LABSA (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid)
LABSA (linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid) — a key sulfonic acid intermediate for producing sulfonate detergents and surfactants. The feedstock for neutralizing into calcium and other sulfonates.
The sulfonic acid intermediate for sulfonate detergents
Before a sulfonate detergent can be made, a sulfonic acid must be produced. LABSA is a key linear sulfonic acid intermediate, neutralized into calcium and other sulfonate detergents and surfactants.
LABSA (linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid) is an important sulfonic acid intermediate. It is produced by sulfonating linear alkylbenzene and serves as the feedstock for sulfonate detergents and surfactants — neutralized with calcium, magnesium or other bases to make the sulfonate detergents used in lubricants, and widely used to make surfactants for cleaning and industrial applications. Note that LABSA is the sulfonic acid intermediate, distinct from the finished neutralized sulfonate detergent. It is part of the specialty additives range.
LABSA (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid) — typical properties
Representative typical values for LABSA. Indicative only — exact values vary by grade and are confirmed on the TDS and batch COA.
| Property | Typical Value | Method / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown viscous liquid | Visual |
| Active matter | ~96–98 wt% | Typical LABSA grade |
| Free oil | Low | Grade-dependent |
| Free sulphuric acid | Low | Grade-dependent |
| Colour (sulphonic acid) | Typical | Grade-dependent |
| Type | Sulfonic acid intermediate | For neutralization |
| Function | Detergent/surfactant feedstock | Intermediate |
Typical values for guidance only — not a specification. Request the TDS for the specific grade you need; the COA reports actual measured values for your batch.
Where LABSA is used
Sulfonate Detergent Production
Neutralized into calcium and other sulfonate detergents. See sulfonate detergents.
Surfactant Manufacturing
Feedstock for surfactants in cleaning and industrial products.
Industrial Chemicals
Intermediate for various sulfonate-based chemistries.
Lubricant Detergent Feedstock
The acid precursor to lubricant sulfonate detergents.
Why formulators choose LABSA
Key detergent intermediate
The feedstock for producing calcium and other sulfonate detergents.
Versatile sulfonic acid
Also used to make surfactants for cleaning and industrial applications.
Consistent quality
Reliable active matter and low impurities for downstream neutralization.
From sample drum to ISO tank
Sinolook supplies LABSA at any scale, from formulation samples to commercial bulk, to over 60 countries.
Frequently asked questions
What is LABSA used for?
What is the difference between LABSA and calcium sulfonate?
Is LABSA used in lubricants directly?
What grades of LABSA are available?
Can Sinolook provide TDS, MSDS and COA?
Request LABSA from Sinolook
Tell us your target grade, application and volume — we'll send the TDS, a batch COA and a delivered quotation within 24 hours.
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