Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) Feedstock

Description

Product Overview
Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) is a high-purity organic intermediate produced via HF or solid-acid catalyzed alkylation of benzene with linear olefins. It serves as the primary feedstock for manufacturing linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS)—the world’s most widely used biodegradable anionic surfactant in household and industrial detergents. Its superior sulfonation efficiency, consistent linearity, and low 2-phenyl isomer content deliver high-active LAS with excellent foaming and cleaning performance. As a critical precursor in the $30B+ surfactant value chain, LAB’s reliable supply directly impacts downstream detergent formulation economics and regulatory compliance for biodegradability.

Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Linear alkylbenzene (C10–C13 alkyl chain length, high 2-phenyl isomer content optimized for sulfonation)

• Purity level: ≥ 99.0 wt% (LAB content); bromine index ≤ 20 mg Br/100g

• Physical characteristics: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid; density ~0.86 g/cm³ at 20°C; viscosity ~30–40 cP at 40°C

• Packaging options: Bulk (ISO tank, road tanker, flexitank), drums (180 kg net, new/unused steel drums)

• Shelf life: 24 months when stored under dry, ambient conditions in sealed containers (avoid moisture ingress to prevent sulfonate precursor degradation)

Core Industrial Applications

• Household detergents & cleaners: Key raw material for LAS used in laundry powders/liquids, dishwashing liquids, and hard surface cleaners – delivers superior wetting and soil removal versus branched or natural-based alternatives.

• Industrial & institutional (I&I) cleaning: High-foam and high-detergency formulations for CIP systems, vehicle washes, and textile scouring – outperforms non-ionic surfactants in hard water tolerance and cost-per-wash economics.

• Enhanced oil recovery (EOR): Specialty sulfonated LAB derivatives as injectable surfactants – provides lower interfacial tension and better reservoir compatibility than petroleum sulfonates.

• Agricultural adjuvants: Emulsifiers for pesticide concentrates – improves droplet spreading and rainfastness with minimal phytotoxicity.

Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Statistical process control (SPC) monitored sulfonation reactivity; lot-to-lot variability < 2% on active matter yield.

• Supply reliability: Multiple strategic production hubs (Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe) with 120-day average inventory buffer against logistics disruptions.

• Logistics capability: Dedicated bulk chemical tanker fleet and ISO tank pool enabling door-to-door delivery with real-time tracking.

• Price competitiveness: Long-term fixed-price contracts available for ≥ 2,000 MT/year; backward integration into linear olefins reduces raw material volatility.

• Sustainability: 100% REACH and EPA compliant; bio-based linear olefin options available on request for green surfactant formulations.

Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): 20 MT (bulk)

• Loading capacity: 20–24 MT per 20-foot ISO tank container; 40 MT per 40-foot tanker truck