Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate Sodium Salt stands out as a widely used anionic surfactant, coming from the sulfonation of linear alkylbenzene. Its structure blends a hydrophobic twelve-carbon dodecyl chain linked to a benzene ring, further connected via a sulfonate functional group with sodium as the counterion. The formula reads C18H29NaO3S, and the compound offers impressive solubility in water, making it highly useful in various liquid and solid cleaning agents. Its ability to reduce surface tension finds value not only in detergents but also in emulsifiers, wetting agents, and even as raw material for industrial formulations.
Whether in flakes, powder, pearls, or liquid, each physical form pushes its versatility. Flakes appear as off-white, easy to handle, and suitable for batch dissolution. Powder, fine and dusty, works well when dosing by weight benefits the process, though it does demand dust control for safety. Pearls with their uniform size offer less risk of airborne particulates, helping maintain a tidy workspace. Liquid concentrates provide direct integration into aqueous solutions, usually at concentrations between 30% and 50% by weight. In labs and factories, I learned early on how each form matters during mixing and dilution, affecting both speed and evenness. People often ask about precise density; for solids, expect values around 0.5–0.8 g/cm³, while in liquids, densities range closer to 1.05–1.15 g/ml depending on solution strength.
The HS Code most commonly used for trade sits at 3402.11, capturing anionic organic surface-active agents. Chemists refer to the molecular weight, sitting at about 348.48 g/mol. Production often starts with linear alkylbenzene, processed by sulfur trioxide to create benzene sulfonic acid, which then reacts with sodium hydroxide. The resulting salt brings together affordability and performance, letting manufacturers build solid formulations with long shelf lives. Speaking from experience, understanding these raw materials will influence not only quality but traceability and regulatory compliance.
The sodium salt acts as an efficient foaming and cleansing ingredient. Its high surface activity breaks down grease and dirt, lifting soils away with minimal residue. It clears up quickly in water, even at varying temperatures, which speeds rinsing and leaves surfaces bright. A slight, characteristic aromatic odor emerges in concentrated forms, but once diluted, the scent disappears. The compound remains stable under most storage conditions if kept dry or properly sealed in liquid reservoirs, where it resists hydrolytic and oxidative breakdown. Avoiding prolonged contact with moisture in storage facilities matters, based on what I’ve seen during stock inspections.
Not all chemicals are friendly, and Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate Sodium Salt can irritate skin and eyes on contact. Using goggles and gloves is routine for anyone handling the unmixed material, and dust from the powder or flakes may trigger coughing if inhaled. The compound poses moderate aquatic toxicity, particularly to fish, so effluent streams demand proper washing and treatment to prevent runoff contamination. Wastewater plants break it down well under aerobic conditions, yet accidental spills in natural watercourses do cause foaming and upset local ecosystems. From a personal perspective, respecting the handling guidelines always saves time and trouble down the road. Local registries flag this product as non-flammable, storing easily with ordinary precautions, but staying aware of potential reactivity with strong oxidizers does matter in any well-run warehouse.
Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate Sodium Salt touches countless products in daily life. Home laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, fabric softeners, and hard-surface cleaners rely on its fast-acting cleaning power and affordable cost. The industrial sector counts on it for emulsifying oils and lubricants, and even acts as a dispersant in agriculture and building materials. People in manufacturing find it crucial for getting the right balance of cleaning power without breaking the bank. Many factories seek to improve rinsibility and lower total surfactant concentration by choosing this sodium salt, which stands up well to both hard and soft water.
Any process that uses Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate Sodium Salt can manage risk by putting in personal protection standards and smart waste management. Factories and smaller plants switch to enclosed feeding systems, minimizing powder dispersal and skin contact. Simple but consistent labeling keeps workers alert. Building closed-loop water treatment, along with routine effluent monitoring, helps protect both facility and environment. Experience on production floors shows the value of ongoing training about risks and safe use, since new hires especially benefit from hands-on safety sessions. On a broader level, switching to biodegradable surfactants for non-critical uses shows promise, though it requires balancing cost and cleaning efficiency.
