Overview
Docusate sodium (CAS 577-11-7 ), also known as DSS and approved as E480 in food applications, is an anionic surfactant used across pharmaceutical, food, and industrial sectors.
Its primary function is to lower surface and interfacial tension, enabling emulsification, wetting, and dispersing in formulations where conventional surfactants underperform in various environments.
In pharmaceuticals, DSS is the active ingredient in stool softener laxatives and is incorporated into tablet and capsule formulations as a wetting agent to improve drug dissolution rates.
Food manufacturers use it as an emulsifier and dispersing aid in products such as gelled desserts, cocoa-based mixes, and sugar confectionery under its specific food additive designation.
In textile and paper processing, it acts as a penetrant and wetting agent, ensuring uniform dye uptake and consistent fiber saturation during the manufacturing and finishing stages.
Industrial cleaning and degreasing formulations rely on DSS for its ability to emulsify oils and reduce foam in process water systems, providing high efficiency in technical applications.
Docusate sodium is supplied as a liquid solution, typically at 70% active content in water or ethanol, and as a dry powder or granule form for solid dosage manufacturing.
Recognized grades include USP , BP , and Ph. Eur. for pharmaceutical procurement, as well as food-grade material meeting specific safety standards for industrial and textile applications.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 176 °C |
| Boiling Point | 360 °C |
| Density | 1.13 g/cm³ (liquid) |
| Appearance | white solid, often supplied as an aqueous solution |
| Color | White |
| Form | Waxy Solid |
| Water Solubility | 1.5 g/100 mL (25 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0Pa at 25℃ |
| Log P | 1.998 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H362 May cause harm to breast-fed children H402 Harmful to aquatic life H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P263 Avoid contact during pregnancy and while nursing. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. 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
| HS Code | 29171900 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 577-11-7
- EC Number
- 209-406-4
- Mol. Weight
- 444.6
- HS Code
- 29171900
- Category
- Surfactants