Ammonium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant which can be used in the preparation of porous building ceramics by gelcasting and formulation of cosmetic products. It can also be used as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic solution.
ammonium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant with emulsifying capabilities. given its detergent properties, at mild acidic pH levels it can be used as an anionic surfactant cleanser. It is considered one of the most irritating surfactants, causing dryness and skin redness. Today, it is either combined with anti-irritant ingredients to reduce sensitivity or replaced with a less irritating but similar surfactant, such as ammonium laureth sulfate.
Light yellow liquid. May float or sink and mix with water.
Acidic inorganic salts, such as Ammonium lauryl sulfate, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid.
Contact with liquid irritates eyes and may have drying effect on the skin. Prolonged contact will cause skin irritation.
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic oxides of nitrogen and sulfur may form in fires.
Recrystallise it first from 90% EtOH and then twice from absolute EtOH, and finally dry it in a vacuum. [Beilstein 1 III 1786.]
