Sodium Gualenate is the sodium salt form of guaiazulene sulfonate, a water-soluble derivative of Guaiazulene. Here’s a detailed overview of the chemical structure and physical properties of Sodium Gualenate:
Chemical Structure of Sodium Gualenate
IUPAC Name: Sodium 4-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo]benzenesulfonate
Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₁₀NNaO₄S
Molecular Weight: ~334.31 g/mol
Structure Features:
- Sodium Gualenate is an azo compound, containing a characteristic –N=N– (azo) linkage between aromatic rings.
- One aromatic ring is naphthol-based (2-hydroxy-naphthalene), giving it phenolic properties.
- The other aromatic ring is sulfonated, providing a –SO₃Na group for water solubility.
- The molecule is planar in the azo region, which contributes to its chromophore properties (color).
Physical Properties of Sodium Gualenate
| Property | Description |
| Appearance | Orange to reddish-orange powder or crystals |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water due to the sodium sulfonate group; insoluble in most organic solvents |
| Melting Point | ~290–295 °C (decomposes) |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; sensitive to strong oxidizing agents |
| pH in aqueous solution | Slightly alkaline (pH 7–9) |
| Color properties | Intense orange-red color; used in dyes or pigments due to its azo chromophore |
Chemical Behavior
- Chemical BehaviorpH Sensitivity: Can form different ionic states depending on pH (phenol vs phenolate).
- Lightfastness: Azo compounds can degrade under UV light; stability may be enhanced with proper formulation.
- Reactivity: The phenolic group can participate in electrophilic substitution reactions, and the azo linkage can undergo reduction to form corresponding amines.
Sodium Gualenate is mainly valued for its water solubility and vibrant azo color, making it useful in textiles, cosmetics, and analytical dyes.
If you want, I can also draw a clear structural diagram showing the azo linkage, sulfonate, and hydroxyl groups, which makes understanding its properties much easier.
Do you want me to make that diagram?