Overview
Sulfosuccinic acid (CAS 5138-18-1 ) is a bifunctional organic acid carrying both carboxylic and sulfonic acid groups, used industrially as a surface-active intermediate and wetting agent.
It serves primarily as a building block for ester-based surfactants, particularly dialkyl sulfosuccinates, that appear across personal care, textile, and industrial cleaning formulations.
In textile and leather processing, sulfosuccinic acid derivatives improve fiber wetting and dye penetration, enabling more uniform treatment across various substrates and materials.
Personal care formulators use it as a precursor to mild surfactant esters found in shampoos, cleansers, and foam-based products where low irritation is a high formulation priority.
In printing and packaging, sulfosuccinate-based surfactants derived from this acid act as dispersants and wetting agents in specialized ink and coating systems for industrial use.
Industrial cleaning formulations rely on its esterified derivatives for degreasing and emulsification of oils and soils on hard surfaces in commercial and manufacturing environments.
Sulfosuccinic acid is typically supplied as an aqueous solution, with concentration varying by supplier. Technical grade is the most common commercial specification for these applications.
Buyers sourcing for personal care or cosmetic end products should confirm grade suitability and purity specifications with the supplier prior to procurement to ensure compliance.
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Physical Properties
| Boiling Point | 140°C/1013hPa |
| Density | 1.438 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Appearance | viscous colourless liquid (generally supplied |
| Form | viscous liquid |
| Vapor Pressure | 0-0Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.449 |
| pH | 1 (20°C in H2O, saturated aqueous solution) |
| Log P | -0.463 at 25℃ and pH7 |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 Hazard Statements H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| UN Number | 3265 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 5138-18-1
- EC Number
- 225-898-3
- Mol. Weight
- 198.15
- Category
- Organic Acids