About Dodecyl Benzylsulphonic Acid (DDBSA)

Dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid, commonly abbreviated as DDBSA and also known as linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acid (LABSA), is an anionic surfactant acid with the general formula C₁₈H₃₀O₃S for the dodecyl homologue. DDBSA is supplied as a viscous, brown to dark brown liquid, and is strongly acidic and corrosive in its unneutralised form. It is the precursor to linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS), one of the most widely used surfactants in the world, and is also used directly as an acid catalyst and emulsifier intermediate.

Dodecyl Benzylsulphonic Acid (DDBSA) Uses

Detergents and Household Cleaning

DDBSA is neutralised with sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or amines to form linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, the primary cleaning surfactant in laundry powders, laundry liquids and dishwashing liquids. The resulting surfactant gives strong detergency, good foaming and effective removal of oily and particulate soils, and many manufacturers neutralise the acid in situ during batch production.

Industrial and Institutional Cleaners

In commercial cleaning, DDBSA is formulated into heavy duty degreasers, car and truck washes, floor cleaners and hard surface cleaners. Its acidity also suits it to acid based cleaners and descalers for dairy, food processing and transport equipment, where it combines soil removal with scale and film removal in one product.

Agrochemical Emulsifiers

Reacting DDBSA with calcium compounds produces calcium dodecylbenzene sulphonate, a key anionic emulsifier in agricultural chemical formulations. Blended with non-ionic surfactants, it allows herbicides, insecticides and fungicides supplied as emulsifiable concentrates to disperse evenly when diluted with water in the spray tank.

Catalysis and Chemical Manufacturing

As a strong organic acid that is soluble in organic media, DDBSA is used as an acid catalyst in esterification reactions and as a curing catalyst for amino resin coatings, often in blocked form to control cure temperature. It also serves as an emulsifier in emulsion polymerisation and as an intermediate for other sulphonate salts used in lubricants, metalworking fluids and oilfield chemicals.

Dodecyl Benzylsulphonic Acid (DDBSA) Supplier Australia, USA & More!

Redox are trusted, authorised suppliers of Dodecyl Benzylsulphonic Acid (DDBSA). With distribution centres worldwide, we can supply to Australia, USA, UK, NZ, Europe, Asia and more. Get in touch with our expert team, who can help you order the right product, form and amount for your needs.