Sodium 3-Hydroxybenzenesulfonate: FAQs & Lab Guide

Sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate is a water-soluble aromatic sulfonate salt widely used in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and materials research as a versatile building block and reagent.

Chemical Name

Sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate (also known as sodium m-phenolsulfonate)

Molecular Formula

C₆H₅NaO₄S

Key Functional Groups

Phenolic hydroxyl (–OH) and sulfonate (–SO₃Na) groups on a benzene ring at the meta position

Aladdin SKU

S587225

Physical Form

White to off-white crystalline solid

Solubility

Readily soluble in water; sparingly soluble in common organic solvents

What Is Sodium 3-Hydroxybenzenesulfonate?

Sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate (CAS registry; SKU S587225) is the sodium salt of 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid, an aromatic compound bearing both a phenolic hydroxyl group and a sulfonate group in the meta (1,3) configuration on the benzene ring. Its molecular formula is C₆H₅NaO₄S, and it presents as a white to off-white crystalline powder under ambient conditions.

The simultaneous presence of a hydrogen-bond-donating phenol and an ionic sulfonate group makes this compound highly water-soluble and bifunctionally reactive. It is therefore employed as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, as a ligand precursor in coordination chemistry, and as a model compound in studies of sulfonated aromatic systems relevant to ion-exchange membranes and polymer electrolytes.

Common Research Applications

Sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate serves multiple roles across research disciplines:

• Organic Synthesis: Acts as a nucleophilic phenolate synthon and sulfonation building block for the preparation of more complex sulfonated aromatic structures, dyes, and surfactants.
• Polymer and Materials Science: Used as a model monomer or reference compound when investigating sulfonated aromatic polymers for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) research.
• Analytical Chemistry: Serves as a standard or calibration compound in ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis for the separation and detection of aromatic sulfonates.
• Coordination Chemistry: The phenolate oxygen can coordinate to metal centers, making it useful for synthesising metal-phenolsulfonate complexes.

Researchers should verify suitability for their specific assay conditions before use.

Handling, Storage, and Safety

Personal Protective Equipment: As with all laboratory reagents, wear appropriate personal protective equipment including nitrile gloves, safety spectacles, and a lab coat when handling sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood when weighing powders to avoid inhalation of dust.

Storage: Store the compound in a tightly sealed container at room temperature (15–25 °C), away from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and sources of moisture. Keeping the container sealed between uses prevents hygroscopic uptake and maintains product integrity.

Disposal: Dispose of waste material according to applicable local regulations for water-soluble aromatic sulfonates. Consult your institution's environmental health and safety (EHS) office for specific guidance.

Note: Consult the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for S587225 for complete hazard classification, first-aid measures, and regulatory information before use.

Purity, Grades, and Quality Specifications

Aladdin Scientific supplies sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate (SKU S587225) as a research-grade reagent. Researchers requiring specific purity thresholds for sensitive assays—such as HPLC-based quantification or biological studies—should consult the product's Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which documents lot-specific purity data obtained by methods such as titrimetry or HPLC.

When comparing suppliers, key quality parameters to request include:

• Assay purity (% by HPLC or titration)
• Residual moisture content (% w/w)
• Heavy metals content
• Appearance and colour

Contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team for CoA requests, custom packaging, or bulk quantities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CAS number for sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate?

The CAS registry number for sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate should be confirmed on the product's Certificate of Analysis or Safety Data Sheet available from Aladdin Scientific for SKU S587225, as this field requires authoritative verification from the official product documentation.

Is sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate soluble in water?

Yes. Sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate is readily soluble in water due to the highly polar, ionisable sulfonate group (–SO₃Na). Aqueous stock solutions can generally be prepared with ease, making it convenient for use in aqueous reaction media and analytical separations. Solubility in most common organic solvents is limited.

How should sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate be stored to maintain stability?

Store sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate in a tightly closed container at room temperature (15–25 °C), away from moisture, strong oxidisers, and strong bases. The compound can be hygroscopic, so keeping the container sealed between uses is important to prevent water uptake that could affect purity and lot-to-lot consistency.

What are the typical research applications of sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate?

Sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate is used as a synthetic building block for sulfonated aromatic compounds, as an analytical standard in ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, as a model compound in polymer electrolyte membrane research, and as a ligand precursor in coordination chemistry. Researchers should verify suitability for their specific experimental application.

Can I request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for SKU S587225?

Yes. Aladdin Scientific provides lot-specific Certificates of Analysis for its reagents, including sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate (SKU S587225). You can request the CoA through Aladdin Scientific's customer service or technical support team, quoting your lot number found on the product label.

What personal protective equipment is recommended when handling this compound?

At minimum, wear nitrile gloves, safety spectacles, and a laboratory coat. When weighing or transferring the powder, work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to avoid inhalation of fine particles. Always consult the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for S587225 for the full hazard profile and first-aid procedures before beginning work.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific product page for Sodium 3-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, SKU S587225. Aladdin Scientific.
2. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. Wiley-Interscience. [General reference for aromatic sulfonate chemistry.]
3. Ionic Liquids and Aromatic Sulfonate Standards in Ion Chromatography — general analytical chemistry reference; specific citation to be confirmed.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.