Catalog | DGS577117 |
CAS | 577-11-7 |
Structure | ![]() |
Description | Docusate, also known as docusate salts or dioctyl sulfosuccinate, is a laxative used to treat constipation. It is considered a good choice in children who have hard feces. For constipation due to the use of opiates it may be used with a stimulant laxative. It can be taken by mouth or rectally. Usually it works in one to three days.Side effects are uncommon. Rarely there may be abdominal cramps or diarrhea. Long term use may cause poor bowel function. Docusate is acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is a laxative of the stool softener type and works by allowing more water to be absorbed by the feces. It typically comes in the form of a sodium, calcium, or potassium salts.It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic medication and is not very expensive. In the United States one hundred doses are about 14 USD. Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate is also used as a food additive, emulsifier, dispersant, and wetting agent, among others. |
Synonyms | Docusate sodium salt; Sulfosuccinic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester sodium salt |
IUPAC Name | sodium;1,4-bis(2-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonate |
Molecular Weight | 444.56 |
Molecular Formula | C20H37NaO7S |
Canonical SMILES | CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)CC(C(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC)S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Na+] |
InChI | InChI=1S/C20H38O7S.Na/c1-5-9-11-16(7-3)14-26-19(21)13-18(28(23,24)25)20(22)27-15-17(8-4)12-10-6-2;/h16-18H,5-15H2,1-4H3,(H,23,24,25);/q;+1/p-1 |
InChI Key | APSBXTVYXVQYAB-UHFFFAOYSA-M |
Melting Point | 173-179 °C(lit.) |
Flash Point | 199ºC |
Purity | ≥98.0% |
Density | 1.1g/ml |
Solubility | SOL IN WATER (G/L): 15 (25 °C), 23 (40 °C), 30 (50 °C), 55 (70 °C); SOL IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE, PETROLEUM ETHER, NAPHTHA, XYLENE, DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, LIQUID PETROLATUM, ACETONE, ALCOHOL, VEGETABLE OILS; VERY SOL IN WATER-MISCIBLE ORGANIC SOLVENTS;FREELY SOL IN GLYCERIN;Water Solubility = 71000 mg/L @ 25 °C |
Appearance | Solid |
Application | Docusate Sodium serves primarily as a surfactant in pharmaceutical formulations, enhancing the wetting and dissolution processes in capsule and tablet manufacturing. With its characteristic waxlike appearance and octanol-like odor, this compound, also known as dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, exhibits hygroscopic properties and comes in various forms such as pellets and flakes. While it dissolves slowly in water, its versatility is showcased by its solubility in a range of organic solvents, making it a valuable ingredient in multiple applications. In addition to its role in pharmaceuticals, Docusate Sodium acts as a wetting agent in powdered fruit drinks, aids in flavor enhancement in canned milk, and serves as a stabilizer for gums, emphasizing its multifaceted utility across different industries. |
Storage | 4°C, sealed storage, away from moisture and light*In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture and light) |
Complexity | 546 |
EC Number | 209-406-4 |
Exact Mass | 444.21576897 |
Formal Charge | 0 |
Heavy Atom Count | 29 |
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count | 7 |
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count | 0 |
Isomeric SMILES | CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)CC(C(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC)S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Na+] |
MDL Number | MFCD00012455 |
Monoisotopic Mass | 444.21576897 |
Rotatable Bond Count | 8 |
Shipping | Can be shipped at room temperature, where not in use may vary. |
Stability | Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
Storage Conditions | 2-8ºC |
Topological Polar Surface Area | 118 Ų |
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