Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) – Detergent Grade Supply

Chemical Name: Linear Alkyl Benzene (Linear Alkylbenzene)
Chemical Formula: C₆H₅–CₙH₂ₙ₊₁ (n = 10 – 13)
CAS Number: 67774-74-7
HS Code: 3817.00 (Mixed alkylbenzenes)
Transport Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods for sea transport
Also Known As: LAB, Linear Alkylbenzene, Detergent Alkylate, Dodecylbenzene (trade usage)
Traded Standard: Detergent grade, C10–C13 alkyl chain, bromine index 10 max; or the buyer’s plant specification

LAB is the main raw material for synthetic detergents. It is sulphonated to make LABSA (linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid), the active ingredient in most detergent powders, cakes, bars and liquid soaps. LAS made from LAB biodegrades readily, which is why it replaced the older branched alkylbenzenes. South Asia, the Middle East and Africa are among the largest and fastest-growing markets.

Ametheus supplies detergent-grade LAB on FOB, CFR/CIF and delivered terms to sulphonation plants, detergent makers and trade partners. We supply ISO tanks, flexitanks, drums and bulk parcels from established producing regions. We work on a contract basis and do not sell retail.

Technical Specifications

Typical detergent-grade limits. Final specification and Certificate of Analysis are confirmed on each contract.

Parameter Unit Typical Limit (Detergent Grade) Test Method
Appearance — Clear, colourless liquid, free from sediment Visual
Colour Saybolt +29 min ASTM D156
Specific Gravity (15.5/15.5°C) — 0.855 – 0.870 ASTM D4052
Bromine Index mg Br/100 g 10 max ASTM D2710 / D1492
C10 – C13 LAB % wt 98.0 min UOP 698
Below C10 / C14 and above % wt 1.0 max each UOP 698
Average Molecular Weight g/mol 235 – 244 UOP 698
2-Phenyl Alkanes % wt Report (≈ 10 – 20 HF route; ≈ 25+ solid-acid route) UOP 698
Paraffin Content % wt 0.5 max UOP 698
Tetralin % wt 1.0 max GC
Water mg/kg 200 max ASTM D6304
Doctor Test — Negative ASTM D4952
Sulphonatability % wt 98 min UOP 429

Buying note: Bromine index and tetralin predict sulphonate colour. LAB that looks water-white can still give a dark LABSA if these are high, so match them to your sulphonator and the colour you sell. Tell us your plant and formulation, and we will match the chain distribution and 2-phenyl content to it.

Key Applications

Detergents (dominant use)

  • Feedstock for LABSA (linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid) by SO₃ or oleum sulphonation
  • Detergent powders, cakes and bars
  • Liquid detergents, dishwash liquids and household cleaners

Industrial & Institutional

  • Industrial cleaners and laundry products
  • Emulsifiers for agrochemicals and textile auxiliaries

Other Uses

  • Speciality solvent and carrier, and electrical insulating fluid applications (special grades)

Packaging & Logistics

  • ISO tank containers, about 20 – 22 MT net
  • Flexitanks, about 20 – 21 MT per 20′ container
  • New 200 L steel drums (about 170 – 180 kg net; around 80 drums per 20′ container)
  • Bulk chemical tanker parcels into coastal terminals
  • Road tankers for domestic deliveries, where available

Load-port inspection is done by an independent surveyor (SGS, Intertek, Saybolt or similar). Before loading, the surveyor checks prior cargoes and tank cleanliness, because carry-over shows up as colour in the sulphonate.

Storage & Handling

  • Store in clean, dry carbon-steel or stainless tanks at ambient temperature. Use stainless where sulphonate colour is critical.
  • Keep dry. Water in the feed interferes with SO₃ sulphonation.
  • LAB is combustible. Keep away from strong oxidisers and ignition sources.
  • Use gloves and goggles. Avoid prolonged skin contact.
  • Full SDS is available on request.

Commercial Terms

  • Incoterms 2020: FOB load port, CFR / CIF discharge port (e.g. Kandla, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Chennai), or delivered, as agreed
  • Pricing: Fixed price per MT, or formula-linked to recognised benchmarks (e.g. ICIS / Argus LAB assessments), as agreed
  • Payment: LC or CAD against documents on first contracts
  • Quality: Load-port and/or discharge inspection as agreed. COA, SDS and Certificate of Origin are provided.
  • Lots: From ISO-tank or flexitank quantities up to bulk parcels, depending on origin and the discharge terminal

Why Ametheus

Inquiry

For current availability, grade, quantity and delivery window, contact the commodities desk with:

  • Product & grade (detergent-grade LAB, or your plant specification for molecular weight, bromine index and 2-phenyl)
  • Quantity (per lift and annual volume)
  • Discharge port / delivery location
  • Delivery window
  • Preferred Incoterm and packaging (ISO tank, flexitank, drums, bulk)

Commodities desk
Ametheus Holdings Pvt Ltd
[email protected] | [email protected]
New buyers: please complete the Preliminary KYC form or contact us.

We respond on live enquiries. Bulk quantities only; we do not sell samples or retail lots.

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