Main Applications of Sodium Dodecyl Aulfate and Aodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate are the same substance, an organic compound. Its chemical formula is CH₃ (CH ₂ ) ₁₁ OSO₃ Na, and its structure is H₃C − (CH ₂ ) ₁₁ −O− S(=O ) ₂ -O ⁻Na ⁺. It is an anionic surfactant used in many cleaning and hygiene products. Sodium dodecyl sulfate is also a common ingredient in many cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food products, as well as industrial and commercial cleaning and product formulations.

Properties: White or light yellow powder, easily soluble in water, good compatibility with anions and non-ions, poor stability, not resistant to strong acid, strong alkali and high temperature, biodegradable quickly, not sensitive to hard water. It is a non-toxic anionic surfactant with good emulsification, foaming, penetration, decontamination and dispersion properties.

PH: 6.5-7.5; 7.5-9.5

Melting point (℃): 204-207; 180 -185

Relative density (water=1): 1.09; bulk density: 0.25g/mL

Harm: Irritating to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, irritating to eyes and skin. Can cause allergic reactions in the respiratory system. This product is flammable, irritating and sensitizing. Combustible in case of open flame and high temperature. It decomposes when heated and releases toxic gases. Hazardous combustion products: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfides, oxides.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate usage: 

 Sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate have good wetting, emulsifying, detergent, and foaming properties and are mainly used in laundry detergents with a variety of cleaning applications. It is a highly effective surfactant that can be used in any task where oil and residue removal is required. For example, it is found in higher concentrations in industrial products such as engine degreasers, floor cleaners, and automotive exterior cleaners. It is an essential ingredient in hand soap, toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream and body wash because of its ability to create lather and have a thickening effect.

1. Detergents

Toothpaste foaming agents, shampoos, emulsion polymerization emulsifiers, wool detergents, detergents and textile auxiliaries, etc.

Building materials: gypsum board, concrete additives, coatings, etc.

2. Pharmaceutical

Sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate are widely used in the pharmaceutical field as ionic solubilizers and emulsifiers, suitable for liquid dispersions, solutions, emulsions and microemulsions, tablets, foams and semi-solids, such as creams, lotions and gels. In addition, sodium dodecyl sulfate aids in tablet wetting and lubrication during manufacturing. Brand names for pharmaceutical grade sodium dodecyl sulfate include Kolliphor SLS and Kolliphor SLS Fine.

3. Leather

Leather softener, wool cleaning agent, etc.

4. Papermaking

Cooking penetrant, wastewater flocculant, waste paper deinking agent, etc.

5. Auxiliaries

Textile auxiliaries, plastic auxiliaries, emulsifiers for drugs, cosmetics, and synthetic resins.

6. Fire extinguishing

Oil well fire extinguishing agent, other fire extinguishing materials, etc.

7. Mineral processing

Mineral flotation agent, coal water slurry, etc.

8. Food additive

Sodium dodecyl sulfate appears as its synonym, sodium lauryl sulfate, and is used as an emulsifier and whipping aid in the food industry. GB 2760-96 stipulates it as a safe processing aid for the food industry, and USFDA (21 CFR 172.822) stipulates it as a recognized food safety ingredient for making cakes, beverages, protein, fresh fruits, juice drinks, edible oils, etc.

9. Chemical tests

Biochemical analysis, electrophoresis, ion pair reagents. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a commonly used ionic detergent that can disintegrate cell membranes, bind to the hydrophobic part of membrane proteins and separate them from the membrane. High concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate can also destroy non-covalent bonds such as ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds in proteins, and even change the conformation of proteins. This feature is often used in sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis for protein component analysis.

10.Other uses

Sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate have been proposed as potentially effective topical microbicides for intravaginal use to inhibit and potentially prevent infection by a variety of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.

Liquid films formed by Sodium dodecyl sulfate in water have been shown to act as unusual particle separators. The device acts as a reverse filter, allowing large particles to pass through while capturing smaller particles.

To sum up, sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, as the same substance with two different names, are widely used in daily toiletries, industry, chemistry, food, medicine and other fields. As a common material formula, it affects all aspects of people's lives.