Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate
[CAS# 26264-06-2]

Identification

• Classification: Surfactant >> Anionic surfactant >> Sulfonate type
• Name: Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate
• Synonyms: Emulsifier 1371A; Geronol FE 4E; Hymal PS 90A; Kemmat HF 60; Nansa EVM 62H; Nansa EVM 70/2E; Nansa EVM 70I; Neopelex C 70; Newkalgen AD 85C; Ninate 401; Ninate 401A; Ninate 60E; Ninate 60L; Phenylsulfonate CAL; Pionin A 41C; Rhodacal 60BE; Rhodacal 60BE-C; Rhodacal 60BHT; Rhodacal 70; Rhodacal 70B; Rhodacal 70B-C; Salca BX; Sinnozon NCX 70; Soprofor S 70; Soprophor 60B; Soprophor 70; Tanemul 1371A; Taycapower BC 2070M; Taycapower BC 2070M-A; Unicabs; Wettol EM 1; Witconate 60L; Witconate P 1220EH; Witconate P 1860
• Molecular Formula: Ca(C₁₈H₂₉O₃S)₂
• Molecular Weight: 691.05
• CAS Registry Number: 26264-06-2
• EC Number: 247-557-8
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCC.CCCCCCCCCCCC.C1=CC=C(C=C1)S(=O)(=O)[O-].C1=CC=C(C=C1)S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Ca+2]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H302-H315-H318-H413
• Precautionary Statements: P264-P264+P265-P270-P273-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P305+P354+P338-P317-P321-P330-P332+P317-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H310

Discovory and Applicatios

Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a calcium salt of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, a synthetic anionic surfactant commonly used in various industrial and consumer applications. The compound consists of calcium ions coordinated with dodecylbenzenesulfonate anions, which feature a hydrophobic dodecyl (12-carbon) alkyl chain attached to a benzene ring bearing a sulfonate group. This structure imparts both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, making it effective in reducing surface tension between liquids or between liquids and solids.

The discovery of alkylbenzenesulfonates dates back to the early 20th century, when synthetic detergents were developed as alternatives to traditional soaps, which exhibited poor performance in hard water. Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and its related compounds emerged as important surfactants due to their enhanced solubility, stability, and cleaning efficacy in hard water environments. The calcium salt form provides improved compatibility with certain formulations and can influence the compound’s physicochemical behavior compared to sodium or potassium salts.

Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is widely used in detergents, emulsifiers, dispersants, and wetting agents. It plays a critical role in laundry detergents and industrial cleaners by helping to solubilize oils, grease, and particulate soils, facilitating their removal from fabrics and surfaces. In addition, it is employed as a dispersing agent in various chemical processes to maintain fine particles in suspension, which is essential for stable formulations in paints, coatings, and agrochemical products.

This compound is also utilized in the production of textiles, paper, and leather, where it assists in processes such as scouring, bleaching, and dyeing by improving the penetration of chemicals and uniform treatment of materials. In the agricultural sector, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate serves as an adjuvant in pesticide formulations, enhancing the spreading and wetting properties of sprays on plant surfaces, thereby increasing efficacy.

From a chemical standpoint, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate displays good thermal stability and resistance to hydrolysis, making it suitable for use in harsh processing conditions. Its amphiphilic nature allows it to form micelles in aqueous solutions above certain concentrations, which is important for its surfactant action. The calcium ion contributes to the formation of less soluble salts compared to sodium analogs, which may affect the compound’s solubility and interaction with other formulation components.

Environmental considerations regarding calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate involve its biodegradability and aquatic toxicity. While alkylbenzenesulfonates are generally biodegradable, the rate and extent depend on the alkyl chain length and branching. Proper wastewater treatment is necessary to minimize environmental impact, especially in industrial discharge. Research and regulatory efforts continue to focus on improving the environmental profile of surfactants like calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate while maintaining their functional properties.

Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is available commercially in various grades, including powders, granules, and liquid concentrates, allowing formulation flexibility. Its performance can be influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of electrolytes or other surfactants in mixtures.

In summary, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a versatile anionic surfactant widely used in cleaning, textile, agricultural, and industrial applications. Its balanced hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, combined with good chemical stability and compatibility, underpin its importance in formulations designed to enhance cleaning, emulsification, dispersion, and wetting. Ongoing development aims to optimize its efficiency and environmental safety for diverse uses.

References

1974. Degradation of anionic detergents in Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries and Coasts, 2(1).
DOI: 10.2307/1350960

1980. Inhibitory Action of Dodecylbenzensulfonate on Tobacco Mosaic Virus Infection. Journal of Pesticide Science, 5(4).
DOI: 10.1584/jpestics.5.503

1983. Recovery of Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate from Adsorbing Colloid Flotation Foamates. Separation Science and Technology, 18(8).
DOI: 10.1080/01496398308060323