Sodium p-cumenesulphonate did not rise out of nowhere. Back in the days when sulfonates started attracting attention, researchers and industrial chemists were on the hunt for patterns in aromatic hydrocarbon chemistry. The intention behind these innovations often grew from the detergent and cleaning industries’ push for efficient, cost-effective surfactants. Early records show that scientists experimented with alkylbenzenesulfonates, and sodium p-cumenesulphonate soon tagged along due to its processability and the ability to tweak its structure for improved performance. This compound’s journey through chemical literature illustrates shifts in technology, environmental awareness, and industrial priorities. Its longevity owes much to its utility—always a compelling reason for any chemical to stick around.
This compound does not demand much attention until its impact kicks in. Sodium p-cumenesulphonate stands as an anionic surfactant. In most labs and factories, the simple white crystalline powder draws demand for its consistent solubility and compatibility with many cleaners and detergents. The industrial sector values it for how well it blends with builders and fillers, mostly in powdered laundry detergent and dishwashing formulas. Its place in industry mirrors the practical side of chemical manufacturing: reliability, cost-efficiency, and clear performance metrics. Product datasheets typically highlight its strong performance in hard water and low toxicity for wastewater treatment.
Think granular white solid, sometimes almost snow-like, with a mild, faint odor if there is any. Sodium p-cumenesulphonate carries the usual expected water solubility for a sulphonate salt. The melting point sits comfortably above room temperature, and its stability under standard storage means it rarely surprises handlers. Its chemical structure, featuring the sulphonate group attached to a p-cumene backbone, leads to a low volatility profile and offers durable shelf-life. On the periodic table and in real-world use, the presence of sodium boosts performance by lowering processing temperatures and ensuring easier incorporation into bulk blends.
Every industrial chemical comes with paperwork, and sodium p-cumenesulphonate is no exception. Most suppliers specify a sodium content range, along with purity levels sitting above 98%. Moisture levels and pH in a standard solution also appear on technical sheets—key details for plant operators and formulation chemists alike. Packaging usually places the compound in multi-layered paper or plastic sacks, often with inner liners to guard against moisture ingress. Regulatory compliance remains essential; clear hazard communication and labeling requirements follow European REACH, US TSCA, and similar regulations elsewhere.
Manufacturers typically depend on the sulfonation of p-cumene with either sulfur trioxide, fuming sulfuric acid, or oleum. The result is a p-cumenesulphonic acid, which then reacts with sodium hydroxide to yield the sodium salt. This process, although straightforward, demands careful control of reactant ratios and temperature to prevent side reactions and color formation. The method has proven scalable and robust, which matters for commercial production.
The backbone structure of sodium p-cumenesulphonate resists many common oxidants, setting it apart from less stable sulphonates. It can act as a precursor for further sulphonation, offering routes to even more tailored surfactants. In my own experience in the lab, attempts to modify the aromatic ring rarely match the efficiency of direct sulfonation, so most downstream modifications target the sulfonate group or swap out associated cations. This approach helps because manufacturers can adjust solubility or reactivity without having to reengineer the whole molecule.
Sodium p-cumenesulphonate often appears under names such as sodium 4-isopropylbenzenesulfonate or sodium para-cumenesulfonate. Distributors sometimes list it as PCMS sodium salt. Finding the correct synonym matters for procurement and regulatory filings; mistakes in documentation waste time and resources, something I have witnessed on more than one occasion in plant and laboratory environments.
With any surfactant salt, safety deserves close attention. Sodium p-cumenesulphonate generally does not rank as a major health hazard in concentrated industrial form, but dust inhalation or contact with eyes can irritate mucous membranes. Safety protocols require protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and dust masks for operators handling bulk shipments. Proper storage means limiting exposure to moisture by keeping containers tightly closed in dry, well-ventilated warehouses. Emergency spill protocols usually call for sweeping up spillage and disposing in accordance with local regulations. Facilities rely on modern Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to ground their workplace training and mitigation responses.
Applied chemistry always grows out of practicality. Sodium p-cumenesulphonate has served as a hydrotrope for decades, making it easier to dissolve stubborn ingredients in cleaning solutions. Its presence supports low-foaming but high-solubility mixtures—a sweet spot in laundry and dishwasher powder development. Refineries and oil processors have tapped its compatibility for use in enhanced oil recovery processes, where traditional surfactants falter in high salinity or temperature. Concrete admixture manufacturers also value it as a dispersant. The important part is that its consistent performance translates into fewer production headaches day-to-day, which means better yield and fewer complaints.
In research circles, sodium p-cumenesulphonate still draws laboratory time. Projects try to lower the environmental impact of surfactants, and this compound’s biodegradability keeps it relevant for new green chemistry formulations. Scientists search for ways to improve its synthesis using renewable feedstocks or develop modifications that break down more efficiently after use. Some papers run comparative studies stacking it against popular alternatives such as sodium xylene sulphonate, focusing on both physical performance and life-cycle analysis—the kind of balanced review regulators look for when approving new cleaning products.
Toxicity profiles for sodium p-cumenesulphonate offer some reassurance. Acute oral and dermal toxicity studies in rodents report low toxicity. Fish studies and aquatic invertebrate challenges mostly signal moderate to low environmental risk at realistic discharge levels. One challenge lies in staying ahead of cumulative, long-term ecosystem exposure. Chronic effects sometimes elude rapid assessment, so ongoing environmental monitoring and repeated dose studies matter for maintaining public trust and regulatory approval. My own experience in occupational health scrubbing toxicology reports taught me that regulators want concrete numbers and open discussion of uncertainties, rather than comforting platitudes.
The next decade will likely see sodium p-cumenesulphonate adapting to shifting priorities in detergent chemistry and regulatory oversight. Downstream industries invest in greener, safer formulations, so renewed attention has turned toward bio-based starting materials and improved synthesis processes with less waste. Advances in catalytic sulfonation and continuous flow technologies could streamline large-scale production and shrink energy use. The search for surfactants with low environmental persistence yet uncompromised performance means more studies, more pilot projects, and tighter partnerships between industry and regulatory agencies. Change always stirs up uncertainty, but chemicals that combine proven reliability with adaptability stand a good chance of remaining useful, long after trendier molecules come and go.
Sodium p-cumenesulphonate sounds like one of those compounds chemists get excited about but most people never hear about. It pops up most often in industrial work. Manufacturers look to it for a dependable helping hand in cleaning and formulating products. They rely on it because it dissolves well in water, holds up under heat, and does the job without wrecking other ingredients.
Detergent industry workers see sodium p-cumenesulphonate come through the door as a "hydrotrope." That means it’s used to help mix oils or scents into liquid cleaning formulas. Sometimes it’s tough to get soap ingredients to blend, and this chemical lends a hand by making things mix smoothly. It acts as a type of team player—making sure that what needs to dissolve, actually does, in laundry liquids or household cleaners.
Soap powder manufacturers have used this compound for similar reasons. Building powdered detergent formulas that work in both hot and cold water gets easier, and the end result stands up to different storage situations. The flexibility here saves on costs long run and gives consumers better performance at home.
Paper mills and textile manufacturers use sodium p-cumenesulphonate to clean and treat raw materials. Stubborn residues and dyes give way more easily. This means textiles come out brighter, and papermaking equipment keeps running longer between deep cleans. I’ve seen textile mill workers talk about how much less downtime these additives bring—keeping the line moving and saving money.
It’s right to ask whether sodium p-cumenesulphonate brings along any baggage. Multiple safety data sheets point out that, in recommended concentrations, this chemical stays pretty tame. It can cause skin or eye irritation if handled carelessly, but well-run plants train workers properly and keep things safe by providing gloves and eye gear. Studies show it breaks down in the environment faster than some old-school cleaning agents, so the long-term footprint is smaller.
Consumers want to know what goes down the drain. Water treatment facilities find that sodium p-cumenesulphonate, unlike some harsher surfactants, doesn’t linger for years. Researchers keep testing its breakdown products, mindful of new regulations and the push for safer chemicals. Keeping track of environmental outcomes—especially in places relying on river water—helps prevent trouble before it starts.
Sodium p-cumenesulphonate shows how industry keeps looking for ways to make cleaning and processing safer, more efficient, and less harmful to nature. Some companies now experiment with greener alternatives, like plant-based hydrotropes. Making sure these replacements can match performance remains a challenge. Partnerships between companies, researchers, and regulatory agencies play a big part in finding that sweet spot between reliability and sustainability.
Sharing honest information encourages better decision-making, both for workers on the line and for consumers reading labels at home. Science can offer options, but the culture of safety and responsibility—built over time—truly drives trust and progress.
Sodium p-cumenesulphonate has ended up in many industrial and home cleaning products over the years. It works well as a detergent builder and helps other ingredients mix or dissolve. Questions around safety make sense, especially as more folks wonder what their everyday products actually contain. Chemistry textbooks list this stuff as an “aromatic sulphonate”, and many in the chemical industry have dealt with it in both dry and liquid forms.
The available research usually focuses on its chemical stability and function. Official safety data sheets from manufacturers give it a reasonably mild profile. It won’t break down quickly in water, but it doesn’t store up in the body the way some long-lasting chemicals like PFAS do. I’ve seen that, even in accidental exposures in workplaces, rinsing the skin or eyes stops irritation long before serious problems ever set in. Inhaled dust can be irritating but not permanently harmful if you move to fresh air and clean up.
Most exposure comes at low levels through the skin or breathing in dust during manufacturing or cleaning. Regular consumers mostly see sodium p-cumenesulphonate as one ingredient among many in floor and bathroom cleaners. It’s not designed for direct skin contact, but accidental exposure from using these products seems common. Medical literature reports no widespread reports of serious poisonings or allergic reactions. Most cleaning product safety records point to mild irritant risks for the skin and eyes, especially if someone uses highly concentrated solutions or forgets gloves, but this is true for a lot of cleaning chemicals.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Chemicals Agency both list sodium p-cumenesulphonate without heavy warnings, classifying it as having low acute toxicity. That matches up with industry experiences I’ve seen. Chronic health studies on this particular molecule don’t turn up findings about cancer, hormone disruption, or buildup in the body. Still, nobody has looked at what happens after decades of tiny doses from daily cleaning. Most laboratory animal studies suggest no significant long-term effects at commonly used concentrations.
Workers in plants who deal with tons of the raw material use goggles and masks, mostly to block powder exposure rather than because of deep-seated toxicity. My own experience in a lab setting, and reports from maintenance staff, point to the same risks: irritation but not lasting harm. No governments restrict its use for the general public beyond standard product labeling laws.
Rising concern about trace chemicals in the home pushes both industry and consumers to look beyond “not dangerous” and toward “as safe as possible.” For families with sensitive skin or breathing problems, avoiding direct splashes or airborne dust still makes sense, and working with gloves and simple ventilation helps. Makers could step up their game by offering full ingredient lists and making safety data sheets easier to understand, not just using small print on bottles. Clearer warnings about not mixing cleaning products and not using concentrated stuff bare-handed would go a long way for the average shopper.
Testing by consumer advocacy groups and public health agencies keeps big manufacturers on their toes, and sharing all findings—good or bad—matters. While nobody can fully rule out long-term tiny risk with absolute certainty, the day-in, day-out facts show that, for most people, sodium p-cumenesulphonate ranks pretty low in terms of health threats. Knowing that still benefits from common sense precautions, just as we’d do for any cleaner under the sink.
Sodium p-cumenesulphonate, known by its chemical formula C9H11SO3Na, holds its own place on the chemical shelf. This compound doesn’t show up on flashy billboards or in popular media, yet scientists, cleaners, and industrial workers are all touched by it, probably without knowing. The formula is directly linked to the structure: take p-cymene (which brings the isopropyl group into play), add a sulfonic acid group, and replace the hydrogen on the sulfonic acid with sodium. That formula—C9H11SO3Na—carries both the backbone of organic chemistry and the steady hand of inorganic ions.
In my own time working in labs and factories, I’ve seen the practical side of sodium p-cumenesulphonate. Detergent mixers use it for its reliability in dissolving dirt and oil. This isn’t a hardworking chemical that boasts—rather, it works quietly, lending both solubility and stability in conditions that might send simpler molecules packing. So many cleaning products, especially industrial-grade, depend on builders like these. The sodium part of the molecule keeps it water-soluble, and the bulky aromatic part helps grab onto the greasy stuff you actually want to remove.
Trust grows when we can look up the chemical formula and know exactly what’s inside. C9H11SO3Na isn’t something to skim past—people working with cleaning chemicals handle many pounds of this each year. Strict data from regulators like the EPA and the European Chemicals Agency keep everyone honest about what enters workplaces and waterways. Most sources point to a relatively low toxicity profile for sodium p-cumenesulphonate. There’s always more to ask: How does it break down in nature? Does long-term use pose hidden risks? Responsible manufacturers publish data sheets, carry out tests, and adjust their products if anything points to health or environmental problems. It’s everyone’s job along the line—from the chemical plant operator to the consumer—to keep asking questions, reading the facts, and sharing what we learn.
Sodium p-cumenesulphonate offers a backbone for eco-friendlier detergents. Some older chemicals in this field linger in soil and water, harming plants, fish, or even people. The formula for sodium p-cumenesulphonate allows for careful design: tweaks on the molecule can reduce environmental impact and keep it safer in the human body and the food chain. Green chemistry isn’t just talk—it means testing new breakdown pathways, using plant-based feedstocks, and fitting in with circular manufacturing.
Knowing the exact formula (C9H11SO3Na) is only the first page. Safety teams use it to model risks. Scientists work out how to limit waste and keep quality up. At home, I scrub kitchen tiles with products that might trace their cleaning power to this molecule. Open sharing of formulae and their real effects—never hiding behind jargon—is what keeps both workers and the public safe. Broad acceptance of regulatory guidance, and a drive for clarity about what the formula actually means, will keep sodium p-cumenesulphonate working for us, not against us.
Dealing with chemicals at work shows just how small mistakes can build up to major problems. Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate, mostly handled in manufacturing and cleaning industries, deserves a fair amount of respect. Some view it as “just another powder,” but seasoned techs and warehouse managers know spills or contamination put equipment, safety, and expensive stock at risk. Not to mention peace of mind.
Storing Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate means looking beyond the usual “keep container closed and dry” label found on the drum. Here’s what experience has hammered home: moisture, heat, and cross-contact with other powders create messes faster than most realize. Moisture causes clumping, and sometimes the powder draws in so much water from humid air that the packaging begins to break down. Wet product brings the quality down and may ruin a batch.
Heat plays its own tricks. Even if the product does not burn or evaporate, temperature swings speed up degradation. Powders left next to radiators or on sunlit loading docks do not look or feel the same after a week. Many factories keep their chemical stores below 30°C, out of direct sunlight. A steady, cool space in a ventilated warehouse works better than a cramped corner of a busy shop.
Calls to the Poison Control Center tell their own story—sometimes folks do not treat Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate as a real risk and wind up with burns, lung irritation, or worse from careless handling. Good habits around storage keep accidents out of the ER logbook. Businesses I’ve worked with train every shift on chemical safety, not just the new hires.
Labeling every drum in plain, weather-resistant language avoids mix-ups and limits confusion in an emergency. If a leak or spill occurs, staff know to block off the area and suit up. Sorbent material works best for powder spills. Prompt, measured cleanup stops small troubles from wrecking a whole shift.
Some shops once left chemicals sitting wherever there was an empty patch on the concrete floor. That usually leads to someone tripping, hitting a drum with a forklift, or forgetting expiration dates. Taking inventory in a dedicated chemical zone cuts losses and stops expired or dirty product from getting into a mix. Using strong shelving, bins, or racks keeps containers in good shape and off cold, damp floors.
Aisles kept clear let fire safety inspectors—and staff—get in fast if there’s trouble. Simple routines like placing new deliveries at the back and using oldest stock first lower waste and save money. All it takes is a checklist, and suddenly people stop grabbing drums at random.
No one wants dust blowing into the office, water run-off in a rain storm, or neighborhood complaints to city hall. Planning ahead matters, so leakage or exposure do not bother the wider community. Strong lids, secondary containment trays, and clear spill procedures are more than a company’s insurance policy; they help prove the operation respects health and environment enough to go the extra mile.
Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate may seem like an ordinary workplace material, but small decisions around storage protect people, the company, and the community. Handling it with knowledge—instead of luck—brings fewer regrets and keeps the team ready for the next job.
Factories, chemical plants, and production lines churn out all sorts of products every day. Not enough people stop to think about the workhorses that help make these possible. Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate falls into that group, working behind the scenes in some of the most everyday items people use without a second thought. The biggest story about this chemical comes from cleaning – not just homes, but the machines and buildings that drive the global economy.
Walk into any supermarket and you’ll see shelves lined with detergents and cleaning agents. Many of them rely on blends of cleaners that need to mix together without fuss. Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate acts as a hydrotrope, a role that makes it possible for different ingredients to get along in water-based formulations. Instead of separating out or clogging a spray nozzle, detergent components combine smoothly, offering consistent cleaning power bottle after bottle. Research from the American Cleaning Institute underscores hydrotropes’ importance in delivering products that don’t separate or settle in transit.
Every power plant, brewery, and dairy processor fights battles against scale buildup inside pipes and tanks. Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate brings value by preventing these mineral deposits from setting up shop. It works in industrial cleaners and scale removers, reducing downtime and cutting replacement costs for plant operators. Hard evidence can be seen in published results by plant engineers, showing fewer shutdowns and corroded parts when sodium P-cumenesulphonate is part of the cleaning cycle. Less downtime means more product, which keeps factory workers’ jobs secure and goods moving to market.
Textile plants and paint manufacturers face a different challenge, with pigments that often refuse to mix with water or solvents. Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate bridges the gap, allowing these colors to blend evenly without streaks or clumps. Consistent color quality can make or break a brand’s reputation. Years of practical experience have shown that a stable pigment blend delivers bolder colors and cleaner washes. This benefit passes down the line to consumers, who expect towels, shirts, or paint to look the same over time. Markets across Asia and Europe have leaned on this compound to keep up with rising quality standards.
Specialty chemicals sometimes begin as simple building blocks. Sodium P-Cumenesulphonate plays a part as a sulfonating agent, helping chemists produce additives for lubricants, emulsifiers, and agricultural chemicals. Working in this role, it shortens production steps, reduces waste, and improves safety. European Chemical Agency reports recommend its use as an intermediate for these reasons. Fewer steps in making additives means a smaller environmental footprint, answering calls from both regulators and the public for greener manufacturing.
Handling and disposal remain real concerns. Many industrial workers have called for better training on chemical safety. Regular audits and updated protocols keep exposure risks low. From experience, straightforward labels and transparent sourcing help companies build trust with clients and regulators. Investment in newer, closed-loop cleaning systems can cut down on releases and waste, which future-proofs operations in a world demanding higher standards from industry. Real leadership shows up in companies that treat these issues as a shared responsibility and keep listening to employees on the front line.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | sodium 4-isopropylbenzenesulfonate |
| Other names |
Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-isopropyl-, sodium salt Sodium 4-isopropylbenzenesulphonate Sodium p-isopropylbenzenesulfonate |
| Pronunciation | /ˌsoʊdiəm piːˈkjuːmiːnˌsʌl.fəˌneɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 68239-23-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 4010826 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:91215 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1906752 |
| ChemSpider | 22022 |
| DrugBank | DB13264 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100_010_789 |
| EC Number | EC 246-897-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 85712 |
| KEGG | C19879 |
| MeSH | D013495 |
| PubChem CID | 23668845 |
| RTECS number | WL6475000 |
| UNII | 4U2GWY65FI |
| UN number | UN2581 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H11NaO3S |
| Molar mass | 254.31 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.12 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.3 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | -2.8 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.48 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -48.5e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.523 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 15 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.5 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 329.16 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -663.6 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | V03AE02 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, Exclamation mark |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 180°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 4000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat) > 2000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | WT1915 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 1600 mg/m3 |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed/unknown |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Cymenesulfonic acid Cumene sulfonate Sodium benzenesulfonate Sodium xylene sulfonate Sodium toluenesulfonate |
