Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is an excellent anionic surfactant. Due to its strong ability to remove dirt, emulsify and foam, as well as its unique protein-binding properties, it plays an indispensable role in the fields of cosmetics, industry and biological research.

English name: Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)

CAS Number: 151-21-3

EINECS Number: 205-788-1

Molecular formula: C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S

Molecular weight: 288.38 g/mol

State: Anionic surfactant

Physical and chemical parameters

Performance and Advantages

High surface activity: It possesses excellent properties such as cleaning, emulsification, wetting, penetration and foaming, and can effectively reduce the surface tension of water.

Good chemical stability: Exhibits excellent stability against acids, bases and hard water, and remains stable in aqueous solutions within a wide pH range.

Protein binding ability (key characteristic): It can bind to proteins through non-polar interactions, breaking their non-covalent bonds, causing them to denature and acquire a negative charge. This is the core advantage of SDS that cannot be replaced in biological laboratories.

Biodegradability: Exhibits excellent biodegradation capability, with a biodegradation rate of over 90%, and is relatively environmentally friendly.

Excellent compatibility: It has good compatibility with anionic and nonionic surfactants, and is often used as the main component or an auxiliary component.

Main purpose

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research

• SDS-PAGE electrophoresis: This is its most classic application. It is used to prepare protein samples, causing the proteins to denature and become negatively charged, thus enabling separation solely based on molecular weight.

• Cell lysis: This process is used to rupture the cell membrane, thereby extracting membrane-bound proteins or nucleic acids.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

• Cleaning products: As the main foaming agent and detergent in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, toothpaste, and laundry detergents.

• Emulsifier: Used in creams and lotions to stabilize the formula.

Industrial Applications

• Textile industry: Used as a penetrant, leveling agent and wool cleaning agent.

• Emulsion polymerization: As an emulsifier, it is used in the production of polymer emulsions.

• Others: It is used as a foaming agent in fire extinguishers and as a flotation agent in the mining industry.

Pharmaceuticals and Food Industry

• Drug excipients: Used as solubilizers or emulsifiers in certain drug preparations, in accordance with NF/EP/USP standards.

Safety and Storage

Hazard: It is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. When the dust particles reach a certain concentration in the air, there is a risk of forming an explosive mixture (highly flammable). The median lethal dose by oral ingestion in rats is approximately 1288 mg/kg.

Emergency measures:

• Eye contact: Immediately rinse with plenty of flowing water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

• Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly wash with soap and water.

• Inhalation: Quickly leave the scene and go to an area with fresh air.

Storage conditions: Store in a sealed container in a cool and dry place. Due to its tendency to absorb moisture and form lumps, it is necessary to take measures to prevent moisture.