PRODUCTS

DOCUSATE

Docusate is a white or almost white, waxlike, bitter tasting, plastic solid with a characteristic octanol-like odor.
Docusate is hygroscopic and usually available in the form of pellets, akes, or rolls of tissuethin material.
Docusate is an anionic detergent that is used widely as a laxative and promoted as a stool softener.

CAS Number: 577-11-7
Molecular Formula: C20H37O7S.Na
Molecular Weight: 444.56
EINECS Number: 209-406-4

Synonyms: DOCUSATE, Docusate hydrogen, 10041-19-7, Spolion 8, DIOCTYL SULFOSUCCINATE, Diocto, 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl) 2-sulphosuccinate, 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, Doc-Q-Lace, EINECS 233-124-0, Dioctylsulfosuccinsaeure, DIOCTYLSULFOSUCCINATE, 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonic acid, Colace, UNII-M7P27195AG, M7P27195AG, Butanedioic acid, sulfo-, 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, Bis(2-ethylhexyl)succinat-2-sulfonsaeure, CHEBI:534, Sulfosuccinic Acid bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Ester, DTXSID1044279, Dioctyl sulfosuccinic acid, 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-dioxo-2-butansulfonsaeure, 1,4-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonic acid, DOCUSATES (MART.), DOCUSATES [MART.], Butanedionic acid, sulfo-, 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, Butanedioic acid, 2-sulfo-, 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, 1,4-Bis((2-ethylhexyl)oxy)-1,4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonic acid, 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-dioxo-2-butansulfonsaeure [IUPAC], Sulfosuccinate, Dioctyl, Docusates, Dionex, 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-dioxo-2-butansulfonsaeure (IUPAC), Di-beta-ethylhexyl sodium sulfo-succinate, DOCUSATE [VANDF], bmse000720, DOCUSATE [WHO-DD], SCHEMBL41958, CHEMBL1477036, DTXCID9024279, bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, LMFA07010721, DB11089, NS00067044, C07874, EN300-20176424, BRD-A00092689-236-03-8, Q27105309, 21954-86-9, 233-124-0, AEROSOL OT;AEROSOL OTB;AEROSOL(R) OT;AEROSOL(R) OT-100;AEROSOL(TM) OT;1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)sodiumsulfosuccinate;Sulfosuccinic acid, dioctyl ester, sodium salt;DIETHYLHEXYL SODIUM SULFOSUCCINATE

Docusate was patented in 1937 by Coleman R. Caryl and Alphons O. Jaeger for American Cyanamid, which commercialized it for many years as a detergent under the brand name Aerosol OT.
Docusate is the dioctyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinate (bis-2-ethyl-hexyl sodium sulfosuccinate).
Docusate dissolves slowly in water; at 25°C to the extent of 1.5 gm/100cc; at 70°C, 5.5 gm/100cc.

Docusate improves the dye caused by the cotton that wears out after the printing and dyeing application.
Docusate gives the fabric a feeling of softer and fullness.
Docusate is used as a penetrate to provide high eciency in the treatment of cotton, hemp, viscose and blended products.

Docusate is stable in the solid state when stored at room temperature.
Dilute aqueous solutions of docusate sodium between pH 1–10 are stable at room temperature.
However, at very low pH (<1) and very high pH (>10) DOS 70 solutions are subject to hydrolysis.

The solid material is hygroscopic and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
The "70" in its name typically refers to its 70% active ingredient concentration, with the remaining 30% consisting of solvents or diluents that help maintain its stability and ease of use in different applications.
Docusate is hygroscopic and usually available in the form of pellets, flakes, or rolls of tissuethin material.Docusate is a high-purity, concentrated form of dioctyl sulfosuccinate, commonly used as a wetting agent, surfactant, emulsifier, and dispersant in various industries.

The "70" in DOS 70 typically refers to its concentration (70% active ingredient, with the remaining 30% being solvents or diluents).
Docusate is a white or almost white, waxlike, bitter tasting, plastic solid with a characteristic octanol-like odor.
Docusate is treated with 2-ethylhexanol to produce dioctyl maleate, which is then reacted with sodium bisulfite.

Docusate and docusate salts are widely used as anionic surfactants in pharmaceutical formulations.
Docusate is mainly used in capsule and direct-compression tablet formulations to assist in wetting and dissolution.
Docusate is an anionic surfactant substance that traditionally has been recommended as a laxative and stool softener for a variety of vertebrates ranging from humans to rodents.

Docusate has been advocated for the same use in reptiles.
Docusate dissolves in oils, hydrocarbons, fats and waxs by heating above 75°C and remains in solution when cooled to room temperature.
At room temperature, Docusate is readily soluble in most organic solvents, both polar and non-polar.

Docusate 's use for the treatment of constipation was rst proposed in 1955 by James L. Wilson and David G. Dickinson, and quicky popularized under the name Doxinate.
Docusate are widely used in medicine as laxatives and as stool softeners, by mouth or rectally.

Docusate is a high-purity, concentrated surfactant that is widely used across various industries due to its excellent wetting, dispersing, and emulsifying properties.
Docusate is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

In 2018, Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate was the 142nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.
Some studies claim that docusate is not more eective than a placebo for improving constipation.
Other Docusate salts with medical use include those of calcium and potassium.

Docusate has been approved by the US FDA as a "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) additive.
Docusate is used in a variety of food products, as a surface active agent, stabilizer, thickener, wetting agent, processing aid, solubilizing agent, emulsier, and dispersant.
The highest amount found in food products is 0.5% by weight, which include pasteurized cheese spreads, cream cheeses and salad dressings.

Docusate salts are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted in bile; they may cause alteration of the gastrointestinal epithelium.
The gastrointestinal or hepatic absorption of other drugs may also be aected by docusate salts, enhancing activity and possibly toxicity.
Docusate should not be administered with mineral oil as it may increase the absorption of the oil.

Docusate is used as an enhancer of absorption and penetration.
Docusate is used to reduce surface tension.
Docusate is used for the protection of green leafy plants in agriculture.

Docusate melts and thins the protective layer on harmful insects, allowing pesticides to easily kill them.
Docusate provides precise results against pests such as red bugs, bark lice and nematodes that are dicult to ght.
Docusate is used as a serial wetting agent in dyeing, nishing and pre-treatment in the textile industry.

Melting point: 173-179 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 82.7 °C
Density: 1.1
Vapor pressure: 0 Pa at 25 ℃
Storage temp.: Inert atmosphere, Room Temperature
Solubility: Methanol: 0.1 M at 20 °C, clear, colorless
Form: Waxy Solid
Specific Gravity: 1.005, Percent Volatile: 40
Color: White
Water Solubility: 1.5 g/100 mL (25 ºC)
Sensitive: Hygroscopic
λmax: λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.1, λ: 280 nm Amax: 0.05
Merck: 14,3401
BRN: 4117588
Stability: Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
InChIKey: APSBXTVYXVQYAB-UHFFFAOYSA-M
LogP: 1.998 at 20 ℃

Docusate is environmentally friendly.
Docusate is resistant to hard waters, reducing agents and oxidants.
Chemically known as Docusate and identified by the CAS number 577-11-7, this compound has the molecular formula C20H38O7S.

Docusate is commonly available as a clear to slightly yellow liquid and is known for its high solubility in water and organic solvents, making it a versatile ingredient in numerous formulations.
Its ability to reduce surface tension efficiently allows it to enhance the spreadability and absorption of liquids, which is particularly useful in both industrial and consumer applications.
One of the most well-known uses of Docusate is in the pharmaceutical industry, where it serves as the active ingredient in stool softeners and laxatives, such as docusate sodium.

Docusate helps to increase the water content in stool, making bowel movements easier and preventing constipation.
Due to its strong wetting and dispersing capabilities, Docusate is frequently used in industrial processes, including paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks, where it enhances pigment dispersion and surface wetting.
It is also commonly found in metalworking fluids and lubricants, where it helps improve emulsification and performance.

In the agricultural sector, Docusate functions as a surfactant in pesticide and herbicide formulations, helping chemicals spread more evenly across plant surfaces and increasing their effectiveness.
By reducing the surface tension of water-based solutions, it ensures better coverage of crops, leading to improved protection and efficiency.
Docusate is also used in the formulation of shampoos, skin cleansers, and other personal care products, where it acts as an emulsifier and foaming agent.

Docusate is approved and recommended as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Docusate is not recommended in people with appendicitis, acute abdomen, or ileus.
Docusate not able to bear strong acid, strong alkali, heavy metallic salt and reductant etc.

Docusate provides perfect mixing of pesticides and fertilizers with water.
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate contributes to the homogeneous spreading of the material on the palm of the plant.
Thanks to its dissolving feature, DOS 70 increases the eectiveness of pesticides in agricultural control.

Docusate has excellent emulsifying and wetting properties.
Docusate is soluble in water.
It provides excellent wetting by providing a fast and even distribution.

Docusate is colorless to yellowish liquid, easy soluble in water, solution is milk white, PH value 5.0-7.0 (1% aqueous solution), soluble in low alcohol etc hydrophilia solvent, also soluble in benzene, carbon tetrachloride, kerosene, petroleum series solvent.
Docusate is a kind anionic surfactant, have good wettability, permeability, emulsibility and foamability.
Docusate helps to evenly distribute oil-based and water-based ingredients, providing a stable, uniform texture in cosmetic formulations.

In textile and leather industries, this compound is widely employed in dyeing and finishing processes, where it improves the penetration of dyes into fabrics and leather surfaces.
Its surfactant properties help to achieve even color distribution and reduce spotting or streaking issues.
Docusate is an essential surfactant and wetting agent that plays a crucial role in various industries, ranging from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to industrial processing, agriculture, and cosmetics.

Its ability to enhance the spreading, absorption, and emulsification of liquids makes it a highly valuable ingredient in many formulations.
Whether it is being used to improve drug delivery in stool softeners, enhance pigment dispersion in coatings, or boost the efficiency of agricultural sprays, Docusate remains an important component in modern chemical applications.
Docusate is the dioctyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinate (bis-2-ethyl-hexyl sodium sulfosuccinate).

Docusate dissolves slowly in water; at 25°C to the extent of 1.5 gm/100cc; at 70°C, 5.5 gm/100cc.
It dissolves in oils, hydrocarbons, fats and waxs by heating above 75°C and remains in solution when cooled to room temperature.
At room temperature, Docusate is readily soluble in most organic solvents, both polar and non-polar.

Soluble in carbon tetrachloride, petroleum ether, naphtha, xylene, dibutyl phthalate, liquid petroleum, acetone, alcohol, vegetable oils.
Docusate, when used with ear syringing, may help with earwax removal, particularly in the case of impaction.
Docusate is also used as a lubricant in the production of tablets and as an emulsier in topical preparations and other suspensions.

Uses:
Docusate is used in the following products: polymers, washing & cleaning products, textile treatment products and dyes, lubricants and greases, pH regulators and water treatment products, metal working fluids, leather treatment products and hydraulic fluids.
Docusate is used in the following areas: mining, agriculture, forestry and fishing, municipal supply (e.g. electricity, steam, gas, water) and sewage treatment and formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
Docusate is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, textile, leather or fur, plastic products and food products.

Release to the environment of Docusate can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), as processing aid, formulation of mixtures and manufacturing of the substance.
Release to the environment of Docusate can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance, formulation of mixtures, in processing aids at industrial sites, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), as processing aid and for thermoplastic manufacture.

Docusate is a highly effective wetting agent, emulsifier, dispersant, and surfactant that is widely utilized across multiple industries due to its unique ability to lower surface tension, enhance the spreadability of liquids, and improve the solubility of hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions.
Its ability to facilitate the mixing of substances that would otherwise be immiscible makes it an essential ingredient in a diverse range of applications, including pharmaceuticals, industrial processing, agriculture, cosmetics, and textiles.
Below are some of its most notable uses, explained in detail with longer descriptions.

One of the most well-known uses of Docusate is in the pharmaceutical industry, where it serves as the active ingredient in stool softeners and laxatives, such as docusate sodium.
These medications are commonly prescribed to individuals suffering from constipation, as the compound works by increasing the penetration of water into the stool, thereby softening it and making bowel movements much easier to pass.
The ability of Docusate to function as a gentle and effective surfactant in the gastrointestinal tract has made it a staple ingredient in over-the-counter and prescription laxatives.

Additionally, Docusate is sometimes used in medical-grade emulsions and drug delivery systems, where it helps enhance the bioavailability and absorption of poorly soluble drugs, allowing for more efficient therapeutic effects in the body.
Docusate is widely used as a dispersing agent and wetting agent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and paints, where it helps ensure that pigments, dyes, and other solid particles are evenly dispersed within liquid formulations.
Without the use of effective surfactants like dioctyl sulfosuccinate, many industrial coatings and paints would suffer from poor adhesion, uneven application, and clumping of pigments, leading to subpar performance.

Its presence in adhesives enhances surface wetting and bonding strength, while in printing inks, it allows for better flow properties, improved print quality, and reduced smudging.
Docusate is often used in metalworking fluids, lubricants, and cleaning solutions, where it plays a role in breaking down grease, oils, and contaminants, making it easier to clean and process various materials.
Another significant application of Docusate is in the agricultural industry, where it functions as a surfactant in pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide formulations.

Its ability to reduce the surface tension of water-based sprays allows for better adhesion and spreading of agrochemicals on plant surfaces, ensuring that pesticides and herbicides cover crops more efficiently without immediately running off.
This increased coverage leads to enhanced absorption of active ingredients, making treatments more effective and reducing the amount of product needed per application.
By improving the distribution and penetration of agricultural chemicals, dioctyl sulfosuccinate plays a key role in boosting crop protection, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact.

In the cosmetics and personal care industry, Docusate is commonly used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in a wide variety of formulations, including shampoos, liquid soaps, body washes, facial cleansers, and skincare products.
Docusate helps to ensure that oil-based and water-based ingredients mix properly, creating stable and homogenous emulsions that maintain their consistency over time.
In shampoos and body washes, it contributes to mild foaming action and effective cleansing, helping to remove dirt, oils, and residues from the skin and hair without excessive dryness or irritation.

Additionally, Docusate is often found in makeup removers and micellar water formulations, where its mild surfactant properties help dissolve stubborn makeup and impurities while remaining gentle on the skin.
In household cleaning products, such as dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and surface cleaners, Docusate enhances degreasing power and helps break down tough stains, making it easier to remove grime from various surfaces.
Within the textile and leather industries, dioctyl sulfosuccinate is widely used in dyeing and finishing processes, where it improves the wetting and penetration of dyes into fabrics and leather materials.

Since certain textiles and leathers naturally resist water absorption, surfactants like Docusate help ensure that dye solutions spread uniformly across the material, leading to even color distribution and minimized blotching or streaking.
This property is particularly important in high-end textile manufacturing, leather tanning, and fabric treatment processes, where uniformity in color and texture is a critical quality factor.
Additionally, Docusate is often used as a fabric softener component, helping to create smoother, more comfortable textiles with improved flexibility and durability.

The solid material is hygroscopic and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Docusate is a mild surfactant used as a cleans ing agent.
Docusate, used for the treatment of constipation, acting as a laxative or stool softener.

Also used in the synthesis of electrospun fibres for tailored and controlled antibiotic drug release.
Forms reverse micelles in hydrocarbon solvents; Suitable for the solubilization of the major myelin transmembrane proteolipid
Docusate salt is a wetting and emulsifying agent that is slowly soluble in water, having a solubility of 1 g in 70 ml of water.

Docusate functions as a wetting agent in fumaric acid-containing powdered fruit drinks to help the acid dissolve in water.
Docusate is used as a stabilizing agent on gums at not more than 0.5% by weight of the gum.

Docusate is used as a flavor potentiator in canned milk where it improves and maintains the flavor of the sterilized milk during storage.
It also functions as a processing aid in the manufacture of unrefined sugar.
Docusate is also termed sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate.

Docusate is used in the following products: coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, washing & cleaning products, adhesives and sealants, finger paints and fertilisers.
Other release to the environment of Docusate is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Release to the environment of Docusate can occur from industrial use: of articles where the substances are not intended to be released and where the conditions of use do not promote release.

Other release to the environment of Docusateis likely to occur from: outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials), outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)), indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment) and indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints).
Docusate can be found in products with material based on: fabrics, textiles and apparel (e.g. clothing, mattress, curtains or carpets, textile toys), plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones), wood (e.g. floors, furniture, toys) and leather (e.g. gloves, shoes, purses, furniture).

Docusate is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products and polishes and waxes.
Docusate is used in the following areas: mining, agriculture, forestry and fishing, formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging and municipal supply (e.g. electricity, steam, gas, water) and sewage treatment.
Docusate is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, textile, leather or fur, plastic products and food products.

Other release to the environment of Docusateis likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Docusate is used in the following products: metal working fluids, polymers, lubricants and greases, hydraulic fluids, plant protection products, pH regulators and water treatment products and textile treatment products and dyes.
Docusate has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).

Release to the environment of Docusate can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), in processing aids at industrial sites, as processing aid, for thermoplastic manufacture and formulation in materials.

Safety Profile:
Docusate should not be administered with mineral oil as it may increase the absorption of the oil.
Poison by intravenous route moderately toxic by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes.
Docusate a skin and severe eye irritant.

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SOx and Na2O.
While Docusate is widely used in pharmaceuticals, industrial applications, and consumer products, it does come with certain hazards and safety concerns, particularly when handled in concentrated forms.
Below is a detailed breakdown of potential health, environmental, and fire-related hazards, as well as recommended safety precautions to minimize risks.

Prolonged exposure to aerosolized or misted forms of Docusate may cause respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, throat discomfort, or difficulty breathing.
High concentrations in enclosed spaces may result in dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
Docusate salts are used in oral formulations as therapeutic agents for their fecal softening and laxative properties.

As a laxative in adults, up to 500mg of Docusate is administered daily in divided doses; in children over 6 months old, up to 75 mg in divided doses is used.
The quantity of docusate sodium used as an excipient in oral formulations should therefore be controlled to avoid unintended laxative effects.
Adverse effects associated with Docusate include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and skin rashes.

As with the chronic use of laxatives, the excessive use of docusate sodium may produce hypomagnesemia.
Docusate salts are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted in bile; they may cause alteration of the gastrointestinal epithelium.
The gastrointestinal or hepatic absorption of other drugs may also be affected by docusate salts, enhancing activity and possibly toxicity.