Reaction mass of Benzene Sulfonic Acid, Hexadecyl(Sulfophenoxy)-, Disodium Salt and Benzene Sulfonic Acid, -Oxibis[Hexadecyl]-, Disodium Salt stems from complex aromatic sulfonation. The blend of these two closely related chemicals often appears as a solid or powder, sometimes processed into flakes, pearls, or in rare cases as a dense, slightly waxy liquid. Labs and factories value these substances for surfactant properties, especially in detergents and various cleaning formulations. Each compound contains benzene sulfonic acid as a base, altered with long hexadecyl (C16) chains. In each structure, the sulfonic acid group—the SO3H—provides high water solubility, supporting emulsification. Disodium salt forms replace the proton on the acid group with sodium ions, boosting stability and handling ease. Material comes from sulfonation of hexadecyl benzene with sulfur trioxide, then neutralization with sodium hydroxide. The raw blend may display an off-white to pale yellow tint, showing its aromatic backbone. These molecular structures settle environmental surfactant legislation due to their controlled degradability and moderate toxicity.
Technicians working with this reaction mass quickly learn its keen surface-active capability. The solid or flake form dissolves smoothly in water, forming viscous solutions at higher concentrations. The reaction mass yields a moderate to high density, around 1.08–1.17 g/cm³, reflecting its packed carbon skeleton and sodium content. In the lab, material holds up well under standard storage—no quick hygroscopic uptake compared to other surfactants. Experience shows the powder version creates fine but manageable dust; flake or pearl versions reduce airborne particles and spill risk. As raw material, its physical stability opens options for transport and large-scale dispensing. In aqueous phase, the chemical disperses with slight agitation, a factor that engineers appreciate during product formulation.
Both substances feature an aromatic ring joined to a sulfonic acid moiety (–SO3Na) and a long hexadecyl ether or sulfophenoxy side chain. The molecular formula for Benzene Sulfonic Acid, Hexadecyl(Sulfophenoxy)-, Disodium Salt generally reads as C28H48Na2O7S2. Benzene Sulfonic Acid, -Oxibis[Hexadecyl]-, Disodium Salt can be described as C34H62Na2O6S2. What sets them apart lies in their ether and sulfophenoxy bridges, which change water affinity and micelle formation behavior. Chemists studying the molecular interactions notice good balance between hydrophilic sulfonate and hydrophobic alkyl groups—vital for detergent builders, emulsifiers, and dispersants.
Industry demand ties closely to a well-outlined purity standard, typically requiring less than 5% total impurities. Residual moisture sits below 2%, avoiding clumping or loss of pourability. For shipping and customs, classification follows the international Harmonized System; the HS code often falls under 3402.13, designating organic surface-active agents. Large-scale buyers read these numbers as direct indicators of regulatory compliance and supply chain traceability, especially across international borders. As regulations shift, documentation on precise chemical identity and safety data sheets becomes absolutely foundational. In my own experience tracking traceability for plant production, having an unambiguous HS code smooths international logistics and minimizes friction with regulatory audits.
Handling these chemicals, safety always matters. Density registers just above water, so solid and powder forms do not float. Pouring fine material in an open hopper, care must be given to avoid inhalation and skin contact—direct exposure may cause mild irritation through the alkyl sulfonate content. Long-term plant handling, gloves, goggles, and dust masks stay routine. If dissolved, solutions appear slightly viscous and foamy, demanding gentle pump action and strong container seals, especially with larger volumes crossing plant floors. On spills, the powder absorbs water rapidly, forming a slightly sticky paste, which needs prompt cleaning with soap and large water volumes.
Both chemicals rank low-to-moderate in acute toxicity, though not entirely benign. Chronic skin or respiratory exposure sometimes produces irritation; direct ingestion leads to gastrointestinal effects. Wastewater discharge concerns center on aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation—these molecules usually break down, but trace residues keep environmental safety top of mind. Facilities often use dilution steps, on-site biological treatment, and regular effluent monitoring to limit environmental load. Safe raw material storage calls for climate controls—avoiding high humidity and storing at moderate temperatures reduce risk of material degradation or caking. Industry shifts toward greener alternatives draw on lessons from these reaction masses: chemically precise synthesis, rigorous effluent checking, and worker training prevent harm and let plants meet tightening regulations. Jumping straight to alternatives without practical experience has exposed some companies to disruption; better to refine handling of complex molecules and push for green upgrades step by step.
