CALCIUM LIGNOSULFONATE

Calcium Lignosulfonate / Calcium Lignine Sulfonate / Lignosulfonic Acid Calcium Salt
CAS Number: 8061-52-7
EINECS Number: 617-125-7

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Parameter	Detail
Product Name	Calcium Lignosulfonate
Chemical Name (IUPAC)	Lignosulfonic acid, calcium salt
CAS Number	8061-52-7
EINECS Number	617-125-7
Molecular Formula	C20H24CaO10S2 (representative monomer unit)
Molecular Weight	528.61 g/mol (representative monomer unit)
MDL Number	MFCD00163202
HS Code	3913908000
WGK Germany	1

2. SYNONYMS AND IDENTIFIERS

Language	Names
Turkish	Kalsiyum Lignosülfonat, Lignosülfonik asit kalsiyum tuzu
English	Calcium Lignosulfonate, Ligninesulfonate Calcium, Lignosulfonic acid calcium salt
Chemical Name	calcium 3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfonatopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonate
Common Names	Wood calcium, Lignin sulfonate calcium salt, Sulfite lignin calcium salt, Calcium lignosulphonate

3. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

3.1. General Structural Representation

Calcium lignosulfonate is a multicomponent polymeric anionic surfactant derived from lignin. It does not have a single fixed molecular structure but consists of a complex, cross-linked network of phenylpropane units. The representative monomer structure is shown below:

                    CH2OH
                      |
                     CH
                    /   \
                   /     \
          HO-CH   /       \   CH-SO3Ca
                 /         \
                /           \
               C             C
              / \           / \
             /   \         /   \
            /     \       /     \
           /       \     /       \
          O         C   C         O
          |        / \ / \        |
          |       /   X   \       |
          |      /         \      |
          |     C           C     |
          |    / \         / \    |
          |   /   \       /   \   |
          |  CH3O  OH    OCH3  H  |
          |                 |
          |                 |
          |                 C
          |                / \
          |               /   \
          |              /     \
          |             /       \
          |            /         \
          |           C           C
          |          / \         / \
          |         /   \       /   \
          |        /     \     /     \
          |       OH      H   H      SO3Ca
          |
          +--- Calcium (Ca2+) bridging between sulfonate groups

3.2. Simplified Structural Formula

Monomer Unit Formula: C20H24CaO10S2

Monomer Molecular Weight: 528.61 g/mol

3.3. Key Structural Features

Feature	Description
Polymer Type	Polyphenolic macromolecule
Backbone	Phenylpropane units (C6-C3) linked by C-O and C-C bonds
Functional Groups	Phenolic hydroxyl (-OH), methoxy (-OCH3), benzyl hydroxyl, carbonyl (C=O), carboxyl (-COOH), vinyl (-CH=CH2), and sulfonate (-SO3H) groups
Metal Ion	Calcium (Ca2+) serves as the counterion for sulfonate groups
Molecular Weight Range	800 – 10,000 Daltons (average approximately 20,000)
Surface Activity	Anionic surfactant with strong dispersing, binding, and chelating properties
Supramolecular Properties	High specific surface area due to irregular, branched, and porous structure

4. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property	Value
Appearance	Brownish-yellow powder or granules
Odor	Slightly pungent, aromatic odor
Density	0.5 g/cm3
Bulk Density	0.35 – 0.50 g/cm3
pH Value (3% by weight solution)	4.0 – 5.0
pH Value (10% solution)	3.5 – 4.5
Solubility in Water	Soluble (up to 80% by weight)
Solubility in Organic Solvents	Insoluble in most organic solvents
Stability	Stable under normal conditions
Thermal Stability	Decomposes above 200°C
Hygroscopicity	Moderately hygroscopic
Flash Point	Not applicable (non-flammable)
Viscosity (50% solution)	50 – 150 cP (at 20°C)

5. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Solvent	Solubility	Conditions
Water	Soluble (up to 80%)	20°C
Water	Highly soluble	50°C
Methanol	Slightly soluble	25°C
Ethanol	Slightly soluble	25°C
Acetone	Insoluble	25°C
Ether	Insoluble	25°C
Benzene	Insoluble	25°C
Toluene	Insoluble	25°C
Mineral Oil	Insoluble	25°C

6. FUNCTIONAL GROUP ANALYSIS

Functional Group	Presence	Significance
Phenolic Hydroxyl (-OH)	High	Provides antioxidant activity and metal chelation
Methoxy (-OCH3)	Moderate	Contributes to hydrophobic character
Benzyl Hydroxyl (-OH)	Moderate	Provides reactivity for chemical modification
Carbonyl (C=O)	Low	Provides polar character and reactivity
Carboxyl (-COOH)	Low	Provides anionic charge and water solubility
Vinyl (-CH=CH2)	Low	Provides cross-linking potential
Sulfonate (-SO3H / -SO3Ca)	High	Primary source of anionic charge and water solubility

7. PRODUCTION AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Calcium lignosulfonate is produced from the waste liquor generated during the sulfite pulping process.

7.1. Raw Materials

Raw Material	Description
Sulfite Wood Pulp Waste Liquor	Primary raw material (black liquor)
Calcium Hydroxide (Milk of Lime)	Neutralization agent
Anhydrous Trisodium Phosphate	Processing aid
Sodium Hydroxide	pH adjustment
Ammonium Nitrate	Fermentation nutrient (for desugaring)

7.2. Production Stages

Stage	Description
Neutralization	The waste liquor is neutralized with milk of lime (calcium hydroxide suspension) to precipitate lignin as calcium lignosulfonate.
Desugaring (Optional)	Biological fermentation using microorganisms to remove fermentable sugars from the mixture.
Filtration	Removal of insoluble impurities and precipitated materials.
Concentration	The solution is concentrated by evaporation under vacuum until a solids content of approximately 50% is reached.
Drying	The concentrated liquid is subjected to spray drying to obtain the final brownish-yellow powder.
Milling and Screening	The dried product is milled and screened to achieve the desired particle size distribution.

7.3. Alternative Production Methods

Method	Description
Sulfite Pulping Process	Wood chips are treated with hot acidic calcium sulfite solution. Lignin is sulfonated and hydrolyzed, allowing lignosulfonate molecules to dissolve in the slurry.
Kraft (Sulfate) Process	Wood chips are treated with a hot strong alkaline solution (pH 13-14). Lignin is dissolved and subsequently modified to obtain products with different properties.

8. MECHANISM OF ACTION (DISPERSANT AND WATER REDUCER)

Parameter	Description
Adsorption	Hydrophobic (aromatic) groups of the lignosulfonate molecule adsorb onto the surface of cement or mineral particles.
Charge Impartation	Sulfonate groups provide a negative charge to the particle surface.
Electrostatic Repulsion	Particles with the same negative charge repel each other, breaking up flocculated (agglomerated) structures.
Water Release	Trapped water is released from flocculated structures, increasing the amount of free water available for workability.
Dispersion	Individual particles become uniformly dispersed throughout the mixture.
Surface Tension Reduction	Lignosulfonate reduces the surface tension of the mixing water, improving wetting and penetration.

9. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

Calcium lignosulfonate is used as a highly versatile product in many industries due to its dispersing, binding, and chelating properties.

9.1. Construction and Concrete Industry (Water Reducer)

Application	Description
Function	Used as a water-reducing admixture and set retarder in concrete.
Dosage	Typically 0.15 – 0.30% by weight of cement.
Water Reduction	Reduces water consumption by 8-12% at typical dosages.
Benefits	Improves concrete workability and flowability. Provides 8-10% cement savings while maintaining or improving strength. Has micro-air entraining properties that increase freeze-thaw resistance. Non-corrosive to reinforcing steel. Extends setting time in hot weather conditions.
Applications	Suitable for large-volume concrete, high-fluidity concrete, pump concrete, ready-mix concrete, summer concrete, mass concrete, and projects requiring special set-retarding properties.

9.2. Agriculture and Pesticides

Application	Description
Pesticide Suspending Agent	Used as a filler and dispersant in pesticide water suspensions and suspo-emulsions.
Adjuvant	Helps formulate stable pesticide suspensions with uniform particle distribution.
Wettable Powder Additive	Improves the wetting and dispersing properties of wettable powder formulations.

9.3. Ceramic Industry

Application	Description
Green Strength Enhancer	Increases the mechanical strength of ceramic bodies before firing.
Plasticizer	Improves the plasticity and workability of ceramic clays.
Binder	Used as a ceramic auxiliary agent and binder for ceramic bodies.
Deflocculant	Reduces the viscosity of ceramic slips and slurries.

9.4. Refractory Materials

Application	Description
Binder	Acts as a binder and plasticizer in refractory materials and shapes.
Dispersant	Improves the dispersion of refractory particles in mixes.
Green Strength Enhancer	Increases the strength of unfired refractory bricks and shapes.

9.5. Coal Industry

Application	Description
Coal-Water Slurry Dispersant	Helps disperse coal particles in water-based slurries for transport and combustion.
Additive	Improves the flowability, stability, and viscosity of coal-water mixtures.
Dust Suppressant	Used in coal dust control applications.

9.6. Leather Industry

Application	Description
Tanning Agent	Used as a retanning agent in leather tanning processes.
Dispersant for Dyestuffs	Improves the dispersion of dyes in leather finishing.
Fatliquoring Auxiliary	Assists in the penetration of fatliquoring agents.

9.7. Carbon Black Industry

Application	Description
Granulation Agent	Used as a binder in the granulation of carbon black powder to produce dust-free pellets.
Dispersant	Improves the dispersion of carbon black in rubber and plastic compounds.

9.8. Mining and Ore Processing

Application	Description
Ore Binder	Used as a binder for mineral powders and ore fines in pelletizing and briquetting operations.
Dispersant	Functions as a dispersant in ore flotation and beneficiation processes.
Grinding Aid	Improves the efficiency of ore grinding by reducing viscosity and preventing agglomeration.

9.9. Foundry Industry

Application	Description
Binder for Molds and Cores	Used as a binder in foundry sand molds and cores.
Green Sand Additive	Improves the strength and collapsibility of green sand molds.

9.10. Other Applications

Application	Description
Textile Industry	Used as a printing and dyeing aid, dispersant for dyes, and leveling agent.
Fertilizer Industry	Used as a granulation binder and anti-caking agent in compound fertilizers.
Animal Feed Industry	Used as a pellet binder and feed additive.
Asphalt Emulsifier	Used in asphalt emulsions for road construction and pavement preservation.
Oil Well Industry	Used in oil well cementing and as a viscosifier in drilling fluids.
Water Treatment	Used as a scale inhibitor and dispersant in cooling water systems.
Dust Suppression	Used as a dust control agent for unpaved roads and stockpiles.

10. PRECURSORS AND RAW MATERIALS (UPSTREAM)

Raw Material	Description
Sulfite Wood Pulp Waste Liquor	Primary raw material; contains lignin sulfonates, sugars, and inorganic compounds.
Calcium Hydroxide (Milk of Lime)	Used for neutralization of the acidic waste liquor.
Calcium Sulfite	Used in the sulfite pulping process.
Wood Chips	Source of lignin; typically softwood (spruce, pine) or hardwood.
Sulfur Dioxide	Used in the preparation of sulfite cooking liquor.
Water	Used in pulping and processing operations.

11. DERIVATIVES AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

Derivative	Application
Sodium Lignosulfonate	Dispersant, binder, and water reducer (sodium salt version).
Vanillin	Synthetic flavoring agent and fragrance.
3-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde	Chemical intermediate.
Ferric Chromium Lignin Sulfonate	Drilling fluid additive and viscosifier.
Sulfoligno-Sulfomethylated Phenolic Resin Copolymer	Specialty polymer for high-performance applications.
Lignin-Based Polyurethanes	Biobased polymers for coatings and foams.
Lignin-Based Carbon Fibers	Precursor for carbon fiber production.
Lignin-Based Phenolic Resins	Replacement for petroleum-derived phenol in resins.
Lignosulfonate-Based Chelating Agents	Metal chelation and sequestration applications.

12. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Parameter	Detail
Toxicity	Non-toxic to aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
Biodegradability	Biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
Bioaccumulation	Unlikely due to high water solubility and molecular size.
Renewable Resource	Derived from lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer on Earth.
Environmental Impact	Low environmental impact; used as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based dispersants and binders.
WGK Germany	1 (Low hazard to water).
Fate in Environment	Degrades naturally in soil and water; does not persist in the environment.
Ozone Depletion Potential	None.
Global Warming Potential	Low (biobased product).

13. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Parameter	Detail
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat)	> 5000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic).
Acute Dermal Toxicity (LD50, Rabbit)	> 2000 mg/kg.
Acute Inhalation Toxicity	May cause respiratory tract irritation if dust is inhaled.
Skin Irritation	Not irritating to skin.
Eye Irritation	May cause mild to moderate eye irritation.
Skin Sensitization	Not a skin sensitizer.
Mutagenicity	Not mutagenic.
Carcinogenicity	Not classified as a carcinogen.
Reproductive Toxicity	Not classified as a reproductive toxin.
Target Organs	No specific target organs identified.
GHS Classification	Not classified as hazardous (no pictogram required).

14. FIRST AID MEASURES

Route of Exposure	Action to Be Taken
Inhalation	Move person to fresh air. If breathing difficulty occurs, administer oxygen and seek medical attention.
Skin Contact	Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, consult a physician.
Eye Contact	Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Consult a physician.
Ingestion	Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting. If unconscious, do not administer anything orally. Seek immediate medical attention.
General Note	If symptoms persist, always consult a healthcare facility.

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter	Information
Fire Hazard	Not flammable under normal conditions. Decomposes at high temperatures (> 200°C).
Extinguishing Media	Water spray, CO2, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam.
Special Hazards	Thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur oxides.
Protective Equipment	Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing.
Explosion Risk	Not explosive; does not form explosive mixtures with air.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Parameter	Information
Personal Protection	Dust mask, protective goggles, gloves, coverall.
Ventilation	Increase ventilation; use local exhaust in confined spaces.
Containment	Cover spilled area to prevent dust dispersion.
Cleaning Methods	Collect dry using vacuum or careful sweeping. Avoid washing with water (may create slippery surfaces and dissolve product).
Environmental Precautions	Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and water bodies.
Waste Disposal	Dispose of as chemical waste in accordance with local regulations.

17. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Parameter	Information
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at room temperature (15-25°C).
Container Requirements	Keep in tightly closed original packaging.
Materials to Avoid	Strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases.
Shelf Life	24 months (under proper storage conditions).
Hygroscopicity	Moderately hygroscopic; protect from moisture to prevent caking and lump formation.
Packaging Options	25 kg bags, 500 kg big-bags, 1000 kg palletized shipment.
Handling Notes	Avoid dust formation; use local exhaust ventilation; use protective gloves, goggles, and dust masks. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Handling Notes:

Use closed systems to prevent dust formation.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
Protect from moisture by resealing packaging tightly after use.
In concrete applications, dosage is typically 0.15-0.30% by weight of cement.

18. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter	Information
UN Number	Not applicable (not classified as dangerous goods).
Hazard Class	Not classified as hazardous for transport.
Packing Group	Not applicable.
Proper Shipping Name	Calcium lignosulfonate.
Marine Pollutant	No.
ADR/RID Label	Not applicable.
Transport Category	Category 0 (no restrictions).
Air Transport (IATA)	No restrictions.
Sea Transport (IMDG)	No restrictions.

Calcium lignosulfonate is not classified as a dangerous good for international transport and can be safely shipped by road, sea, and air.

19. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Region	Status
EU (REACH)	Registered and commercialized for various applications.
Turkey (KKDIK)	Mandatory compliance; registration process ongoing.
USA (TSCA)	Listed and approved for use.
FDA Compliance	Approved for use as a feed additive (21 CFR).
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)	Approved as a feed additive.
Turkish Food Codex	Permitted for use as a feed additive.
Canada (DSL)	Listed.
Japan (ENCS)	Listed.
Australia (AICS)	Listed.
China (IECSC)	Listed.

20. KEY ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

Advantage	Description
Renewable Resource	Derived from lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer on Earth, ensuring long-term supply and sustainability.
Multifunctionality	Combines dispersing, binding, and chelating properties in a single product, reducing the need for multiple additives.
Versatility	Applicable across a very wide range of industries, from construction to agriculture to mining.
Cost Effectiveness	As a by-product of the paper industry, it offers an economical solution compared to synthetic alternatives.
Environmentally Friendly	Non-toxic, biodegradable, and derived from natural sources with low environmental impact.
Non-Corrosive	Safe for use in reinforced concrete structures as it does not cause corrosion of steel reinforcement.
Water Reduction	Significantly reduces water demand in concrete formulations, improving strength and durability.
Processing Aid	Improves handling, granulation, and processing of various materials in industrial operations.

21. SUMMARY

Calcium Lignosulfonate (CAS: 8061-52-7) is a brownish-yellow powder form, anionic polymeric surfactant derived from lignin, a natural and renewable resource. It is produced from sulfite wood pulp waste liquor through neutralization, concentration, and spray drying. The molecular formula of the representative monomer unit is C20H24CaO10S2 with a molecular weight of 528.61 g/mol. The polymer structure consists of phenylpropane units linked by C-O and C-C bonds, containing functional groups including phenolic hydroxyl, methoxy, benzyl hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, vinyl, and sulfonate groups.

Due to its unique properties including high dispersing ability, binding capacity, and chelating capability, it serves as a critical additive in many industries. Its main applications include use as a concrete water-reducing admixture in construction, a suspending agent in pesticides, a binder in ceramics and refractories, and a dispersant in coal-water slurries and ore processing. It also finds applications in leather tanning, carbon black granulation, foundry molds, textiles, fertilizers, asphalt emulsions, oil well drilling, and water treatment.

As a non-toxic, renewable, biodegradable, and versatile product, calcium lignosulfonate represents an important bio-based chemical in the transition toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible industrial practices. It provides a cost-effective alternative to petroleum-based dispersants, binders, and water reducers while offering comparable or superior performance in most applications.

22. KEY PROPERTIES (SUMMARY TABLE)

Property	Value
Appearance	Brownish-yellow powder or granules
Chemical Formula (Monomer)	C20H24CaO10S2
Molecular Weight (Monomer)	528.61 g/mol
CAS Number	8061-52-7
EINECS Number	617-125-7
Bulk Density	0.35 – 0.50 g/cm3
pH (3% solution)	4.0 – 5.0
Solubility	Soluble in water; insoluble in organic solvents
Molecular Weight Range	800 – 10,000 Daltons
Primary Use	Water reducer, dispersant, binder, chelating agent
Toxicity	Non-toxic (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg)
Biodegradability	Biodegradable
WGK Germany	1 (Low hazard to water)

23. MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

Sector	Applications
Construction	Concrete water-reducing admixture, set retarder, air-entraining agent.
Agriculture	Pesticide suspending agent, adjuvant, wettable powder additive.
Ceramics	Green strength enhancer, plasticizer, binder, deflocculant.
Refractories	Binder, plasticizer, green strength enhancer.
Mining	Ore binder, dispersant, grinding aid.
Coal	Coal-water slurry dispersant, dust suppressant.
Leather	Retanning agent, dye dispersant, fatliquoring auxiliary.
Carbon Black	Granulation agent, dispersant.
Foundry	Binder for molds and cores, green sand additive.
Textiles	Printing and dyeing aid, dispersant for dyes, leveling agent.
Fertilizers	Granulation binder, anti-caking agent.
Animal Feed	Pellet binder, feed additive.
Asphalt	Emulsifier for asphalt emulsions.
Oil & Gas	Cementing additive, drilling fluid viscosifier.
Water Treatment	Scale inhibitor, dispersant.

24. CRITICAL NOTICES

Bio-Based and Renewable: Calcium lignosulfonate is produced from lignin, a natural polymer obtained as a by-product of the wood pulping industry. It represents a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based dispersants and binders.
Water Reduction in Concrete: At typical dosages of 0.15-0.30% by weight of cement, it reduces water demand by 8-12% while maintaining workability, leading to higher strength and durability concrete.
Non-Corrosive Property: Unlike many other concrete admixtures containing chlorides, calcium lignosulfonate is non-corrosive to steel reinforcement, making it suitable for reinforced concrete structures.
Multifunctional Additive: Its combined dispersing, binding, and chelating properties make it valuable across diverse industries, offering a single solution for multiple functions.
Dosage Sensitivity: In concrete applications, overdosing may lead to excessive air entrainment or set retardation. Proper dosage optimization through trial mixes is recommended.
Color and Aesthetics: The brownish-yellow color of calcium lignosulfonate may affect the final appearance of light-colored concrete or products where color is critical.
Hygroscopic Nature: The product is moderately hygroscopic. Proper packaging and storage conditions must be maintained to prevent moisture absorption, caking, and lump formation.
Regulatory Compliance: Users must ensure compliance with all applicable local, national, and international regulations for their specific applications, including feed, food contact, and construction material regulations.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are obligated to test the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international occupational health and safety regulations must be followed when working with calcium lignosulfonate.

Calcium Ligno Sulfonate, Calcium Lignine Sulfonate, 8061-52-7