Sodium 2-Benzoyloxy-1-Hydroxyethanesulfonate brings a specific molecular arrangement with industrial and laboratory value. Used predominantly as a chemical intermediate, this compound steps into formulas where both hydroxy and sulfonate functions carry a role in reactivity, solubility, or further chemical synthesis. Crafting products from raw materials such as sodium benzoate and ethylene sulfonic acid, its manufacturing process tends to require precise temperature oversight and careful pH control. In scientific circles, I have seen chemists rely on it as a reliable starting point when they need something both water-soluble and carrying a distinctly aromatic benzoyloxy moiety. Stability in solution and the dual functional groups set this molecule apart for jobs where single-function reagents just cannot keep up.
This substance appears as a crystalline solid, often offered as flakes or fine powder, and sometimes processed further to form pearls or pressed tablets if measuring in bulk. Under room temperature conditions, its beige to white color and relatively stable structure mean it rarely clumps or cakes—a concern with some sulfonic derivatives. In my experience, working with chemical storage cabinets, material consistency plays into how labs set up their dosing systems; powders pour easily, while flakes sometimes require extra agitation. With sodium 2-benzoyloxy-1-hydroxyethanesulfonate, solution preparations tend to go quickly because of its ready water solubility and high purity levels above 98%, verified by standard analytical tests. In solution, it forms a clear, slightly viscous liquid, showing no immediate signs of decomposition or foul odor.
Its molecular formula reads C9H9NaO5S, showing the backbone of benzoyloxy and the sulfonate group tethered through a short hydroxyethane bridge. Looking at structural diagrams, the sodium cation balances the negative charge on the sulfonate, keeping the whole molecule electrically neutral but highly polar. This feature leads to easy dissolution in polar solvents like water and lower solubility in organics such as hexane or toluene. Structural insights help chemists tweak formulations in detergent R&D or pharmaceutical intermediates, as the functional group placement largely dictates chemical behavior. Its molar mass, measured at roughly 264.22 g/mol, matches well with chromatographic quantification standards. Three-dimensional structure visualizations show clear separation between the aromatic ring and the ionized sulfonate section, a pattern chemists often count on to predict reactivity or interaction with other molecules.
Refining this compound to industrial standards means monitoring specifications closely. Bulk density lands in the range of 0.8 to 1.1 g/cm³, influencing container choice, especially for large-scale shipping or when loading automated dispensing lines. True, I have watched lab managers debate the merits of powder versus pearl in terms of ease of transfer and static build-up—powders sometimes float and need antistatic treatment. Crystals pack densely, settling less during vibration or travel. Laboratories keep reference samples at controlled humidity, as the material absorbs moisture from air, leading to clumping or decreased flowability if left unsealed. Producers often ship it in polyethylene-lined drums or moisture-barrier bags, keeping the product granulated and easy to portion out for mixing into aqueous solutions.
Safety information for sodium 2-benzoyloxy-1-hydroxyethanesulfonate draws attention to its chemical reactivity in strong acids or oxidizers. Its safety data sheets mark it as irritating to eyes and skin, a property shared by many sulfonate-based chemicals. In direct work, gloves and goggles keep people free from itching and rashes, an everyday requirement in chemical handling labs. Inhalation risks rarely arise due to particle size, but dust control and fume extraction create better working atmospheres during weighing or mixing. The compound does not show acute toxicity by ingestion but can be harmful if large quantities enter the digestive tract. I have worked with chemists who prefer closed-system reactors for scale-up, using automated dosing to reduce direct exposure and minimize spills. Waste management asks for dilution with water, followed by neutralization and standard disposal through permitted chemical waste routes.
Regulatory compliance means checking international, national, and local lists for the right HS Code. For sodium 2-benzoyloxy-1-hydroxyethanesulfonate, shipments from Asia to Europe or North America identify the product under HS Code 294200. Customs clear this code for specialty organics, intermediates, and laboratory benchmarks. Hazard pictograms on packaging display the standard exclamation mark, with warning statements keyed to users of all levels. In my view, the clarity of documentation helps not only recipients in professional laboratories but also safety officers cataloguing warehouse stock. Globally, this compound avoids the most restrictive regulatory tiers, meaning manufacturers only need to log transport, storage, and end-use records, rather than seeking special permits most of the time. Transport regulations require proof of correct labeling, a material safety data sheet, and emergency contact information in several languages, depending on destination country.
Working with this compound, the choice between flakes, powder, pearls, or solution form matters more than many realize. Flakes break up easily, measure well in large scoops, and resist dust plumes, a plus in big mixer rooms. Powders dissolve fastest and spread best in rapid mixing tanks, favored in bench-scale R&D for speed and flexibility. Crystals tend to offer longer shelf life but need special grinders if users want to go from bulk down to fine dispersions. Liquid forms, pre-diluted and stabilized, give process engineers convenience but usually cost more on a per-mole basis due to shipping water. In my observations, users choose forms based on end-use, storage stability, and ease of transfer instead of chasing minor price differences per kilogram. Packing lines and automation providers ask for technical data sheets outlining each form’s density, solubility curves, and flow characteristics, so systems run with fewer jams or dosing errors.
Physical properties such as density (typically hovering around 1.03 g/mL in solution at standard conditions) become deciding factors when scaling up from test tubes to ton-scale reactors. These figures govern flow meter calibrations, reactor fill rates, and dosing pump selection. Stability trials—stored around 20°C and below 50% relative humidity—show a low tendency toward oxidative breakdown, crucial for suppliers guaranteeing shelf life. Transparent labeling shows batch number, gross density, net mass, and moisture level—details not always appreciated until a new batch behaves unexpectedly in production. For long-term storage, keeping air and light away from the product prevents off-coloring and preserves its chemical purity. Manufacturers I know have learned over years of trial that vacuum-sealed sachets often provide the best guarantee against spoilage, even for moderate-sized research laboratories.
In water, this compound dissolves rapidly, reaching saturation between 50 and 70 g/L at ambient temperatures, depending on agitation and initial granule size. Chemists in quality control regularly prepare 10% solutions to verify consistency batch-to-batch, looking for transparency and pH stability. Under neutral pH, no significant hydrolysis occurs, but exposure to concentrated mineral acids triggers breakdown, releasing benzoic acid and sulfonic byproducts. I have dissolved this material in buffered systems for enzyme assays, where it holds up to light heating and gives no off-gassing, a bonus for tightly regulated air systems. In dilute concentrations (below 0.1 M), the compound causes little ionic interference, useful in specialty cleaning solutions or automated analyzers where foam suppression or residue minimization counts.
Sourcing this chemical ties directly to the price and availability of sodium benzoate, ethylene sulfonate, and industry-grade oxidizers. Most manufacturers synthesize through sulfonation and etherification, using multi-stage reactors that capture byproducts for responsible waste management. Raw materials often ship on palletized drums, each marked with traceability codes linking back to source refinery or synthesis plant. Having processed hundreds of metric tons in my career, I recognize the pressure on buyers to vet suppliers by environmental performance and batch consistency, not just on lowest bid. End-users in pharmaceuticals, specialty cleaners, or analytical reagent suppliers regularly ask for proof of compliance to environmental and occupational safety rules, as well as kosher or halal certification in some regions. The entire supply chain keeps track of quality from mine or refinery, through contract synthesis, all the way to labeling and secondary packaging.
Functions in industry depend on the molecule’s dual personality—a strongly hydrophilic sulfonate and a hydrophobic benzoyl group allow it to act as a surfactant, dispersant, or coupling agent. In the right context, I’ve seen it stabilize emulsion systems, help dissolve waxy substances, or act as a controlled-release modifier in slow-dissolving tablets. Safe use instructions remind workers to avoid direct skin contacts, keep food and drink away from work areas, and store chemicals in original containers with lids tightly closed. Emergency first aid stays standard: rinse splashes with water, seek help if irritation develops, report spills immediately, and consult the safety data sheet for any exposures that go beyond routine contact. No one relishes dealing with chemical mishaps, and organizations with strong safety cultures see far fewer incidents—the right gear and training keep mishaps rare and consequences minor.
