1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt presents itself as a valuable chemical raw material across laboratory and industrial spaces. Produced by neutralizing 1-butanesulfonic acid with sodium hydroxide, this compound takes on a variety of forms—ranging from solid flakes and powder to pearls and crystals, and also as solutions. Recognized under the international HS Code 29041000, its relevance spans pharmaceuticals, chromatography, and numerous chemical synthesis paths where a strong, stable sulfonating agent is required. The molecular makeup, C4H9NaO3S, might not sound glamorous in conversation, but any experienced chemist recognizes how structure drives function and safety in the lab.
At the molecular level, 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt consists of a four-carbon butyl chain bonded to a sulfonic acid group, transformed into its sodium salt. This structure translates to a high-water solubility, making it desirable for formulation into both aqueous solutions and solid-phase applications. Many researchers opt for the crystalline, powder, or pearl form for bench work, drawn to consistent purity and ease of measurement. Physical density typically hovers around 1.3 g/cm³, placing it in line with other sulfonic salts. One advantage of this consistency: process engineers can scale up or down with confidence, trusting the compound won’t bring unexpected variables during batching.
Depending on the manufacturing process and specific requirements, 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt comes as white or near-white crystalline solids, off-white powder, fine flakes, or even fluid solutions. Choosing flakes or powder can help minimize clumping during handling—something any lab technician will appreciate during a long shift. Pearls provide another storage and dosing advantage; they reduce dust formation and accidental inhalation. Crystal forms draw interest where dissolution rate matters, as crystals can dissolve more predictably than compressed powders. As a raw material, this diversity on the bench boosts flexibility—no one wants to wrestle with poorly dissolving clumps during a tight production deadline.
Molecules like 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt stand out due to the direct clarity of their chemical formula: C4H9NaO3S. Molar mass sits at approximately 176.17 g/mol, with a structure showing a sodium cation balancing out the negative charge on the sulfonate group. This simple configuration offers benefits when mapping reactions, because there is less ambiguity about side products and reactivity. Product specifications from reputable suppliers support this clarity with data sheets covering content purity (generally upwards of 98%), trace metal content, pH in solution (often mildly acidic to neutral), and moisture levels—a critical factor where storage stability matters.
On the logistics and compliance front, 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt uses the customs code 29041000. For global shipping and import, getting the HS Code right keeps everything legal and transparent. This matters for large-scale chemical manufacturers no less than boutique research companies; mislabeling brings headaches at customs and delays research timelines. It also ties into proper chemical auditing, which strengthens efforts to keep hazardous and non-hazardous goods properly separated in transport and storage.
Working with chemicals like 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt always raises questions about harm and hazard, especially for teams dispatched to the front lines of synthesis. Most manufacturers provide detailed Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for safe handling and storage information. Classified as a low- to moderate-hazard chemical for most laboratory uses, exposure risks center on skin and eye irritation. Powdered forms especially invite accidental inhalation without the right personal protective gear. Always, gloves and eye protection help prevent unnecessary incidents. For waste management, solutions or solids require labeling and containment according to local regulations—never down the drain or casually in the trash.
This compound dissolves readily in water to form clear, stable solutions, a property leveraged in chromatographic separation, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical synthesis. Solution density aligns closely with the solid form and is easily calculated for batch processes. Its sulfonate group allows for strong ionic interactions, supporting buffer creation in HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and other analytical workflows. By forming robust ion pairs, 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt helps improve resolution and reproducibility—a boon for QC labs needing precision batch after batch. In research and pilot-scale production, choosing a salt form like this one can eliminate pH control headaches or reduce the need for extra neutralizing agents.
Experience shows that access to reliable, high-purity chemical raw materials can define success or failure for research outcomes. When sourcing 1-Butanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt in various material forms—be it dense powder for easier weighing, moist solid for fast dissolution, or pre-mixed solution—labs gain the flexibility to adapt to shifting demands. For companies needing to comply with international standards or strict batch repeatability, stringent molecular and property specifications guarantee that no one is left second-guessing the integrity of their own results. Fluctuations in material quality lead to experimental setbacks, wasted resources, and costly delays, not to mention frustration in troubleshooting why a reliable assay suddenly fails. Setting standards for physical and molecular characteristics, following comprehensive SDS guidance, and respecting proper chemical trade codes ensures that a foundational material like this supports both safety and scientific rigor every step of the way.
