Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SLS) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS), sometimes written as sodium lauryl sulfate, is a synthetic organic compound with the molecular formula CH3(CH2)11SO4Na. It is an anionic surfactant used in many cleaning and hygiene products. The molecule is an organic sulfate and salt. It consists of a 12-carbon tail attached to a sulfate group, the sodium salt of dodecyl hydrogen sulfate, the ester of dodecanol and sulfuric acid. Its hydrocarbon tail is combined with a polar "head group" that gives the compound amphiphilic properties, so it can be used as a detergent. SDS is also used as a component of a mixture produced from cheap coconut oil and palm oil, and is a common ingredient in many household cleaning, personal hygiene and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and foods, as well as industrial and commercial cleaning and product formulations.
Cleaning and Sanitation:
SLS is primarily used in laundry detergents with a variety of cleaning applications. It is a highly effective surfactant that can be used in any task that requires the removal of grease and residue. For example, it is found in higher concentrations in industrial products including engine degreasers, floor cleaners, and automotive exterior cleaners.
At lower concentrations, it is found in hand soaps, toothpastes, shampoos, shaving creams, and bubble bath formulations due to its ability to produce foam (lather) and surfactant properties, partly due to its thickening effect
Product Parameters
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate K12/SLS-90% (needle-shaped)
- Abbreviation: K12/SLS-90% (needle-shaped)
- CAS NO: 68585-47-7
Use
Cleaning and Hygiene:
At lower concentrations, it is found in hand soaps, toothpastes, shampoos, shaving creams, and bubble bath formulations due to its ability to produce foam (lather), surfactant properties, and in part due to its thickening effect.
Pharmaceutical Applications:
Sodium lauryl sulfate is widely used in the pharmaceutical field as an ionic solubilizer and emulsifier for liquid dispersions, solutions, emulsions and microemulsions, tablets, foams, and semisolids such as creams, lotions, and gels. In addition, SLS helps tablet wettability and lubrication during manufacturing.