The CAS Number for Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulfonate
The CAS number for sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate is 25638-17-9. This unique identifier is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society dedicated to cataloging and indexing chemical substances. CAS numbers are a cornerstone of chemical identification, used worldwide by scientists, manufacturers, regulators, and educators to ensure that everyone is referring to the exact same compound, regardless of language, naming conventions, or regional differences.
Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulfonate: What It Is and Why It’s Used
Sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate is a synthetic chemical classified as an anionic surfactant. Surfactants, or surface-active agents, are compounds that reduce the surface tension between two substances, such as water and oil, enabling them to mix or interact more effectively. The “anionic” part refers to its negatively charged hydrophilic (water-attracting) head, which is balanced by a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail made up of a naphthalene ring and two butyl groups.
Chemical Structure
Its molecular formula is C₁₈H₂₃NaO₃S, reflecting:
- A naphthalene core (a fused pair of benzene rings, C₁₀H₈).
- Two butyl groups (C₄H₉ each), which enhance its hydrophobic nature.
- A sulfonate group (SO₃⁻Na⁺), which provides water solubility and the negative charge.
This combination gives the compound its amphiphilic nature—meaning it has both water-loving and water-repelling regions—making it highly effective in applications requiring emulsification, dispersion, or wetting.
Applications in Industry
Sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate is widely used across multiple sectors due to its surfactant properties:
- Detergents and Cleaners: It helps water penetrate dirt and grease on surfaces, improving cleaning efficiency in household and industrial products.
- Emulsifiers: In agriculture, it’s used in pesticide formulations to create stable emulsions of oil-based active ingredients in water. In cosmetics, it stabilizes creams and lotions.
- Wetting Agents: In textile manufacturing, it ensures dyes and chemicals spread evenly across fabrics. In leather processing, it aids in soaking and tanning by helping water penetrate hides.
- Industrial Processes: It’s employed in metalworking fluids, paper production, and concrete admixtures to control surface interactions.
Safety Considerations
As with many surfactants, sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate requires careful handling. In its solid form (often a powder or granules), it can irritate skin, eyes, or respiratory tract if mishandled. Its safety profile is detailed in resources linked to its CAS number, such as SDS documents, which provide guidance on protective equipment, storage conditions (e.g., cool, dry areas), and spill response.
Conclusion
The CAS number 25638-17-9 is more than just a code—it’s a critical tool for identifying sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate with precision and accessing a broad range of information about this versatile anionic surfactant. Whether you’re exploring its role in detergents, emulsifiers, or wetting agents, or ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, this identifier connects you to the global network of chemical knowledge. Its significance spans industries, research labs, and regulatory frameworks, making it an indispensable part of working with this compound.