Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate is a chemical compound, a synthetic detergent derived from fatty alcohols with 12 and 13 carbon atoms, combined with polyethylene glycol and sulfate.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Sodium" indicates that the compound contains sodium, which is often used as a stabilizing agent or as part of a salt in chemical compounds.
• "C12-13" indicates that the compound contains a mixture of alkyl chains with 12 and 13 carbon atoms.
• "Pareth" indicates that the compound is a polyethylene glycol ether of a fatty alcohol.
• "Sulfate" indicates that the compound contains a sulfate group, which is a chemical function containing sulfur and oxygen.

Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.

• C12-13 fatty alcohols. These alcohols are derived from natural sources like vegetable oils or can be synthetically produced. They are used as a starting point for producing pareth.
• Ethylene oxide. A chemical compound used to ethoxylate fatty alcohols and form pareth.
• Sulfuric acid. Used for sulfating the polyethoxylated ether.
• Sodium hydroxide (or caustic soda). Used to neutralize sulfuric acid and form the sodium salt of pareth sulfate.

Form. Viscous liquid.

Color. Light yellow or translucent.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.

• Ethoxylation. The C12-13 fatty alcohols are reacted with ethylene oxide under pressure to form pareth.
• Sulfation. The pareth is then treated with sulfuric acid to introduce sulfate groups.
• Neutralization. The formed sulfate acid is neutralized with sodium hydroxide, forming the sodium salt of pareth sulfate.
• Purification. The product is purified to remove any impurities.

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products. Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate is often employed as a surfactant in various cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It has the ability to lift and remove dirt and oils from skin and hair, producing a rich lather.

Household Cleaning Products. This surfactant might also be found in some household cleansers, given its efficacy in lifting and removing dirt.