Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid is a key detergent chemical used in household and industrial cleaning products.
Cleaning and detergent manufacturers face the challenge of producing formulations that effectively remove dirt and stains while maintaining cost efficiency.
Packaging
25kg, 50kg, 200L drums
Supply Region
East Africa, Kenya
Supplier
Zenco Systems Ltd
Cleaning and detergent manufacturers face the challenge of producing formulations that effectively remove dirt and stains while maintaining cost efficiency. A critical ingredient that addresses this need is Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA). This chemical surfactant acts by reducing water surface tension, enabling detergents to penetrate and lift soils more efficiently.
LABSA is essential in the formulation of household and industrial cleaning products such as laundry detergents, liquid soaps, and floor cleaners. Beyond general cleaning, its unique surfactant properties support processes in textiles, leather tanning, and paper industries. For manufacturers operating in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and across East Africa, securing consistent and competitively priced LABSA is crucial to maintaining production quality and supply chain stability.
Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid throughout these regions, understanding the industrial scrutiny procurement teams apply to reliability, chemical purity, and regional availability. Our supply chain is structured to ensure timely deliveries suitable for diverse industrial uses, supporting businesses that depend on this vital detergent raw material.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid is a sulfonic acid derivative of linear alkyl benzene, characterized chemically by the formula C18H30O3S and identified under CAS number 85536-14-7. It typically appears as a pale yellow to brown viscous liquid with a strong acidic odor and a pH usually between 0.5 and 1.5 in aqueous solution.
The product’s surfactant action relies on its amphiphilic structure, where the hydrophobic linear alkyl chain attaches to oily soils, and the hydrophilic sulfonic acid group remains water-soluble. This dual affinity lowers surface tension, disperses grease, and emulsifies dirt particles, improving detersive performance in cleaning formulas.
LABSA is manufactured via sulfonation of linear alkyl benzene using sulfur trioxide or oleum, resulting in a high-purity surfactant raw material. Its sulfonic acid contains an acidic proton, making it compatible with neutralization to form sodium linear alkyl benzene sulphonate— a standard anionic surfactant in detergent powders and liquids.
Its stability in aqueous environments, efficient foaming properties, and strong anionic charge contribute to superior soil removal and fabric-friendly washing when formulated correctly. Besides domestic use, LABSA’s role extends into industrial processes such as textile wet processing and leather treatment, where it facilitates cleaning and chemical penetration.
Purchasers must assess key factors like purity levels, acid value, and storage logistics. While purity varies with producer and grade, confirming with the supplier and reviewing certificates of analysis is standard practice. Zenco Systems Ltd emphasizes batch consistency and regional logistical expertise to provide LABSA that meets East African industry standards and operational demands.
LABSA is predominantly used in manufacturing laundry detergents and household cleaning agents. Its surfactant properties enable the removal of oily stains and particulate soils by decreasing water surface tension. Typical usage rates range from 10% to 30% in detergent formulations, balanced to optimize cleaning power and cost. It improves foam formation and stability, which consumers associate with cleaning efficacy.
In textile mills, LABSA acts as a wetting agent and detergent to remove impurities such as oils, waxes, and processing residues from fibers. It aids in scouring and bleaching pretreatments, ensuring even dye uptake and uniform finishing. Its use typically involves dilution and controlled dosing in continuous processing baths.
LABSA is applied in leather tanning to clean raw hides by removing fats, grease, and dirt prior to chemical tanning. Its surfactant action facilitates better penetration of tanning agents and improves leather quality. Proper handling ensures the acidic nature does not damage collagen fibers.
Within paper manufacturing, LABSA serves as a defoamer and wetting agent, improving pulp processing by removing pitch and resinous materials. This ensures consistent paper quality and reduces downtime caused by pitch deposits. Adjusted dilution and compatibility with other paper chemicals are important for efficiency.
Beyond detergents, LABSA is an active raw material in multipurpose liquid cleaners and dishwashing liquids. Its ability to emulsify grease and suspend soils enhances product performance in kitchens and bathrooms. Formulators vary concentrations depending on the final product type.
LABSA is used post-tanning in leather finishing to improve softness and aid in applying protective coatings by acting as a surfactant enhancer. This promotes uniform application of dyes and finishes, thereby improving leather appearance and durability.
Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Cleaning & Disinfection range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.
LABSA's molecular structure effectively disrupts grease and particulate soils, enhancing the overall cleaning action of detergents. This leads to higher performance at lower dosages compared to traditional surfactants, reducing formulation costs without sacrificing quality.
Its compatibility with multiple industrial sectors such as textiles, leather, and paper demonstrates LABSA’s adaptability. Buyers benefit from sourcing a single raw material applicable across various production lines, simplifying inventory and supplier management.
Zenco Systems Ltd’s distribution network covers Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, ensuring continuous availability of LABSA. This reduces procurement risk, enabling smooth production planning and avoiding downtime caused by raw material shortages.
Using LABSA allows formulators to achieve desired detergent qualities with predictable rheology and performance. Its efficient surfactant action permits lower overall loadings, which can translate into raw material savings and improved final product economics.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid is supplied in commercially practical packaging suited for East African industrial users. Standard packaging includes 200L steel drums for bulk buyers, as well as 25kg and 50kg drums for medium-scale use. These sizes facilitate handling, storage, and transport within Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring markets. Bulk deliveries can be arranged upon request to support high-volume manufacturers needing consistent, large-scale supply.
Standard formats: 25kg, 50kg, 200L drums
Store LABSA in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve chemical stability. It should be kept in corrosion-resistant containers, preferably mild steel drums with protective linings or polyethylene containers. Avoid mixing with strong oxidizers or alkaline materials during storage. Proper handling requires personal protective equipment such as acid-resistant gloves and eye protection to prevent corrosive injury. The product has a typical shelf life of up to 12 months under recommended conditions, but confirm with the supplier for specific batches.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid is corrosive, posing risks of skin and eye irritation or burns upon contact. Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling. In case of accidental exposure, immediately rinse affected areas with plenty of water and seek medical assistance if symptoms persist. Avoid inhalation of vapors. Dispose of waste and containers according to local hazardous waste regulations. For comprehensive hazard details and emergency measures, consult the material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd.
It is primarily used as a surfactant and raw material in detergent manufacturing, aiding in cleaning and soil removal in household and industrial products.
Detergent formulations usually contain between 10% to 30% LABSA depending on product type and performance requirements.
Yes, LABSA is strongly acidic and corrosive. Proper protective equipment must be used to avoid skin and eye contact.
Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies LABSA across East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries with reliable cross-border logistics.
We offer LABSA in 25kg, 50kg, and 200L drums suitable for various scales of industrial use.
Store LABSA in cool, well-ventilated areas away from strong oxidizers and sources of heat, ideally in corrosion-resistant containers.
LABSA is not food-grade and should only be used in industrial and household cleaning applications.
Purity varies by batch and grade; confirm exact purity with the certificate of analysis at order time.
Zenco Systems Ltd ensures prompt delivery across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and surrounding regions subject to order size and logistics conditions.
More chemicals in Cleaning & Disinfection
Select how you would like to reach Zenco desk:
Quick response for pricing, quotations, and follow-up
+254114591982
info@zencochemicals.com
Product guidance, quotation prep, and category discovery
