Linear alkylbenzene

Linear alkylbenzene
Names
Other names
LAB, linear alkyl benzene
Identifiers
ChemSpider
  • none
ECHA InfoCard 100.060.937 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 267-051-0
Properties
C6H5CHR1R2 where R1 = CnH2n+1 and R2 = CmH2m+1 m,n are integers m≥0, n≥1 (typically 10-16)
Appearance colorless liquid
Density 863 kg/m3
insoluble in water
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards
 flammable
Safety data sheet (SDS) MSDS
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Linear alkylbenzenes (sometimes also known as LABs) are a family of organic compounds with the formula C6H5CnH2n+1. Typically, n lies between 10 and 16, although generally supplied as a tighter cut, such as C12-C15, C12-C13 and C10-C13, for detergent use.[1] The CnH2n+1 chain is unbranched. They are mainly produced as intermediate in the production of surfactants, for use in detergent. Since the 1960s, LABs have emerged as the dominant precursor of biodegradable detergents.[2]

  1. ^ Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals (Third ed.). p. 3858.
  2. ^ Kosswig, Kurt (2005). "Surfactants". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a25_747. ISBN 3527306730.