Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-13-Alkyl Derivs., Sodium Salts stands out as a powerhouse surfactant that plays a fundamental role in countless industrial applications, from cleaning to manufacturing. This compound forms when benzenesulfonic acid, linked to a C10-13 linear or branched alkyl chain, reacts with sodium hydroxide. The result: a sodium salt with strong detergency, remarkable emulsification ability, and robust chemical structure. What's going on at the molecular level matters—a benzene ring coupled with a sulfonic acid group and a long alkyl side chain creates a molecule that doesn't just dissolve in water but also binds oil and dirt, lifting them away during washing and cleaning processes. The chemical formula often appears as C18H29NaO3S or similar, shifting slightly depending on average chain length.
This compound doesn't tie itself to just one form. It comes as flakes, powder, pearls, solid chunks, or viscous to clear liquid for handling at different stages, from raw material to finished product. The solid forms range from off-white to light yellow; sometimes the powder runs coarse, sometimes fine, based on the intended use. In its liquid state, the solution tends to be clear to slightly hazy, often stored in drums with a concentration tailored for blending or direct application—sometimes from 30% to higher, depending on dilution needs. Crystalline structures may be rare, but bulk flake or granulated solutions keep manufacturing consistent for large-scale operations.
Peeling off the technical skin, the sodium salts of benzenesulfonic acid, C10-13-alkyl derivatives, lay out clear physical and chemical characteristics: a density typically between 1.05 to 1.10 g/cm³ for liquid forms. Solubility in water is strong, sometimes requiring little agitation for dissolution. The pH in aqueous solution hangs around neutral to slightly alkaline, usually in the range of pH 7 to 10. Chemical stability stands firm; the material tolerates a variety of conditions unless exposed to strong oxidizers. Manufactured under consistent standards, these sodium salts meet specifications for percent activity, low levels of unsulfonated oil, and tight control of impurities, essential for household or industrial applications where slight shifts in quality can change performance or safety.
The biggest impact—hands down—is in detergents, laundry powders, cleaners, and a swath of industrial products where surfactant action determines product quality. Sodium salts of benzenesulfonic acid don’t just clean; they make stain removal possible, stabilize emulsions in cleaners, and keep dirt suspended so it can be rinsed away. The use stretches to textile processing, dyes, and agrochemicals. Some manufacturers push density and flake thickness to meet bulk handling needs, while others fine-tune powder consistency for fast dissolution in water. Liquids pour easily for automated dosing in factories or mixing tanks, reducing spill risk and supporting modern automation practices. This isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” material—form matches function across the board, shaped by the material’s flexible chemistry and handled by industries that need reliability above all.
International trade leans on harmonized system codes—HS Code 3402.11 typically covers this material as an organic surface-active agent. Trade reporting and compliance hang on this number; manufacturers, importers, and customs officials rely on it to keep products moving and tariffs in check. More than just a cataloging number, the HS Code guides safety documentation, chemical registration, and production planning. Regions converge on strict labeling and shipping requirements, knowing these sodium salts cross borders daily by the ton, destined for manufacturers making everything from dish soap to degreasers for heavy equipment. Documentation underlines hazards, safety measures, and emergency guidance, reinforcing transparency and community trust.
Like many chemicals, sodium salts of C10-13-alkyl benzenesulfonic acid bring their own risks to the table. Eyes and skin take the brunt if exposed undiluted—strong irritation, sometimes burns, that call for gloves, goggles, or face shields and responsible handling. Inhalation of powders or mist can irritate nasal passages and respiratory systems. Manufacturers and workers depend on robust workplace safety policies built on material safety data sheets. Accidental contact demands prompt decontamination with plenty of water. Spills, especially of liquid forms, call for rapid containment—no drain, no soil—you don’t want it reaching waterways in concentrated forms due to aquatic toxicity at higher concentrations. Throughout logistics, labeling and instructions prevent mishandling and protect workers. Downstream users—especially those churning out consumer products—demand ever-safer blends, pushing supply chain partners for low-hazard, low-irritation options wherever chemistry allows.
The production line for these sodium salts runs upstream to basic feedstocks: linear or branched paraffins, sulfonating agents like oleum or sulfur trioxide, and sodium hydroxide. The alkyl chain length (C10-13) traces back to petroleum derivatives or certain biogenic lines depending on manufacturer preferences and availability. Each choice impacts downstream biodegradability; linear chains tend to break down more rapidly in natural settings, making them the preferred feedstock for eco-sensitive markets. Manufacturers invest in cleaner processes, keeping emissions and waste in check. Discharge of effluent, loaded with residual organics from the sulfonation line, remains under scrutiny by regulatory authorities, which call for strict treatment before water re-enters the environment. Awareness of aquatic impact sparks ongoing research into alternative surfactants, tensioning commercial needs with ecological responsibility.
Working close to the front line of manufacturing, I’ve watched companies juggle between performance targets and the need for safer, more sustainable chemicals. Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-13-Alkyl Derivs., Sodium Salts offer strong, reliable performance, especially when hard water and stubborn soil call for deep cleaning. But experience shows it isn’t just performance that keeps customers loyal—it’s also confidence in the safety of what’s inside each drum and bottle. No one wants a cleaner that chafes their hands or a detergent that lingers in rivers and streams. Teams across the supply chain, from factory floor mixers to environmental officers, raise questions about raw materials, testing, and regulations, demanding more transparency all the time. Technological improvements foster better handling, but consumer demand and legal pressure push for lower toxicity, better biodegradability, and smart supply chain choices. Responsible sourcing and continuous training sit at the core of daily operations, shaping policies and personal habits alike.
Practical steps keep workers safe and protect the broader ecosystem: modern factories install advanced ventilation, automated blend and fill lines, and leak detection gear that stops accidents before they escalate. Strict segregation between hazardous chemicals and general workspaces keeps exposure minimal. Environmental monitoring provides feedback, pushing sector leaders to reduce raw material footprints, harness alternative feedstocks, and work with customers to design product lines that clean hard but rinse away clean. Professional training isn’t a box-ticking exercise; it’s the norm for anyone on-site or in logistics—real people rely on up-to-date skills for safety and efficiency. Partnerships with technology developers push for surfactants that deliver cleaning power with a softer touch. With an eye on sustainability and science-driven best practice, the industry leans into innovation, carving a future where strong cleaning and environmental care go hand in hand, driven by ethics as much as chemistry.
