Sodium 4-Chloro-1-Hydroxybutane-1-Sulfonate falls under the category of specialty chemicals. Chemists and industry workers have come to recognize its practical value due to its unique structure and robust chemical properties. The molecular formula for this compound is C4H8ClNaO4S, which reveals a four-carbon skeleton carrying both a chloro group and a hydroxy group, all while being anchored by a sulfonate unit neutralized by sodium. In real-world settings, these features are not just marks on a chemical drawing—they control how this material acts with other substances and what jobs it can do. What people end up with on their bench is usually a fine, off-white to slightly yellow solid. The product is known to be hygroscopic, which means it tends to pull moisture from the air. Handling it without proper sealing or covering often leads to gradual clumping and changes in texture, both of which are familiar challenges in chemical workrooms.
Manufacturers ship Sodium 4-Chloro-1-Hydroxybutane-1-Sulfonate most often as powder, flakes, or pearls. Sometimes you might find it offered as small crystals, where the sharpness of particle size can be important to end users. In my experience, working with bulk bags of both fine powder and chunky flakes shows a difference: powders tend to disperse a bit when poured, which calls for protective gear, while flakes slip through your hands with less dust. Checking bulk density matters if you want to dose or pack accurately. The density usually sits between 1.4 and 1.7 grams per cubic centimeter, a factor to keep in mind for mixing or storage concerns. Solubility stands out as a hallmark—this chemical dissolves readily in water, giving clear solutions that can run from 10% to 50% by weight based on application. It has a distinct tang when dissolved, as is common for sulfonates. Not much odor comes from the material itself, but the hydrolysis or breakdown under extreme conditions sometimes releases a mild, characteristic smell akin to chlorinated chemicals. The melting point hovers in the range of 120–130°C, though this could shift slightly if there is moisture or impurities present.
The structure of Sodium 4-Chloro-1-Hydroxybutane-1-Sulfonate brings together three distinct functional groups: the sodium sulfonate provides water compatibility, the hydroxy group opens doors for further reactions, and the chloro side adds another path for chemical building. Such a setup fits the needs of organic synthesis, especially for pharma intermediates or performance formulations in detergents and specialty coatings. Sulfonate salts like this resist oxidizers and acids a bit better than you might expect; yet, bases or concentrated alkalis can set off substitution reactions, sometimes changing the hydroxy or chloro group to other attachments. This versatility in reactivity allows formulation chemists to use the base molecule as a launch pad for bigger or more complex compounds. In one case I saw, small batch production of an agrochemical adjuvant depended on the quick reaction between this sulfonate and an amine under mild conditions, all because that arrangement kept side reactions under control and ensured a consistent yield batch after batch.
On the regulatory side, trade and customs trace Sodium 4-Chloro-1-Hydroxybutane-1-Sulfonate under HS Code 2904.90, which covers various sulfonated organic compounds. This classification becomes critical for global sourcing, as certificates and customs paperwork rely on the right code for smooth import and export. Most raw material suppliers extract their starting components—such as 4-chlorobutanol and sodium sulfite—from established petrochemical streams, so the back-end of this chemical’s supply chain depends on the integrity and reliability of upstream producers. Price swings do happen, especially if chlorine or sodium feedstocks face a disruption due to supply chain bottlenecks. Reliable production quality begins with good handling of these base chemicals, and I’ve found it pays off to work with suppliers who back their process with full material traceability and rigorous impurity profiles.
From a safety point of view, Sodium 4-Chloro-1-Hydroxybutane-1-Sulfonate doesn’t rank in the highest hazard classes, but it carries risk profiles worth a careful read. Skin and eye irritation can pop up with unprotected contact, usually more with fine particulate dust than with damp or dissolved forms. Agencies like OSHA classify it as a material that calls for gloves, goggles, and a dust mask during handling, especially when mixing or loading powder into water tanks. Inhalation of powder dust causes temporary throat or respiratory tract discomfort. Swallowing even small amounts is unwise, as most sulfonates carry mild toxicity if ingested. Where spills occur, the recommendation is to sweep up without producing clouds of dust and to ventilate the area well—water cleanup moves the product into effluent, which means local sites ought to check for any sulfonate-related discharge limits. While it does not persist in the environment the way some chlorinated hydrocarbons do, I have seen wastewater plants note its presence on laboratory screens, which pushes firms to invest in pretreatment systems when discharging at scale.
The bulk of usage still comes from the chemical and pharmaceutical sector. This compound works well as an intermediate for synthesizing more complex molecules due to the accessibility of both the chloro and hydroxy groups. In detergents and cleaning compositions, it boosts solubility and adds a reliable measure of stability for active ingredients. Electroplating shops use it to modify bath compositions for metal surface treatments. Its structure means researchers keep testing for unforeseen uses, like polymer additives or specialty surfactants, since the blend of hydrophilic and reactive zones opens subtle new options. Commercial customers usually order kilos to tonnes yearly, with the form—flake, powder, or pearl—matched to the equipment at the destination plant. Professional storage matters just as much as safe handling; dry, well-ventilated places ensure stability. To cut risks, I recommend companies keep a clear safety data sheet on hand and regularly train staff, since chemical changes happen fast in storage if moisture gets in or containers are left open.
