Sodium dodecylphenolate is a type of anionic surfactant widely used in industrial fields. It is typically produced through the reaction of dodecylphenol with a suitable alkali, resulting in a compound with strong surface activity.

In industrial applications, its core functions are closely tied to its surfactant properties. It exhibits excellent emulsifying capabilities, which allow it to disperse oil-based substances into water-based systems uniformly. This makes it a key component in formulations such as industrial detergents and metal cleaning agents, where it helps break down and remove oil stains and grease deposits effectively.

Additionally, it serves as an effective wetting agent. By reducing the surface tension of liquids, it enables solutions to spread and penetrate more easily across solid surfaces, enhancing the performance of products like textile auxiliaries and agricultural formulations. Its dispersing properties also make it useful in stabilizing suspensions, preventing particle aggregation in various chemical mixtures.