AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE

DESCRIPTION
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is a surfactant and cleansing agent commonly used in personal care products, such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. 
It's a mild detergent derived from lauryl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and sulfuric acid, and is part of the broader family of sulfates.
 
Cas Number: 2235-54-3
 
SYNONYMS
Ammonium dodecyl sulfate,Lauryl ammonium sulfate, Lauryl sulfate ammonium salt,Dodecyl ammonium sulfate
 
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is a widely used surfactant in a variety of industries, from personal care products to industrial cleaning agents. 
This article presents a comprehensive overview of ALS, including its chemical properties, synthesis, uses, safety profile, and environmental impact. 

The article discusses how ALS functions as a surfactant, its role in consumer products, and its safety and toxicological effects. 
It also explores regulatory frameworks governing ALS use and examines alternatives to this compound. 
Furthermore, the article delves into the environmental concerns surrounding ALS and its biodegradability, offering insights into potential future trends in its usage.
 

Overview of ALS: Ammonium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant primarily composed of ammonium salt derived from lauryl alcohol, which is obtained from natural sources such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil. 
It is commonly used for its cleaning, foaming, and emulsifying properties.
Historical Development: ALS has been a staple ingredient in the personal care and household cleaning industries since the 1960s. 
It was developed as an alternative to other sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, with a similar profile but slightly different chemical behavior.

Importance: As one of the most prevalent surfactants, ALS is used in everything from shampoos and body washes to dish detergents and industrial cleaners. 
Its versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient.

Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure: ALS consists of a hydrophilic sulfate group and a hydrophobic alkyl chain (usually 12 carbon atoms) which forms the lauryl group. 
This amphiphilic nature allows it to lower surface tension and form stable foam.
Physical Properties: ALS is typically a pale yellow liquid or paste with a mild odor. 

It is water-soluble and forms stable foams even in the presence of salts. 
It has a melting point of around 30–35°C and is stable in a wide pH range (4-10).
Chemical Stability: ALS is stable under normal conditions but can degrade under extreme conditions (e.g., in the presence of strong acids or bases).
Reactivity: It is highly reactive with certain metals (e.g., aluminum) and can form salts with divalent metal ions, reducing its efficacy as a surfactant in hard water.

Production of Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Industrial Processes: ALS is synthesized via esterification of lauryl alcohol with sulfuric acid, followed by neutralization with ammonia. 
The general reaction is as follows: Lauryl Alcohol + Sulfuric Acid → Lauryl Sulfate + Water; then, neutralization with ammonia results in ammonium lauryl sulfate.
Raw Materials: The primary raw materials are lauryl alcohol (often derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil) and sulfuric acid or sulfur trioxide.
Major Manufacturers: Key global players in ALS production include companies like Stepan Company, BASF, and Clariant. 
These companies supply ALS for various consumer and industrial products.

Applications of Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
ALS is a key ingredient in personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, toothpaste, and bath products. 
It serves as a surfactant that cleans and helps produce foam.
Its primary role is to reduce the surface tension of water, allowing for better cleansing, emulsifying oils, and trapping dirt.

Cleaning and Household Products:
ALS is also widely used in household cleaning products, such as dishwashing liquids, surface cleaners, and laundry detergents. 
It helps break down grease and removes stains effectively.

Pharmaceuticals:
In the pharmaceutical industry, ALS is sometimes used as an emulsifier in formulations where the active ingredient needs to be suspended in a liquid medium.
Industrial and Commercial Uses:
ALS finds its place in textile manufacturing, oil field drilling, and as a foaming agent in fire extinguishing foams.
Mechanism of Action
ALS works as a surfactant by reducing surface tension between different phases (e.g., oil and water) and allowing for better dispersion of particles or the breaking of oils and greases.
The hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail of ALS molecules binds to oils and grease, while the hydrophilic (water-attracting) head binds to water molecules, facilitating the removal of dirt or oil when rinsed.
ALS also forms foam due to its ability to stabilize air bubbles, which is essential for many consumer applications like shampoos and body washes.
 
Regulation and Legislation
Global Regulations: In the European Union, ALS is regulated under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) program. 
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate ALS for safety in personal care and cleaning products.

Safety Guidelines: Regulatory bodies have established maximum allowable concentrations of ALS in consumer products. 
In general, products like shampoos and body washes contain ALS at concentrations ranging from 1% to 10%, which are considered safe for use.
Labeling Requirements: In some regions, products containing ALS must clearly list it as an ingredient. 

Companies must also comply with local legislation concerning ingredient transparency and environmental safety.
Alternatives to Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Other Surfactants: Alternatives to ALS include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), cocamidopropyl betaine, and glucoside-based surfactants. 
These alternatives are often chosen for their milder skin-feel and potentially reduced environmental impact.
Environmental and Health Benefits: Some newer surfactants are designed to be more biodegradable, less irritating, and gentler on sensitive skin. 
Alternatives may also come from renewable sources, unlike ALS, which may be derived from palm oil, raising environmental concerns.

Performance and Cost Comparison: While ALS is effective and cost-efficient, alternatives may be more expensive and less foaming, which could impact product performance.

Recent Research and Developments
Reducing ALS Content: Companies are researching formulations that reduce the concentration of ALS, often by combining it with other milder surfactants. 
The goal is to maintain cleaning and foaming properties while reducing skin irritation and environmental impact.
Enhancing Biodegradability: Recent studies are focused on improving the biodegradability of ALS through chemical modification. 

Research is also underway to optimize ALS for use in closed systems, such as personal care products that are rinsed off.
Innovative Uses: ALS has been explored for uses beyond personal care, such as in biomedical applications (e.g., drug delivery systems) and in environmental engineering for treating wastewater.

ALS remains a crucial compound in many industries, but its safety, environmental impact, and sustainability are becoming central concerns. 
Ongoing research into alternative surfactants, improved formulations, and sustainable practices are likely to shape the future of ALS in consumer products. 
The continued balance between performance, safety, and environmental impact will guide ALS's role in the market.    

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE
 
 
 
 
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product