Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (CAS 27176-87-0), chemically identified as dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, is a high-active anionic surfactant precursor functioning as the fundamental cleaning agent in detergent powder production and liquid washing formulations. This viscous brown liquid, widely technically recognized as LABSA or DDBSA, serves as the hydrophilic acid form that must be neutralized to create the primary surface-active salts responsible for removing oily soils and particulate matter in laundry and dishwashing products. Caustic Soda is commonly used for neutralization where the sodium salt form is required. We provide bulk supply of this industrial raw material with competitive factory pricing to ensure formulation efficiency for large-scale chemical plants. Our continuous sulfonation process guarantees high purity and stable color, making MSDS, TDS, COA available alongside customized specifications to meet specific active matter (90% / 96%) requirements.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid CAS 27176-87-0
- CAS: 27176-87-0
- Synonyms: LABSA, Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, DDBSA, Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, LABS acid
- Einecs: 248-289-4
- Molecular Formula: C18H30O3S
- Grade: Detergent Grade
- Package: 215 kg net steel drum or 1,050 kg IBC tote; 17.2–18 MT/20'FCL (drums), 21 MT/20'FCL (IBCs)
Product Description
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) is a high-active anionic surfactant widely used as a key raw material in household and industrial detergents. It offers excellent detergency, wetting, foaming, emulsifying and dispersing performance and is known for good biodegradability.
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Physicochemical Properties
| Item | Typical Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Appearance (25 °C) | Brown to dark brown viscous liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic, slightly aromatic |
| Active Matter (as LABSA) | ≥ 96.0% |
| Free Oil | ≤ 2.0% |
| Free Inorganic Acid (as H₂SO₄) | ≤ 1.5% |
| Water Content | ≤ 1.0% |
| Color (Klett, 5% sol.) | ≤ 40–60 |
| Density (25 °C) | ~1.05–1.08 g/mL |
| Average Molecular Weight | ~320–323 |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with water (forms clear sol.) |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | Strongly acidic, typically < 2 |
| Pour Point (1% solution) | Approx. −12 °C |
| Biodegradability | ＞90% (aerobic, as LAS after neutralization) |
| Type | Anionic surfactant (sulfonic acid type) |
Applications
- Household Detergents
- Concentrated and regular laundry powders and liquids
- Dishwashing liquids and kitchen cleaners
- Multipurpose household surface cleaners, bathroom and toilet cleaners
- Industrial & Institutional Cleaning
- Car wash shampoos and truck wash detergents
- Hard-surface and floor cleaners
- Industrial degreasers and alkaline cleaning agents
- Textile & Leather Industry
- Wetting and scouring agents in textile pretreatment
- Emulsifiers and degreasing agents for leather processing
- Paper & Pulp
- Deinking and cleaning agents in paper recycling
- Other Uses
- Emulsifier in agrochemical formulations and some industrial emulsions
- Intermediate for producing sodium linear alkyl benzene sulfonate and other surfactants
For related anionic surfactant raw materials used in detergent systems, see Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate and Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate.
Storage Conditions
- Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
- Recommended storage temperature: typically 20–40 °C to keep viscosity manageable and avoid crystallization or excessive thickening.
- Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to avoid moisture uptake and contamination.
- Use corrosion-resistant tanks or lined containers (e.g. coated carbon steel, certain stainless steels or plastic-lined tanks) due to the acidic and corrosive nature of LABSA.
- Isolate from strong oxidizing agents, strong bases and incompatible reactive chemicals.
For long-distance shipment, standard export steel drums or IBC totes with proper palletizing are recommended.
Safety Precautions
LABSA / dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid is classified as hazardous, mainly due to its corrosive and irritant properties:
- Hazards
- Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage (corrosive/irritant).
- May cause irritation to respiratory tract if aerosols or mists are inhaled.
- Harmful if swallowed in concentrated form; neutralized formulations in finished detergents are much less hazardous.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or face shield, long-sleeved clothing and safety shoes when handling.
- Use local exhaust ventilation or work in well-ventilated areas to minimize vapor and mist exposure.
- Handling Guidelines
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
- Do not breathe mist or vapors.
- Always add LABSA slowly to water or alkaline solution, with stirring and cooling, to control heat of neutralization and splashing.
- First Aid Measures (general guidance)
- Skin contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice.
- Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if easy to do; continue rinsing and obtain urgent medical attention.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention.
- Inhalation: Move person to fresh air and keep comfortable; get medical help if symptoms persist.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid CAS 27176-87-0?
A: LABSA is an anionic surfactant intermediate produced by sulfonation of linear alkylbenzene. It is supplied as a viscous brown liquid and is one of the most widely used active materials for making laundry, dishwashing and industrial detergents. -
Q:
Why must LABSA be neutralized before use in detergent formulations?
A: LABSA is an acidic intermediate. It is normally neutralized with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or triethanolamine to form the corresponding alkylbenzene sulfonate salt, which provides the final detergency and foaming performance. -
Q:
What are the main applications?
A: It is used in household and industrial detergents, dishwashing liquids, laundry powders and liquids, hard-surface cleaners, textile processing, leather auxiliaries, emulsion polymerization and agrochemical emulsifiers. -
Q:
Which grade and packaging does this listing cover?
A: The listing is detergent grade and is available in 215 kg net steel drums or 1,050 kg IBC totes. Typical container loading is 17.2-18 MT per 20-foot FCL for drums and 21 MT for IBCs. -
Q:
What specifications should be checked before ordering?
A: Confirm active matter, free oil, free sulfuric acid, color, water content and density against the current batch analysis. Also request the technical data and safety information and state the required packaging and delivery form. -
Q:
How should LABSA be stored and handled?
A: Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area in corrosion-resistant containers such as HDPE or stainless steel, away from strong oxidizers and sources of ignition. Avoid freezing and use chemical-resistant PPE, eye protection and spill containment, and follow the safety information.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
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Sample & Supply
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Storage & Shipping
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