Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (90%) - India

Brief Overview

LABSA 90% is a widely used synthetic surfactant in the production of detergents, emulsifiers, and industrial cleaning products. It is known for its affordability and excellent performance, particularly in cleaning, wetting, foaming, and emulsification. This surfactant is commonly employed in the manufacture of household and industrial cleaning items such as laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids.

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%.

Detergents
LABSA 90% is a key ingredient in the production of laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other household cleaning products

Emulsifiers
LABSA 90% is used as an emulsifier in the production of emulsions such as laundry powder

Industrial cleaners
LABSA 90% is used in the production of industrial cleaners for various application