Sodium alkyl sulfate
Sodium alkyl sulfates (SAS) are water-soluble salts that act as detergents or wetting agents. Properties. Sodium alkyl sulfate are members of alkyl sulfates. They are mixture of different alkyls as the term implies, e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate. They are colorless or white powders or viscos liquids, which smell of detergent. Some samples appear yellowish. They are water-soluble and can form soap bubbles. The chemical formula is CHOSOONa. The CAS Number is 68955-19-1. SAS decomposes with boiling, hydrolyzing at 50 degree C. Use. Sodium alkyl sulfates can be used in detergents, dish washing liquids , shower gels, shampoos, hair conditioners and fabric softeners. SAS can be used as fire extinguishing agent, because it is not flammable. In the cosmetic industry it is used as an emulsifier to mix oily and water-soluble compounds for toothpaste or moisturising products. Hazards. Health. SAS can produce irritating vapors when heated, consisting of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and others. As with all detergents it can irritate skin and eyes. If swallowed, it will cause nausea or vomiting with an LD of 0.5 to 5 g/kg. Ecosystems. SAS is toxic for freshwater fish with an aquatic toxicity  of 6-7 ppm/fish/min. It does not concentrate in the food chain. Branched alkenes are resistant to degradation by bacteria and hence linear alkyl sulfonates are used in detergents.