linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid(LABSA)

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid is one of the most versatile anionic surfactants used across various industries. Renowned for their excellent cleaning, emulsifying, and wetting properties, LABSA is a core ingredient in soaps, detergents, industrial cleaners, and other chemical formulations. Low cost, biodegradable in nature, and high-performance characteristics make it one of the most sought-after products in the global chemical market.

What Is LABSA?

LABSA is a dark brown, viscous liquid with high water solubility. It is prepared by the sulfonation of Linear Alkylbenzene, which is prepared by the alkylation of benzene with long-chain alkenes. LABSA is used mainly in the manufacture of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates, major active ingredients in detergents and cleaning agents.

Properties of  LABSA

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) is a dark brown, viscous liquid widely used as a surfactant in detergents. Key properties include:

• Chemical Composition: Derived from linear alkyl benzene, giving it strong grease-cutting capabilities.
• Water Solubility: Highly soluble, forming stable emulsions in water, even in hard water.
• Surface Activity: Lowers water’s surface tension, making it effective for cleaning.
• Biodegradability: Environmentally friendly due to easy biodegradability.
• Reactivity: Reacts with bases to form linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), a major detergent ingredient.

LABSA’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness make it essential in producing eco-friendly cleaning products.

Production Process of LABSA

1. Preparation of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB): LAB is made by alkylating benzene with paraffin-derived alkenes, using catalysts like hydrofluoric acid or aluminum chloride to stabilize the LAB molecule.
2. Sulfonation of LAB: LAB is sulfonated with sulfur trioxide (SO₃) in a controlled process, introducing the sulfonic acid group (-SO₃H) and forming LABSA.
3. Neutralization and Purification: LABSA can be neutralized with alkalis like sodium hydroxide to produce LAS. The product is then purified to remove impurities and residual sulfur compounds.
4. Quality Control: Rigorous testing ensures the final product meets industry standards for acidity, purity, and surfactant performance.

Various Grades of LABSA

There are several different grades of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, and each grade is intended to fulfill certain industrial and commercial requirements. These grades vary mainly in their purity, acidity, and sulfonation, hence finding a wide application field. The most commonly used are:

96% LABSA

• Features: High-purity grade with superior cleaning and emulsifying power.
• Uses: Premium detergents, industrial degreasers, and high-performance cleaning products.
• Advantages: Ensures maximum efficiency and compatibility in concentrated formulations.

90% LABSA

• Features: Versatile grade offering strong cleaning properties at a balanced cost.
• Uses: Household detergents, multipurpose cleaners, and industrial cleaning agents.
• Advantages: Cost-effective with reliable performance for diverse applications.

85% LABSA

• Features: Economical option with moderate cleaning efficiency.
• Uses: Budget detergents, agrochemical formulations, and bulk cleaning products.
• Advantages: Ideal for cost-sensitive markets while meeting basic performance needs.

Application and Uses of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA)

1. Detergent Manufacturing

• LABSA has become an indispensable ingredient in liquid and powder detergents, such as laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids. With its great emulsification, grease, dirt, and stubborn stains can be removed without compromising the high class of washing efficiency and product consistency.

2. Industrial Cleaning Agents

• LABSA, due to its strong grease-cutting abilities, finds wide applications in industrial cleaners, degreasers, and heavy-duty surface cleaners. It is a must-have chemical in any industrial cleaning formulation due to its excellent solubility, reasonable cost, and assured performance.

3. Textile Industry

• LABSA in textiles is a wetting and dispersing agent, enhancing dye penetration, fabric uniformity, and color distribution in high-quality fabric production. Multifunctional benefits also improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce operational challenges.

4. Personal Care Products

• Neutralized to LAS, LABSA is used in shampoos, body washes, and face cleaners for rich foam, deep cleaning, and high cleaning power. It is preferred for its low-cost formulation, environmental acceptability, and consistent surfactant characteristics.

5. Agricultural Pesticides and Herbicides

• LABSA acts as an efficient dispersant in agrochemicals, wherein pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers must be evenly spread on the surface of plants. Its excellent solubility, emulsifying ability, and environmental safety make it trustworthy in industry formulations.

6. Paper and Pulp Industry

• LABSA, which is used in producing paper and pulp, helps disperse fibers and additives to maintain homogeneity and quality in the final product. This results in better process efficiency, coupled with product performance.

Packing of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic (LABSA)

LABSA is packaged to maintain its stability and prevent leakage during transportation. Common options include:

• Bulk Tankers for large-volume industrial supplies.
• 1000-liter IBC Tanks for medium-scale usage.
• 200–250 kg Drums for smaller, manageable quantities.

LABSA TECHNICAL DATASHEET