Hydrotropes and solubilizers

In concentrated liquid detergents and industrial cleaners, hydrotropes keep formulas clear and pourable, lower the cloud point, prevent phase separation at low temperatures and allow higher active levels. They also help in alkaline cleaners where surfactants would otherwise salt out, and they are used in some textile, paper and pharmaceutical processes.

Ask for active content (often 40 percent solutions), sodium sulfate, unsulfonated matter, pH and colour. Hydrotropes are cheap compared with surfactants, so the right amount can lower formula cost while keeping stability. Many are readily biodegradable, which suits ecolabel products. In customs, aryl sulfonates usually fall under HS heading 2904 or 3402 depending on use and form.