1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt belongs to the family of sulfonic acid sodium salts, showing up in both academic talks and real-world labs as a staple chemical. Chemists often refer to its molecular formula as C4H9NaO3S, and the formula captures its structure directly—four carbons, a sodium ion, and that distinct sulfonic acid group. This molecule stands out as a white solid at room temperature, sometimes supplied as flakes, powder, pearls, or crystalline granules, each with a unique touch on how the material handles. Water solubility matters for plenty of users, and 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt dissolves easily, making it an excellent choice for solution-based reactions or processes. In my own experience, the physical handling is predictable; no surprise moisture grab, no tricky dust cloud—this trait offers benefits to technicians who value safe, straightforward preparation.
Producers offer this sodium salt in a range of purities, most regular industrial applications settle above 98% purity. Density checks in right around 1.33 g/cm³, similar to many other simple sulfonates. The density, coupled with its granular, flaky, or powdery form, simplifies measuring and mixing. In lab settings where I have worked, staff prefer crystalline or flake forms because spills stay minimal, and clean-up is nothing out of the ordinary. Melting point figures hover near 250° Celsius; 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt holds up under heating, which plays a big role in material synthesis or sample preparation.
A closer look at the molecule shows the backbone runs from a normal butane chain, capped on one end with the –SO3Na group. Sulfonic moieties bring acidity and hydrophilicity to the table, while the sodium adds stability and ease of neutralization. The structure gives the substance its water-soluble, low-volatile nature; working with it consistently means less worry about unexpected fumes or hazardous byproducts. Unlike volatile organic solvents, 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt keeps its head down, avoiding rapid evaporation. This helps reduce workplace inhalation risk, particularly in spaces where ventilation comes at a premium.
Buyers can find this chemical available as solid crystals, powders, or even ready-made aqueous solutions. Each choice ties back to different end uses. For direct weighing or mixing, flaky solid or pearl form offers a tactile advantage—no tendency to clump, and you get even flow during dosing. If a lab runs automatic dispensing for raw material feed, powder form lines up with their needs. Liquid solution suits some industries for on-the-fly dilution, helping save time and limit dust generation. Across dozens of labs and pilot plant rooms, I’ve seen the value in picking a format that pairs with the process at hand. Some users find flakes give the most consistent results, avoiding the static mess and packaging headaches linked with fine powders, though it always depends on application scale and equipment on hand.
Customs documents place 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt under HS Code 29041000, which covers sulfonic acids and related salts. Tracking with this HS Code helps manufacturers and buyers stay compliant during shipments, especially across borders. The code links directly to chemical safety standards, so regulatory agencies can trace batches and respond quickly if an incident ever draws attention. My time spent in export logistics teams taught me that materials like this need precise labeling, not only for tariffs but to signal warehouse staff about proper storage requirements. Some countries flag sodium sulfonates as having moderate handling concerns, so it pays to know local rules before transport or large-scale storage.
1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt demonstrates a relatively low risk profile compared to more aggressive sulfonic acid derivatives or strong oxidizers. The main risk comes from eye or skin contact with dust or concentrated solutions. Chemical safety sheets point toward routine precautions—gloves, goggles, chemical aprons—rather than specialized protective gear. Inhalation of fine particles should be avoided, but the substance lacks pronounced volatility or acute toxicity. Its sodium salt structure cuts down on corrosivity, offering safer handling for technicians and operators. Whenever my team planned storage, we kept it cool, dry, and away from acids, since mixing could prompt mild gas release without any explosive hazard. For disposal, the salt’s water solubility makes it easier to neutralize and dilute in wastewater streams, provided local authorities approve.
Manufacturers synthesize 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt from butane, sulfonating agents, and sodium bases. Raw material prices swing with global butane costs, and any hiccup—pipeline closure, refinery changes—impacts final product supply. I remember working through one stretch when butane shortages drove up prices and forced substitutions with lower grades, which meant extra vigilance on purity and impurity screening during incoming checks. Responsible procurement now means not just tracking price, but staying on top of sustainability trends and supplier audits. Buyers also weigh origin, wanting steady supply from audited sources who provide full disclosure on batch history and control measures.
Industries reach for 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt in areas as varied as HPLC separation, pharmaceutical intermediates, and plating chemistry. In chromatography, it acts as a counterion in ion-pairing reagents, tweaking selectivity and retention for hard-to-separate analytes. Makers of specialty chemicals or drugs use the salt to tweak solubility or stability profiles. During my stint in pharmaceutical labs, we leaned on 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt in assay development—where its reliability outmatched some cheaper sulfonates, avoiding variability that could throw off critical tests. Plating businesses value it for its wetting and conductivity contributions during electroplating and surface finishing. Its non-volatility and low odor profile mean it suits close-quarter work, and industry veterans see its worth in keeping production targets realistic and workflows safe.
Supply risks, cost pressures, and safe handling sit as main concerns for users considering this sodium salt. Solutions start by diversifying suppliers, pushing for real transparency on raw material origins, and investing in proper staff training—so mishandling stays rare, and waste goes down. Process teams can explore alternatives that offer comparable performance with smaller safety footprints, especially in cases where regulations keep tightening. Digitalized inventory tracking—adopted in my last company—helped avoid expired stockpiles, ring-fencing both safety and cost for mid-size labs. Ongoing investment in analytical purity testing assures that batches meet claims and clients stay confident about what goes into formulations. Among specialty chemicals, 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt has carved out a niche because it delivers on reliability and safety, though staying alert for better production pathways and smarter logistics never hurts.
