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Linear Alkyl Benzene, Dodecylbenzene, LAB, 67774-74-7

Linear Alkyl Benzene, Dodecylbenzene, LAB, 67774-74-7

1. IDENTIFICATION

Property Value
Product Name Linear Alkyl Benzene
Short Name LAB
CAS Number 67774-74-7 (typical for LAB mixture)
Chemical Family Alkyl Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Appearance Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor Characteristic aromatic odor

2. TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Parameter Value / Status
Molecular Formula C₆H₅–(CH₂)ₙ–CH₃ (n = 9–12)
Molecular Weight Approx. 240–250 g/mol (depending on alkyl chain)
Density (20°C) 0.85 – 0.87 g/cm³
Boiling Point 280 – 310 °C
Flash Point > 140 °C (closed cup)
Viscosity (40°C) 3 – 8 cP
Alkyl Chain Distribution C10 – C13 (linear)
Water Solubility Insoluble
Oxidizing Property None

3. APPLICATIONS

Industry Application
Detergent Raw Material Key intermediate for LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid) production via sulfonation
Surfactant Manufacturing Precursor for anionic surfactants used in laundry powders, liquid detergents, and cleaning agents
Industrial Cleaning Base material for heavy-duty industrial cleaners
Emulsifiers Used in the production of emulsifiers for agricultural and industrial formulations

4. OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS

  • Linear Alkylbenzene

  • LAB

  • Linear Alkyl Benzene (mixture of C10–C13 homologs)

  • Dodecylbenzene (typical major component)

5. STORAGE AND HANDLING

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

  • Container Material: Carbon steel, stainless steel, or lined drums.

  • Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids (may cause reaction under certain conditions).

  • Handling Precautions: Use grounding and bonding to prevent static discharge. Avoid skin contact with hot product.

6. SAFETY WARNINGS

  • Skin: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause defatting and irritation.

  • Eyes: May cause mild irritation.

  • Inhalation: High vapor concentrations may cause dizziness or respiratory irritation.

  • Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed; may cause gastrointestinal irritation.

  • Environmental: Avoid release to soil or water. Not readily biodegradable in raw form.

7. PACKAGING

Packaging Type Capacity
Steel Drums 200 L (approx. 170–180 kg)
IBC Totes 1000 L (approx. 850–870 kg)
Bulk Tankers 20–25 MT per load

Note: This TDS is for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) as an intermediate raw material, not to be confused with LABSA (sulfonated form). Sulfonation of LAB produces LABSA, which is the active surfactant used in detergents.

LABSA ile LAB farkını da açıklayayım:

  • LAB → Sülfonasyon öncesi (alkil benzen)

  • LABSA → Sülfonasyon sonrası (sülfonik asit formu)

1. OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS FOR LAB

Common Name Technical / English Name
Linear Alkyl Benzene Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB)
Dodecylbenzene (when C12 is dominant) Dodecylbenzene
Alkyl Benzene Mixture (C10-C13) Alkyl Benzene Mixture (C10-C13)
LAB (abbreviation) LAB
Sulfonate Precursor Sulfonate precursor
Detergent Grade Alkyl Benzene Detergent grade alkyl benzene
Benzene, alkyl derivatives Benzene, alkyl derivatives

Note: Do not confuse with LABSA. LABSA = Sulfonic acid form (active surfactant), LAB = Raw material form (before sulfonation).

2. APPLICATION METHODS

LAB is not used directly as a detergent. It is converted into active surfactants through chemical processes. Below are the application steps:

2.1. Sulfonation (LAB → LABSA)

LAB is converted to LABSA via sulfonation. Common methods:

Method Description
Oleum sulfonation Reaction with 20-25% oleum at 30-50°C
SO₃ gas sulfonation Continuous process in film reactors; most common industrial method
Chlorosulfonic acid Used for smaller-scale production

Chemical Reaction:

text

LAB (C6H5-CnH2n+1) + SO₃ → LABSA (C6H4-SO3H-CnH2n+1)

2.2. Neutralization (LABSA → Salt Forms)

LABSA is then neutralized to different salt forms:

Neutralized Form Application Area
Sodium Salt (LAS) Laundry powders, liquid detergents
Calcium Salt Powder detergents as co-surfactant
Magnesium Salt Liquid detergents
Ammonium Salt Specialty industrial cleaners

2.3. Direct LAB Use (Limited)

LAB can be used directly in the following applications:

Application Description
Lubricant additive In industrial oils
Solvent In some organic solvent formulations
Heat transfer fluid In closed systems

3. TYPICAL FORMULATIONS (RECIPES)

These recipes use LABSA (derived from LAB) as the active ingredient. LAB quantity is calculated based on LABSA.

3.1. Laundry Powder Detergent (by weight %)

Component Percentage (%)
LABSA (neutralized) 15 – 25
Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) 20 – 30
Sodium Silicate 5 – 10
Sodium Perborate / Percarbonate (bleach) 10 – 15
Sodium Sulfate (filler) 20 – 35
Enzymes, optical brightener, fragrance 1 – 3

3.2. Liquid Detergent (by weight %)

Component Percentage (%)
LABSA (neutralized) 10 – 20
SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate) 5 – 15
Cocamidopropyl Betaine (co-surfactant) 2 – 5
Sodium Chloride (viscosity control) 1 – 2
Preservative, fragrance, color < 1
Water Remainder

3.3. Liquid Soap / Shampoo (by weight %)

Component Percentage (%)
LABSA (neutralized) 5 – 12
SLES 10 – 20
Cocamide DEA / Betaine 3 – 8
Glycerin (moisturizer) 1 – 2
Preservative, fragrance < 1
Water Remainder

3.4. Industrial Cleaner (by weight %)

Component Percentage (%)
LABSA (non-neutralized or partially neutralized) 10 – 30
Phosphoric acid or citric acid 5 – 15
Surfactant blend 5 – 10
Water Remainder

4. ALTERNATIVES TO LAB

Alternatives that can be used instead of or alongside LAB:

Alternative Description Difference vs. LAB
Branched Alkyl Benzene (BAB) Branched chain alkyl benzene Less biodegradable; older generation
Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) Olefin-based anionic surfactant Better foam; higher cost
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) Ether sulfate structure Milder; more common in liquid detergents
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Lauryl sulfate Harsher; used in toothpaste and foam products
Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG) Renewable-based non-ionic Much more expensive; environmentally friendly
Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate (NPE) Non-ionic surfactant Being phased out; environmental toxicity

Alternative Comparison Table

Property LAB (LABSA) SLES AOS APG
Biodegradability High Medium High Very High
Foaming Medium High High Low
Cost Low Medium Medium High
Skin irritation Medium Low Low Very Low
Main use Powder detergents Liquid detergents Liquid detergents Baby products

5. SUMMARY: LAB vs LABSA vs ALTERNATIVES

text

LAB (raw material)
    │
    ├──► Sulfonation → LABSA (active acid form)
    │                        │
    │                        ├──► Neutralization → LAS (sodium salt)
    │                        │
    │                        └──► Direct use (industrial cleaners)
    │
    └──► Alternatives (BAB, AOS, SLES, APG...)

Note: LAB is the most widely used raw material for anionic surfactants in the modern detergent industry (approximately 30-40% of world production). Alternatives are typically used for specialty applications or higher-price segments.

6. QUICK REFERENCE CARD

Question Answer
Is LAB a surfactant? No, it is a precursor. LABSA is the surfactant.
Can LAB be used directly? Very limited applications (solvent, lubricant additive).
What is the most common alternative? SLES for liquid detergents; AOS for high-foam products.
Which is cheaper? LAB (LABSA) is the lowest cost option.
Which is most biodegradable? APG, but it is expensive.

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