Sodium 4-undecylbenzenesulfonate
[CAS# 68411-30-3]

Identification

• Classification: Surfactant >> Anionic surfactant >> Sulfonate type
• Name: Sodium 4-undecylbenzenesulfonate
• Synonyms: Benzenesulfonic acid,C10-13-alkyl derivs., sodium salts
• Molecular Formula: C₁₇H₂₇NaO₃S
• Molecular Weight: 334.45
• CAS Registry Number: 68411-30-3
• EC Number: 270-115-0
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCc1ccc(cc1)S(=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
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H330
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301

Discovery and Applications

Sodium 4-undecylbenzenesulfonate is an organic compound that belongs to the class of sulfonates. This chemical substance consists of a benzene ring substituted with a sulfonate group (-SO3Na) and an undecyl group (C11H23), a long-chain alkyl group. Its discovery and applications are significant in the fields of surfactant chemistry and industrial formulations. The presence of the sulfonate group imparts strong hydrophilic properties, while the long alkyl chain makes it amphiphilic, allowing it to interact with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances. This unique structure contributes to its effectiveness in various applications, particularly as a surfactant.

The compound's discovery is part of the broader effort to develop novel surfactants with improved performance in different industries. Surfactants are widely used for their ability to reduce surface tension between liquids, emulsify oils and water, and aid in the dispersion of substances in solutions. Sodium 4-undecylbenzenesulfonate is notable for its combination of a long alkyl chain and a sulfonate group, which enhances its emulsifying and dispersing capabilities compared to shorter-chain sulfonates.

In terms of application, sodium 4-undecylbenzenesulfonate is primarily used in the formulation of cleaning agents, detergents, and emulsifiers. Its amphiphilic nature allows it to effectively break down oils, grease, and other hydrophobic substances, making it an ideal ingredient in various cleaning products. Additionally, it is used in industrial applications such as in the preparation of dispersions for paints, coatings, and inks, where the ability to disperse pigments and other hydrophobic components is essential for achieving uniform formulations.

This chemical is also used in the production of personal care products, including shampoos and body washes, where it acts as a surfactant to help create foams and improve the cleaning action of the product. Its mild nature compared to more aggressive surfactants makes it suitable for products designed for sensitive skin. Furthermore, it finds utility in the synthesis of nanoparticles and in biomedical applications, where its surfactant properties are harnessed to stabilize colloidal systems and enhance the bioavailability of certain drugs.

In the field of material science, sodium 4-undecylbenzenesulfonate has also been explored for its role in the fabrication of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). SAMs are used in various applications including sensors, nanotechnology, and surface modification. The long hydrophobic tail of sodium 4-undecylbenzenesulfonate enables the formation of stable monolayers, which can be tailored for specific applications such as in the development of hydrophobic surfaces or as a precursor in the synthesis of other nanomaterials.

In conclusion, sodium 4-undecylbenzenesulfonate is a versatile chemical with wide-ranging applications in cleaning products, personal care, industrial formulations, and material science. Its unique combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties makes it an important surfactant in both commercial and industrial sectors.

References

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