Industry grade 99% Dodecylbenzene CAS 123-01-3

Product Overview

Dodecylbenzene (LAB, C₁₈H₃₀, CAS 123-01-3) is a colorless liquid with a weak oily odor, produced by the alkylation of benzene with dodecene and supplied commercially as a mixture of linear alkylbenzenes with C10–C16 alkyl chains. It is the single most important feedstock of the modern detergent industry: sulfonation of the aromatic ring yields linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), the anionic surfactant that powers laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids and industrial cleaners — a use that consumes more than 98% of all linear alkylbenzenes. Beyond detergents it serves three further core roles: (1) as a chemical intermediate for dodecylnitrobenzene, dodecylaniline, dodecylbenzyl chloride and dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DDBSA); (2) as a high-boiling, low-volatility solvent and carrier for pesticides and industrial formulations; and (3) as a vehicle/solvent for specialized research and process chemistry.

Core value propositions:

• Detergent-Grade Feedstock: premium raw material for linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and arylalkyl sulfonates for the soap and detergent industry;

• Versatile Intermediate: aromatic ring and long alkyl chain open routes to nitro, amino, chloro and sulfonated derivatives;

• High-Boiling, Low-Volatility Solvent: high boiling point, very low vapor pressure and water immiscibility suit solvent, carrier and vehicle duties;

• Consistent Commercial Quality: controlled alkyl chain distribution, color and water content; COA with every batch.

Product Information (Quick Facts)

Chemistry & Structure

Dodecylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of a benzene ring carrying a C12 alkyl chain; commercial LAB is a mixture of linear monoalkylbenzenes with C10–C16 chains, predominantly C12. The long, unbranched alkyl chain makes the molecule strongly hydrophobic and lipophilic: it is insoluble in water (and floats on it), has a very low vapor pressure, and is miscible with most organic solvents. The molecule is the direct precursor of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS): sulfonation of the ring with sulfur trioxide or oleum gives dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, which is neutralized to the sodium salt — the workhorse anionic surfactant of household and industrial detergents. The ring also undergoes standard electrophilic substitution (nitration, halogenation, chloromethylation), affording dodecylnitrobenzene, dodecylaniline, dodecylbenzyl chloride and related intermediates.

Key Features & Benefits

• Premium surfactant feedstock: sulfonation-ready aromatic ring delivers high-quality LAS and detergent sulfonates;

• Clean, consistent quality: controlled alkyl distribution, color and water content — batch-to-batch reproducibility for formulators;

• High-boiling, low-volatility liquid: easy, safe handling at ambient conditions; ideal high-flash solvent and carrier;

• Hydrophobic performance: strong oil affinity and water immiscibility for surfactant, solvent and carrier duties;

• Reliable supply: consistent commercial-grade quality with COA on every shipment.

Main Applications

1 Detergent & Surfactant Feedstock

• LAS surfactants: sulfonation to linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (DDBSA) and neutralization to sodium LAS — the core anionic surfactant of laundry and dishwashing detergents;

• Arylalkyl sulfonates: base raw material for the soap and detergent industry;

• Industrial & institutional cleaners: surfactant base for industrial cleaning formulations, emulsifiers and wetting agents.

2 Chemical Intermediate

• Dodecylnitrobenzene & dodecylaniline: nitration and amination routes to dye and specialty intermediates;

• Dodecylbenzyl chloride: intermediate for quaternary ammonium-type products and specialty chemicals;

• Sulfonated derivatives: DDBSA for acid catalysts, emulsifiers and drilling-fluid additives.

3 Solvent & Carrier Applications

• Pesticide formulations: solvent and carrier for organophosphorus insecticides;

• Industrial solvent: high-boiling, low-volatility solvent and chemical vehicle for process and formulation work;

• Research applications: vehicle and solvent for polynuclear aromatics in carcinogenesis studies and general laboratory chemistry.

4 Soap & Detergent Industry Support

• Detergent intermediates: feedstock for branched/linear sulfonate systems in soaps and detergents;

• Formulation additives: oil-phase component in emulsifier and surfactant blends;

• Quality control: routine reagent and reference material for analytical and QC laboratories.

Packaging, Storage & Transport

Packaging (customizable):

• 200 L (55 gal) drums; 1,000 L IBC totes; bulk ISO-tank loads for large volumes;

Storage:

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition;

• Keep containers tightly closed; keep away from strong oxidizers;

• Avoid skin and eye contact; use local ventilation when handling.

Transport:

• Generally not regulated as dangerous goods (combustible liquid); confirm classification with the SDS;

• Full export documentation (COA, SDS, packing list, commercial invoice) provided with every order.

Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?

• Factory-direct supply: own production and sourcing capability, transparent pricing;

• Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested (assay, color, water content, alkyl distribution), COA with every shipment;

• Export experience: smooth air and sea shipping worldwide, complete export documentation with every order.

FAQ

Q1: What is dodecylbenzene used for?

Dodecylbenzene (LAB) is used: (1) primarily as the feedstock for linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) — the anionic surfactant in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids and industrial cleaners — a use that consumes more than 98% of all linear alkylbenzenes; (2) as a chemical intermediate for dodecylnitrobenzene, dodecylaniline, dodecylbenzyl chloride and dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DDBSA); and (3) as a high-boiling, low-volatility solvent and carrier for pesticides and industrial formulations.

Q2: How is dodecylbenzene converted into detergent?

Dodecylbenzene is sulfonated with sulfur trioxide or oleum to give dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DDBSA), which is then neutralized with caustic soda to sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) — a highly effective anionic surfactant with excellent detergency, foaming and biodegradability.

Q3: Is dodecylbenzene soluble in water?

No. Dodecylbenzene is practically insoluble in water (less than 1 mg/mL) and floats on it, while it is miscible with most organic solvents. This hydrophobicity is essential to its surfactant-precursor and solvent roles.

Q4: What safety precautions should be taken when handling dodecylbenzene?

Dodecylbenzene is a combustible liquid that causes mild irritation to the eyes and skin. Wear goggles or a face shield and rubber gloves, keep it away from heat, flames and strong oxidizers, and ensure good ventilation. Linear alkylbenzenes are not acutely toxic, but always consult the SDS before use.