Acid slurry or alkyl benzene sulphonate is prepared by sulphonation of Linear Slkyl Benzene (LAB) with a suitable sulphonating agent. Batch sulphonation with either diluted SO2 gas or concentrated sulphuric acid or a mixture of 20% oleum and 98% sulphuric acid or oleum alone. Linear alkyl benzene is the raw material used to manufacture linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LABSA), an active ingredient in the formulation of detergents. LABSA eliminates dirt by its physicochemical mechanism and it is one of the surfactants most widely used in liquid cleaners and in powder. LABSA has been used for more than 45 years in the manufacture of detergents and it is known for its excellent quality/price ratio.
The global linear alkyl benzene (LAB) market is expected to register a CAGR of 3.15% during the forecast period, 2018 - 2023. Linear alkyl benzene, an organic compound, is an intermediary in the production of surfactants, which is mainly used in detergents. LAB removes oil and fatty soil absorbed into the fabric, textile or any other material. LAB is mostly used to manufacture LAS to produce detergents, house cleaners, fabric softeners, and soap bars. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA) is the largest-volume synthetic surfactant because of its relatively low cost, good performance. LAB is straight chained and can be dried to a stable powder, which are biodegradable. LAB is also required for the manufacturing of LABSA and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), which comprises the largest global share in synthetic surfactant sector. About 83-87% of LAS is being used in household detergents, dishwashing liquids, laundry liquids, laundry powders, and other household cleaners. Heavy-duty laundry liquids are used for blankets, carpets, and bed-sheets while light-duty laundry liquids are used for regular clothes. Industrial, institutional, and commercial cleaners account for most of the other applications.