Recognized Name: N-Lauroylsarcosine Sodium Salt
Chemical Formula: C15H28NO3Na
Common Use: Surfactant in laboratory and industrial settings, mainly for cell lysis and protein extraction. This white powder or crystalline substance dissolves easily in water, and users should look for it where specialized detergents are valued for breaking biological membranes. Its presence in scientific research and certain cleaning applications links straight to the reputation it’s earned for getting things done without fuss.
Potential Issues: Causes eye irritation and may irritate skin after direct contact. Respiratory discomfort shows up with inhalation of dust or powder. Harmful effects rarely surface with typical short-term use, but long exposure brings some risk. People with allergies or sensitive skin have reported minor reactions, but not everyone reacts the same. Industrial exposure often becomes a larger concern than home use.
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritant
Exposure Routes: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Main Ingredient: N-Lauroylsarcosine Sodium Salt
Chemical Identity: Detergent class surfactant
Concentration: Usually available at or close to 100 percent for laboratory-grade material. Impurities rarely feature except as trace moisture or non-harmful anti-caking agents.
CAS Number: 137-16-6
Eye Contact: Immediate rinsing with plenty of water for several minutes limits irritation. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if redness, pain, or vision issues stick around.
Skin Exposure: Rinse exposed skin with water and remove contaminated clothing. People sometimes overlook this, but even mild irritation gets worse if neglected.
Inhalation: Move into fresh air right away and relax. Use water to soothe throat if discomfort lingers.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and avoid forcing vomiting. Medical help becomes important if uncomfortable symptoms develop.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam fight fires effectively. Most laboratory settings plan for these fire risks, so common extinguishers do the job.
Hazards from Fire: Combustion releases carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides. Smoke inhalation can become a risk, so use proper protection.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing. Avoid inhaling vapors and keep a safe distance.
Personal Protection: Gloves, eye protection, and dust masks keep exposure minimal. Laboratory and factory workers know real accidents rarely look clean, so quick response matters.
Spill Response: Scoop up spilled solid, sweep into a container, and store for later disposal. Ventilate the area and wash with water after cleaning.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid letting the chemical enter drains or waterways. While not highly toxic to aquatic life, caution prevents unnecessary environmental load.
Safe Handling Advice: Work in a well-ventilated area, keep containers sealed, and avoid direct contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Small spills become big headaches if not addressed, so respect the process.
Storage Conditions: Store at room temperature away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers. Keep out of direct sunlight and prevent moisture from ruining the product.
Container Requirements: Use tightly sealed, properly labeled containers to avoid confusion and contamination.
Permissible Exposure Limits: No strict occupational exposure limits set, but dust control and sensible workplace practices protect staff.
Engineering Controls: Good ventilation keeps airborne dust low. Fume hoods or local exhausts work well for laboratory-scale handling.
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and dust-resistant lab coats form a basic defense. Respirators rarely become necessary unless dust concentrations rise markedly.
Appearance: White crystalline powder, soft and almost soapy to the touch.
Odor: Slight, fatty odor sometimes noticed at higher concentrations.
Melting Point: Around 195°C
Solubility: Freely soluble in water
pH: Slightly alkaline in solution, which contributes to its detergent power.
Stability: Stable under normal conditions, not known for spontaneous reactions.
Reactivity: Stable during recommended storage and use. No reports of hazardous polymerization, but strong acids and oxidizers can break it down.
Decomposition Products: Burns to release carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides. Users can usually control conditions to keep this from becoming an issue.
Other Effects: Moisture and prolonged heat exposure degrade the product’s quality.
Health Risk: Low toxicity for acute single exposure, but avoid unnecessary ingestion or inhalation. Some people report mild eye or skin irritation.
Chronic Risk: Prolonged and repeated exposure sometimes brings more severe skin reactions, dry or cracked skin, or mild respiratory discomfort. Data linking long-term exposure to severe health problems appears weak.
Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reproductive Effects: No evidence supporting cancer or genetic harm under normal handling conditions.
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderate concern for aquatic organisms at high concentrations, but not classified as highly toxic. Avoid direct disposal into water bodies.
Persistence: Breakdown happens over time, but complete removal from water sources takes a while. Responsible use and routine waste practices reduce risk.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to accumulate in animal tissues or food chains.
Waste Handling: Place contaminated material in properly labeled bins and seal bags or containers well. Follow local regulations to send for chemical waste processing.
Preventative Measures: Never flush large amounts into the sewer or natural streams. Always consult environmental staff or follow site-specific waste protocols.
Regulatory Classification: Transported as non-hazardous for road, rail, and air under most regulations.
Packing Requirements: Proper seals and packaging protect the powder from spills and moisture during shipping.
Other Concerns: Drivers and handlers benefit from access to basic hazard information in case of accidental release during transit.
Relevant Laws: Covered in general chemical regulations by many countries, with no special status as a hazardous substance.
Workplace Requirements: Most places expect safety labels, training for workers, and access to safety guidelines. The process builds trust and accountability for both supplier and user.
Environmental Regulation: Follow proper disposal and reporting rules to avoid environmental release—rules differ by country and region, but the principle stays the same.