TEXAS SPECIFICATION NO.
180-92-11B
SURFACTANT -- SODIUM XYLENESULFONATE (40% ACTIVE)
Effective Date: May 2011
1. SCOPE: This specification establishes the minimum requirements for a 40% aqueous solution of sodium
xylenesulfonate for use in the manufacture of liquid cleaning compositions.
Sodium xylenesulfonate is a member of the class of surfactants called hydrotropes. As used in liquid
detergent formulations, it stabilizes aqueous solutions containing both organic surfactants and inorganic
salts such as phosphates, which could otherwise be incompatible. It is a neutral salt of a strong acid, and
requires no unusual safety measures for handling.
2. DEFINITIONS:
Terminology used in this specification is intended to be generic in nature and consistent with meanings
that have been defined through general use and/or accepted trade practices. Where variant meanings
may exist, the applicable interpretation shall be determined by the Texas Procurement and Support
Services, a division of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA).
3. SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Sodium xylenesulfonate furnished under this specification
shall meet or exceed the following requirements:
3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The material shall be a clear, nearly colorless solution of a
reaction product prepared by sulfonation of xylene and subsequent neutralization with sodium
hydroxide. It shall be effective for the intended use as a solubilizer and compiling agent in liquid
cleaning compositions.
3.2 CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The product shall conform to the
requirements below, when tested by the procedure of Section 4.
Requirement Minimum Maximum Testing Method
Alcohol insoluble matter, *pbw -- 2 4.1
Active ingredient, *pbw 40 -- 4.2
Specific gravity, 60/60° F (15/15° C) 1.165 -- 4.3
Color, Gardner -- 2- 4.4
pH 7 9 4.5
*pbw: percent by weight
4. TESTING: Testing shall be performed by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
procedures: www.astm.org
ASTM D 1298 - Standard Practice for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of
Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
ASTM D 1544 - Standard Test Method for Color of Transparent Liquids (Gardner Color Scale)
ASTM D 1568 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Alkylbenzene Sulfonates
ASTM E 70 - Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions with the Glass Electrode
Testing shall be done by an independent laboratory (preferred ASTM recommended,
http://www.astm.org/LABS/search.html). Tests shall be performed on products will be provided to
ordering agencies.
The product furnished under this specification shall be tested by the following methods and testing
methods listed in the table of Section 3.2:
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TEXAS SPECIFICATION NO. 180-92-11B
SURFACTANT -- SODIUM XYLENESULFONATE (40% ACTIVE)
Effective Date: May 2011
4.1 Alcohol Insoluble Matter: Determine compliance by the procedure of ASTM D 1568.
4.2 Active Ingredient: Weigh to the nearest milligram an aluminum dish about 6 cm wide and 1.5 cm
deep. Transfer about 2 grams of test sample to the dish from a dropping bottle, obtaining the sample
weight by difference to the nearest milligram. Heat the dish and contents in a forced-draft oven at 105
± 2.5° C for two hours, or to constant weight. Cool in a disiccator for at least 10 minutes, weigh, and
determine the percent active ingredient from the formulas:
% total solids = 100 x g residue/ g sample.
% active ingredient = % total solids - % alcohol insoluble matter.
4.3 Specific Gravity: Determine compliance by the procedure of ASTM D 1298.
4.4 Color: Determine compliance by the procedure of ASTM D 1544.
4.5 pH: Test the product as received by the procedure of ASTM E 70.
4.6 Dilution Stability: Mix a 50 ml test sample with 150 ml deionized water in a small beaker or
Erlenmeyer flask. After 10 minutes standing at room temperature, observe for cloudiness or other
signs of separation of insoluble matter. Any such evidence of instability on dilution constitutes failure.
5. INSPECTION: Products furnished under this specification shall be inspected by, or at the direction of
the customer at the time of delivery.
6. PACKAGING: The product shall be packaged in polyethylene drums of 55 gallons (208 liters) capacity
containing approximately 535 lbs./ drum.
The material of the drum shall neither affect nor be affected by the contents for a period of one year from
date of delivery.
Packing for shipment shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's standard practice and in a manner
readily accepted by common carriers engaged in interstate commerce. Within the shipping carton, units
shall be packed in a manner designed to minimize damage during the shipment because of rough or
improper handling.
6.1. PACKAGE MARKINGS: Each shipping container shall be clearly marked with the following:
6.1.1. Name of contents, including brand name, if any.
6.1.2. Quantity contained in pounds and/or kilograms.
6.1.3. Name and address of the manufacturer.
6.1.4. Warning statements as required by governmental regulations. A label on a container of a
hazardous chemical must meet the requirements of the most current OSHA standards.
6.1.5. The following additional information shall either be marked on the container or appear on
the shipping documents:
Purchase order number or contract number.
Name and address of customer.
Customer’s requisition number.
6.2. LABELING: Each container shall bear a durable label containing the name of the product and
instructions for use, including required precautionary statements.
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TEXAS SPECIFICATION NO. 180-92-11B
SURFACTANT -- SODIUM XYLENESULFONATE (40% ACTIVE)
Effective Date: May 2011
7. COMPLIANCE: The vendor must comply with the following documents upon delivery:
7.1. Certificate of Analysis (CA): A certificate of analysis from the manufacturer shall be submitted with
each shipment.
7.2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): All Items must conform to the Texas Hazard Communications
Act by being certified as nontoxic or providing an official MSDS sheet conforming to the requirements
of the most current OSHA sta n dards. A copy of the official MSDS sheet for each applicable chemical
product must be submitted with each sample; each initial shipment; and updated MSDS must be
provided with the first shipment after update.
8. APPROVED PRODUCTS LIST (APL):
The CPA maintains an APL of products that meet or exceed the requirements of this specification. The
products being approved are listed as follows:
Manufacturer Brand Name / Product Number
Continental Chemical Company CONCO SXS
Pilot Industries of Texas, Inc. Pilot SXS-40
Ruetgers-Nease Chemical Company, Inc. Naxonate 4L
Stepan Company, Surfactant Department Stepanate SXS
Crompton Witconate SXS
To have a new product listed on the APL, the following procedures are required:
8.1. Submit a written request to CPA, Texas Procurement and Support Services Division and include the
following documentations:
Official Certificate of Analysis from an independent laboratory
The official Certificate of Analysis must list the following:
Chemical Name (CTFI/INCI name) and CAS No.
Manufacturer Name
Brand Name or Trade Name
Batch or Lot Identification Number
Each analytical result given as outlined in the RFP specifications
Laboratory Name, Address, and Contact Information
Detailed technical specifications
Product literature
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
8.2. The Certificate of Analysis will be reviewed and if approved, samples will be requested, in writing by
CPA, for compatibility testing. The shipping instructions will be provided to the vendor at the time of
the request.
8.3. A minimum of sixty (60) days will be required for compatibility testing to be conducted.
8.4. Sample sizes should be no less than 250 grams for powders and 500 ml for liquids. Each sample
must be accompanied with a current MSDS from the manufacturer. More samples may be
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TEXAS SPECIFICATION NO. 180-92-11B
SURFACTANT -- SODIUM XYLENESULFONATE (40% ACTIVE)
Effective Date: May 2011
requested in writing by CPA. Samples will not be accepted unless accompanied with the current
MSDS document for that material.
8.5. CONTINUED COMPLIANCE: Listing an approved product shall not relieve the vendor of providing
products meeting each requirement of this specification. The vendor shall notify the CPA, in writing,
of any changes in the product, address, brand name, etc.
8.6. REMOVAL FROM APL: Products on the APL may be removed for non-compliance, as determined
by the CPA, or for failure to provide notification of any change to APL product(s).
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