Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), chemically known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), is an organic compound with the formula CH₃(CH₂)₁₁OSO₃Na. This molecule is characterized by a 12-carbon alkyl chain (lauryl group) attached to a sulfate ester, neutralized by a sodium cation. This amphiphilic structure, featuring a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic sulfate head, is the source of its potent surfactant capabilities. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. synthesizes SDS that meets precise chemical specifications.

The synthesis of SDS typically begins with lauryl alcohol, which is often derived from coconut or palm kernel oils. This fatty alcohol is then reacted with a sulfating agent, commonly sulfur trioxide (SO₃) or chlorosulfuric acid (ClSO₃H). The sulfation process yields lauryl sulfuric acid, which is subsequently neutralized with a sodium base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), to form Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate.

Industrially, the direct sulfation of lauryl alcohol with sulfur trioxide is a prevalent method due to its efficiency. The reaction needs careful control of temperature and stoichiometry to maximize yield and minimize by-products. The purity of the starting materials and the controlled reaction conditions are crucial for producing high-quality SDS, free from unwanted impurities.

The physicochemical properties of SDS are central to its widespread use. It is typically a white, crystalline solid that is readily soluble in water, forming a foamy solution. Its critical micelle concentration (CMC) in water is around 8.2 mM at 25°C, above which SDS molecules aggregate to form micelles. These micelles are responsible for its detergent action, solubilizing oils and hydrophobic substances. SDS exhibits excellent emulsification, foaming, wetting, and detergency characteristics.

Furthermore, SDS is known for its fast biodegradability, a desirable trait for environmentally conscious applications. Its stability in neutral and alkaline solutions also contributes to its versatility in various product formulations. When considering the purchase of SDS, understanding the sodium dodecyl sulfate price in relation to its purity and synthesis method is important. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers high-quality SDS, ensuring that the chemical integrity required for its diverse uses, from industrial processes to laboratory analyses, is consistently met.