Sodium (4-Nitrophenyl)Methanesulfonate captures attention in chemical applications thanks to its distinct structure and performance profile. This substance, with a molecular formula of C7H6NO5SNa, carries a nitrophenyl group bonded to a methanesulfonate backbone, balanced by a sodium cation. You often find it among solid-state industrial chemicals. This compound’s HS Code comes under 2920.90, which covers sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons; keeping the code handy helps when classifying shipments or verifying import duties.
You run into Sodium (4-Nitrophenyl)Methanesulfonate in solid form: a fine pale yellow powder, sometimes appearing as flakes or crystalline grains depending on the production conditions and storage humidity. This compound rarely presents as a liquid or in a solution without deliberate dissolution, since its stability leans toward the solid phase. It melts at around 210–215°C, a point that fits it well for processes using moderate thermal transfer. Density hovers between 1.45 and 1.55 g/cm³, which makes it fairly easy to weigh or portion on a standard laboratory scale. Solubility leans toward water over non-polar organic solvents, a detail that becomes important for formulation and cleanup.
Structurally, this chemical groups a sulfonate moiety (-SO3Na) with an electron-deficient aromatic ring, a nitro group at the para position, and a methyl bridge connecting them. Each part of the molecule brings a different role to the table: The nitro group adds electron-withdrawing capability and a measure of reactivity in certain synthesis steps, while the sulfonate circumvents hydrophobicity and brings water solubility. Chemists appreciate how the sodium counter-ion helps moderate the overall charge and aids in blending into aqueous systems. This composition supports its use as a raw material in reactions, intermediates, or specialty surfactant applications.
In day-to-day settings, expect Sodium (4-Nitrophenyl)Methanesulfonate as a powder, offering a consistent particle size for batching or chemical mixing. Larger crystalline pearls or flakes sometimes turn up in bulk orders from suppliers who optimize for transportation efficiency, but in research and small-scale synthesis, fine powder wins for ease of use. When dissolved, labs usually stick with concentrations under one mole per liter, as this ensures the solution remains manageable and avoids unwanted viscosity. Air-tight packaging is important; the solid can clump if left exposed to humid air, and water uptake can upset dosing accuracy.
Every user should treat Sodium (4-Nitrophenyl)Methanesulfonate with healthy respect. The nitro group means trace impurities or dust could present inhalation or skin contact hazards. This compound is considered harmful if swallowed, and skin or eye contact can trigger irritation—just one experience with powdered chemicals in the lab can teach how important gloves, eye protection, and a mask can be. Dust control remains essential, because airborne particles or uncontrolled spills present risks both for operators and anyone downwind in a workspace. This compound's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) details its acute toxicity and environmental impact: It’s neither explosively reactive nor easily combustible, but storing it above 30°C can speed up degradation. Waste and residuals must never go down a typical drain; all cleanup should run through proper chemical disposal channels.
Production relies on sourcing phenylmethanesulfonic acid derivatives and nitration agents under tightly controlled protocols. The supply chain swings on the reliability of these upstream raw materials. Batch purity frequently depends on avoiding contamination with similar aromatic sulfonates, as just a percent or two of mislabelled stock can alter yield or downstream reactivity. Price volatility links, in part, to the cost of nitric acid and sulfonation precursors, both subject to global demand swings and local regulation in large chemical manufacturing economies. That’s why serious users lock down long-term contracts, as stocks can dwindle if regulatory agencies flag precursor shipments.
This material slots into roles ranging from laboratory reagent to industrial catalyst intermediate. Researchers call on its stable sulfonate functionality and the reactive, electron-withdrawing nitro group. That combination shapes reactivity in organic synthesis and helps target sulfonation pathways in specialty polymer or dye production. On one project, a stubborn synthesis bottleneck eased once we adjusted our washing step to leverage its high water solubility, minimizing organic solvent use and slashing disposal concerns. To improve safety and sustainability, tighter controls around dust management and investment in vacuum-assisted material transfer go a long way to reduce loss and worker exposure. Research and industry both benefit by researching alternatives to traditionally hazardous nitration procedures, shifting toward safer green chemistry protocols.
Chemical Name: Sodium (4-Nitrophenyl)Methanesulfonate
CAS Number: 17617-07-1
HS Code: 2920.90
Molecular Formula: C7H6NO5SNa
Molecular Weight: 243.18 g/mol
Physical State: Solid (powder, flakes, or crystalline)
Color: Pale yellow to off-white
Density: 1.45–1.55 g/cm³
Melting Point: 210–215°C
Solubility: Readily soluble in water
Hazards: Harmful if swallowed, skin/eye irritant
Storage: Store in cool, dry, airtight containers away from incompatible materials and moisture
Experience with Sodium (4-Nitrophenyl)Methanesulfonate boils down to this—always prioritize understanding both its structure and behavior before diving in. Chemical safety, reliable supply, and knowledge-sharing between industries matter as much as any specification. Efforts to improve sustainability and health standards push new frontiers for using this compound in cleaner, safer, and more transparent ways. Keeping pace with the details leads to better material use, and a safer, more reliable outcome for everyone at the bench or on the plant floor.
