Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt, recognized in the scientific community by its molecular formula C8H17NaO3S, serves as a pivotal raw material in many laboratory and industrial applications. This chemical stands out for its unique sulfonic acid group, where the sodium counterion stabilizes the sulfonate. In everyday laboratory work and production facilities, researchers and engineers often encounter this compound in its solid form, appearing as white or off-white flakes, powder, or crystalline mass. The pure compound in its solid state offers a consistent density, typically close to 1.2 g/cm3, granting reliability for volumetric calculations during solution preparation or formulation work.
Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt demonstrates strong solubility in water, which means creating a working solution is straightforward using deionized or distilled water. This feature proves especially valuable in chromatography, where its presence in mobile phases enhances retention and separation of target molecules. Suited for both liquid and solid techniques, the compound's molecular structure—an eight-carbon chain connected to a sulfonic acid functional group—offers hydrophobic and ionic behavior in one package, streamlining processes in both analytical and preparatory chemistry.
Molecules of Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt are characterized by their linear carbon backbone, giving the molecule an amphiphilic nature. Chemists often rely on the accurate chemical structure (CH3(CH2)7SO3Na) to predict interactions in complex mixtures or surface-active formulations. This dual polarity allows scientists and engineers to exploit the molecule in diverse settings, from reversed-phase liquid chromatography to surfactant design in specialty chemicals.
Manufacturers supply Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt in various forms to accommodate lab, pilot plant, and industrial scales. Crystalline and powder grades present ease of handling when measuring with analytical balances, while some suppliers provide flakes or pearls for bulk applications. Each form delivers the same chemical attributes—purity levels often exceed 98%, and contaminants such as chloride or other alkali salts are kept to a minimum, ensuring the final product’s reliability in sensitive analytical procedures.
For import/export purposes, Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt falls under Harmonized System (HS) Code 2904.10, grouping it with other sulfonic acids and their salts. Logistics teams track this code to guarantee regulatory compliance and to streamline clearing procedures at customs. This detail becomes particularly important for suppliers servicing pharmaceutical, chemical, and academic institutions worldwide.
The compound exhibits a practical density, close to 1.2 grams per cubic centimeter, which eases storage and packaging calculations. High solubility in water and a strong ionic nature recommend the salt for use in mobile phases, buffer solutions, and as a raw material for specialty surfactants. Formulators often value its non-volatile and thermally stable nature—Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt does not produce significant fumes or odor, enhancing workplace comfort and safety. These characteristics translate into smoother day-to-day operations in both production and research settings.
Workers and lab technicians handling Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt appreciate the straightforward safety protocols. Unlike some other organic sulfonates, this product is not acutely toxic or highly reactive; nonetheless, it can irritate eyes and skin upon contact and produce respiratory discomfort if inhaled as dust. Wearing gloves, goggles, and masks addresses most routine hazards. Facilities benefit from clear labelling and accessible Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to reduce risk and maintain compliance with occupational safety guidelines. Waste disposal aligns with local chemical safety programs, typically involving dilution and neutralization before sewer system disposal. Emergency response teams keep standard procedures in place, such as eyewash stations and ventilation, without the need for specialized incident training.
Production and formulation facilities incorporate Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt in the design of specialty raw materials, especially where controlled ion exchange or selective interaction with hydrophobic molecules is required. For example, its use in synthesizing tailored surfactants or adjusting pH in buffer preparations demonstrates real-world effectiveness. Researchers in pharmaceuticals and food chemistry use the salt to fine-tune analytical procedures. In chromatographic applications, the salt adjusts separation of active pharmaceutical ingredients, optimizing both efficiency and selectivity. This eliminates the trial-and-error phase when searching for the right additive and saves significant time on method development. In other sectors, its predictable performance and handling make it a reliable backbone chemical that delivers reproducibility batch after batch.
The shelf stability of Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt remains high under standard storage conditions in a dry, tightly sealed container away from direct light and moisture. In my experience managing chemical storerooms, keeping desiccants in the container and maintaining ambient temperatures ensures minimal caking and guarantees that powder and crystals can be dispensed without clumping or loss of homogeneity. Consistent storage conditions help avoid cross-contamination and maintain the certified analysis found on batch Certificates of Analysis. End users, from college chemists to production supervisors, value the transparency in documentation as it saves time and minimizes compliance issues for audits and inspections.
Strict regulatory scrutiny on chemical safety and responsible sourcing continues to grow, affecting how Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt makes its way from the lab to the marketplace. Companies address potential concerns by selecting suppliers that meet ISO certification standards and can trace raw material origins. Regular supply audits and third-party testing maintain confidence in purity and integrity. Additionally, transparent hazard communication, clear labelling, and robust internal training programs build a culture of safe use and continuous improvement on-site. In the event of new regulatory changes, agile documentation and streamlined change control processes prevent disruptions in production or research. These proactive approaches keep Octane-1-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt firmly in the toolkit of analytical scientists and industrial chemists worldwide.
