Chloramine T，7080-50-4 (sodium N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide, often supplied as the trihydrate) is a stable, white crystalline N-chlorinated sulfonamide used widely as an oxidizing/chlorinating reagent in organic and analytical chemistry, and historically as a disinfectant/antiseptic. It is valuable in iodination of proteins, selective oxidations, and as a convenient chlorinating source in laboratory syntheses.

Chemical identity & typical product specifications

• IUPAC / common names: Sodium N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide; Chloramine-T; Tosylchloramide sodium.

• CAS: 7080-50-4.

• Typical form: White crystalline powder (often supplied as the trihydrate).

• Empirical / molecular formula (trihydrate): C₇H₇ClNNaO₂S · 3H₂O (common supplier notation). Molecular weight (trihydrate): ≈281.69 g·mol⁻¹ (supplier values vary slightly with hydration state).

• Appearance: White, odorless to mildly chlorinated smell solids.

• Melting point (reported): ~167–170 °C (supplier listings for trihydrate/anhydrous can vary).

• Typical assay / purity grades: reagent grade, ≥98–99% (COA available from major vendors).

Example product-spec table

Product features & advantages

• Reliable chlorine transfer / oxidizing power: Delivers active chlorine species (can form HOCl/ICl under conditions) that enable electrophilic chlorination/oxidation reactions with good selectivity in many lab syntheses.

• Solid, easy-to-weigh form: Compared with gaseous or liquid chlorine reagents, the solid trihydrate is convenient for reproducible reagent dosing in research settings.

• Useful in radiochemistry / protein labeling: Converts iodide to reactive iodine species (ICl) for electrophilic aromatic iodination — a standard method for iodinating tyrosine residues in peptides and proteins.

• Selective oxidations: Employed for selective oxidation of thioethers (e.g., methionine), oxidative cyclizations and as a nitrene precursor in certain transformations.

• Historical disinfectant/antimicrobial action: Has been used historically as a hospital antiseptic/disinfectant; it is less odorous and less strongly bleaching than sodium hypochlorite, though modern regulatory uses vary by jurisdiction.

Principal functions & typical laboratory / industrial uses

• Organic & synthetic chemistry: Chlorination / chloronium transfer and oxidative transformations (amine formation, nitrene chemistry, oxidative cyclization). Used as a reagent in many bench-scale transformations.

• Analytical chemistry & radiochemistry: Protein/peptide iodination (radioiodination and stable isotope labeling) via in-situ formation of ICl from iodide + chloramine-T. Common protocol in radiopharmaceutical labeling and immunochemistry.

• Biochemistry / enzymology: Selective oxidation of methionine residues, used in protein modification experiments and method development.

• Disinfectant / antiseptic (historical / limited): Was used in healthcare as a topical antiseptic and surface disinfectant; many modern suppliers discourage food/drug/pesticide uses and regulatory acceptance varies, so check local rules before using it as a biocide.

• Specialty chemical manufacture & research: Intermediate/oxidant in small-molecule or heterocycle syntheses on laboratory or pilot scale; reagent of choice where controlled N-chlorination or mild oxidation is required.

handling, preparation, typical laboratory practice

Always consult the supplier’s current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and your institution’s safety officer before use.

• Receiving & storage: Accept only intact, labeled containers. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct light and heat; many suppliers recommend storage under inert gas and <15 °C for maximum stability. Keep container tightly closed.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), eye protection (goggles/face shield as needed). Use in a fume hood when making solutions or performing reactions that release gases or vapors. Avoid inhalation and skin/eye contact.

• Weighing & solution preparation: Weigh solids quickly and avoid prolonged exposure to air. Prepare fresh aqueous solutions immediately before use — chloramine-T solutions are not long-term stable. Avoid acidic conditions that accelerate release of chlorine; follow established protocols for the reaction you are performing. (For iodination procedures, standardized molar ratios and timing are used in radiochemistry protocols — consult method-specific literature or your lab SOP).

• Typical laboratory precautions: Keep away from strong reducing agents, organics that can be rapidly oxidized, and incompatible materials (consult SDS). Avoid formation of free chlorine gas by mixing with acids. Work behind splash shield if large quantities are used.

• Waste & neutralization: Quench residual active chlorine with a reducing agent such as sodium thiosulfate prior to disposal (small lab-scale). Collect chlorinated waste separately; follow institutional hazardous waste procedures and local regulations. Do not pour reactive oxidants to drains.

• Spill response & first aid: For spills: isolate area, ventilate, use appropriate PPE, collect solid with inert absorbent and place into labeled container for disposal. For skin contact: remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with water for 15+ minutes; seek medical attention for severe exposure. For eye contact: flush with water for 15+ minutes and seek immediate medical care. If inhaled, move to fresh air; if breathing is difficult, seek medical care. Consult SDS for full emergency measures.

Quality control & product specifications manufacturers typically provide

Manufacturers normally supply a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and SDS; QC tests often include:

• Assay by titration / HPLC (value reported as % active); typical ≥98% for reagent grade.

• Moisture content / loss on drying (for trihydrate this is controlled).

• Melting point (consistency with hydration state).

• pH of aqueous solution for reference, heavy metals, chloride content, and microbial limits (if relevant to a specific grade). Suppliers provide lot-specific COA on request.

Applicable industries & target customers

Applicable industries

• Academic & industrial research laboratories (organic chemistry, biochemistry, radiochemistry).

• Radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and diagnostic labs (protein/peptide iodination).

• Analytical and clinical chemistry labs (reagent for specific assays and modifications).

• Specialty chemical manufacturers and CROs developing synthetic methodology.

• Historically: hospital/medical disinfection (current use subject to regulatory restrictions).

Target customers

• Universities, research institutes, and teaching labs.

• Biotech/pharma companies and CROs performing labeling or selective oxidation chemistries.

• Radiopharmacies and nuclear medicine facilities needing reagents for iodination.

• Specialty reagent distributors and chemical manufacturers purchasing in larger quantities.

Regulatory & safety notes

Many suppliers explicitly state “uses advised against: food, drug, pesticide or biocidal product use” — check local regulations if you intend to use Chloramine-T as a disinfectant or in any product intended for human or animal contact. Modern use as a hospital disinfectant is historical and market/regulatory acceptance varies by country.

It is an oxidizing agent and can be corrosive/irritant; ingestion or significant exposure can be harmful (SDS lists LD₅₀ and irritation details). Use administrative and engineering controls, PPE, and waste protocols.

Buying & supplier considerations

When sourcing Chloramine-T, consider:

• Grade & purity (reagent vs analytical vs extra pure).

• Hydration state (trihydrate is common and affects MW/calculation).

• Documentation (COA, SDS, shipping classification).

• Storage & shelf-life (supplier recommendations on temperature, light and inert gas).