Sodium Cumene Sulfonate, Sodium Cumenesulfonate, Natrium Cumene Sulfonate, SCS, SCS40, 28348-53-0

SODIUM CUMENE SULFONATE (SCS)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

• Chemical Name: Sodium Cumene Sulfonate, Sodium Cumenesulfonate

• Synonyms: Natrium Cumene Sulfonate, Natrium Cumol Sulfonat, Sodium 3-Isopropylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium (1-methylethyl)benzenesulfonate, Eltesol SC 40 F

• CAS Number: 28348-53-0

• EC Number (EINECS): 248-983-7

• Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₁NaO₃S

• Molecular Weight: 222.24 g/mol

• Chemical Class: Anionic hydrotrope (does not form distinct micelles at standard concentrations)

• UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous material for transport

2. Physical Properties

3. Physical Stability and Low Temperature Behavior

At low temperatures, Sodium Cumene Sulfonate may precipitate into white flake crystals. This is a reversible physical process that does not alter its chemical properties; the crystals will re-dissolve when the liquid is heated to 50-60°C with mild agitation.

4. Chemical Properties

4.1 Hydrotropic Mechanism

Unlike conventional surfactants, Sodium Cumene Sulfonate acts as a hydrotrope. It does not form distinct micelles but increases the solubility of other substances through self-aggregation and stacking. At a specific concentration (the Minimum Hydrotrope Concentration, MHC), SCS molecules self-associate, creating microenvironments that can solubilize otherwise insoluble organic materials in aqueous solutions.

4.2 Solubilizer and Coupling Agent

Its primary function is to act as a coupling agent or solubilizer, allowing normally incompatible ingredients to be incorporated into a clear, homogeneous liquid formulation. It is also effective at lowering the cloud point of non-ionic surfactants and reducing the crystallization temperature of complex blends.

4.3 Biodegradability

Sodium Cumene Sulfonate is fully and readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions, according to OECD methods:

• 60% degradation in 6 days

• 100% degradation in 15 days in a Modified Sturm test (OECD 301B)

• 82.5-91.5% degradation in a Coupled Unit test (OECD 301E)

4.4 Hydrolytic and Oxidative Stability

5. Quality Specifications (40% Active Solution)

6. Mechanism of Action (Hydrotrope)

7. Industrial Applications

7.1 Household, Industrial, and Institutional Cleaning (Primary)

7.2 Cosmetics and Personal Care (INCI: Sodium Cumene Sulfonate)

7.3 Industrial and Miscellaneous

8. Toxicology and Environmental Profile

8.1 Acute Mammalian Toxicity

8.2 Environmental Fate

9. Safety Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hazards: Not classified as hazardous under normal conditions of use. However, may cause mild eye irritation.

• PPE (recommended – industrial handling):

  • Safety glasses with side shields

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile)

  • Protective clothing

• First aid:

  • Eye contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists.

  • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water.

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth. If large amounts are swallowed, seek medical attention.

10. Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in closed containers. Protect from extreme temperatures.

• Shelf life: Under proper storage conditions, the product is stable for 24 months.

11. Transport Information

12. Synonyms and Common Names

• English: Sodium Cumene Sulfonate, Sodium Cumenesulfonate, Sodium 3-Isopropylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium (1-methylethyl)benzenesulfonate

• Trade names: Eltesol SC 40, Eltesol SC 40 F, Stepanate SCS, Naxel SCS

• Turkish: Sodyum Kümen Sülfonat, Natrium Kümen Sülfonat

13. Regulatory Status

14. Why Choose Sodium Cumene Sulfonate?

Limitations:

• Precipitates at low temperatures – May crystallize during cold storage/transport; requires warming before use

• Not a classical surfactant – Used as an auxiliary agent, not as a primary cleaner

• Mild eye irritant – Concentrated product may cause irritation upon eye contact

15. Usage Guide – As a Hydrotrope

16. Formulation Examples

16.1 Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent (SCS as Hydrotrope)

16.2 Automatic Dishwashing Detergent – Rinse Aid

17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Sodium Cumene Sulfonate a surfactant?
A1: Technically, it is a hydrotrope. It does not form distinct micelles like classical surfactants but possesses the ability to increase the solubility of other substances.

Q2: What is the primary function of SCS?
A2: Its primary function is to act as a coupling agent or solubilizer, allowing normally incompatible ingredients to be incorporated into clear, homogeneous liquid formulations.

Q3: Is SCS biodegradable?
A3: Yes, it is fully and readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions according to OECD test methods.

Q4: Why does SCS crystallize at low temperatures?
A4: Physical precipitation occurs at low temperatures. This is a reversible process that does not alter chemical properties. Crystals will re-dissolve when the liquid is heated to 50–60°C with mild agitation.

18. Storage and Shipping Notes

• Winter months: If the product is stored at or below its freezing point (-5°C), crystallization can be expected. Bring crystallized product to room temperature or 50–60°C and mix before use.

• Containers: HDPE, polypropylene, stainless steel, or lined carbon steel are suitable.

19. Compatibility

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for detergent formulators, industrial cleaning specialists, cosmetic chemists, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.