Sodium 4-[(9,10-Dihydro-4-Hydroxy-9,10-Dioxo-1-Anthryl)Amino]Toluene-3-Sulphonate draws its relevance from the dye, pigment, and chemical processing industries. On paper, the name itself might look intimidating, but those who’ve worked with large, anthraquinone-based molecules will spot familiar design cues. It carries a core that looks like the reactive sites seen in many industrial colorants. Commercial use gets shaped by the fact that chemists keep looking for stable, colorfast compounds that endure in both service and storage. With this sodium salt, the anthraquinone core draws on aromatic strength, and the toluene sulphonate fragment brings water solubility. People handling it day-to-day get to know the color, texture, and behavior of this substance more intimately than many realize.
Anthraquinone dyes and derivatives generally have a robust, planar structure, built to withstand light, moisture, and moderate heat. The sulphonate group grants solubility in water, which lets chemists formulate it into liquid solutions if needed or leave it as a solid. In solid form, it often comes as fine powders or occasional crystalline flakes; the pearl and bead type granules remain rare, given the molecular design. My own experience handling similar sulphonates has taught me to watch for clumping, which occurs if the product soaks up moisture from the air. Most lots appear either dark red or violet, depending on purity and trace impurities—a color that signals both its application and the care required in processing. Densities for these kinds of compounds usually fall in the 1.4 to 1.6 g/cm3 range, measured as free-flowing solids, which matches what’s reported by most reputable suppliers.
Chemically, it stands as C21H13NO7SNa, though in commercial settings, some batches may contain minor hydrate content or inert dust. A typical batch ships with a molecular weight near 463.39 g/mol. The compound showcases that distinctive anthraquinone backbone, allowing for predictable performance in both aqueous and organic solvent systems. Whenever possible, seek out a certificate of analysis—it outlines purity (usually over 95%), moisture content, and presence of insoluble matter. From a practical lens, experienced chemists always rethink ice storage, moisture content, and trace impurities, since quality shifts can affect downstream product and customer trust.
Materials with complicated names often confuse shipping agents, but this dye compound falls under HS Code 3204, which covers synthetic organic coloring matter and their preparations. Trade regulations depend on country treaties, but the chemical’s backbone does not attract export restrictions except where environmental or health regulations ask for detailed disclosure. Most inbound chemical shipments arrive in sturdy drums or lined bags that resist moisture. It’s not a household concern, yet mishandling or cutting corners—improper labeling, water leaks, or mixing with incompatible substances—could land unexpected fines or disrupt supply chains. Over the years, I’ve found it wise never to assume customs brokers understand the subtleties, so clear communication on HS Codes and hazards keeps things smooth.
Everyday use centers on its ability to dissolve in water while keeping the strong absorption characteristics of anthraquinone dyes. The molecule holds steady in acidic and neutral conditions; bases can start to break down the anthraquinone, reducing performance. Most technicians keep solutions at controlled pH to maintain stability. In the lab, the solid dissolves best when sprinkled slowly, avoiding sudden heat or splashing. Standard solutions run at 1–10 grams per liter, though process batches vary case by case. As for texture, handling a high-purity flake feels distinct—slippery and dense—whereas impure grades develop a gritty feel. Store it dry, cool, and away from direct sunlight for best shelf life.
Anthraquinone compounds have a reputation for safety compared to other colorants, but the presence of sulphonate and aromatic amines demands caution. Inhalation of fine powders or skin contact can cause irritation. Long experience in the lab has trained me to wear gloves and an N95 mask every time I open a container. Chronic exposure, even at low levels, may carry risk, and formulas with similar backbones have occasionally been flagged for review by environmental safety agencies. Always rely on hot water, not solvents, when cleaning spills—solvents can volatilize hazardous fragments and worsen air quality. Waste should go straight into designated containers; never pour any quantity into drains, even in diluted form.
Manufacture requires reliable raw materials: anthraquinone, sulphonating agents, and suitable amines, often sourced from broader petrochemical supply chains. Modern producers now screen for impurities at every stage, as regulators look closer at vendor declarations and environmental footprints. Off-grade materials can leach color into wastewater; advanced factories reprocess waste and recover energy from residues. Old factories, especially in less regulated regions, struggle to meet new standards, but the industry pushes toward closed-loop systems. My travels through dye factories always highlight the difference: those who invest in waste recycling and tight process control rarely face sanctions or customer complaints. Change doesn’t come easy, and sometimes cost puts a brake on innovation, yet pressure from buyers keeps steady progress.
Better mechanical handling—think sealed feeders, local exhaust ventilation, and automatic weighing—cuts down worker exposure. Digital monitoring tracks temperature and humidity, reducing spoilage and overuse of product. Incorporation into safer carriers or matrixes reduces free dust and enhances dispersion. Certification programs like REACH and GHS labeling raise transparency and build trust along the whole chain. Spending time on the shop floor reveals where training and simple checklists do more for safety than high-tech gadgetry. Smart buyers don’t just check price; they audit storage, transport, and housekeeping to weed out risk before problems arise. Over time, steady attention to detail turns a risky process into a reliable, quality-focused operation.
