LAB (Linear alkyl benzene) is a chemical compound that consists of a benzene ring bonded to a linear alkyl chain. It is produced through the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins (alkenes). The benzene ring is attached to a linear alkyl chain, typically with 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

LAB is a clear, colorless liquid with low volatility and good chemical stability, making it suitable for various industrial applications. LAB is primarily used as a precursor for LAS, which is an anionic surfactant used in detergent formulations due to its excellent cleaning properties and biodegradability.

Overall, LAB plays a crucial role in the manufacture of detergents, contributing to the effectiveness and environmental sustainability of cleaning products used globally.

LABSA stands for Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid. It is an anionic surfactant widely used in the formulation of synthetic detergents and cleaning agents. LABSA is derived from linear alkyl benzene (LAB), which is produced by the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins. The obtained LAB is then sulfonated to produce LABSA. Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid typically consists of a sulfonic acid group (-SO3H) attached to the benzene ring of the linear alkyl benzene structure.

LABSA is usually a brown viscous liquid with a strong sulfonic odor. It is soluble in water and produces strong acidic solutions.

LABSA is a versatile surfactant and is primarily used in the production of household and industrial detergents. It functions as a foaming agent and emulsifier, helping to remove dirt, grease, and stains from surfaces. LABSA is preferred in detergent formulations due to its excellent cleaning properties, biodegradability, and compatibility with other detergent ingredients. It provides good foam stability and effective cleaning across a wide range of water hardness.

While LABSA itself is biodegradable, its use in detergents contributes to wastewater pollution concerns. Efforts are made in detergent’s formulation and wastewater treatment to minimize environmental impact. LAS, derived from LAB, is considered more environmentally friendly compared to earlier detergent surfactants like alkyl benzene sulfonates (ABS), due to its higher biodegradability.

LABSA plays a critical role in the detergent industry by enabling the production of effective cleansing products that are essential for household, industrial, and institutional cleaning applications overally.

Sulfonation Steps for producing Sulfonic Acid (LABSA)

 1- Air drying:
The air required for SO3 production is compressed then cooled by cooling water.
2- Sulphur melting :
The solid sulfur is melted , filtered and then fed to the sulfur burner. When the system are heated by steam, temperature keeps constant and molten Sulphur viscosity is minimized.
3- Sulphur combustion and SO3 production:
The melted sulfur reacts with dried air to produce SO2. The SO2 gas leaves the burner at 700°C and it is cooled to 420°C.  The SO2 reacts with dried air in the presence of V2O5 ( as a catalyst ). Finally the SO3 gas is cooled to 55°C.
4- Sulfonation :
 In last step, LAB (linear alkyl benzene ) reacts with SO3 for producing LABSA (linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid ). The exact mole ratio between SO3 and LAB is necessary to reach the maximum conversion degree with optimum color.

PSG Company is one of the biggest LABSA manufacturer in the middle east ,  for more information please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also visit LABSA page:     ( https://en.psgraw.com/product/linear-alkyl-benzene-sulfonic-acid/ )