Product Name: Sodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate (commonly referred to as DOSS or OT-70)
Chemical Name: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Sodium Sulfosuccinate
CAS Number: 577-11-7
Primary Applications: Ultra-fast agricultural wetting agent, textile penetrant, coating leveler, and industrial emulsifier.
1. Product Overview
Sodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate (DOSS) is widely considered one of the most powerful anionic wetting agents commercially available. While standard surfactants lower surface tension gradually, the unique “twin-tailed” molecular structure of DOSS allows it to crash the surface tension of aqueous solutions almost instantly.
This rapid action forces water to spread completely flat across incredibly highly hydrophobic (water-repelling) surfaces, such as waxy plant cuticles, synthetic textile fibers, or oily metal parts. It operates primarily as a super-wetter and penetrant, but also functions effectively as an emulsifier and dispersant in complex chemical formulations.
2. Physical & Chemical Specifications
(Based on the industry-standard 70% active liquid formulation)
| Parameter | Specification |
| Appearance | Colorless to Light Yellow Viscous Liquid |
| Active Content | 70.0% ± 2.0% |
| Solvent Matrix | Water / Short-chain alcohol (e.g., Ethanol or Propylene Glycol) |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Surface Tension (0.1% at 25°C) | < 30 dynes/cm (Excellent) |
| Wetting Time (0.1% solution) | ≤ 5 seconds |
| Ionic Character | Anionic |
3. Key Industrial Benefits
Because DOSS works faster and at lower concentrations than almost any other surfactant class, it is a crucial additive for high-performance applications:
For Agriculture (Pesticides & Foliar Sprays):
- Instant Spreading & Sticking: When sprayed onto a field, agrochemicals tend to bead up and roll off the leaves. DOSS immediately flattens the spray droplet, maximizing the contact area between the active chemical ingredient and the plant tissue.
- Enhanced Penetration: It physically softens the waxy outer layer of the leaf, driving herbicides and fungicides directly into the cellular structure of the plant before they can evaporate or be washed away by rain.
For Textiles & Leather:
- Flash Wetting: In the textile prep phase (scouring, desizing, and bleaching), time is money. DOSS forces processing liquids to penetrate tightly woven fabrics in seconds, ensuring continuous, high-speed manufacturing lines do not bottleneck.
- Leather Dyeing: Acts as a vital penetrant that pulls dyes and tanning agents deep into the dense collagen matrix of raw hides.
For Paints, Inks, & Coatings:
- Anti-Cratering: When formulating water-based paints or printing inks, DOSS eliminates surface defects like “fish-eyes” and craters by ensuring the liquid coating wets evenly over dirty or low-energy substrates (like plastics).
4. Recommended Dosage & Application
DOSS is highly concentrated. A little goes a very long way, which keeps formulation costs low.
- Agrochemical Tank Mixes: For standard wettable powders (WP) or emulsifiable concentrates (EC), formulators typically dose between 0.1% to 1.0% of the total volume. For end-user field spraying, just a few drops per gallon drastically improves coverage.
- Textile Processing baths: Add 0.5 to 2.0 g/L to the scouring or dyeing bath depending on the density of the fabric being processed.
- Water-Based Coatings: Integrate 0.1% to 0.5% by total weight during the let-down phase of paint manufacturing to achieve a flawless, mirror-like finish.
5. Packaging & Storage
- Standard Packaging: Commercially shipped in 200 kg / 220 kg high-density plastic drums or 1000 kg IBC Totes.
- Storage Protocol: Store indoors in a cool, well-ventilated area. Because the 70% formulation contains a volatile solvent (like ethanol or a glycol ether) to keep it in a liquid state, it must be kept strictly away from open flames, sparks, and extreme heat.
- Cold Weather Handling: If exposed to freezing temperatures, the product may stratify or become cloudy. Simply warm it gently to room temperature and stir well to fully restore its original properties.