TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate)

TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (CAS 27323-41-7) is the triethanolamine salt of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) — a high-foaming anionic surfactant supplied as a clear liquid. Formulators reach for the TEA salt when they want the detergency and foam of a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in a water-soluble, clear-liquid form that the sodium salt cannot match.

Applications by sector

The TEA salt earns its place wherever a formulation needs strong anionic detergency without the haze, slurry handling, or solubility limits of the sodium grade. The clear-liquid form is the practical advantage that pulls it into liquid systems.

• Liquid detergents, dish, and hand cleaners. Acts as the primary anionic active, driving soil removal, wetting, and a dense, stable foam. Because it goes into water as a clear solution rather than a slurry, it builds transparent and translucent liquid concentrates without the clouding the sodium salt can introduce.
• HI&I and industrial cleaners. Used in hard-surface, degreasing, and institutional cleaning concentrates where high active loading and reliable foam matter. The triethanolamine counter-ion keeps the surfactant soluble across the higher-electrolyte, alkaline-builder systems common in industrial blends.
• Agrochemical wetting and emulsification. Serves as a wetting agent and emulsifier in agricultural formulations — it carries the EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 079020 — helping spray solutions wet leaf surfaces and keep oil-phase actives emulsified.
• Emulsion polymerization. Functions as an anionic emulsifier that stabilizes monomer droplets and the growing latex, a standard role for alkylbenzene sulfonates in producing polymer emulsions.
• General anionic-surfactant duty. Textile processing aids, foaming and surface-tension control, and other systems that need a robust, cost-effective anionic active in liquid form.

TEA-DBS vs. sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)

Both are dodecylbenzenesulfonate surfactants built on the same hydrophobe. The counter-ion — triethanolamine versus sodium — is what changes how each behaves in a formulation. The choice usually comes down to whether you need clarity and easy liquid handling (TEA) or the lowest cost-per-active-pound (sodium).

General comparison for formulation selection. Confirm exact specifications against the supplier Certificate of Analysis and SDS for each grade.

Forms and grades

TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is handled as a clear, aqueous liquid — commonly offered around the 40–60% active range, with the exact active content set by grade. It is sold under linear alkylbenzene sulfonate trade designations (for example, the Witconate and BIO-SOFT N-series naming you may see on equivalent products). Specify your target active percentage and packaging when requesting a quote so we match the right grade to your system.

Handling

This is an anionic surfactant liquid; the current SDS governs all handling, PPE, storage, and disposal. RawSource supplies it in bulk drums, totes, and IBCs with a Certificate of Analysis and SDS available on request. Confirm shipping classification and packing details against the SDS for your concentration before transport.

Bulk supply from RawSource

RawSource is a bulk sourcing partner for home-care, HI&I, agrochemical, and industrial-cleaner formulators buying TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate by the drum, tote, IBC, or container load. Send your target volume, active percentage, and packaging and we will return current pricing and lead time on the RFQ form.