Ammonium lauryl sulfate

Chemical properties

yellow viscous liquid

The Uses of Ammonium lauryl sulfate

Ammonium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant which can be used in the preparation of porous building ceramics by gelcasting and formulation of cosmetic products. It can also be used as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic solution.

The Uses of Ammonium lauryl sulfate

ammonium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant with emulsifying capabilities. given its detergent properties, at mild acidic pH levels it can be used as an anionic surfactant cleanser. It is considered one of the most irritating surfactants, causing dryness and skin redness. Today, it is either combined with anti-irritant ingredients to reduce sensitivity or replaced with a less irritating but similar surfactant, such as ammonium laureth sulfate.

General Description

Light yellow liquid. May float or sink and mix with water.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Acidic inorganic salts, such as Ammonium lauryl sulfate, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid.

Health Hazard

Contact with liquid irritates eyes and may have drying effect on the skin. Prolonged contact will cause skin irritation.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic oxides of nitrogen and sulfur may form in fires.

Purification Methods

Recrystallise it first from 90% EtOH and then twice from absolute EtOH, and finally dry it in a vacuum. [Beilstein 1 III 1786.]