What is Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB)? Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) is a critical intermediate chemical used primarily to produce biodegradable surfactants, the active ingredients in detergents and cleaning agents. When sulfonated, LAB becomes Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS), the most widely used surfactant globally due to its superior cleaning power, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety. The Evolution of LAB: A Sustainable Revolution