Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), classified as an anionic surfactant, serves as a characteristic example of sulfate-based surfactants. Also commercially designated as AS, K12, sodium coco-sulfate, or sodium lauryl sulfate, it is widely utilized as a foaming agent. Market formulations typically appear as white to pale yellow crystalline powders that are non-toxic. This compound demonstrates limited solubility in alcohol while being insoluble in chloroform and ether, though it readily dissolves in water. SDS exhibits excellent compatibility with both anionic and nonionic compounds.

The surfactant displays superior emulsifying, foaming, wetting, cleaning, and dispersing properties, producing abundant foam while undergoing rapid biodegradation. However, its aqueous solubility is comparatively lower than that of sodium alcohol ether sulfate (AES).

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) (C₁₂H₂₅SO₄Na, CAS 151-21-3), classified as an anionic surfactant, is the benchmark sulfate-based surfactant. Also designated as AS, K12, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), or sodium coco-sulfate (C12-C16 chain blend), it typically appears as white to pale yellow hygroscopic crystals with a characteristic faint fatty odor.

Key Properties & Specifications

Structural & Chemical Features

Molecular Geometry:

Hydrophobic tail: 12-carbon alkyl chain (length: 1.67 nm)

Hydrophilic head: sulfate group (diameter: 0.45 nm)

Crystalline Form:

Hexagonal/lamellar structure below Krafft point

Monoclinic crystals (space group P2₁/c)

Performance Characteristics

Application Scenarios

Cleaning Systems

Detergents: 10-25% in laundry powders (removes sebum/stains)

Dish Liquids: 3-15% (grease-cutting synergy with CAPB)

Personal Care

Toothpaste: 1.0-1.5% (creamy foam, plaque removal)

Shampoos: 8-15% (primary surfactant in clarifying formulas)

Industrial Processes

Emulsion Polymerization: 0.5-2% (styrene-butadiene rubber)

Textile Processing: Scouring agent (1-3 g/L, 80°C)

Scientific Uses

SDS-PAGE: 0.1-0.5% in buffers (protein charge masking)

Cell Biology: 0.05-0.1% in lysis buffers

Specialty Formulations

Firefighting Foam: 2-5% (AFFF concentrates)

Microbubbles: Ultrasound contrast agents

Packaging & Handling