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.
Sodium Xylene Sulphonate
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

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
Spice Blends
Dried Herbs
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders