Linear Alkyl Benzene is a foundation raw material across the cleaning chemicals industry. At our manufacturing plant, production of LAB involves the reaction of benzene with linear mono-olefins, typically sourced from straight-chain paraffins, by way of alkylation. The result is a colorless to pale yellow liquid, which makes LAB ideal for preparing biodegradable detergents. Sinopec’s LAB achieves tight molecular weight ranges, favoring those with carbon chains from C10 to C13. Typical molecular formula sits at C6H5CnH2n+1, where n usually ranges from 10 to 13.
You handle LAB every day, so you know the importance of density, viscosity, and purity. For Sinopec LAB, density often measures near 0.86–0.87 g/cm³ at room temperature. Unlike many feedstock chemicals that show a variety of modifications and blending, LAB comes as a stable compound, staying in clear liquid form under ordinary storage conditions. Its melting point usually falls below -30°C, and its boiling point hovers close to 282–303°C, depending on the chain length distribution. The absence of significant solid states under normal processing cuts down the risk of blockages in pumping and blending lines. No powder, no flakes, no pearls—just a consistent, manageable liquid.
HS Code for Linear Alkyl Benzene is 2904.10.00. This numerical identifier does more than tick a box on a bill of lading. It ties into regulatory oversight, sets duty rates, and helps buyers confirm authenticity and origin. No matter how the market shifts globally, this code follows each drum and tanker, keeping everything accountable for customs and compliance.
Linear Alkyl Benzene combines a benzene ring with a linear alkyl chain, which pairs functional strength with environmental acceptability. Fewer branched chains make the resulting detergents easier to break down in nature’s cycles. Our plant uses paraffins derived from kerosene as the starting material, investing in hydrocracking and dehydrogenation steps for the cleanest feedstock possible. Olefin intermediates, mixed with benzene using carefully selected catalysts, deliver high yields and consistent quality. LAB’s molecular structure avoids branching that used to make older generations of alkyl benzene sulfonates more persistent in the environment.
Working with LAB never means ignoring hazards. Its flash point sits above 130°C—much higher than gasoline or solvents like toluene—but that advantage does not mean risk disappears. As a liquid hydrocarbon, LAB can present fire risks if heated, and needs to be kept away from ignition sources. Inhalation of mists or prolonged skin contact may cause irritation. Good chemical hygiene—ventilation, gloves, splash-proof goggles—always makes a difference. Our facility has strict protocols for spills: containment, absorption, and careful cleanup take priority, followed by waste disposal that meets local regulations. LAB is not officially classified as a hazardous substance under the main international regulations, but improper handling in enclosed spaces can still create health or safety incidents. Because LAB does not persist like older branched analogs, it draws less scrutiny from environmental regulators, which does not make complacency wise.
Customers look for purity levels over 99% by weight, with sulfur, bromine index, and color numbers held to tight tolerances. The manufacturing process does not forgive shortcuts. By controlling the feedstock, operating the alkylation reactor under optimized conditions, and handling product storage with minimal air and light exposure, we keep the molecular profile stable shipment after shipment. Product quality reporting covers average linear chain distribution, physical appearance, and residue-on-evaporation measures for every batch. Each test keeps customer processes—whether sulfonation, blending, or final formulation—free from unpleasant surprises.
LAB’s main market remains household and industrial detergents, where it serves as the backbone for making linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). Because its alkyl chain length matches the sweet spot for good foaming and cleaning ability, it dominates in powder and liquid formulations. This chemical is not a standalone cleanser, but it gives the surfactant backbone that ties water, oil, and dirt together. Beyond cleaning, small volumes filter into plasticizers and specialty intermediates, but the chemistry’s heart stays in surfactants. In solution—usually mixed with sodium hydroxide and sulfur trioxide to yield LAS—it behaves predictably and blends without clumping or separating, thanks to its liquid state and low water affinity.
No manufacturing line runs perfectly. Impurities like dodecylbenzene, sulfurized byproducts, or color bodies can sneak in if maintenance slips. Over time, we found the best defense comes from constant process checks: inline spectroscopy, chromatography, and manual oversight. Shipping requires lined tanks or drums; exposed mild steel causes product discoloration and breakdown. For downstream partners, storing LAB under nitrogen keeps it from oxidizing and forming unwanted residues.
LAB’s footprint stretches across the supply chain, from oilfield byproducts to grocery store cleaning aisles. Its molecular transparency, physical stability, and proven record for biodegradability back up every investment in cleaner chemistry. While other feedstocks fight against regulations for environmental health, the linear backbone of LAB keeps demand high and regulatory pushback limited. By maintaining strict control from raw material sourcing to chemical delivery, the manufacturer’s role ensures end-users trust every shipment. That reliability supports decisions in procurement and lets chemists and formulators focus less on variability, more on their own innovation and process optimization. In an industry where each parameter counts, the dependability and clear molecular profile of Sinopec LAB keeps production lines running and regulators satisfied.
