Soap and Detergents
22 July 2025
Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) is a colorless liquid with the general formula C₆H₅CₙH₂ₙ₊₁, typically using n = 10–13 for detergents. It’s insoluble in water but integral as the precursor for linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), one of the world’s most important biodegradable surfactants. Since the 1960s, LAB has replaced earlier branched alkylbenzenes due to improved biodegradability and cost-effectiveness.
As a backbone of modern detergents, linear-only alkyl chains allow better environmental breakdown and reduced aquatic toxicity. Demand has risen significantly; annual LAS production exceeded 3.5 million tons by 2016, marking LAB-derived surfactants as a cornerstone of the global cleaning industry.
LAB production relies on two primary feedstocks: linear alpha-olefins (C10–C13) and benzene. Linear olefins come from either dehydrogenation of n-paraffins or ethylene oligomerization (e.g., Shell’s SHOP process). High-purity paraffins are typically sourced from hydrotreated kerosene, then converted via UOP or ExxonMobil processes to yield alpha-olefins.
Benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon, serves as the alkyl group’s attachment point. Strict purity standards apply, as impurities can skew product consistency. Sourcing from integrated refinery operations reduces cost risk and ensures consistent supply chains crucial to LAB manufacture.
The alkylation step key to forming LAB is catalyzed by either hydrofluoric acid (HF) or, more modernly, solid acid catalysts (the Detal process). HF processes, though historically dominant, raise environmental concerns due to risk and corrosive waste disposal.
The Detal method employs fixed-bed solid catalysts such as zeolites or metal oxides. It offers improved selectivity, longer catalyst life, reduced waste, and enhanced safety. Modern plants increasingly favor Detal due to its greener profile and operational benefits.
Post-alkylation, LAB undergoes separation to remove unreacted olefins, benzene, and heavier byproducts such as di-alkylbenzenes. Purification is essential for maintaining properties like bromine index, 2-phenyl isomer ratio, and sulfonatability.
Final LAB grades usually C12–C13 are tailored for LAS production. High-purity LAB enables efficient sulfonation and consistent performance. Manufacturers rely on GC and other analytics to ensure product specifications meet detergent-grade standards.
LAB's shift from branched to linear helped substantially reduce environmental impact. LAB-derived LAS is more biodegradable, avoiding aquatic foam issues and persistence. New production technologies continue this trend: Detal reduces HF usage, and innovations such as Ce-doped zeolite catalysts are emerging for greener conversions.
Additionally, Cepsa's renewable-energy powered plant showcases further progress cutting water use by 80,000 m³ annually and enhancing LAB versatility. Investment in energy-efficient and closed-loop systems is reducing the chemical industry's footprint.
LAB is converted to linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) via sulfonation with sulfur trioxide or oleum, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. LAS is a highly effective anionic surfactant offering strong cleaning, foaming, and emulsification power.
LAS remains the most produced anionic surfactant after soaps, widely used from laundry powders to personal care products. Its balanced hydrophobic alkyl chain and hydrophilic sulfonate group enable detergents to perform effectively in hard water and diverse formula structures.
LAB and LAS formulations extend beyond traditional detergents. They are essential for industrial cleaners serving hospitals, manufacturing, hospitality sectors and enhance grease removal in heavy-duty contexts. In addition, LAB-based wetting agents are used in leather processing, textiles, and agrochemical dispersion. These industrial uses exploit surfactant properties such as emulsification, degreasing, and soil penetration.
Globally, investment in LAB facilities remains strong as demand for biodegradable surfactants grows. New builds, like those reported by Fundoo Media, signal rising market interest. Production costs hinge on raw material pricing, energy input, and catalyst efficiency. Capital-intensive Detal plants offer lower operating costs over time compared to HF processes. Coupled with sustainability gains, these systems appeal to regions aiming for environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) remains pivotal in modern detergent production, offering a biodegradable and cost-effective alternative to older chemistries. Advances in raw material sourcing, solid-catalyst alkylation, and closed-loop production reinforce its role in sustainable cleaning solutions. As LAS use continues to rise, LAB will remain at the heart of industrial and institutional cleaning formulations.
For formulators and producers, LAB represents both technological progress and environmental responsibility empowering cleaner detergents with lower ecological footprints. Continued innovation across catalysis, energy use, and production methods ensures LAB’s strong role in the future of global detergent manufacturing. If you're considering linear alkylbenzene for your formulation needs and would like to discuss sourcing or technical specifications, we’d be glad to support you reach out to us here.
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