Dodecyl sulfate, often referred to as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), is an anionic surfactant commonly used in laboratories and industrial applications. It is a detergent that helps to solubilize proteins and other biomolecules, making it essential in techniques like SDS-PAGE, which is used for separating proteins based on their size. In addition to its role in biochemistry, dodecyl sulfate is also found in personal care products, such as shampoos and soaps, due to its ability to create foam and enhance cleaning. Its chemical structure consists of a long hydrophobic tail and a negatively charged sulfate group, which contributes to its surfactant properties.