Surfactants - Anionic Available — Bulk Only

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA, LABSA)

CAS 27176-87-0

The acid-form linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, a workhorse anionic surfactant and acid catalyst for detergent manufacture. It is a high-active anionic surfactant used in detergent and cleaner manufacture and as an acid catalyst.

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UN Number
UN 2586
Hazard Class
Class 8
HS Code
3402.31
At a Glance
Material Family
Surfactants - Anionic
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Cleaning / Degreasing · Surfactancy
Functional Roles
DODECYLBENZENE SULFONIC ACID
CLEANSINGSURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Applications & Use Cases
  • Detergent intermediate: Neutralized to LAS surfactant salts for cleaners.
  • Anionic surfactant: High-active surfactant for industrial and household cleaning.
  • Acid catalyst: Sulfonic-acid catalyst in esterification and related reactions.
  • Emulsifier: Emulsifying agent in agrochemical and industrial systems.
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 8 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 2586
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 8
Packing GroupIII
Proper Shipping NameAryl sulfonic acids, liquid, with not more than 5 percent free sulfuric acid

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
3402 . 31
Chapter 34
Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing and lubricating preparations, waxes
Heading 34.02
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 3402.31
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
27176-87-0
INCI Name
DODECYLBENZENE SULFONIC ACID
Synonyms & Trade Names
SOD DODECYL BENZENE SU ACID 90 Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA) Sulfonic acid
Full Description

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (CAS 27176-87-0) is a linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, the acid precursor neutralized to make linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) detergents. It is a high-active anionic surfactant used in detergent and cleaner manufacture and as an acid catalyst.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid used for?

Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA, CAS 27176-87-0) is a high-active anionic surfactant precursor. It is neutralized to linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) salts for detergents and cleaners, used directly as an anionic surfactant in industrial and household cleaning, and serves as a sulfonic-acid catalyst in esterification and as an emulsifier in agrochemical systems.

What is another name for dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid?

Common synonyms include DBSA, LAS acid, and linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (the acid precursor of LAS surfactants). It is the same anionic-surfactant intermediate neutralized to make LAS detergent salts. Reference CAS 27176-87-0 on procurement documents to ensure identity.

Is dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid an acid?

Yes. It is a strong organic sulfonic acid, which is why it also functions as an acid catalyst in addition to its surfactant role. Handling, storage, and compatibility data are detailed on the SDS supplied with each lot. Request the SDS before specifying.

What is the HS code for dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid?

It classifies under HS 3402.31 — anionic organic surface-active agents: linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and their salts. Confirm the destination-country tariff line with your customs broker. RawSource provides commercial documentation to support import clearance.

How is dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid sold in bulk?

RawSource supplies high-active DBSA to detergent and cleaner manufacturers in drums, IBC totes, and bulk formats. Packaging, MOQ, and active-content specification are confirmed at quotation against the CoA. Submit a bulk RFQ with your required volume and active percentage.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.