"LABSA: The Key Anionic Surfactant Driving Daily Cleaning and Industrial Production"
Apr 29,2026
By Global Chemical Expert Team | April 29, 2026
Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, commonly known as LABSA (CAS: 27176-87-0, EINECS: 248-289-4), is a high-performance anionic surfactant intermediate widely adopted across global chemical industries. As a vital raw material for producing linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, LABSA has become a staple ingredient in household cleaning supplies and industrial chemical formulations, combining powerful cleaning capacity, stable quality, eco-friendly properties and outstanding economic benefits.
Overview
LABSA features a unique amphiphilic molecular structure, consisting of a hydrophobic linear alkyl chain and a hydrophilic sulfonic acid functional group. This special structure enables it to efficiently reduce water surface tension, disperse solid dirt, emulsify oil contaminants and form stable foam. With decades of practical application verification, LABSA stands out among various surfactant products. It meets international environmental protection standards and adapts to diverse formulation demands, making it a preferred raw material for formulators and chemical manufacturers worldwide.
1. Chemical Properties & Technical Specifications
As a classic anionic surfactant, LABSA (Dodecylbenzenesulfonic Acid) has a molecular formula of \(C_{18}H_{30}O_3S\) with a standard molecular weight of 326.49 g/mol. Our mainstream 96% industrial-grade LABSA is manufactured under strict quality control, with standardized indicators as follows:
表格
| Parameter | Standard Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Active Substance Content | ≥96.0% | ISO 2271 |
| Free Sulfuric Acid | ≤1.5% | Titration Method |
| Unsulfonated Substances | ≤2.0% | Solvent Extraction |
| Inorganic Sulfate | ≤2.0% | Gravimetric Method |
| Appearance | Dark Brown Viscous Liquid | Visual Inspection |
| Specific Gravity (25°C) | 1.05–1.08 g/cm³ | Pycnometer Test |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 1500–3000 cP | Brookfield Viscometer |
| 1% Aqueous Solution pH | 1.0–2.0 | pH Detection |
| Biodegradability | Over 90% | OECD 301B Standard |
| Moisture Content | ≤1.0% | Karl Fischer Method |
LABSA is easily soluble in water with obvious exothermic reaction during dilution, while it is barely soluble in non-polar organic solvents. With mild corrosiveness, professional operation and protective measures are required during daily use and transportation.
2. Standardized Production Technology
Modern industrial production of LABSA adopts mature continuous SO₃ sulfonation technology, which ensures high product purity, high production efficiency and large-scale stable supply:
- Raw Material Refinement: High-purity linear alkylbenzene is selected and deeply purified to remove branched impurities, ensuring excellent biodegradability of finished products.
- Controlled Sulfonation Reaction: Purified LAB reacts with sulfur trioxide in a professional falling-film reactor at a constant temperature of 40–60°C to avoid harmful by-products.
- Maturation & Post-Treatment: The crude product undergoes sufficient maturation to complete the reaction, with optional neutralization treatment to produce LAS for detergent production.
- Quality Inspection & Packaging: After filtration, decolorization and comprehensive laboratory testing, qualified products are packaged in standard drums and IBC containers for global delivery.
This standardized production process effectively controls production costs, reduces environmental impact and guarantees batch-to-batch quality stability.
3. Key Functional Advantages
- Superior Cleaning Performance: Effectively decomposes oil stains, grease, protein dirt and particulate impurities, maintaining stable detergency in both hard water and soft water environments.
- Stable Foaming & Wetting Performance: Produces rich, delicate and long-lasting foam, and quickly infiltrates and wets different material surfaces to boost overall cleaning effects.
- Strong Formulation Compatibility: Perfectly compatible with nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, builders, enzymes and other raw materials to meet customized formula needs.
- Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Achieves rapid biodegradation exceeding 90%, fully compliant with EU REACH, US EPA and other global environmental regulations.
- High Cost-Performance: Mass-produced globally with stable supply, helping downstream enterprises effectively optimize raw material procurement costs.
4. Wide Range of Application Fields
Household & Commercial Cleaning
It is widely used in laundry powder, liquid detergent, laundry capsules, hand dishwashing liquid, industrial dishwashing agents, multi-purpose cleaners, toilet cleaners and daily personal care cleaning products.
Industrial Manufacturing Fields
Widely applied in textile auxiliary processing as scouring agents and dye dispersants; used as high-efficiency degreasers for metal surface treatment; served as emulsifiers and dispersants for agrochemicals and leather processing; and used as air-entraining additives in the construction industry to improve concrete performance.
5. Safety Operation & Storage Guidelines
Classified as GHS Category 1 corrosive chemicals, LABSA may cause severe skin corrosion and eye damage, and bring certain risks through inhalation or accidental ingestion.
- Equip with complete protective equipment during operation, including acid-resistant clothing, chemical gloves, goggles and face shields.
- All operations must be conducted in well-ventilated workshops or fume hoods.
- In case of leakage, neutralize with sodium bicarbonate and collect waste according to local hazardous waste management rules.
- Store in a dry, cool and ventilated warehouse with temperature controlled at 10–35°C, keeping away from strong alkalis and oxidants.
6. Global Compliance & Quality Certification
All LABSA products strictly implement international industry standards:
ISO 2271 test specification, OECD 301B biodegradability assessment, EU REACH full registration, US EPA green ingredient certification, and unified export HS Code 34021100. Complete compliance qualifications support smooth customs clearance and market sales in various regions.
Final Conclusion
As an irreplaceable core anionic surfactant, LABSA will always occupy a crucial position in the global fine chemical and cleaning industry. Its balanced advantages in cleaning performance, formula compatibility, environmental protection and cost control make it an essential raw material for countless manufacturers. Choosing high-purity 96% LABSA with stable quality is a reliable way for downstream formulators to enhance product competitiveness and meet global regulatory requirements.
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