Sodium dodecyl sulfate


Sodium dodecyl sulfate (or sulphate) (SDS or NaDS) (C<sub>12</sub>H<sub>25</sub>NaO<sub>4</sub>S), also known as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), is an ionic surfactant that is used in household products such as toothpastes, shampoos, shaving foams and bubble baths for its thickening effect and its ability to create a lather. The molecule has a tail of 12 carbon atoms, attached to a sulfate group, giving the molecule the amphiphilic properties required of a detergent.