4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid, also known as Sudan IV, is a red dye commonly used in industry for coloring waxes, oils, shoe polish, and some plastics. Despite its limited direct presence in most individuals’ daily lives, the dye plays a significant role in enhancing the visual appeal of various consumer products. Its vibrant hue and chemical stability make it a popular choice for adding color to everyday items, ultimately contributing to the overall aesthetic experience of consumers.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid, also known as Sudan IV, finds itself with a variety of commercial and industrial applications. This compound is commonly used as a dye in the textile industry, imparting a reddish-brown color to various fabrics. Additionally, Sudan IV is utilized in the food industry as a coloring agent for products such as butter, cheese, and snacks.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid plays a vital role in laboratory settings. It is often utilized as a histological stain to aid in the visualization of lipids in biological samples. This staining technique is particularly useful in the study of lipid-rich tissues and can provide valuable insights into various physiological processes.
Furthermore, the unique properties of Sudan IV make it a valuable tool in the field of research and development. This compound is often employed in lipid extraction procedures to isolate and quantify fatty acids in samples. Its ability to selectively bind to lipids enables researchers to analyze lipid profiles in various biological samples, aiding in the understanding of lipid metabolism and related diseases.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid appears as a red solid with no distinct odor. Its chemical structure contains a naphthalene group, an azo group, and a benzenesulphonic acid group.
The molar mass of 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid is approximately 346.36 g/mol, with a density of about 1.48 g/cm³. This puts it in the range of common food items such as table salt (NaCl) and granulated sugar, which have molar masses and densities in a similar range.
4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid has a melting point of around 300 °C and a boiling point of approximately 675 °C. Comparatively, common food items like butter and chocolate have much lower melting and boiling points, making 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid more heat-resistant.
4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid is sparingly soluble in water and has a high viscosity. This contrasts with common food items like salt and sugar, which are highly soluble and have low viscosities when dissolved in water.
🏭 Production & Procurement
4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid is commonly produced through the diazotization of 2-amino-1-naphthol with sodium nitrite in acidic conditions, followed by coupling with benzene sulfonic acid. This reaction typically takes place in a batch reactor under controlled temperature and pressure conditions to ensure product purity and yield.
Procurement of 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid can be achieved through chemical suppliers or manufacturers specializing in the production of azo dyes and related compounds. The substance is typically transported in sealed containers, such as drums or bags, to prevent contamination or degradation during transit. Special precautions may be required due to the compound’s potential reactivity and sensitivity to light and moisture.
Upon arrival, the 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat to maintain its stability and shelf life. Proper labeling and handling instructions should be provided to ensure safe storage and use in laboratory or industrial applications. It is recommended to consult the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for detailed information on handling, storage, and disposal of the compound.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid should be taken into account due to its potential hazards. This chemical is a skin irritant and can cause serious eye damage upon contact. It may also be harmful if swallowed or inhaled, leading to respiratory irritation. Therefore, appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, should be worn when handling this substance. Additionally, proper ventilation should be ensured to prevent inhalation of vapors.
The hazard statements for 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid include: “Causes skin irritation,” indicating its potential to irritate the skin upon contact. It is also classified as causing serious eye damage, highlighting the risk of eye injury if exposed to the eyes. Furthermore, it is labeled as harmful if swallowed or inhaled, emphasizing the need for precautions to prevent ingestion or inhalation of this substance.
Precautionary statements for 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid include: “Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection,” stressing the importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment while handling this chemical. It is also recommended to avoid breathing vapors, mist, or spray. In case of skin irritation or rash, medical advice should be sought, and contaminated clothing should be removed and washed before reuse. Proper handling and storage practices should be followed to minimize the risk of exposure and ensure safety when working with this substance.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid is the investigation of its applications in analytical chemistry. This compound has been used as a colorimetric reagent for the determination of various metal ions, making it a promising candidate for further studies in this area.
Another avenue for research lies in exploring the potential biological activities of 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid. Preliminary studies have shown that this compound exhibits antimicrobial properties, suggesting it may have potential as a therapeutic agent. Further investigations into its mechanism of action and toxicity profile could provide valuable insights.
Additionally, the synthesis and characterization of novel derivatives of 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid could offer new opportunities for research. By modifying the structure of this compound, researchers may be able to develop analogues with enhanced properties or applications. This approach could lead to the discovery of compounds with improved solubility, stability, or reactivity.
Lastly, the study of the environmental fate and impact of 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid could be a valuable research direction. Understanding the degradation pathways and potential ecological risks associated with this compound is essential for assessing its environmental impact. Further investigations into its presence in water sources and potential removal methods could contribute to the development of more sustainable practices.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid is 4-Aminobenzenesulfonic acid. It has a similar molecular structure, with a benzene ring attached to a sulfonic acid group. The difference lies in the presence of an amino group instead of an azo group.
Another compound with a comparable structure is Sodium 4-((2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulfonate. This compound has a sulfonic acid group like the original compound, but with sodium cations attached. The azo group is also present in this compound, but it is conjugated to a naphthyl group instead of a hydroxyl group.
A related compound is 4-Nitrobenzenesulfonic acid. This compound features a sulfonic acid group attached to a benzene ring, similar to 4-((2-Hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo)benzenesulphonic acid. However, it contains a nitro group instead of an azo group, leading to different chemical properties and reactivity.
