Sodium 2-Ethylhexyl Sulfate Supplier South Africa

What Is Sodium 2-Ethylhexyl Sulfate?

Sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate (SES) is an anionic surfactant produced by sulphation of 2-ethylhexanol followed by neutralisation with sodium hydroxide. Its branched-chain alkyl group gives it excellent solubility and wetting performance in cold water and in electrolyte-rich environments, where linear-chain surfactants such as SLES tend to cloud or precipitate at high salt concentrations.

Industrial and Formulation Advantages

SES provides rapid substrate wetting, good hard water tolerance, and compatibility with a broad range of builders, co-surfactants, and electrolytes. It is particularly effective as a wetting agent in industrial degreasers, metal cleaning compounds, and textile processing auxiliaries, where speed of surface wetting is critical and electrolyte levels are high. Its lower irritancy profile compared to SLS makes it a useful alternative in formulations for sensitive industrial applications.

Compatibility and Supply

Sodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate is compatible with most nonionic and amphoteric co-surfactants and with builders such as STPP and sodium silicate. Terracore Chemicals supplies it as a 35–38% aqueous solution in drums and IBCs, suitable for formulators producing industrial cleaners, degreasers, and specialty detergents across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.