Sulphonic Acid 96% (Labsa 96%)

Overview of Sulphonic Acid 96% (LABSA)

Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA), commonly known as Sulphonic Acid 96%, is the world’s largest-volume synthetic surfactant and a key anionic surfactant. It is a non-volatile compound produced by the sulfonation of linear alkylbenzene (LAB). As a leading supplier of surfactants in the EU, Forge Chemicals Limited offers top-quality LABSA 96% tailored to meet diverse industrial and household cleaning needs. This cost-effective raw material is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable choice for modern formulations.

Physical Properties and Characteristics

Appearance: Brown viscous liquid

Odor: Characteristic, mild odor

Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol; upon dissolution in water, it forms a viscous solution and generates heat

Chemical Formula: RC₆H₄SO₃H (where R represents a linear alkyl chain, typically C10-C13)

Molecular Weight: Approximately 320

pH (1% solution): 2.0 – 3.0 (acidic)

Active Matter: ≥ 96%

Stability: Stable under standard storage conditions; hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air)

Production Methods

LABSA is commercially produced by sulfonating linear alkylbenzene (LAB). The sulfonation process typically uses reagents such as sulfur trioxide (SO₃), sulfuric acid, or oleum. The reaction is carefully controlled to achieve a high degree of sulfonation while minimizing by-products like free sulfuric acid and unsulfonated matter (free oil). This process results in the characteristic brown viscous liquid with a 96% minimum active matter content.

Industrial Applications

LABSA’s excellent detergency, wetting, foaming, emulsifying, and dispersing properties make it a versatile ingredient across numerous sectors. Key applications include:

Household Detergents & Cleaners: As the primary raw material for producing laundry powders, liquid detergents, dishwashing liquids, and all-purpose cleaners

Industrial & Institutional Cleaning: In heavy-duty degreasers, textile industry cleaning agents, and industrial metal cleaners

Personal Care: In the formulation of hair shampoos, bath soaps, and shower gels

Specialty Industries:

Leather Processing: As a degreasing agent

Textile Manufacturing: As a wetting agent, cleaning agent, and dyeing assistant

Paper Industry: As a deinking agent for paper recycling

Agrochemicals: As an emulsifier in pesticide and herbicide formulations

Coatings: As a curing catalyst for amino baking paints

Safety Information

Handling: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Use in a well-ventilated area.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible substances like strong bases and oxidizing agents. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption. Shelf life is typically 2-3 years under proper conditions.

Transportation: Classified as a corrosive substance (UN 2586, Packing Group III).

Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local and national environmental regulations. Do not release into the environment without proper treatment.

Other Names

LABSA 96%

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid

Dodecylbenzenesulphonic Acid (DDBSA)

Laurylbenzenesulfonic Acid

Alkylsulphonic Acids