Sodium Xylene Sulfonate (SXS) CAS 1300-72-7

About Sodium Xylene Sulfonate

Sodium xylene sulfonate is the sodium salt of dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid, a small aromatic sulfonate with a short hydrophobic ring and a strongly anionic head. That compact structure does not form normal micelles or remove soil like long-chain surfactants, but it loosens surfactant packing and keeps high-electrolyte, high-active blends dissolved and pourable. SXS is used to lower viscosity, suppress the cloud point, prevent gel and crystallization, and keep concentrated liquids clear in the cold. The chemistry tolerates alkaline, electrolyte-rich conditions and pairs with the anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants common in detergents. It is sold as a pumpable aqueous solution for everyday production and as a high-active crystalline solid where water must be kept out.

Applications

SXS is a workhorse formulating aid across liquid cleaning and related industries:

• Liquid laundry and dish detergents. Solubilizes surfactants and fragrances, thins heavy-duty concentrates and prevents gel or separation in cold storage.
• Hard-surface and I&I cleaners. Couples actives in alkaline degreasers, wax strippers, washroom, vehicle and carpet cleaners carrying high builder loads.
• Personal care. Clarifies and adjusts viscosity in shampoos, body washes and liquid soaps, keeping perfumes and surfactants in solution.
• Industrial and agrochemical. Coupler in soluble-liquid crop concentrates, textile and metal processing and mining flotation where stable, pumpable blends matter.

Specifications

Choose the aqueous solution for easy pumping and dosing in standard liquid production, or the crystalline solid for compact formulations, dry blends and freight savings. SXS is anionic and is formulated alongside anionic, nonionic and amphoteric systems rather than cationic actives; active content is reported on the COA for each form.

Typical profile; active content and limits depend on form and grade, and the batch COA governs.

Packaging and Storage

The aqueous solution ships in drums and IBCs for bulk handling, while the solid is packed in lined bags or fibre drums. Storage is simple for a low-hazard, water-miscible material:

• Keep containers sealed, cool, dry and away from direct light.
• Protect the solution from freezing and the solid from moisture pickup.
• Rinse and dry pumps and lines to avoid dilution between batches.
• SDS and COA are supplied with every drum, IBC or bag shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does SXS do the cleaning in a detergent?

A: SXS is an anionic sulfonate used mainly as a hydrotrope to solubilize and thin formulations, not as the primary detergent.

Q: Which form should I use, liquid or solid?

A: The aqueous solution pumps and doses easily for liquid production; the crystalline solid suits compact or dry blends.

Q: What does SXS do in a detergent formula?

A: It keeps surfactants dissolved, lowers viscosity, controls cloud point and stops gel or separation in concentrated liquids.