Sodium sulphocarbolate
[CAS# 10580-19-5]

Identification

• Classification: Natural product >> Natural phenols
• Name: Sodium sulphocarbolate
• Synonyms: 4-Hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt dihydrate
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₅NaO₄S.2(H₂O)
• Molecular Weight: 232.18
• CAS Registry Number: 10580-19-5
• EC Number: 678-807-8
• SMILES: C1=CC(=CC=C1O)S(=O)(=O)[O-].O.O.[Na+]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovery and Applications

Sodium sulphocarbolate is an important chemical compound that has drawn attention for its distinctive chemical properties and diverse applications. The compound consists of a sodium cation paired with the sulphocarbolate anion, a derivative of carbolic acid (phenol) where the hydroxyl group is replaced by a sulfonate group. The modification of phenol to form this sulphonic ester imparts significant changes in the solubility and reactivity of the compound, making sodium sulphocarbolate a versatile reagent in various chemical processes.

The discovery of sodium sulphocarbolate can be traced back to early studies on the sulfonation of aromatic compounds. Phenolic compounds, due to their electron-rich nature, are known to undergo sulfonation under certain conditions, forming sulfonate esters. Sodium sulphocarbolate, specifically, was synthesized as part of efforts to develop phenolic-based compounds with improved solubility in water and enhanced reactivity, particularly in industrial applications. The presence of the sulfonate group enhances the solubility of the molecule in polar solvents, making it a more effective reagent in aqueous systems compared to its parent phenol.

Sodium sulphocarbolate finds extensive use in the production of surfactants, detergents, and emulsifiers. Its solubility in water and ability to interact with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances make it an ideal candidate for use in formulations where surface-active properties are needed. The compound’s sulfonate group also contributes to the molecule's ability to reduce surface tension, which is a key characteristic for detergents and emulsifying agents. In the formulation of cleaning products, sodium sulphocarbolate serves as an active ingredient that enhances the cleaning efficiency of surfactants, particularly in industrial and household applications.

In addition to its use in surfactant and detergent formulations, sodium sulphocarbolate is also employed in the synthesis of various other chemicals, including dyes and pharmaceuticals. Its role in organic synthesis is linked to its ability to act as an electrophilic aromatic substitution reagent. Sodium sulphocarbolate has been used in reactions that require the introduction of sulfonate groups onto aromatic rings, allowing for the creation of a wide range of functionalized products. This reactivity has led to its incorporation into the production of specialty chemicals, including intermediates used in the synthesis of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceutical agents.

Moreover, sodium sulphocarbolate has applications in the field of polymer chemistry, where it is used as a building block in the synthesis of polymeric materials. The presence of the sulfonate group in the polymer backbone imparts enhanced water solubility, which is useful in the development of water-soluble polymers. These polymers find applications in drug delivery systems, where they can be designed to release therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. The ability of sodium sulphocarbolate to participate in polymerization reactions further expands its role in material science, where it is used to develop functional polymers for a range of industrial applications.

The compound has also shown potential in environmental applications, particularly in water treatment processes. Sodium sulphocarbolate has been studied for its ability to interact with heavy metals and other pollutants, making it a potential agent for the removal of contaminants from water. Its strong affinity for certain metals allows it to be used in the development of new methods for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

In summary, sodium sulphocarbolate is a versatile chemical with applications ranging from surfactant production and organic synthesis to polymer chemistry and environmental remediation. Its unique properties, such as enhanced water solubility and reactivity, make it an important compound in both industrial and scientific contexts.

References

2017. Crystal growth, spectral, thermal, optical and third order nonlinearity studies of optical material: 4-N,N-dimethylamino 4′-N′-methylstilbazolium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate. Journal of Optics.
DOI: 10.1007/s12596-017-0406-1

2012. Combinatorial evaluation of laccase-mediator system in the oxidation of veratryl alcohol. Biotechnology Letters.
DOI: 10.1007/s10529-012-1078-1