What Is Sodium Sulfonate?
Sodium Sulfonate, commonly referred to as LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates), encompasses compounds like sodium linear alkylbenzenesulfonate and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. These compounds are predominantly used as surfactants in synthetic detergents.
Sodium linear alkylbenzenesulfonate appears as a white to light yellow crystalline powder. It is readily soluble in warm water and ethanol, and easily dissolves in water. Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, on the other hand, is also a white crystalline powder but is specifically noted for its easy solubility in water.
Uses of Sodium Sulfonate
As a key ingredient in synthetic detergents, sodium sulfonate serves as an anionic surfactant. Detergents formulated with sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate are known for their stability against acids and hard water, alongside their potent cleaning properties. While both branched-chain (ABS) and linear-chain (LAS) sulfonates were historically used, the latter is now more prevalent due to its superior biodegradability.
In addition to its primary role in detergents, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate finds application as a wetting agent, emulsifier, and component in agrochemical formulations. Its versatility underlines its importance in various industrial and commercial products.