Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Production

Product

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a.k.a. SLS, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) is a synthetic organic compound and anionic surfactant used in many domestic cleaning and hygiene products. It consists of a 12-carbon tail attached to a sulfate group, that is, it is the sodium salt of dodecyl hydrogen sulfate. Its hydrocarbon tail combined with a polar head give the compound amphiphilic properties and so make it useful as a detergent. SLS is produced by treating lauryl alcohol with sulfur trioxide gas, oleum, or chlorosulfonic acid to produce hydrogen lauryl sulfate, which is then neutralized through the addition of sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

Raw Materials

Caustic Soda. Causic soda (NaOH), also known as sodium hydroxide, is a major inorganic used in several industries. Most of caustic soda production is used in the manufacture of chemicals, such as propylene oxide and sodium salts. Electrolysis of sodium chloride accounts for most of today’s installed capacity for caustic soda production, which also generates chlorine.

Chlorosulfonic Acid. Chlorosulfonic acid, also known as chlorosulfuric acid and sulfurochloridic acid, is the sulfonic acid of chlorine. On a commercial scale, its production is based on reacting hydrogen chloride with a solution of sulfur trioxide in sulfuric acid. This compound is mainly used in the sulfation of alcohols, to prepare sodium alkyl sulfates. It is also employed in the production of saccharin.

Lauryl Alcohol. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in producing surfactants, emulsifiers, and lubricants. It is a key ingredient in detergents and personal care products. Derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, it is stored as a waxy solid or liquid. Its long carbon chain contributes to the foaming and cleansing properties in formulations.