Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) – Detailed Properties...

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) – Detailed Properties 🔹 1. Basic Identification Property Details Chemical Name Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) IUPAC Name Sodium dodecyl sulfate Chemical Formula C₁₂H₂₅SO₄Na CAS Number 151-21-3 Molar Mass 288.38 g/mol 🔹 2. Physical Properties Property Description Appearance White or off-white powder, flakes, or viscous liquid Odor Mild soapy or fatty odor State Solid (at room temperature) or as a 20–30% aqueous solution Density ~1.01 g/cm³ (25°C, solution) Melting Point 204–207°C (decomposes) Boiling Point Decomposes before boiling Solubility in Water Freely soluble, forms foamy solution Solubility in Alcohols Slightly soluble in ethanol and methanol pH (1% solution) Around 7.0–9.5 (slightly basic) Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) 8.2 mM at 25°C 🔹 3. Chemical Properties Property Description Surfactant Type Anionic (negatively charged) Reactivity Reacts with strong acids and oxidizing agents Surface Tension Reduction Excellent at reducing surface tension (~37–40 mN/m) Micelle Formation Forms micelles in water, effective emulsifier and detergent Foaming High-foaming agent, even in hard water Biodegradability Biodegradable under aerobic conditions 🔹 4. Functional Characteristics Function Role Detergent Removes oily and greasy stains Emulsifier Allows mixing of oil and water phases Foaming Agent Provides rich lather in personal care products Dispersing Agent Keeps particles suspended in solutions Penetrant Enhances wetting and penetration into surfaces or tissues 🔹 5. Industrial & Consumer Applications Industry Application Personal Care Toothpaste, shampoos, soaps, face washes, shaving creams Cosmetics Makeup removers, liquid cleansers Cleaning Products Dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, floor cleaners Pharmaceuticals Tablet disintegration, enemas, topical medications Laboratory Use SDS-PAGE (protein separation by electrophoresis), DNA extraction Textiles and Leather Wetting agent and degreaser Agriculture Surfactant in pesticide formulations 🔹 Biological & Toxicological Profile Aspect Description Toxicity Low systemic toxicity, but can cause local irritation Skin Irritation High concentrations can irritate skin and eyes Inhalation Risk Inhalation of powder/dust may irritate respiratory tract Ingestion In small amounts – low toxicity; in larger quantities – can cause nausea and vomiting Allergenicity Non-allergenic for most, but may aggravate sensitive skin in some users 🔹 Environmental Impact Property Description Biodegradability Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions Aquatic Toxicity Moderate; large releases can affect aquatic organisms Persistence Low (breaks down in wastewater treatment systems) 🔹 Storage and Handling Guidelines Notes Storage Conditions Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; avoid moisture exposure Handling Precautions Use gloves, goggles; avoid dust inhalation Stability Stable under normal storage conditions; avoid strong oxidizers/acids 🔹 Regulatory & Safety Standards Parameter Value FDA Status Approved for limited use in dental care and topical products EU Regulations Permitted with concentration restrictions INCI Name (Cosmetics) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate EINECS/EC No. 205-788-1 ✅ Summary Table Attribute Description Chemical Formula C₁₂H₂₅SO₄Na Use Type Surfactant (detergent, foaming agent) Forms Available Powder, flakes, liquid solution Used In Soaps, shampoos, lab buffers (SDS-PAGE), detergents Safety Irritant to eyes/skin; safe in diluted cosmetic/pharma use