Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) CAS 2235-54-3

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) – Anionic Surfactant for Personal Care and Household Cleaning

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 2235-54-3

• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₉NO₄S

• Appearance: White to pale yellow paste or viscous liquid

• Odor: Slight soapy

• Density: ~1.02–1.06 g/cm³ (at 20°C, depending on concentration)

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; stable over a wide pH range

• Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers at 5–30°C, protected from direct sunlight

Overview
Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is an anionic surfactant belonging to the sulfate ester family. It is the ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate, produced by the reaction of lauryl alcohol with a sulfating agent followed by neutralization with ammonia. ALS is widely used in personal care and household cleaning products due to its excellent foaming, cleansing, and wetting properties.

Applications

• Shampoos and shower gels: Provides rich, creamy foam and enhances cleansing power.

• Facial cleansers and body washes: Used in combination with other surfactants and conditioning agents to reduce skin irritation.

• Household detergents: Effective in dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and hard surface cleaners.

• Industrial cleaners: Employed in heavy-duty degreasers and cleaning formulations.

• Other uses: As a foaming agent in firefighting foams and agricultural formulations.

Key Benefits

• Excellent foaming and detergency.

• Highly water-soluble for easy formulation.

• Stable across a wide pH range (4–9).

• Cost-effective and readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.

• Compatible with other surfactants (anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric).

• Provides effective removal of oils and dirt.

Safety and Handling

• May cause mild skin and eye irritation at high concentrations; use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) when handling.

• Biodegradable in aerobic environments, but large discharges require consideration of environmental impact.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from strong oxidizers and heat sources.

• Shelf life: typically 24 months under recommended storage conditions.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for active content, pH, and foam performance to ensure consistent quality.