Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (96%) - India

Brief Overview

LABSA 96% is a widely used anionic surfactant in the production of detergents and emulsifiers for household, industrial, and institutional cleaning. It is a brown, water-soluble viscous liquid with high biodegradability. LABSA 96% has numerous applications and is known for its stability in acidic solutions and strong cleaning performance, often used in the preparation of acidic detergents like toilet cleaners.

Manufacturing Process

The commercial method of manufacturing LABSA is by sulfonating linear alkylbenzene with either oleum (10-25% sulfur trioxide (SO₃) in sulfuric acid) or with an SO₃-air mixture. The reaction temperature is controlled during the addition of acid and the reaction will go into completion after 30 to 45 minutes. The major product is para-alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. A high temperature and long reaction time would result in an undesirable dark-colored product. Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) is preferred over the use of sulphur trioxide as reaction of pure SO₃ is too aggressive as an electrophilic reagent and will form a black char on contact due to its rapid exothermic reaction. Cooling would also be required to prevent the formation of by-products due to the high temperatures. Therefore, H₂SO₄ and oleum are more commonly used for sulfonation. Sulfonation reaction stops when the concentration of H₂SO₄ drops to 90%.

- LABSA 96% is used in cleaning and detergent products (dish, laundry, car wash, household cleaners).
- It has applications in rust prevention (electroplating), leather, and paper industries.
- Used as a polymerization agent, coupling agent, and herbicide.
- Serves as a curing catalyst for paint and in cosmetic formulations.
- Commonly used in acidic detergent solutions like toilet cleaners due to its stability and effective cleaning.