LABSA / Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (C₁₈H₂₉SO₃H)
LABSA LABSA is a brown viscous liquid and the most widely used anionic surfactant in the world. It is manufactured by sulfonating linear alkylbenzene (LAB) and is primarily used in the production of synthetic detergents. With excellent emulsifying, foaming, and cleaning properties, LABSA plays a key role in the detergent, textile, leather, and agrochemical industries. Its biodegradability and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred choice in household and industrial cleaning products. In India, LABSA is often referred to as Acid Slurry and is available in concentrations of 90–96%. Synonyms Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid ; Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid ; Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid ; LAB Sulphonic Acid ; Acid Slurry ; Sulfonol, LAS Acid, or LABSA-96 ; Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid ; Alkylbenzene Sulphonic Acid, Liquid Formula C₁₈H₂₉SO₃H CAS No 27176-87-0 HS Code 34021190 Industries We Serve Detergent & Cleaning Products Industry Textile Industry Leather Industry Agriculture Industry Paint & Coating Industry Emulsion Polymerization Construction Chemicals Oil & Gas Industry Applications Provides excellent foaming, emulsifying, and cleaning power, even in hard water. Fabric scouring and cleaning Dyeing processes Enhances dye penetration and dispersion on fibers. Used for wetting and degreasing hides before tanning. Helps remove natural oils and fats from leather. Incorporated as a surfactant and emulsifier in Pesticide and herbicide formulations Improves spreading, wetting, and absorption of active ingredients. Acts as a dispersing agent for insoluble pigments in water-based systems. Prevents clumping or sedimentation in emulsions. Used in concrete admixtures and plasticizers. Improves workability and reduces water requirement. Acts as a surfactant in drilling fluids and mud formulations. Aids in stabilizing emulsions and improving fluid mobility. Functions as a surface-active agent in the production of: Synthetic rubbers, Latex paints, Emulsion polymers