linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid(LABSA)

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, or LABSA, is an anionic surfactant widely used in many industrial and commercial applications. It is well known for its excellent cleaning, emulsifying, and wetting properties, making it very important in the manufacture of detergents, industrial cleaners, and many other chemical formulations. Its cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and outstanding performance have made LABSA indispensable to the global chemical and manufacturing industries.

What Is LABSA?

LABSA is an abbreviation for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, which is a dark brown, viscous liquid with high water solubility. It is prepared by the sulfonation of Linear Alkylbenzene, itself obtained by the alkylation of benzene with long-chain alkenes. LABSA is mainly used in the production of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates, active cleaning agents in detergents and cleaning products.

LABSA has a linear molecular structure, which increases its biodegradability; hence, it is very environmentally friendly. It has good compatibility with several kinds of chemicals, thus giving it wider applicability.

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

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid comes in various grades, and each grade is intended to meet certain industrial and commercial requirements. These grades differ mainly in their purity, acidity, and sulfonation, which make them suitable for a wide range of uses. The most commonly used grades include:

96% LABSA

• This high-purity grade is ideal for premium-quality detergents, offering superior cleaning power and optimal performance in formulations requiring excellent grease removal.

90% LABSA

•  A versatile grade that balances cost and performance, making it suitable for general-purpose cleaning agents and industrial applications where moderate cleaning efficacy suffices.

85% LABSA

Often used in economical detergent formulations, this grade provides acceptable cleaning efficiency at a lower cost.

Application and Uses of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA)

1. Detergent Manufacturing

• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid is an indispensable ingredient in the manufacture of liquid and powder detergents, such as laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids. Its incomparable emulsification properties with grease and oils make for effective cleaning; hence, it is considered a core ingredient in household cleaning products.

2. Industrial Cleaning Agents

• LABSA’s powerful grease-cutting and emulsifying properties make it an indispensable ingredient in the formulation of industrial cleaners, floor cleaners, degreasers, and heavy-duty surface cleaners. It is efficiency ensures thorough cleaning in challenging environments.

3. Textile Industry

• LABSA, in the textile industry, is used as a wetting and dispersing agent to enhance dyeing. It improves the penetration of the dye and its even distribution to produce bright and consistent colors in fabrics.

4. Personal Care Products

• When neutralized to LAS, LABSA enters into the composition of many personal care products, such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleaners. The fact that it makes rich foam and enhances the cleaning effect advances the experience of hygiene product users.

5. Agricultural Pesticides and Herbicides

• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid plays a vital role in pesticide and herbicide formulation as a dispersant. The surfactant property further enhances the even distribution and adherence of active ingredients over plant surfaces, thereby making such agrochemical solutions effective.

6. Paper and Pulp Industry

• LABSA used in the production of paper and pulp helps in dispersing fibers and additives for maintaining homogeneity and quality in the final product. This results in better process efficiency, coupled with product performance.

Packing of Sulfonic Acid(LABSA)

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid is often delivered in bulk tankers for large-volume supplies, tanks of 1000-liter IBC, or drums of plastic or steel at 200–250 kg. Every packing option aims at ensuring the stability of the chemical and preventing leakage during transportation.

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