Dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid
[CAS# 27176-87-0]

Identification

• Classification: Surfactant >> Anionic surfactant >> Sulfonate type
• Name: Dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid
• Synonyms: Laurylbenzenesulfonic acid
• Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₀O₃S
• Molecular Weight: 326.49
• CAS Registry Number: 27176-87-0
• EC Number: 248-289-4
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCc1ccc(cc1)S(O)(=O)=O

Properties

• Density: 1.2
• Melting point: 10 ºC
• Boiling point: 315 ºC

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H226-H302-H314-H336
• Precautionary Statements: P210-P280-P301+P312+P330-P301+P330+P331-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338+P310

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1A	H314
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	2	H371
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312

• Transport Information: UN 2584;UN 2924

Discovory and Applicatios

Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DDBSA) is an important chemical surfactant in detergent production. It belongs to a class of compounds known as linear alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS). This discovery dates back to the development of synthetic detergents in the 1930s to meet the growing demand for cleaners that worked effectively in hard water. The effectiveness of soap is reduced by the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, which led to the creation of LAS, with DDBSA becoming a key ingredient due to its superior cleaning properties and stability in a variety of conditions. DDBSA is a strong organic acid with the chemical formula C18H30O3S. It is a light yellow to dark brown viscous liquid that can produce foam and emulsified oil. The molecule consists of a dodecyl chain (a 12-carbon straight alkyl chain) connected to a benzene ring, which is further connected to a sulfonic acid group. This structure gives it both hydrophilic (water-absorbing) and hydrophobic (water-repellent) properties, making it an effective surfactant.

The primary use of DDBSA is in the formulation of detergents. Its surface-active properties allow it to reduce the surface tension of water, enhancing its ability to wet surfaces and dissolve greasy stains. It is used in both household cleaning products, such as laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids, and in industrial cleaners.

In addition to detergents, DDBSA is used as an emulsifier in a variety of applications, including agricultural products such as pesticides, where it helps stabilize mixtures of water and oil-based substances, ensuring even distribution.

In the oil industry, DDBSA plays a role in enhanced oil recovery techniques. By reducing the interfacial tension between oil and water, it helps mobilize trapped oil in reservoirs, increasing oil recovery efficiency.

In textile processing, DDBSA is used in washing and bleaching processes to remove impurities from fibers and fabrics. It helps evenly apply dyes and chemicals, improving the quality of the final product.

It is used as a nickel plating brightener in the electroplating industry, helping to produce a shiny, smooth metal finish.

While DDBSA is effective and widely used, its environmental impact has raised concerns. It is a component of LAS, which is persistent in the environment, so there is a risk of bioaccumulation and toxicity to aquatic life. Efforts are underway to develop biodegradable alternatives and improve wastewater treatment processes to mitigate these effects.