CAS 27176-87-0|C₁₈H₃₀O₃S

DDBSA — Dodecylbenzenesulfonic Acid

96% technical-grade anionic surfactant acid — primary feedstock for LAS detergents, industrial cleaners, and emulsifiable concentrate formulations.

Active Content

96% min

Flash Point

>150 °C

DOT Class

8 — Corrosive

Packaging

Drum / Tote / Bulk

Physical Properties

Molecular FormulaC₁₈H₃₀O₃S
Molecular Weight326.49 g/mol
CAS Number27176-87-0
Active Content96% min (technical grade)
Boiling Point>300 °C (decomposes)
Flash Point>150 °C (302 °F)
Density1.06–1.07 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Viscosity~2,000 mPa·s at 25 °C
Solubility in WaterSoluble (forms anionic surfactant)
pH (1% solution)<1 (strong acid)
Color (Gardner)8–12 max
Sulfuric Acid Content≤2.0%
C₁₂H₂₅SO₃HC₁₈H₃₀O₃S | CAS 27176-87-0

Grades & Packaging

IndustrialTechnical Grade (96%)
55-gal Drums275-gal TotesBulk Tanker

Industrial Applications

Detergent Manufacturing

Primary feedstock for linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) detergents. Neutralized with NaOH or TEA to produce anionic surfactants for household and industrial cleaners.

Industrial Cleaners

Active ingredient in heavy-duty industrial degreasers, parts washers, and metal cleaning formulations.

Emulsification

Emulsifier and wetting agent in agricultural chemical formulations, emulsifiable concentrates, and oil-in-water emulsions.

Catalyst Applications

Acid catalyst for esterification, alkylation, and condensation reactions in chemical manufacturing.

Textile Processing

Wetting agent and scouring agent in textile preparation and dyeing processes.

Oilfield Chemicals

Surfactant component in drilling fluids, stimulation fluids, and enhanced oil recovery formulations.

Safety & Regulatory

NFPA Health3 — Serious hazard (corrosive)
NFPA Flammability1 — Slight hazard
NFPA Reactivity1 — Slight hazard
OSHA PEL (TWA)No established PEL (as sulfonic acid)
DOT Hazard Class8 — Corrosive
UN NumberUN 2584
Packing GroupIII
PPE RequiredAcid-resistant gloves, face shield, apron

Corrosive Material — Handle with Care

DDBSA is a strong acid. Use acid-resistant gloves, face shield, and protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

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96% technical grade in bulk drums, totes, and tanker delivery across Texas and the Gulf Coast.

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DDBSA vs. Alternatives

Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DDBSA) is a high-performance anionic surfactant and acid catalyst. Here's how it compares to related sulfonic acid surfactants.

AttributeDDBSASodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)Xylenesulfonic Acid
Chemical ClassLinear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (LABSA)Sodium salt of DDBSA — neutralized formAromatic sulfonic acid — shorter chain
FormViscous liquid acid — pH ~1Powder or paste — neutral pHLiquid — lower viscosity
Surfactant ActivityHigh — excellent wetting and emulsificationHigh — same backbone, neutralizedModerate — primarily hydrotrope
Acid Catalyst UseYes — strong acid, used as catalystNo — salt form, not acidicYes — but weaker than DDBSA
Primary ApplicationDetergent manufacture, acid catalyst, emulsifierFinished detergent formulationsHydrotrope, coupling agent

Industries We Supply DDBSA To

Detergent & Cleaning Products

DDBSA is the primary raw material for manufacturing household and industrial detergents — neutralized with caustic soda or TEA to produce the active surfactant in liquid and powder cleaners.

DDBSA supply in Houston, TX

Oilfield Chemicals

Used as an emulsifier and wetting agent in drilling fluids, completion fluids, and enhanced oil recovery formulations where acid-stable surfactancy is required.

DDBSA supply in Midland, TX

Industrial Cleaning & Degreasers

DDBSA provides strong wetting, emulsification, and soil suspension in industrial degreasers, metal cleaners, and hard surface cleaners for manufacturing facilities.

DDBSA supply in Beaumont, TX

Chemical Synthesis & Catalysis

Used as an acid catalyst in esterification, alkylation, and condensation reactions in specialty chemical and polymer manufacturing.

DDBSA supply in Dallas, TX