It is also highly soluble in xylene, oleic acid, acetone, diacetone alcohol, methanol, isopropanol,
2-butanol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, furfurol, and vegetable oils.The ester groups are easily cleaved under basic conditions, but are stable against acids. Synthesis
Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate can be obtained by treating  dioctyl maleate with sodium bisulfite. The bisulfite anion adds to the double bond:

−CH=CH− + HSO−3 → −CH(−SO−3)−CH2−

Toxicity
Ingestion may cause the side effects described above, such as diarrhea, intestinal bloating, and occasionally cramping pains. Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate is not known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic. Marine species
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate is of low toxicity for crustaceans such as the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus and the shrimp Crangon crangon. Toxicity for molluscs varies widely, with 48-hour LD50 found between 5 mg/L for the common limpet and 100 mg/L for the common periwinkle. Various species of phytoplankton have an LD50 around 8 mg/L. In a 2010 study, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate exhibited higher toxicity against bacteria (Vibrio fischeri, Anabaena sp.) and algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) than did a number of fluorinated surfactants (PFOS, PFOA, or PFBS). Measuring bioluminescence inhibition of the bacteria and growth inhibition of the algae, the LD50 were in the range of 43–75 mg/L. Combinations of the fluorinated compounds with dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate showed mid to highly synergistic effects in most settings, meaning that such combinations are significantly more toxic than the individual substances. Freshwater species
The substance is highly toxic for rainbow trout with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.56 mg/L after 48 hours for the pure substance.
Multiple studies have found docusate to be no more effective than a placebo for improving constipation. Others have found it to be less useful for the treatment of chronic constipation than psyllium.The medication may be given to people who are receiving opioid medication, although prolonged use may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Other medical uses
Docusate sodium, when used with ear syringing, may help with earwax removal, particularly in the case of impaction.Sodium docusate is also used as a lubricant in the production of tablets and as an emulsifier in topical preparations and other suspensions. Precautions and contraindications
Docusate sodium is approved and recommended as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Docusate is not recommended in people with appendicitis, acute abdomen, or ileus.When taken by mouth it should be ingested with plenty of water. Side effects
Side effects are uncommon and typically mild, and may include stomach pain, abdominal cramps or diarrhea, Efficacy decreases with long-term use, and may cause poor bowel function.Serious allergic reactions may occur with the drug. The most severe side effect of docusate, although very rare, is rectal bleeding. Interactions
Docusate might increase resorption of other drugs, for example, dantron (1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone). Mechanism of action
Docusate is an anionic surfactant, which works by reducing the surface tension of the stool, allowing more intestinal water and fat to combine with the stool. This decreases the strain and discomfort associated with constipation.It does not stay in the gastrointestinal tract, but is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted via the gallbladder after undergoing extensive metabolism.