Surfactants - Anionic Available — Bulk Only

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA, C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic Acid)

CAS 68584-22-5 · Formula C18H30O3S

The commercial C10-16 sulfonic acid feedstock neutralized into LAS surfactants for detergent production. It is a high-active anionic surfactant used to manufacture detergents and cleaners after neutralization.

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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 · Wetting
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Detergent feedstock: Neutralized to LAS salts for laundry and cleaning products.
  • Anionic surfactant: High-active surfactant for industrial cleaners.
  • Acid catalyst: Strong sulfonic-acid catalyst.
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
68584-22-5
Molecular Formula
C18H30O3S
Synonyms & Trade Names
Benzenesulfonic acid
Full Description

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (CAS 68584-22-5) is the C10-16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA), the acid precursor of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) surfactants. It is a high-active anionic surfactant used to manufacture detergents and cleaners after neutralization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (C10-16) used for?

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA, CAS 68584-22-5) is the C10-16 acid precursor of LAS surfactants. It is neutralized to LAS salts for laundry and cleaning products, used as a high-active anionic surfactant in industrial cleaners, and acts as a strong sulfonic-acid catalyst.

What is another name for dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid?

It is widely known as LABSA or LAS acid (linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid). The C10-16 designation refers to the alkyl chain-length distribution of this CAS 68584-22-5 grade. Cite the CAS number on RFQs to distinguish it from single-chain DBSA (CAS 27176-87-0).

What is sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate used for?

Sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate is the neutralized LAS salt made from this LABSA acid; it is a primary anionic surfactant in laundry detergents and household and industrial cleaners. The acid form supplied here is the feedstock neutralized to produce that salt. We supply the LABSA acid precursor for in-house neutralization.

Is LABSA organic or inorganic?

LABSA is an organic compound — a linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid with a hydrocarbon alkyl chain on a sulfonated benzene ring. It is a strong organic acid that also serves as a sulfonic-acid catalyst. Handling and compatibility details are on the SDS provided with each lot.

How is LABSA C10-16 supplied in bulk?

RawSource supplies high-active LABSA (CAS 68584-22-5) to detergent manufacturers in drums, IBC totes, and bulk volumes under HS 3402.31. MOQ, active content, and packaging are confirmed at quotation against the CoA. Submit a bulk RFQ with your target 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.