Sodium Xylene Sulphonate
Sodium Xylene Sulphonate (SXS) is a white to off-white crystalline powder or granule with the chemical formula C₈H₇NaO₃S. It is a highly water-soluble anionic surfactant commonly used as a hydrotrope to enhance the solubility and stability of other surfactants and ingredients in detergent and cleaning formulations. Packaged in 25kg bags, SXS improves the clarity of liquid detergents and personal care products while boosting performance in hard water and various industrial applications.
Uses
Primary Uses
Detergent & Cleaning Industry
- Hydrotrope: Increases solubility and stability of surfactants in liquid detergents, preventing separation.
- Builder & Dispersant: Enhances cleaning efficiency by dispersing soils and preventing redeposition.
- Foam Control: Helps regulate foam formation in detergents and cleaning agents.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Formulation Aid: Used in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers to improve clarity and texture.
- Solubilizer: Helps dissolve essential oils and fragrances in aqueous formulations.
Industrial & Institutional Cleaning
- Formulation Enhancer: Stabilizes cleaning agents used in hard surface cleaners, degreasers, and heavy-duty detergents.
- Corrosion Inhibitor: Offers mild protection in cleaning formulations.
Paints & Coatings
- Dispersant: Improves pigment dispersion and stability in waterborne paints and coatings.
Textile Industry
- Wetting Agent: Enhances wetting and penetration of textile treatments.
Secondary Uses
Agriculture
- Adjuvant: Used in pesticide formulations to improve spreading and penetration.
Pharmaceuticals
Excipients: Occasionally used as a formulation aid in topical pharmaceutical products.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium 2-methylbenzenesulfonate
- Common/Trade Name: Sodium xylene sulphonate, SXS
- CAS Number: 1300-72-7
- HS Code: 2933.69.90
- Synonyms: Sodium o-xylene sulfonate, sodium 2-methylbenzene sulfonate
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White to off-white crystalline powder or granules
- Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; odorless
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (>50 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- Density: Approximately 1.3 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ~210-212°C (decomposes)
- pH (1% solution): Neutral to slightly alkaline (7-9)
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal use
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; oral LD₅₀ > 2,000 mg/kg (rat)
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational limits; general dust control recommended
- Corrosivity: Non-corrosive
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture and acids
- Container Type: 25kg PE-lined bags or plastic drums
- Shelf Life: 24 months if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust generation; use appropriate PPE
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- REACH Registered
- Complies with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
- Not classified as dangerous goods for transport
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms at typical use levels
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Aquatic Impact: Excessive discharge should be avoided to prevent environmental imbalance
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, dust mask, goggles recommended during handling
- Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize dust
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and dry
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
- Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: May emit sulfur oxides and carbon oxides if heated strongly