Sodium Octane-1-Sulphonate Monohydrate stands out as a specialty chemical. Its presence comes from a blend of strong ionic character and specific organic backbone. The molecular formula is C8H17NaO3S·H2O, putting it among the class of alkane sulphonates. HS Code for international trade tracks under 290410, which helps customs and buyers identify the compound’s role in the sulfonic acids category, further defined by its sodium salt form. This substance forms as colorless to white crystalline solid, though once dried, it may show up in powder or flakes, and manufacturers sometimes offer it in compact pearls. Each form acts slightly differently, but chemically they share the same backbone with one octyl chain and a sulphonate group attached at the terminal position, contributing to its surfactant and solubilizing character.
Sodium Octane-1-Sulphonate Monohydrate measures a molar mass of about 240.29 g/mol. Its density sits close to 1.18 g/cm³ for the monohydrate crystal form, giving it a firm stance for routine handling and weighing out, especially in analytical and industrial laboratories. Its melting point hovers below 100°C, partly due to the presence of water in the monohydrate, and it dissolves readily in water, creating clear solutions at room temperature. This high water solubility reflects the strength of its ionic bond and the hydrophilic sulphonate group, which attracts water molecules and explains its reputation as a mobile phase additive and surface-active agent. Not everyone realizes how much the crystal water in a monohydrate can influence stability and storage. The monohydrate version helps keep the powder free-flowing and less prone to packing up like concrete, especially under moderate humidity.
The molecule features a straight-chain octyl tail linked to a sulphonate group at the primary carbon, paired with a sodium cation. This structure allows the surfactant to anchor in various environments, and in my own lab work, ease of dissolution or binding has been a game-changer for some chromatography methods. Unlike bulkier surfactants, the linearity and moderate length of its chain keep interference low and efficiency high, especially in reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography where reproducibility is critical. For manufacturers, this precise structure means quality checks don’t stop at purity; even slight shifts in hydration state could degrade method performance or lead to erratic results in application.
Typical specs include purity above 98%, low moisture content to avoid clumping, and a set pH range as a 5% solution sits between 6.5 and 8.5. Reliable suppliers will issue COAs confirming free acidity and sodium content, as well as compliance with regulatory standards. The raw material often arrives as fine, free-flowing flakes or crystalline powder. Specifications matter because buyers depend on reliable, repeatable performance, not just a labeled container. Carrying a low heavy metal residue, confirmed by tests for lead, arsenic, or iron, keeps risks for sensitive applications in pharmaceuticals or food contact settings at bay, though the bulk of industrial customers care most about how it blends and dissolves without fuss. In my experience, too much variance in moisture or crystal quality from batch to batch complicates things on the production line, making downstream processing less predictable—a headache for any operator or quality manager.
On safety, Sodium Octane-1-Sulphonate Monohydrate does not count as acutely toxic under standard classifications, though it may irritate eyes and skin upon contact. Proper labeling and handling—gloves, goggles, clean scoops—help minimize any issues. The material is not considered volatile, flammable, or particularly reactive under ordinary storage and use. Risks scale up when operators ignore dust control, as inhalation of fine solids might bring about respiratory discomfort. Like almost every surfactant, environmental safety should not be overlooked. Spills or washwater may let organic sulphonates into waterways, which could alter microbial populations, though its degradability under sunlight and oxygen tends to keep long-term impacts moderate. Waste management teams in large facilities routinely focus more on spill mitigation and secondary containment than personal health risks with this compound. No chemical is free of risk, but responsible protocols make safe use routine, turning possible hazards into manageable details on a checklist.
Upstream, production methods depend on reliable sources of octanol and sulphonating agents like sulfur trioxide or chlorosulfonic acid. The reaction yields the sulfonic acid, which then reacts with caustic soda to end up as the sodium salt. Volatility in raw materials pricing can drive up costs, reflecting straight onto buyers, especially when global supply chains run tight. Anyone involved in purchasing or logistics knows the pain when a batch gets delayed by customs, or quality slips due to a substituted supplier. The search for sustainable sourcing, greener synthesis, and less hazardous reagents continues to gain traction, proving that even behind-the-scenes specialty chemicals play in the larger story of environmentally responsible chemistry. Regular audits and closer supplier relationships can shield the end-user from surprises rooted far upstream.
Industries lean on Sodium Octane-1-Sulphonate Monohydrate for reasons that go beyond label recommendations. Its utility in analytical chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and even niche surface treatment illustrates its broad flexibility. The bridge between expectation and outcome always lies in transparency—knowing the exact property profile, shipment details, and responsible handling guides smart, safe use. Drawing from years of working with chemical supply chains, I see a strong case for more open material data sharing, robust third-party validation, and a sharper focus on downstream effects like water treatment. Upgrades in packaging—like sealed drums or moisture barriers—cut waste and extend shelf life, which reduces loss and improves worker safety. Training for handlers and tighter space controls in warehouses are small investments with big payoffs, keeping compounds flowing smoothly from manufacturing site to research lab.
