Sodium 2-ethylhexyl Sulfate, 2-ethyl Hexyl Sulfate, Sodium Etasulfate, 126-92-1

Sodium 2-ethylhexyl Sulfate, 2-ethyl Hexyl Sulfate, Sodium Etasulfate, 126-92-1

SODIUM 2-ETHYLHEXYL SULFATE (2-EHS)

1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

3. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

• Excellent wetting agent: Rapidly reduces surface tension, providing fast penetration and wetting on hard surfaces and textiles.

• Low-foaming surfactant: Produces minimal stable foam, ideal for industrial cleaning, metal treatment, and high-shear processes.

• Alkali and acid stable: Maintains surfactant performance in both highly caustic (e.g., mercerisation) and acidic (e.g., metal pickling) environments.

• Electrolyte compatible: Does not salt-out or gel easily in concentrated salt solutions.

• Good emulsifying and dispersing power: Aids in suspending oils, pigments, and soils in aqueous systems.

4. ALTERNATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS

• Sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate

• Sodium etasulfate

• 2-Ethylhexyl sulfuric acid, sodium salt

• Sulfuric acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester, sodium salt

• Mono(2-ethylhexyl) sulfate sodium salt

• 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol hydrogen sulfate sodium salt

• Trade names: Niaproof 08, Tergitol Anionic 08, Propaste 6708, Emersal 6465, Tergimist, Sulfirol 8, Pentrone, TERGITOL-8, Sipex BOST, TC-EHS

5. PRODUCTION PROCESS (SUMMARY)

A. Sulfation (Esterification):
2-Ethylhexanol reacts with sulfuric acid to form 2-ethylhexyl hydrogen sulfate (monoester) and water.
C₈H₁₈O + H₂SO₄ → C₈H₁₇OSO₃H + H₂O

B. Neutralization:
The monoester is neutralized with sodium hydroxide to yield the sodium salt.
C₈H₁₇OSO₃H + NaOH → C₈H₁₇OSO₃Na + H₂O

C. Finishing: Purification by filtration, optionally vacuum drying, then packaging into drums or IBCs.

6. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS, USAGE RATES, AND EXAMPLE FORMULATIONS

Example Formulations:

• Alkaline Industrial Cleaner (Low Foam):

  • Water: 80.0%

  • Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate: 5.0%

  • Sodium hydroxide (50%): 3.0%

  • Sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate: 5.0% (wetting agent)

  • Non-ionic surfactant (low foam): 2.0%

  • Corrosion inhibitor, chelate, dye: q.s.

  • Balance to 100%. Effective in spray and immersion cleaning.

• Textile Mercerisation Wetting Bath:

  • Sodium hydroxide (35 °Bé): 300 g/L

  • Sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate: 2–5 g/L (depends on fabric density)

  • Operate at 15–25 °C; ensures rapid uniform wetting of cotton, even with strong alkali.

• Acid Pickling Bath for Steel:

  • Hydrochloric acid (30%): 20%

  • Sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate: 1.0%

  • Corrosion inhibitor: 0.5%

  • Water: 78.5%

  • Used at ambient to 60 °C for removal of rust and scale with low foaming.

7. ALTERNATIVES AND COMPARISON

8. REGULATORY STATUS AND SAFETY

• GHS Classification (CLP Regulation): No harmonised classification. Historically listed as an irritant; suppliers may classify as Skin Irrit. 2 / Eye Irrit. 2. Consult the manufacturer's SDS for exact classification.

• Food contact: Not approved for direct food contact; industrial use only. Avoid in food-grade applications.

• Environmental: Readily biodegradable under OECD 301 test. Avoid release to water bodies in concentrated form.

• Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers, preferably HDPE or stainless steel, in a cool, dry place (+5 to +40 °C). Avoid strong oxidisers.

9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. Why is this surfactant so effective in strong alkaline and acidic solutions?
The branched 2-ethylhexyl group makes the molecule resistant to hydrolysis. Unlike linear alkyl sulfates, it remains stable in hot alkali (mercerisation) and strong acids (metal pickling), thus maintaining wetting without decomposing.

Q2. Can I use this in a high-foam shampoo?
It is not suitable for high-foam requirements because it naturally produces low foam. If foam is desired, combine it with a higher-foaming surfactant (like SLS or cocamidopropyl betaine).

Q3. What is the difference between sodium octyl sulfate and sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate?
Sodium octyl sulfate has a linear C8 chain; sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate has a branched chain. The branched version has better solubility, greater electrolyte tolerance, and improved stability in harsh acidic and alkaline conditions.

Q4. What is the typical active content of commercial sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate?
Commercial products are typically supplied as aqueous solutions with ~40–50% active content, sometimes as a concentrated paste. The exact concentration varies by supplier.

Q5. Is sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate compatible with non-ionic surfactants?
Yes, it is highly compatible with most non-ionic surfactants and can be used in blends to adjust foam and wetting properties.

Q6. Can it be used in agrochemical pesticide formulations?
Yes, it is commonly used as a wetting/spreading agent in soluble liquid (SL) and emulsion concentrate (EC) formulations at 1–5% by weight. Its low foam is beneficial in tank-mix applications.

10. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE