Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid

Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (CAS 27176-87-0), also called DDBSA or laurylbenzenesulfonic acid, is an anionic surfactant and acid catalyst.

Where is Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid used?

• Household and industrial cleaning: neutralized on-site to produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, the active detergent in liquid dish soaps, hard surface cleaners and degreasers
• Agricultural formulations: emulsifier and dispersant in pesticide and herbicide concentrates; improves solubility of active ingredients and prevents separation in agrochemical emulsions.
• Textile and leather processing: wetting and penetration agent in dyeing, tanning and finishing
• It also acts as an acid catalyst in alkylation and esterification.
• Paper processing: emulsification in resin and oil removal processes.
• Metal surface treatments: ingredient of dedicated mixtures such as machining coolants or cutting agents.

Good to know: Hard and soft acid variants differ by linear or branched alkyl chain composition.

Formulation notes

• May react with cellulose-based absorbents and expanded polymeric absorbents.

Typical specification

• Decomposes above 205°C, releasing toxic fumes including sulfur oxides and hydrogen sulfide.
• Resistant to hydrolysis in alkaline media.

Regulatory status

• Classified under UN transport Class 8, Packing Group III.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Must be stored separately from bases and oxidants.
• Must not be transported together with food and feed.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.