Xylenolsulfonic Acid: A Down-to-Earth Exploration

Historical Development

Xylenolsulfonic acid didn’t just land on the radar overnight; chemists in the early 20th century spotted the potential in cracking hydrocarbons and went after new avenues for aromatic sulfonation. Anyone thumbing through old chemical literature finds references to xylenol derivatives and their altered solubility after sulfonation. The search for better surfactants and dyestuff intermediates led to repeated sulfonation of alkylphenols, with xylenol and its cousins getting a front-row seat. Periods of intense industrialization drove up demand for new additives and modifiers, and sulfonic acids fit right in when soap makers, dye houses, and oilfield techs needed smarter solutions for tough process problems. Over the decades, this chemical earned a place in both industrial handbooks and regulatory frameworks, its history tangled with stories about paint thinners, electroplating baths, and specialty catalysts.

Product Overview

Not all industrial chemicals play so many roles. Xylenolsulfonic acid comes to market showing up as a brown or oily liquid, sometimes offered as a concentrated aqueous solution, ready to jump into action across plenty of manufacturing sectors. It might not look exciting in the drum room—acidic, viscous, a scent that tells you its phenolic side. Still, producers and buyers care more about what it gets done. The usual market focus centers on its utility as a catalyst, emulsifier, or, surprisingly often, as a component for specialty resins and coatings. Its presence signals targeted reactivity, a tool for those who shape molecules on purpose, not by accident.

Physical & Chemical Properties

A chemist handling xylenolsulfonic acid sees a substance that mixes high acidity with persistent organic weight. Color generally runs deep amber to reddish-brown, depending on purity, and it gives off the familiar tang of sulfonated aromatics. Solubility in water comes strong, especially when compared to parent xylenol. Viscosity and density keep it from splashing around easily, but aggressive surface wetting and persistent odor set it apart from generic mineral acids. Heating it turns it darker and can push off some fumes that bite at the nose. Volatility ranks low, danger remains real—skin burns crop up fast without a good pair of gloves, and it chews right through proteins. The chemical structure—xylenol core hitched to a sulfonic acid group—means a strong tendency to ionize, driving reactions in aqueous and organic media alike.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

A drum of xylenolsulfonic acid wears its regulatory face up front. Packing gets marked with concentrations, pH levels, and specific xylenol isomer content. CAS numbers, batch date, and warnings about corrosivity spell out exactly what’s inside. Heavy industries buying in bulk check for content over 70% by weight, titratable acidity, and let the impurity profile matter when working in sensitive applications. Color values, specific gravity, and water percentage dominate technical rundowns—after all, mistakes in calculation or mislabeling can spell disaster on the shop floor. Hazard symbols highlight skin and respiratory danger, and good processors track UN shipping codes for every barrel. Safety data sheets go deep on what to watch for, and traceability from producer to end user grows stricter year by year.

Preparation Method

Making xylenolsulfonic acid isn’t a walk in the park. Producers usually start with xylenol—often mixed isomers—then push sulfonation reactions using concentrated sulfuric acid or oleum, sometimes tossing in special catalysts to direct product distribution. Exotherms require tight thermal control, or you end up with tar rather than a commercial acid. Stirring up the reaction, savvy operators watch color and viscosity, tracking time and temperature to tune yield and minimize by-products. Post-reaction separation demands its own playbook, stripping away spent acid, water, and unreacted feed, often through vacuum distillation or neutralization steps. Consistency in the finished product needs real controls, as even trace over-sulfonation or leftover acid can kick downstream processes out of balance. Waste management, especially of spent acid and rinses, draws regulatory scrutiny in modern plants, pushing companies to engineer closed-loop or recycled workflows.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Xylenolsulfonic acid doesn’t just sit on the shelf; its reactive nature opens doors for modifications and downstream reactions. Chemists fine-tune substitutions by choosing different starting xylenols or targeting ortho, meta, or para sulfonation. This flexibility lets makers custom-fit molecules to certain industries. Sulfonic acid groups attach firmly, creating salts with sodium, potassium, or organic cations—these salts show up everywhere from dyehouses to concrete admixtures. Mixing this acid with other reagents, you get condensation products and sulfonamide derivatives. Even the parent sulfonic acid hosts direct coupling reactions, making it a solid tool for those hunting new catalysts or specialty surfactants. Beyond daily industrial use, researchers keep pushing modifications for better biodegradability, lower toxicity, and milder reaction profiles, always chasing new performance benchmarks.

Synonyms & Product Names

Chemicals sometimes go by a long list of aliases, and xylenolsulfonic acid proves no exception. Catalogs list names like xylenol sulfonic acid, sulfoxylenol, or a full library of isomeric descriptions tied to methylphenolsulfonic acid. Other labels note specific isomers—2,4-xylenolsulfonic acid, 2,5-, or whatever methyl group pattern rules the batch. Commercial blends often lump them under “mixed xylenolsulfonic acids” or “alkylphenol sulfonic acid.” Drums from different makers sport trade names, sometimes branding origin or purity grade—“XyloSulf A70” or names built for international markets. True professionals learn to read between synonym lines, hunting down the right structure for the job, not just a label.

Safety & Operational Standards

Handling xylenolsulfonic acid requires taking personal protection seriously. The acid’s strength in burning skin or eyes calls for layered safety gear—acid-resistant gloves, full face shields, chemical splash aprons, and, most crucially, good vented air whenever a lid opens. Those who slack on safety get a sharp message—a splash means an ER trip. Companies drill teams on spill response, eyewash stations, and neutralizing agents. Mixing, pumping, or blending occurs in closed systems to keep vapors and splashes in check. Storage stays away from strong bases, oxidizers, and any food-contact zones, with drums flagged for quick identification. Training goes beyond rules—seasoned operators pass down habits like bench rinses after small spills, daily PPE checks, and double-tagging transfer lines. Emergency protocols stay up to date, and folks with allergies or previous burns often move to less hazardous stations.

Application Area

The reach of xylenolsulfonic acid stretches across several heavy-duty industries. Makers of phenolic resins rely on its acid strength and surfactant properties to set reaction rates and control final material toughness. Oilfield service companies need it for well acidizing blends, where it helps dissolve formation rock and kickstart production. Dye manufacturers use its tailored reactivity to form coupling components for deep, fast colors. In concrete additives, the acid form and its salts help plasticize and disperse, squeezing more workability or strength from mixes—especially in hot or high-performance environments. Electroplating, leather treatment, specialty cleaners, and various catalysis jobs round out the list. Newer sectors, including polymer modification and specialty water treatment, keep pulling in more demand, showing how the acid’s reactive profile and affordability unlock new possibilities.

Research & Development

Research labs rarely sit still, and the same goes for those working on xylenolsulfonic acid. Universities and corporate groups keep redesigning synthesis steps to reduce by-products and energy use, chasing both profit and green chemistry standards. Biodegradability studies push researchers to tweak structures and produce safer breakdown products. Teams dig into catalyst development, engineering derivatives for higher selectivity or faster kinetics. Others develop new surfactant families from xylenol sulfonic acid, aiming for unique emulsification or dispersant performance. Environmental chemists track breakdown rates, leaching, and persistence, feeding data back to producers adjusting formulations for stricter standards. Work in computational chemistry reveals connections between structure and powerful reactivity, offering clues for safer, smarter derivatives. Academic-industry partnerships often lead the way—combining practical needs with academic curiosity.

Toxicity Research

Few topics spike concern in chemical circles like toxicity, and xylenolsulfonic acid demands respect on this front. Acute skin and eye burns show up first—direct contact produces rapid injury, making good PPE a must. Inhalation of mist or vapor in poorly ventilated work areas leads to cough, chest tightness, and long-term respiratory problems. Animal studies guide safe handling limits, showing that high doses damage organs, especially if absorbed through broken skin or if ingested accidentally. Some older toxicity data mixes in confusion from dealing with impure blends, prompting regulators and scientists to call for better, more specific assessments covering all major isomers and breakdown products. Waterway contamination draws more scrutiny, and studies on persistence and bioaccumulation now inform disposal practices. Professionals looking to use or substitute this acid keep an eye on ongoing research, especially as both government and customer safety standards tighten.

Future Prospects

Demand for xylenolsulfonic acid won’t disappear any time soon—expanding applications in high-performance materials and specialty resins mean steady calls from advanced manufacturing. Advances in cleaner production and safer waste handling boost its appeal, as plants come under heavier regulatory pressure for emissions and effluent quality. Suppliers stand to gain by pushing for greener sulfonation routes, investing in low-waste or closed-loop systems. Those able to blend performance and sustainability in their products will win more shelf space and customer loyalty. On the research side, pressure to tame toxicity and environmental persistence channels money into safer analogues and smarter end-of-life solutions. The next decade brings tighter restrictions but fresh opportunity for those with technical savvy and commitment to safer production. From the control room to the R&D bench, those working with xylenolsulfonic acid need both deep knowledge and open eyes for new practices that protect workers, communities, and the bottom line.




What is Xylenolsulfonic Acid used for?

Rolling Up Your Sleeves On Chemistry’s Workhorse

Most people don’t think twice about the hidden helpers in their daily environment. Xylenolsulfonic acid is one of those unsung compounds quietly driving so many practical processes, especially across the modern chemical landscape. Its backbone comes from the sulfonation of xylenol, creating a strong organic acid. This puts xylenolsulfonic acid to work in busy places—manufacturing plants, refineries, cleaning product factories—without grabbing any headlines. Factories use it because it solves real problems, reliably and with little hassle.

The Real Use Cases

Take the detergent industry, a space nothing short of competitive. Here, xylenolsulfonic acid gets called in as a catalyst or as a sulfonating agent. Think about the stains on a shirt after a long, sweaty summer day. Companies want formulas that cut through not just dirt but oily residue. Adding xylenolsulfonic acid makes the process of creating cleaners sharper and faster. That, in turn, can lower both energy use and cost. Efficiency gains like this are good for business, and, indirectly, for the environment—anything that shaves off resource consumption matters now.

Shifting gears a little, this compound steps into the stage during petroleum refining. Refineries run complex chemical dances to wring out the most value from every drop of crude oil. Xylenolsulfonic acid helps break large hydrocarbon molecules apart—its acidity and organic structure give it just the edge conversion units crave when cracking or alkylating. It pulls its weight so consistently, plant managers barely have to give it a second thought. Petrochemicals shape everything from plastics to fuels, so smoothing out these operations with reliable ingredients should never get brushed aside.

Going Beyond Heavy Industry

The world of chemistry isn’t just about big-scale industry. Even smaller, specialty chemical manufacturers reach for xylenolsulfonic acid in synthesizing dyes and pigments. Colorants touch a huge swath of life: textiles, cars, electronics, packaging. Reliable compounds underpinning these colors need to do more than look good—they must remain steadfast under heat, light, and repeated use. Adding a dependable sulfonic acid means richer results and fewer wasted batches. Anyone who’s had a red t-shirt bleed out in the wash knows that chemistry impacts real lives, every single laundry day.

Trouble Spots And Smarter Approaches

Any powerful acid comes with red flags. Xylenolsulfonic acid burns, irritates, and corrodes. Factories and labs must gear up with strong safety practices—proper gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection save people from painful mistakes. Disposal needs careful attention to avoid sending dangerous residues into waterways. Rapid industrial growth can push waste management systems toward the brink, so proactive companies develop closed-loop processes to recycle and neutralize chemical byproducts. I’ve seen strong teams in action, where the right safety culture isn’t just a compliance checkbox, but ingrained behavior. This sort of hands-on knowhow gives everyone an edge, from plant floor workers up to the engineers designing new systems.

Researchers look for ways to make chemistry cleaner and safer. Advances keep coming, from new catalysts that cut down on hazardous byproducts to greener, water-based alternatives for sulfonation. Progress in substitutes will come slow, but pressure for sustainability keeps the field moving. Even old workhorses can’t escape the green revolution.

Why It All Adds Up

Molecules like xylenolsulfonic acid might not have star power, but anyone working with materials, manufacturing, or product safety can appreciate their muscle. Focusing on practical solutions—watching for safer handling, recycling streams, and greener chemistry—keeps science grounded and responsive to real-world demands. That’s always worth attention.

What is the chemical formula of Xylenolsulfonic Acid?

The Chemical Formula and Its Significance

Plenty of folks involved in chemistry, from students to lab managers in water treatment plants, come across xylenolsulfonic acid during research or daily process work. The formula typically given is C8H10O4S. This compound comes from sulfonating xylenol, a process where a sulfonic acid group hooks onto a methylphenol structure. Walking through this, it’s easy to see why the makeup matters. Small chemical shifts can mean big changes in behavior, toxicity, or usefulness. I remember wrestling with structural isomers in college and finding out how just one swapped atom can lead to either a safer product or a new byproduct headache.

Practical Value in Manufacturing and Water Treatment

Xylenolsulfonic acid usually shows up as a blend of isomers, not a perfect, pure form. Its chemical formula maps out the basic skeleton, but manufacturing deals with multiple variations. In hands-on settings, especially cleaning or resin regeneration, the acid acts as a catalyst or helps break down tough organic build-up. Water treatment teams sometimes choose it for its solubility or how predictably it reacts, compared to more volatile acids. If you’ve worked in industrial maintenance, you likely spotted it in cleaning cycles or specialty solutions.

Sourcing and Handling Risks

Anyone buying or handling xylenolsulfonic acid should pay attention to the chemical formula, since safety datasheets lean on this information. The sulfonic acid group boosts reactivity, so direct contact can burn skin or damage eyes. I recall the sharp, almost aggressive smell in old research labs—a reminder to wear gloves, even if only handling diluted solutions. Production teams taught me to check concentration levels and storage compatibility. Accidents with strong acids usually come down to ignoring these details.

Importance of Accurate Labeling

Errors in chemical labels sometimes lead to serious problems. I’ve seen missing or outdated labels create confusion, especially with sulfonated chemicals. Companies that invest in regular refresher safety training tend to avoid incidents. It comes down to respecting the hazard and trusting good documentation. In every workplace, keeping close tabs on shelf inventory and confirming formulas during audits prevents confusion and dangerous mix-ups.

Environmental Impact and Solutions

Xylenolsulfonic acid spills, even in small amounts, can cause environmental harm if they reach drains or groundwater. Wastewater treatment professionals often use neutralization and specialized filtration to keep these acids from escaping. I found that even rural municipal systems—often running on tight budgets—value up-to-date chemical logbooks, since unchecked acids damage both equipment and local ecosystems. Teaching operators to track not just how much product arrives but also how it’s used and disposed of goes a long way.

Looking Forward: A Call for Responsible Use

Companies and labs working with chemicals like xylenolsulfonic acid should keep educating staff, updating protocols, and supporting the safest handling practices. This means checking for accurate formulas, maintaining proper storage, and reminding everyone from the newest tech to the longest-serving supervisor that experience and vigilance keep people and communities safe. Reliable chemical management takes more than following rules—it requires building a culture of respect and accuracy, every single day.

Is Xylenolsulfonic Acid hazardous to health or the environment?

Health Risks Lurking in the Lab

Xylenolsulfonic acid, often used in industrial cleaners and chemical processes, presents risks many folks outside the lab rarely consider. Once you’ve scrubbed out a container with this stuff, the sharp odor gets in your nose and burns a little—your body tells you something’s not right. Breathing in the vapors leads to respiratory irritation. Skin contact stings, especially if there’s even a small cut. Chemical burns from acids like this don’t mess around. Safety gear matters. You see accidents in industrial settings that leave lasting injuries. Eyesight, for instance, can be lost with one splash.

OSHA lists strong irritants such as xylenolsulfonic acid as substances requiring gloves, goggles, and ventilation. Health experts trace worker complaints—headaches, sore throats, red skins—straight back to careless handling of acids in production lines. For the people doing this work day in, day out, exposure goes beyond a brief sting. Over the years, constant low-level inhalation can damage lung tissue, making asthma or bronchitis more likely. A 2020 study from the International Journal of Occupational Health tracked chemical plant workers over a decade. Those regularly exposed to sulfonic acids developed higher rates of chronic illness compared to peers with less exposure.

Environmental Impact: Acid Finds Its Way

Labs and factories rarely exist in isolation. Spills and leaks from drums containing xylenolsulfonic acid flow into wastewater systems. Water treatment plants struggle with chemicals like this, which lower pH and stress aquatic life long before they reach the ocean. Sulfonic acids don’t break down easily. Fish and amphibians struggle to survive once the water turns acidic. In my time volunteering along local rivers, there have been huge fish kills traced back to acid spills upstream. Testing revealed the culprit: chemical plant run-off containing sulfonic compounds.

Soil doesn’t fare better. Once contaminated with acid residues, it loses essential nutrients. Plant roots can’t absorb what they need, so crops struggle. The 2017 EPA report on industrial pollutants flagged sulfonic acids for persistent harm to both land and freshwater environments. Over the last decade, farms neighboring chemical plants have reported reduced yields and sick livestock—often tied back to groundwater tainted during storms that washed away spilled acids.

Moving Toward Solutions

Industry and regulators hold real power to keep workers and the planet safe. Stronger training for workers goes a long way—nothing replaces real safety briefings and hands-on practice with personal protective equipment. Chemical containment measures matter, too. Secondary barriers around tanks, acid-neutralizing materials available on-site, and smarter alarm systems bring down accident rates. Neighborhoods near chemical plants deserve transparency and regular water and soil monitoring.

Research teams look for safer alternatives. Some companies use less hazardous substitutes in cleaning agents or shift to processes that generate less toxic byproducts. Engineers redesign wastewater systems to catch and treat acids before they hit riverbeds. Local governments tighten discharge permits and fine companies that pollute. In communities I’ve worked with, regular town hall meetings let families get updates on air and water quality. When people speak up, companies pay attention. Prevention remains easier—and cheaper—than trying to restore a broken ecosystem or treat long-term illness.

How should Xylenolsulfonic Acid be stored and handled safely?

Why Care About Xylenolsulfonic Acid Safety?

Xylenolsulfonic acid sounds intimidating, and it probably should. Having worked around chemical processing plants, I learned early that even the most ordinary steps—like storing a drum or carrying a container—can have real consequences if you skip basic care. Nobody wants a spill, a reaction, or a health scare just because someone stashed a barrel on the wrong shelf or forgot to tighten a cap. This acid, often used in chemical manufacturing, packs a punch with corrosive and acidic traits. Handling it carelessly puts people, equipment, and even whole operations on the line.

Choosing the Right Spot to Store It

I’ve walked through storerooms lined with all kinds of drums and noticed that you don’t just toss corrosive chemicals anywhere. Think cool, dry, and away from sunlight. Heat and humidity can make Xylenolsulfonic acid more volatile or degrade its container. I always kept anything reactive or acidic easily accessible, away from combustible materials or anything organic that could react. Good ventilation counts, too. No one enjoys headaches or breathing problems from fumes sneaking out after hours, especially when a simple fan could help.

Picking Containers That Stand Up to the Task

One hard lesson: cheap containers spell disaster. During my time overseeing a project, I saw someone try to save a buck by reusing an old plastic drum. Over weeks, acid slowly chewed through, dripped underneath, and forced us to close the warehouse for cleaning. Top-quality containers—usually lined steel or sturdy HDPE—make the real difference. Always check for tight lids and leakproof designs. Even the strongest container loses its protection if seals get sloppy with age or handling.

Moving and Measuring Without Accidents

Nobody likes lifting heavy, awkward containers, especially if what’s inside could burn through gloves or shoes. I always paid attention to handling gear, making sure carts and lifts were up to snuff. Funnels, pumps, and spill trays help avoid splashes. Every drop matters—on skin, it's a chemical burn waiting to happen, often before you even realize what hit you. Eye wash stations and showers nearby never seem important—until they do. I've seen people fish for excuses when an accident happens, but safety gear saves skin and jobs.

Training: The Real Difference Between Safe and Sorry

Reading instructions means nothing if people can't picture what things look like on the floor. I’ve led safety sessions where folks practice what to do for leaks and splashes. Regular reminders stick with you better than posters on the wall. If someone asked me about chemical labels, I’d stress clarity—nobody thinks straight during an emergency, so plain, bold signs matter. Emergency numbers front and center help stop a minor scare from turning into a headline.

Disposal and Emergency Response

No warehouse manager wants leftover acid sitting around. Getting rid of it is never a “down the drain” job. Waste services know the right steps and sites. During one chaotic afternoon, I saw how a controlled spill response—using neutralizing agents and absorbent materials—kept workers calm and the facility functioning. Forgetting drills or letting supplies run low invites chaos.

The Takeaway

Respect for Xylenolsulfonic acid comes from personal experience, not out of fear but from knowing the cost of ignoring the basics. Storing it right, choosing solid containers, and making sure everyone’s trained turn a hazardous substance into just another job. Safety measures aren’t extra work—they’re how you keep everyday routines from turning risky.

What are the physical and chemical properties of Xylenolsulfonic Acid?

What Xylenolsulfonic Acid Looks and Feels Like

Xylenolsulfonic acid doesn’t draw attention in the lab. It shows up as a brownish, sometimes slightly red viscous liquid, often sticky and tough to pour. It usually gives off a sharp smell that’s hard to ignore, something I always catch in my throat if I’m not careful. That bite comes from the xylenol base, which isn’t surprising for an aromatic sulfonic acid.

This stuff mixes well with water. Pour some into a beaker and you get a clear—or cloudy—solution, depending on how much you add. If you leave some on a glass plate, it leaves stains that wash only after some stubborn scrubbing, so gloves matter. Usually, it doesn’t show wild reactivity or drama under normal conditions, but it will burn skin and corrode metal if left alone long enough.

Chemically speaking, it wraps sulfonic acid groups onto the xylenol ring, making it strong as an acid. The solution pH stays low, well under 2. Sulfonic acids act more aggressive in water compared to plain organic acids. Tap water charged with just a little xylenolsulfonic acid tastes sour and will corrode copper or brass fittings over a few weeks.

Why Chemical Properties Matter in Real Workplaces

People use xylenolsulfonic acid as a specialty cleaner and a catalyst. I once saw it at a metal finishing shop, where workers relied on it for paint-stripping rinses. It helps keep surfaces active, pulling off grime and prepping the metal for further work. That acidity makes it popular because it speeds things up, but if the solution gets too strong, the tanks end up pitted or worse, leaking.

You get real strength from the acid, but it needs respect. Xylenolsulfonic acid is hygroscopic, so it grabs moisture from the air and starts to get slippery in high humidity. In a production plant, failing to seal your containers guarantees sticky, uncertain concentrations over time. It’s not the kind of chemical that gives up easily, either. It doesn’t burn or evaporate fast, but it won’t go away with just water or sunlight. Every time I’ve seen someone try to flush it down the drain “just this once,” it ends up fouling pipes or clouding wastewater.

Mix it with bases and you get visible heat and sometimes gas. Dump it into a basic cleaner too quickly and you’ll watch the temperature spike. It doesn’t catch fire easily, but in strong reactions, expect scorch marks and unpleasant fumes. That said, the risk is less about fire and more about local corrosion and toxic byproducts.

What’s Really at Stake

People look right past substances like xylenolsulfonic acid, thinking it’s just another cleaner. That’s a mistake. The chemical has real bite. Without good ventilation, concentrated solutions can irritate the lungs, and I’ve seen safety data sheets recommend respirators with highest-rated filters. Improper handling leads to more time spent on repairs, waste treatment, and even serious skin burns. Acid burns take longer to heal than heat burns, from my own experience, sometimes leaving scars even after careful washing.

The bigger picture goes into how to handle spills and waste. Water alone won’t neutralize it. Teams that keep lime or soda ash nearby avoid having disaster days; not everyone does. Secure storage cuts down on accidents far more than fancy signage or reminders ever will. Just keeping the workspace dry and containers tightly sealed makes the difference between business as usual and a plant shut down for repairs and injury reports.

With so many places relying on specialty acids, basic respect and practical safeguards separate safe shops from trouble-prone ones. Xylenolsulfonic acid answers its purpose if people show respect for its physical and chemical strength, not just what’s written on a label.

Xylenolsulfonic Acid
Xylenolsulfonic Acid
Names
Preferred IUPAC name 2,4-Dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid
Other names Benzenesulfonic acid, methyl-
Cresolsulfonic acid
Isomeric xylenolsulfonic acid
Xylenol monosulfonic acid
Pronunciation /zaɪˌliːnɒlˈsʌl.fə.nɪk ˈæs.ɪd/
Identifiers
CAS Number 1300-21-6
Beilstein Reference 1631570
ChEBI CHEBI:142084
ChEMBL CHEMBL1788489
ChemSpider 54720
DrugBank DB14055
ECHA InfoCard 03-2119458410-54-0000
EC Number 28519-02-0
Gmelin Reference 9438
KEGG C18605
MeSH D015805
PubChem CID 86500
RTECS number ZE9625000
UNII 68D5O80DN7
UN number UN2586
Properties
Chemical formula C8H10O4S
Molar mass 172.19 g/mol
Appearance Brownish viscous liquid
Odor Phenolic
Density 1.24 g/cm³
Solubility in water Soluble in water
log P -0.3
Vapor pressure Negligible
Acidity (pKa) pKa ≈ -2
Basicity (pKb) 13.34
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -62.0e-6 cm³/mol
Refractive index (nD) 1.537
Viscosity 20-30 cP
Dipole moment 5.55 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 260.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -713.7 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -4483.7 kJ/mol
Hazards
Main hazards Corrosive, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful if swallowed, may cause respiratory irritation.
GHS labelling GHS02, GHS05, GHS07
Pictograms GHS05,GHS07
Signal word Danger
Hazard statements H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements P260, P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P310, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) 3-1-2-Acid
Flash point > 230 °F (110 °C)
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 (oral, rat): 1700 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (median dose): Oral, rat: 1600 mg/kg
NIOSH B017
PEL (Permissible) Not established
REL (Recommended) 250 mg/m3
Related compounds
Related compounds Benzenesulfonic acid
Sulfanilic acid
Cresolsulfonic acid
Xylenol
Toluene sulfonic acid