Benzenesulfonic Acid, Mono-C10-16-Alkyl Derivatives, Sodium Salts stands as a crucial chemical in both industrial and home settings. This material finds use in detergents, cleaners, and various specialty products designed to cut through grime, dirt, and oil, owing to its effective surfactant nature. Its long alkyl chains allow it to break down and suspend particles, making cleaning more efficient and manageable. Chemists and industry workers alike come across this compound regularly, since it powers many routine tasks—a fact that makes understanding it more important for safety and effective deployment. Being a chemical that many end-users encounter indirectly in daily life, understanding its profile brings a layer of reassurance, especially regarding health, environment, and safe handling.
Manufacturers across a wide range of sectors rely on this compound to boost the performance of their cleaning agents. It appears in powder laundry detergents, liquid dish soaps, industrial degreasers, fabric softeners, and sometimes even in household all-purpose sprays. For automotive care, it helps strip engine grease and road buildup efficiently. Textile factories use it to remove oils during material preparation. The versatility of this chemical, rooted in its strong surfactant properties, locks in its status as a core ingredient for both residential and large-scale cleaning.
Talking about the physical properties, Benzenesulfonic Acid, Mono-C10-16-Alkyl Derivatives, Sodium Salts can appear as white to off-white flakes, solid blocks, granules, pearls, powder, or sometimes even as a viscous liquid depending on the specific formulation and alkyl chain composition. Its molecular structure carries a benzene ring attached to a sulfonate group and side chains with carbon lengths between 10 and 16 atoms, paired with sodium to render the compound water-soluble. Density varies, with powder and granular forms usually registering a lower bulk density than compacted flakes or solid blocks. Solubility stands out—a key reason for its prevalence—mixing easily with water, creating uniform solutions that maximize surfactant action.
This group of chemicals shares a general molecular formula: C₆H₅SO₃Na for the benzene sulfonate backbone, with the long alkyl chains (C10 to C16) making up the “mono-C10-16-alkyl” part. Rather than a single molecule, the product often presents as a blend of homologues, giving rise to subtle property differences in surface activity and solubility. Sodium salts of these derivatives contain a molecular mass range, reflecting the length of the alkyl tail. Specifications from reliable suppliers usually target high purity, confirmed via spectrometric methods and titration to check sulfonate content. Density ranges between 0.4 and 0.7 g/cm³ for granules and powders. Melting points shift based on composition, but most flakes soften in the range of 180–200°C. The product dissolves rapidly in water, forming clear, surfactant-rich solutions, which increase in viscosity as concentration rises. For many facilities, this predictability in chemical and physical properties helps drive process efficiency.
The Harmonized System (HS) Code for Benzenesulfonic Acid, Mono-C10-16-Alkyl Derivatives, Sodium Salts most commonly falls under 3402.11 for organic surface-active agents. Importers and exporters use this code to facilitate international trade, manage tariffs, and comply with customs regulations. Proper identification ensures quick customs clearance, reduced shipping delays, and more accurate taxation. For businesses, knowledge of the correct HS Code also streamlines documentation and avoids costly compliance errors—a valuable point for anyone involved in logistics or procurement.
The manufacturing process relies on two major raw materials: linear alkylbenzenes (sourced from crude oil derivatives) and sulfur trioxide or chlorosulfonic acid for the sulfonation step. These inputs transform through a sulfonation reaction, producing an acid intermediate. Neutralization with sodium hydroxide forms the desired sodium salt. This method has stood the test of time, providing high yields and reliable performance. Production quality tracks back directly to raw material purity and reaction control—a reminder of how basic chemistry affects downstream application in every household or factory floor.
Benzenesulfonic Acid, Mono-C10-16-Alkyl Derivatives, Sodium Salts are considered safe for routine use in regulated quantities, yet irritation may result on skin or eye contact. Mist inhalation or dust exposure in poorly ventilated areas should be avoided, as coughing or mild respiratory discomfort can occur after prolonged exposure. Personal experience with this compound—and similar surfactants—teaches that gloves and goggles prevent most mishaps. It helps to keep dry powders away from faces and to rinse thoroughly if any gets onto hands or workspace. This chemical carries a low acute toxicity profile in diluted form, though concentrated products should stay out of reach of children and pets. From an environmental standpoint, responsible use and proper wastewater management help minimize any possible ecological risks, as high concentrations can affect aquatic life if released directly into waterways. Businesses and individuals who work with the raw materials also follow well-established protocols, with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) guiding safe storage, spill response, and disposal.
Because different cleaning industries have distinct process needs, Benzenesulfonic Acid, Mono-C10-16-Alkyl Derivatives, Sodium Salts come in multiple forms: fine powders for quick dissolution in mass production, flakes or pearls that minimize dust, solid blocks for controlled addition, or pre-diluted liquids ready for immediate mixing. Factories prefer a specific density and crystal structure for efficient batching, saving time and reducing excess residues. Each format maintains its core chemical identity but caters to a practical workflow, driving value to whoever is using it. Storage containers need to remain tightly sealed, especially for powders prone to caking or clumping with moisture.
In large-scale manufacturing and use, the environmental footprint of surfactants remains a valid discussion point. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, including these sodium salts, show moderate biodegradability—breaking down faster than many older surfactants, but not as quickly as fully plant-based materials. Wastewater treatment systems treat these compounds effectively, provided concentrations remain within design parameters. As more consumers favor eco-friendly products, producers have started investing in improved synthetic pathways, higher purity levels to cut down on non-degradable byproducts, and more efficient cleaning performance at lower dosages. End-users help by following dosage recommendations and supporting responsible disposal practices, as even small changes upstream can ripple through municipal wastewater systems.
Facing regulatory pressures and rising environmental standards, chemical manufacturers pursue green chemistry routes like enzyme-assisted degradation, design of more readily biodegradable surfactant backbones, and use of renewable feedstocks. Ongoing research aims to fine-tune these sodium salts for tighter performance windows, minimizing waste and maximizing cleaning action at reduced concentrations. Training for end-users in workplaces strengthens compliance and lowers accidental exposure risks. For those of us with a foot in labs or plant control rooms, the push for safer, cleaner, and more effective chemistry matches both personal safety concerns and long-term business health, setting a foundation that benefits the people who use these products every day.
