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Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 5324-84-5
  • IUPAC: Sodium octane-1-sulfonate

Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate (CAS 5324-84-5) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Sodium caprylyl sulfonate is a short-chain (C8) anionic sulfonate surfactant. At concentrate it can act as a mild skin and eye irritant (H315/H319 possible); product-level classification depends on concentration. It is not on California's Prop 65 list and is not classified as a carcinogen, asthmagen, or reproductive toxicant.

Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate (sodium octane-1-sulfonate, CAS 5324-84-5) is an anionic sulfonate surfactant used as a foaming agent and soil dispersant in alkaline cleaning and personal care formulations. It is a C8 alkyl sulfonate — shorter chain than the C12-16 lauryl/cetyl sulfonates common in shampoos. Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions (OECD 301 criteria). Aquatic toxicity is present at ingredient level but the short chain length limits bioaccumulation potential (low log Kow). No Prop 65 listing, no PFAS, no asthmagen classification. GHS classification at ingredient level: mild eye and skin irritant (H319/H315 possible at concentrate), but product-level classification depends on concentration and formulation context.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Anionic surfactant — foaming agent and soil dispersant in alkaline cleaning formulas

Common questions about Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate

What is Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate used for in car care?
Anionic surfactant — foaming agent and soil dispersant in alkaline cleaning formulas
Is Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate a VOC?
No. Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium Caprylyl Sulfonate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.