LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid) for Industrial Buyers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda
Finstar
In Stock

LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid)

LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid) is an anionic surfactant extensively used in detergent manufacturing.

Technical Specifications

Chemical FormulaC6H5SO3H (varies by alkyl chain length)
AppearancePale yellow to brownish liquid or pasty solid
SolubilitySoluble in water, forms acidic aqueous solution
pH (aqueous solution)Typically between 1 and 3
Typical Active Matter Content96% – 98%
PackagingDrums, IBCs, or bulk supply depending on order
Storage ConditionsCool, dry, ventilated chemical storage away from incompatible materials

LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid) — Specifications, Uses & Availability

Product Overview

Product NameLABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid)
CategorySoaps and Detergents
AvailabilityIn Stock — Ready for Dispatch

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Available Packaging Options

Drums
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC)
Bulk supply

Need a different pack size or bulk tanker delivery? Request a custom quote.

About LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid)

LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid) is an anionic surfactant extensively used in detergent manufacturing. Structurally, it consists of a benzene ring sulphonated and attached to a linear alkyl chain, providing strong cleaning and emulsifying properties. Typically supplied as a pale yellow to brownish liquid or pasty solid, LABSA generally contains 96% to 98% active matter concentration, suitable for blending in formulations. Purchasers should note that LABSA is soluble in water, forming strongly acidic solutions with pH values typically between 1 and 3. It requires careful handling to avoid contact with incompatible materials like strong oxidizers or bases. The standard use concentration in detergent formulations ranges from 10% to 30% depending on application requirements. Packaging varies from drums to Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) to accommodate different order volumes and ensure safe transport. Because of its acidic and reactive nature, LABSA must be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space, protected from moisture and incompatible substances to maintain stability and performance during storage.

External references: PubChem · Wikipedia

Why LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid) Matters

In detergent manufacturing, LABSA provides essential surfactant properties that enable effective removal of oils, greases, and particulates. Its strong hydrophobic and hydrophilic balance reduces surface tension and facilitates dirt emulsification, which directly improves cleaning efficiency. Proper supply and quality of LABSA affect production consistency and final detergent performance. Using industrial-grade LABSA with known concentration and stability ensures reproducible formulation characteristics, minimizing manufacturing downtimes and conforming to product quality expectations.

Applications

Detergent ManufacturingLABSA serves as the principal anionic surfactant in powder and liquid detergents, providing foaming and grease-cutting properties.
Textile Processing AuxiliariesIt is used as an emulsifier and wetting agent in fabric softening and scouring during textile pretreatment steps.
Water Treatment ChemicalsLABSA acts as a dispersant and coagulant in water treatment to remove suspended solids and oily contaminants.
Industrial EmulsifierFunctions as an emulsifying agent in formulations requiring stable oil-water mixtures, such as metalworking fluids.
Surfactant IntermediateUsed as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of other surfactants for use in various cleaning and personal care products.
Oilfield Chemical ApplicationsApplied as a dispersing agent in oil recovery and drilling fluids to enhance fluid properties.
Leather ProcessingUsed in leather tanning formulations as a wetting and dispersing agent to improve penetration of tanning agents.
Paints and CoatingsLABSA can act as a dispersant and emulsifier to stabilize pigment suspensions in decorative paints.
Pesticide FormulationsImproves spreading and wetting properties of agrochemical sprays by lowering surface tension.
Paper IndustryFacilitates fiber dispersion and sizing in paper manufacturing processes to enhance paper quality.
Pharmaceutical ManufacturingEmployed as an emulsifier in formulations requiring surfactant properties under controlled conditions.
Metal CleaningUsed in formulations for degreasing and cleaning metal surfaces to remove oils and contaminants prior to finishing.
Household Cleaning ProductsKey ingredient in formulations for surface cleaners and laundry detergents providing soil removal.
Adhesive FormulationsActs as a dispersing agent to improve uniformity and stability of adhesive mixtures.
Cosmetics and Personal CareServes as a cleansing and emulsifying agent in shampoos and body washes where appropriate grades are used.

Benefits

Consistent QualityEnsures reproducible product performance reducing batch-to-batch variability.
Flexible Order SizesVarious packaging options accommodate different production scale requirements.
Material TraceabilityBatch documentation supports quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
Ease of FormulationWater solubility allows straightforward incorporation into aqueous systems.
Effective Cleaning PerformanceImproves soil removal efficiency in detergent formulations enhancing product value.
Supports Diverse End-UsesApplicable across detergent, textile, and water treatment sectors increasing versatility.
Reliable Supply ChainRegular availability helps maintain continuous manufacturing operations.
Reduced Production DowntimeConsistent product reduces rework and quality checks during formulation.
Safety Compliance SupportClear handling and storage guidance help meet workplace safety standards.
Cost-Effective ConcentrationHigh active matter content lowers transportation and storage costs relative to diluted forms.
Formulation StabilityStable acidity and chemical properties contribute to longer final product shelf life.
Improved EmulsificationFacilitates stable blending of oil and water phases in industrial products.
Regulatory Documentation AvailableSupports procurement evaluation and legal compliance requirements.
Environmentally ManageableBiodegradable under typical conditions aligning with environmental regulations.
Technical Support ProvidedAccess to application advice improves product integration and performance outcomes.

Features

High Active Matter ContentSupplied with 96%-98% active LABSA content for consistent formulation input.
Multiple Packaging OptionsAvailable in drums, intermediate bulk containers, or bulk for volume flexibility.
Batch TraceabilityBatch numbers and certificates available for quality tracking and audit purposes.
Water-Soluble FormFully soluble in water facilitating ease of mixing in aqueous formulations.
Acidic NatureDelivers low pH (1-3) solutions enabling effective surfactant activation.
Stable Under Normal StorageMaintains quality when stored under recommended conditions for extended shelf life.
Compatible with Surfactant SystemsIntegrates efficiently in surfactant blends and formulations with other detergents.
Bulk Supply CapabilitySuitable for large-scale industrial manufacturing requirements.
Pasty or Liquid FormProvides flexibility to adapt to formulation process requirements.
COA on RequestCertificate of Analysis available upon request to verify product specifications.
Suitable for Industrial UseMeets industry standards for technical grade LABSA used in manufacturing.
Safe Handling Guidelines ProvidedSafety data supports proper handling and storage to mitigate hazards.
Strong Degreasing ActionEffectively removes grease and oily residues in cleaning applications.
Emulsifying CapabilityEnables stable emulsions in diverse industrial formulations.
Controlled pH RangeDelivers predictable acidity for formulation stability and compatibility.

Industries Served

Detergent ManufacturingUses LABSA as a core surfactant for household and industrial cleaning products.
Textile TreatmentEmploys LABSA in wetting and emulsifying processes during fabric preparation and finishing.
Water Treatment FacilitiesApplies LABSA in removing suspended solids and oily contaminants from wastewater streams.
Oil and GasIncorporates LABSA in drilling fluids to enhance viscosity and cleanliness of boreholes.
Leather ProcessingUtilizes LABSA in tanning and finishing stages to improve absorption of chemicals.
Paint and Coating ProductionLeverages emulsification and dispersing properties to stabilize pigment dispersion.
Agricultural ChemicalsFormulates pesticides and herbicides with LABSA for improved spray characteristics.
Pulp and Paper IndustryEnhances fiber dispersion and sizing processes through surfactant action.
Pharmaceutical IndustryUsed for emulsification in select pharmaceutical product manufacturing where permitted.
Metal ProcessingIncluded in degreasers and metal cleaning agents to remove oils and prepare surfaces.
Household ProductsIncorporates LABSA in surface cleaners, shampoos, and personal care items within specified formulations.
Adhesive ManufacturingImproves uniformity and stability in adhesive formulations requiring surfactant input.
Mining IndustryApplied in flotation and separation processes to enhance mineral extraction.
Construction MaterialsUsed in concrete admixtures and mortar for improved workability and surface finish.
Automotive CareIncluded in car wash and cleaning products to remove grease and road grime efficiently.

LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid) is supplied by Finstar to industrial buyers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Read our chemical safety guides for handling best practices.

Delivery Coverage Across Kenya’s Counties

Finstar is a leading supplier of industrial chemicals across Kenya’s counties. LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid) is dispatched from our Nairobi Industrial Area warehouse to businesses nationwide — including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru counties — plus cross-border delivery to Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Towns we regularly supply include:

NairobiMombasaKisumuNakuruEldoretThikaRuiruKiambuMachakosNaivashaNyeriMeruKerichoKakamegaKitaleMalindiNanyukiAthi RiverVoiKilifi

Delivering to a different town or county? Request a quote and our logistics team will confirm delivery timelines to your location.

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