Linear Alkyl Benzene

It is commercially prepared as a largest-volume synthetic surfactant, included with several salts of sulfonated alkylbenzenes. This is also added in household detergents. It has many industrial applications as it is also popular as a biodegradable substitute to nonlinear (branched) alkylbenzene sulfonate (BAS). Linear Alkyl Benzene works supplied by our company, works as an optimum quality surfactant in several dilute solutions. It has advanced cleaning properties and has extended shelf life. Offered colorless organic compounds are effective intermediate chemicals, which assist in producing several formulations.

1. Chemical Structure: Linear Alkyl Benzene is an organic compound with the general formula C6H5-CnH2n+1, where n represents the length of the carbon chain. The benzene ring is the aromatic portion of the molecule, and the linear alkyl chain is attached to it.

2. Linear Structure: As the name suggests, LAB has a straight or linear alkyl chain, meaning the carbon atoms are arranged in a straight chain without any branching.

3. Carbon Chain Length: The carbon chain length in LAB can vary, typically ranging from C10 to C14, but C12 LAB is the most commonly produced and used due to its desirable properties in detergent manufacturing.

4. Hydrophobic Nature: The long linear alkyl chain in LAB makes it hydrophobic, meaning it repels water and doesn't dissolve readily in it. This hydrophobic property is beneficial for detergent applications, as it helps remove oily stains from fabrics.

5. Synthesis: LAB is produced through the process of alkylation, where benzene reacts with an olefin, typically derived from linear alpha-olefins, in the presence of a catalyst such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) or aluminum chloride (AlCl3).

6. Biodegradability: LAB and its derivatives, such as LAS, are biodegradable, meaning they can break down in the environment over time, reducing their impact on ecosystems.

7. Environmental Impact: LAB has a relatively low toxicity, and it is not considered to be persistent in the environment. As a result, it has been widely adopted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to non-biodegradable surfactants.

8. Detergent Production: LAB is a key raw material for the production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), which is the primary active ingredient in many laundry detergents and household cleaners.

9. Global Production: LAB is produced on a large scale globally, with major manufacturing centers in regions such as Asia, Europe, and the Americas.