Syn1-Hexanesulfonic Acid, Sodium Salt Monohydrate belongs to the group of alkane sulfonic acid salts, made by reacting hexanesulfonic acid with sodium. This reaction, followed by careful crystallization, produces the monohydrate form, incorporating one water molecule into each formula unit. It often fills the role of an anionic ion-pairing reagent, especially in chromatographic processes where precise separation runs the show. Chemically, its molecular formula comes out as C6H13NaO3S·H2O, and it holds a molar mass around 222.25 g/mol. Its crystal lattice combines organic and inorganic features, with a sulfonate group joining to a straight-chain hexyl segment. Practically, users spot it as a solid at room temperature, showing up in various configurations: sometimes a fine powder, sometimes compact flakes, though those involved in formulation prefer its pearlescent or crystalline granules for easy handling and mixing.
On the lab bench, Syn1-Hexanesulfonic Acid, Sodium Salt Monohydrate presents as a soft white to off-white solid, highly soluble in water, owing that to the sodium and the sulfonic acid group. The density ranges from about 1.33 to 1.37 g/cm³, making it more substantial than common organic powders but still easy to weigh and dissolve. It does not release strong odors, which is a plus when handling kilos in a tight space. For storage, it prefers a cool, dry spot, away from strong heat or sunlight since the monohydrate can slowly lose water in low humidity, becoming less effective or inconsistent in use.
The structure consists of a six-carbon alkyl chain attached to a sulfonic acid group. The sodium cation slots in between the charged sulfonate oxygen and water molecules, forming stable crystalline structures. Specifications usually call for purity above 98%, low moisture content, and controlled particle size for reliable handling and dissolution speeds. Some suppliers also test for heavy metals, iron, and pH of a 1% aqueous solution to help ensure chemical compatibility for chromatographic work or raw material batches destined for synthesis lines.
Suppliers produce Syn1-Hexanesulfonic Acid, Sodium Salt Monohydrate as solid, powder, crystalline flakes, or pearl-like beads. For analytical users, the powdered form dissolves quickly in deionized water, producing clear solutions at concentrations ranging from a few milligrams per liter up to saturated levels. Bulk handlers often prefer flakes or pearls for low-dust workplaces and less static. The material remains stable under ambient conditions, though direct contact with acids or bases changes its composition and may generate heat. Users in my experience would double-bag it and label storage tubs, as accidental mixing with incompatible reagents (like oxidizers or strong acids) could cause reactions or spoil product quality.
This compound lands on lab benches mainly as a reagent for HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). The sulfonic acid group works as an ion-pairing agent, helping separate hard-to-distinguish organic acids, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. In manufacturing, it finds a niche as a raw material or an additive, providing sulfonate moieties for custom chemical synthesis or formulation testing. Some operators use it as a standard for calibrating chemical processes, enjoying its low volatility and easy dissolution.
Syn1-Hexanesulfonic Acid, Sodium Salt Monohydrate carries hazard labels reflecting mild irritation on skin and eyes—standard for many sulfonates. Inhalation of dust brings risk of respiratory tract irritation, so fume hoods or masks keep the air clean. I have seen spills handled easily with lots of water, as the solid and its solutions are not classed as persistent environmental hazards, yet keeping discharge limited follows common-sense chemistry practice. Material Safety Data Sheets list basic first aid: wash well if skin or eyes see a spill, ventilate if a large quantity turns into airborne dust, and collect with inert material for disposal. The compound does not rank as acutely toxic, though any chemical handled in quantity gets the respect due for contamination or accidental ingestion risks. Containers need a tight seal and clear labeling to avoid mistakes during busy run schedules.
For customs and shipping, the product often moves under HS Code 2904.10, fitting the category for sulfonic acids and their salts. International buyers confirm paperwork before import, with control checks for dangerous goods status. For most countries, Syn1-Hexanesulfonic Acid, Sodium Salt Monohydrate does not register as a highly restricted or scheduled chemical, though users track it for accurate inventory and regulatory reporting in laboratories and manufacturing plants.
In chemical manufacturing, quality raw materials shape the entire chain of downstream products. Syn1-Hexanesulfonic Acid, Sodium Salt Monohydrate supports reliable results in high-precision environments, acting as a predictable, high-purity additive or reaction substrate. When quality slips, whole lots in chromatography or synthesis work can go off-spec, costing time and money. Keeping specifications strict, monitoring for contaminants, and reviewing suppliers’ certificates of analysis maintain that trust. From my own experience auditing labs, I learned that even a small drift in purity or particle size can cause weeks of troubleshooting, proving that well-qualified raw materials belong at the start of critical chemical processes.
