Solubility:Water: ~1 g/70 mL (slowly soluble, forms milky solution)
Organic Solvents: Soluble in many organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone)
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline in aqueous solution (typically 6–8)
Purity: ≥90%
Moisture Content: ≤5% (typical for powder form)
Density: ~1.1 g/cm³ (approximate, varies with hydration)
Applications
Industrial: Wetting agent, emulsifier, dispersant, surfactant in emulsion polymerization, textile processing, paints, coatings, and agrochemicals.
Pharmaceutical: Stool softener and laxative (e.g., in products like Colace).
Food: FDA-approved as a wetting agent (e.g., in fumaric acid-acidulated beverages, up to 10 ppm in finished product) and emulsifier (e.g., in cheese spreads, up to 0.5% by weight).
Cosmetics: Emulsifying and dispersing agent in formulations.
Specifications
Assay: ≥97% active DOSS content (varies by supplier)
Impurities: Heavy metals <10 ppm, residual solvents within regulatory limits
Particle Size: Typically fine powder (specific mesh size may vary, e.g., 100–200 mesh)
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC): ~0.17% in deionized water at 21°C; lower in saline (~0.125%)
Handling and Storage
Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust. Use in well-ventilated areas. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers. Avoid exposure to strong acids, bases, or oxidizing agents.
Shelf Life: Typically 2 years under proper storage conditions (consult supplier for exact data).
Safety Information
Hazard Classification:
Eye Irritation: Category 2 (may cause irritation)
Skin Irritation: Category 2 (mild irritant)
Toxicity: Low acute toxicity (LD50 oral, rat: >2000 mg/kg). Not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic per available data.
Environmental: Biodegradable; highly toxic to some aquatic species (e.g., rainbow trout LC50: 0.56 mg/L at 48 hours).
Packaging
Available Sizes: 1 kg, 25 kg, or bulk (e.g., drums or bags) depending on supplier.
Material: HDPE bags or containers to prevent moisture ingress.
Regulatory Compliance
FDA: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for specified food uses (21 CFR 172.810).
WHO: Listed on the List of Essential Medicines (as Docusate Sodium).
REACH: Registered for industrial use in the EU (check supplier for specific compliance).
