Sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate: properties, applications and safety

General Description

Sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate is a versatile chemical compound with excellent surface-active properties, water solubility, pH stability, and mild cleansing abilities. It is commonly used as a surfactant in various industrial and consumer products. SLES finds applications in cleaning products such as carpet cleaners and surface cleaners, where it effectively removes dirt and stains from carpets and hard surfaces. It also contributes to the cleansing and foaming functionalities of these products. However, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate should be handled with caution due to its potential eye irritant properties and harmful effects on aquatic life. Proper safety measures and disposal methods should be followed to protect human health and the environment.

Figure 1. Sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate

Properties

Sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate is a chemical compound commonly used in various industrial and consumer products. It possesses several distinctive properties that make it a versatile ingredient in many applications. Firstly, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate is a surfactant, meaning it has excellent surface-active properties. It can reduce the surface tension of liquids, allowing them to spread more easily. This property makes it an effective foaming agent and contributes to its use in various cleaning and personal care products. Secondly, SLES is water-soluble and can be easily dissolved in aqueous solutions. This solubility enables its incorporation into a wide range of formulations, including shampoos, detergents, and hand soaps. Furthermore, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate exhibits good stability under different pH conditions. It remains effective and does not degrade easily, even in acidic or alkaline environments. This stability enhances its efficacy in maintaining product performance over time. Additionally, SLES possesses mild to moderate cleansing properties, making it suitable for use in products intended for both delicate and heavy-duty cleaning purposes. In conclusion, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate is a surfactant with excellent surface-active properties, water solubility, pH stability, and mild cleansing abilities. These properties contribute to its widespread use in various industrial and consumer applications. ¹

Applications

Sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate, also known as sodium lauroyl ethyl sulfate, is a versatile chemical compound that finds applications in various cleaning products and household care items. In the category of cleaning products and household care, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate can be used in carpet cleaners. These carpet-cleaning products can be applied directly or require dilution and are suitable for both manual and mechanical carpet cleaning processes. Sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate helps to effectively remove dirt and stains from carpets. Furthermore, this compound is utilized in surface cleaners, which are specifically designed for cleaning hard surfaces in homes. Whether it's kitchen surfaces or other hard surfaces around the house, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate contributes to the cleaning efficacy of these products. In addition to its role in specific product categories, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate has reported functional uses such as cleansing and foaming. It aids in cleansing by enhancing the product's ability to remove impurities and dirt from surfaces. Additionally, it promotes foaming, which can improve the product's ability to spread and adhere to the surfaces being cleaned. Overall, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate is a valuable ingredient in cleaning products and household care items, contributing to their effectiveness in carpet cleaning, surface cleaning, and providing functionalities such as cleansing and foaming. ²

Safety

Sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate needs to be handled with caution due to its potential safety hazards. It has the ability to cause serious damage to the eyes upon contact, and thus, protective eyewear should be worn when working with products containing this compound. Furthermore, sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate is harmful to aquatic life and can have long-lasting effects on the environment. It is important to prevent its release into water systems, as it can cause harm to aquatic organisms and disrupt ecosystems. Proper disposal methods should be followed to minimize its impact on the environment. Given these safety concerns, it is crucial to handle sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate responsibly and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place to protect both human health and the environment. ³

Reference

1. PubChem. COMPOUND SUMMARY: Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate. National Library of Medicine, 2005, PubChem CID: 23691031.

2. Dionisio KL, Phillips K, Price PS, Grulke CM, Williams A, Biryol D, Hong T, Isaacs KK. The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products. Sci Data. 2018 Jul 10;5:180125.

3. Sodium 1-methyl 2-sulphonatododecanoate. European Chemicals Agency, EC / List no. 223-673-4.

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