals and next-generation conductive tech, this compound’s adaptability and strong safety profile promise further applications beyond its historic home in dyes and surfactants. Labs that invest in new reaction pathways and safer, high-purity blends will probably lead the charge as downstream partners demand more sustainable supply chains and transparent traceability from raw material to end product.
Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate (anhydrous) isn’t a household term. Folks in the lab will tell you this compound plays an important role in producing dyes. You find it in chemical plants where color matters. Textile and leather factories, paper mills, and even some labs working on pharmaceutical research rely on this compound to get deeper, more stable colors. I remember a time in the textile district when old-school dyers struggled with color fading—especially reds and blues—until advances in these sulfoate-based dyes started making their way into the process. The difference, both in vibrancy and staying power, stood out immediately.
Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate helps reduce the ruin caused by older chemical methods. Back in the 1980s, color-matching could mean dumping harmful byproducts into rivers. Modern chemistry now leans on sulfonated intermediates for cleaner reactions. This compound breaks down more predictably, which fits straight into new regulations across North America and Europe. The focus has shifted toward what happens after the dye—less waste, safer water, less harm to the soil.
Researchers see the potential for even wider use. For example, this compound plays a role in photochemical applications. Light-sensitive compounds based on it end up in special papers for technical printers and blueprinting. These aren’t the loud headlines, but they keep engineering and design firms running smoothly.
Factories and labs don’t gamble with chemical supplies. They pay real money for certified batches, tested for impurities. This isn’t just box-ticking. A single gram of the wrong additive can spoil an entire fabric run, and nobody wants to watch a week’s work turn brown in the wash after just a few launderings. On the pharmaceutical side, any impurity can torpedo a project or, worse, affect patient safety during clinical trials. Responsible procurement teams insist on documentation, full traceability, and audits of their suppliers.
In most plants I’ve visited, safety officers keep an eye on storage and handling. Dry, cool shelves, and crystal-clear documentation on chemical interactions help avoid accidents. Emergency procedures get drilled a couple of times a year. One unlucky spill can mean lost production and, more importantly, someone getting hurt. Industry veterans treat every white sack and blue drum as if it matters—because it does.
Supply chain headaches pop up now as the world leans on just-in-time deliveries. Raw material shortages and transport delays have already forced companies to start scouting for substitutes or local alternatives. For everyday production, building strong local partnerships with chemical suppliers helps dodge the worst impacts of global disruptions.
Community health groups and environmental advocates want stronger reporting and transparency. Sharing more about how these chemicals are sourced, processed, and disposed of can build public confidence and open up more dialogue between producers and the neighborhoods where plants operate.
Research and real-world experience both point to Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate as a workhorse in chemical manufacturing, with the real gains coming from smart regulation and fair supply chain agreements. Care, planning, and transparency go a lot further than cutting corners, both for the next batch of dyed shirts and for the planet we share.Anyone in a lab or industrial setting dealing with sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate (anhydrous) quickly learns that safe and proper storage isn't just another part of the checklist. This compound finds plenty of use across dye synthesis and pharmaceutical research. The way it reacts to air and water demands some attention and respect—one small misstep, and years of work or thousands of dollars could go down the drain.
Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate grabs moisture from the air whenever it gets a chance. I’ve watched sealed samples turn into sticky messes within a week, just because someone stored them near a window or left the cap loose. Keeping this compound in a dry, cool environment matters. Walk into any lab and the best spot for a container is deep inside a low-humidity cabinet. Silica gel packs make a world of difference. Even in a basic storeroom, tossing in a couple of those packs goes a long way toward protecting the powder.
Heat speeds up the breakdown of so many anhydrous compounds, and this one is no exception. Any room above 25°C invites trouble. I remember learning this lesson firsthand one summer as a graduate student—even with air conditioning running, small fluctuations created clumps that ruined our next experiment. If possible, keep it in a temperature-controlled storeroom, away from direct sunlight and heating vents. Those big, temperature swings you think don’t matter? They do.
The classic amber glass vials work great, and there’s good reason they’re the first choice in chemical storage. Plastic has its own set of problems; over time, some types let water vapor sneak in, and that spells disaster in humid climates. Avoid open bins or plastic tubs without proper sealing or lining. Screwlid, tight-sealing containers, especially glass, are the safety net here.
It sounds simple, but clear labeling makes all the difference, especially for anhydrous chemicals. I’ve seen too many near-misses where an unlabeled container spent months in the wrong cabinet, leading to confusion or even cross-contamination. Every sample needs an unambiguous name and a date. People move on, new folks cycle in, and labels bridge those changes.
Never stack this compound next to oxidizers or acids. Even on tough days with lots of distractions, taking care during storage prevents accidental mixing, which can set off risky chemical reactions. I learned early to keep anhydrous sulfonates and strong oxidizers a good distance apart, even if their hazard ratings didn’t look too scary on paper.
Labs that thrive long-term prioritize regular inventory checks. Monitoring for changes in texture or unexpected coloration catches issues before they turn into headaches. If the powder cakes up or turns yellow, it’s usually a sign humidity made it past your defenses. At that point, don’t take chances—dispose of it safely and check your storage setup.
From years spent in research and industry, I’ve seen that safe chemical storage isn’t just about preventing loss. It protects people, research, and investments. Put the right effort into storage, and the rest of the process tends to move far more smoothly.
Everyday work brings me in contact with chemical names that sound intimidating. Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate (anhydrous) might not ring a bell for most folks, but it sneaks its way into various processes, especially synthetic chemistry and dye production. The long name shouldn't trick anyone into panic mode, but it does merit some careful attention before it ends up at a bench or in the supply cabinet.
Chemical safety often boils down to the basics—understanding what you’re dealing with and respecting its boundaries. Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate, at first glance, doesn’t behave like a highly explosive substance or a severe health hazard. Material safety data sheets frequently put it in the “irritant” category. That means skin, eyes, or even airways react if this powder goes airborne and lands where it shouldn’t. Having rubbed eyes or coughed after a few careless moments around dusty reagents myself, I give powders like this a wide berth when weighing or pouring. Standard gloves, safety glasses, and a mask form the basic armor.
I’ve worked with dozens of sulfonated aromatics in labs. Acute toxicity data for sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate show high LD50 values in animal tests—usually meaning you’d need quite a dose before anything life-threatening happens. That doesn't translate into “harmless.” Nuisance exposure piles up in poorly ventilated rooms. I remember a stuffy storeroom where residual powders turned a routine inventory check into an itchy, sneezy affair. OSHA and similar regulators mark sulfonates as substances that warrant gloves and reasonable ventilation.
Chronic exposure hasn’t shown clear links to serious organ damage or cancer in the available research, but there’s no sense in tempting fate. Years of chemical work taught me the wisdom of keeping exposure—as much as possible—to zero. Swallowing or breathing any chemical dust, even if it doesn’t show up on a danger list, creates risks. That's especially true for folks with allergies or skin sensitivities.
With water solubility and chemical stability, sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfoate lingers in solutions until broken down. It won’t ignite or explode, but improper disposal can send organic pollutants running down the drain. I’ve seen wastewater officers get grumpy when standard procedures are ignored, leading to treatable but costly headaches for public plants. This isn’t a chemical to flush or dump. Collected, labeled disposal through professional channels keeps everybody safer and the local water cleaner.
Labels, training, and decent gear do more than just tick regulatory boxes—they save hands, lungs, and eyes. Simple steps (like working beneath a vent and keeping containers closed) keep unpleasant surprises to a minimum. Manufacturers and supply houses should share up-to-date safety data so users aren’t left guessing about best practices. I’ve found regular safety reviews and keeping MSDS sheets handy goes a long way in a shared workspace. Lastly, education from day one—especially with less familiar chemical names—sets good patterns for careers and safe habits in any lab or plant.
Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate, often found in labs, plays a key role in everything from dyes to lab reagents. The chemical formula for this anhydrous compound is C6H5NaO4S. Its molecular weight stands at 196.16 g/mol. Breaking down this formula opens up a better understanding of its behavior in both industrial and academic settings.
Chemistry doesn't just live in textbooks—it surfaces in day-to-day research. With C6H5NaO4S, each part stands for a reason: it has a benzene ring, with a hydroxy group that brings polarity, a sulfonate group pushing up its solubility in water, and a sodium ion giving it the boost to work in different solvents and environments. From a personal lab perspective, not paying attention to every part of a molecule sometimes leads to mistakes. For example, swapping the anhydrous form for a hydrated version can throw off the final concentrations in a reaction.
Precision makes experiments work. Overlooking something as basic as molecular weight risks wasted time, inaccurate results, and failed replications. As sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate clocks in at 196.16 g/mol, one gram of this powder carries exactly that much chemical punch. Skipping over the details means you might toss the stoichiometry off, and that mistake ripples through to the final product. This applies in the dye industry, analytical chemistry, or even classroom demonstrations.
This compound shows up in more places than most recognize. In dye manufacturing, the sulfonate group brings stability and allows colorants to hold up to washing and sunlight. In the lab, it acts as a reagent to test for specific functional groups or acts as an intermediate for synthesizing other chemicals. The sodium ion also ensures it dissolves efficiently in water, making it practical for large-scale reactions and clean-up.
Mix-ups between anhydrous and hydrated forms have tripped up even experienced chemists. Always confirm the state of the chemical by checking its labeling and drying it at an appropriate temperature when needed. Suppliers differ—not just in price, but in the way they store and package. Moisture in the air or older stocks reduce effectiveness. Regular calibration of scales, careful weighing, and transparent record-keeping keep everything on target.
Quality control steps save budget and reduce waste. Many labs use spectroscopy or titration validation to check that the compound content lines up with its label. Simple steps, like basic storage in airtight containers, help preserve its anhydrous nature much longer. For large-scale users, this is more than just good practice—it’s the difference between a batch of high-grade material and a product that can’t pass inspection.
Reliable work in science leans on details like formula and accurate measurement. Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate, with its clear chemical formula and consistent molecular weight, delivers dependable results in hands that pay attention. Routines serve for a reason, and reviewing them brings both speed and trust to complex work.
Handling chemicals like sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate brings real responsibility. The powdery, anhydrous form means it can kick up dust easily, and that dust can cause irritation if it finds its way onto skin or into the eyes. Inhaling small particles often leads to coughing or a sore throat—chemists in crowded labs know this discomfort all too well. Spills or careless handling create bigger problems beyond irritation; mishaps can introduce a hazard to people and the environment.
Letting this compound absorb moisture from air or mix with incompatible substances raises risks. Dry, cool, and well-ventilated storage—with a tightly sealed container labeled clearly—creates a safer workspace. In my own experience, scrambling for a mislabeled chemical can feel like a ticking clock on a busy day’s experiment. Maintaining order isn’t just a matter of pride; it protects people. Fact: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) points out that clear labeling and controlled access cut lab accidents by almost half.
Lab veterans don goggles and gloves like a uniform, and sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate deserves that respect. Protective gear blocks chemical splashes. If you handle the powder, adding a dust mask makes breathing easier. One forgotten mask on a hot summer day once left me fighting a scratchy throat for hours. It pays to respect the basics.
Spills happen—no matter how careful anyone acts, one will hit the floor eventually. If it’s a small amount, sweeping up the solid matter without raising dust works best, followed by washing the area with water. Never dump this chemical down drains or toss it into regular trash. Even small traces moving into waste streams threaten rivers and soil. Chemical disposal must run through collection points, with waste labeled and logged. Many university labs offer clear waste protocols—they insist containers line up by type, and everyone records even the smallest amounts. Compliance ensures chemicals get the treatment they deserve, like neutralization or incineration built for tough waste.
More sustainable lab practices are starting to show their value. Some companies encourage using only the minimum amount of sodium 4-hydroxybenzene sulfonate, cutting waste at the source. Lab teams often share tips to stretch one container over several experiments, which makes disposal less frequent. Switching to less hazardous alternatives can work in some cases, reducing exposure risks altogether.
Smart training for new staff and regular reviews for experienced hands keep good habits fresh. I’ve seen older and newer scientists trade stories of close calls—these conversations reinforce why we treat every step, from opening a jar to taking out the trash, with care. Thoughtful handling and disposal protect you, your colleagues, and the world outside the lab door.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Sodium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate |
| Other names |
Sodium p-Hydroxybenzenesulfonate Sodium 4-Hydroxybenzenesulfonate Sodium p-Hydroxyphenylsulfonate Sodium 4-hydroxyphenylsulfonate Sodium 4-hydroxybenzene-1-sulfonate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈsəʊdiəm fɔːr-haɪˈdrɒksiˌbɛnziːn ˈsʌlˌfeɪt ˌænˈhaɪdrəs/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | [srt]14109-76-7[/srt] |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3Dmol.js:JSmol('C1=CC(=CC=C1O)S(=O)(=O)O.Na`) |
| Beilstein Reference | 1901587 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:91238 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3229095 |
| ChemSpider | 197354 |
| DrugBank | DB14045 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b7e4e4-9a1b-4951-8f1a-75e31e2d89c0 |
| EC Number | 226-195-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 63570 |
| KEGG | C01762 |
| MeSH | D017165 |
| PubChem CID | 91490 |
| RTECS number | DN3150000 |
| UNII | 8AM821C6GH |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H5NaO4S |
| Molar mass | 216.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or almost white powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.587 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.5 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 9.7 (at 25°C) |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.81 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -53.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.620 |
| Dipole moment | 7.0 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 256.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D08AX |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 219.6°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat): >2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat oral >2000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Not listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 50 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Sodium p-toluenesulfonate Sodium benzenesulfonate Sodium 2-hydroxybenzenesulfonate Sodium sulfanilate Sodium 4-aminobenzenesulfonate Sodium 4-hydroxybenzoate |
