Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, Granules/Powder) is a high-foaming anionic surfactant supplied as white to off-white granules or powder for general chemical and process use. In water it lowers surface tension efficiently, improves wetting, and forms micelles that help disperse oily or hydrophobic soil.

This format is useful where a solid surfactant is preferred for dry handling, staged dissolution, or preparation of concentrated aqueous systems. The chemistry is also widely recognized under the synonym sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

For process work, add the powder gradually to water to reduce lumping, dust, and sudden foam rise. Performance should be checked at the actual use concentration when the system contains strong cationics, high electrolyte load, or hard-water salts, because these conditions can reduce surfactant efficiency or change solution behavior.

Chemical Information:

Chemical Name: Sodium dodecyl sulfate

CAS Number: 151-21-3

Molecular Formula: C12H25NaO4S

Molecular Weight: 288.38 g/mol

Physical Properties:

Appearance: White to off-white granules or powder

Physical State: Solid surfactant

Solubility in Water: Soluble in water; dissolves more easily with agitation and moderate warmth

Foam Behavior: Produces strong foam under agitation

Applications:

- Wetting, detergency, and foaming support in cleaning and general process systems

- Surfactant for laboratory or pilot-scale work where a general chemical grade is acceptable

- Dispersing and surface-preparation aid in aqueous systems that need rapid surface-tension reduction

- Micelle-forming agent for solubilization or washing steps in industrial workflows

Safety Information (GHS):

Classification: Typically handled as an irritant surfactant; confirm plant-specific classification from the current SDS

Key Hazards: Eye irritation or serious eye damage risk; skin irritation; dust may irritate the respiratory tract

Environmental Note: Avoid direct release of concentrated material to drains or surface water

Incompatibilities:

Strong oxidizing agents, strongly cationic surfactants or quaternary compounds, and systems with very high multivalent-salt load unless compatibility has been confirmed

Storage:

Store tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated area at room temperature

Protect from moisture pickup and keep containers sealed after opening

Keep away from incompatible materials and sources of contamination

Handling Precautions:

Use appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, and dust control where needed

Add gradually to water or the main aqueous phase to manage foaming and improve dissolution

Validate compatibility before use in cationic, high-salt, or heavily fragranced systems