Alkyl benzene sulfonic acid

Alkyl benzene sulfonic acid (CAS 85536-14-7), also identified commercially as benzenesulfonic acid 4-C10-13-sec-alkyl derivs., is a high-activity anionic surfactant acid used as a precursor to sulfonate salt surfactants.

It serves as a direct active ingredient in acidic cleaning formulations, delivering strong wetting, emulsification, and degreasing performance across industrial and institutional cleaning markets worldwide.

In home care and industrial cleaning, it is neutralized with caustic soda or MEA to produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), the primary surfactant in liquid and powder detergents.

Textile processors use it in scouring and dyeing auxiliaries, where it improves fiber wetting and dye dispersion uniformity. Industrial degreasers and hard-surface cleaners incorporate it directly.

This allows manufacturers to combine surfactancy with descaling action in a single formulation step. In coatings and adhesive systems, it functions as a dispersing agent and emulsifier for pigment grinding.

Alkyl benzene sulfonic acid is supplied as a dark brown viscous liquid, typically at 96–98% active content. Technical grade is the standard commercial specification for this material.

Purity and active matter are confirmed by standard titration methods to ensure consistency. Bulk supply is available in ISO tanks, drums, and IBCs to suit varying import and production volumes.