LABSA
CAS No single CAS - LABSA is a mixture
| Product name | LABSA |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid, LABSA 90, acid slurry |
| C.A.S. number | No single CAS - LABSA is a mixture (UVCB) of alkyl chain lengths, so any CAS quoted is representative. The three in commercial use are: 27176-87-0, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, EC 248-289-4 (the single-component surrogate that most Indian and Gulf datasheets quote); 85536-14-7, benzenesulfonic acid 4-C10-13-sec-alkyl derivs., EC 287-494-3 (the EU/REACH substance identity used by producers such as Sasol); and 68584-22-5, benzenesulfonic acid mono-C10-13-alkyl derivs. State on the SDS that the product is a mixture and that the CAS given is representative. |
| Molecular formula | CH3(CH2)11C6H4SO3H = C18H30O3S for the C12 representative; the commercial product is a blend of C10-C13 homologues |
| Molecular weight | About 320 +/- 2 for the commercial C10-13 blend (two producer datasheets give this figure); 326.5 g/mol for the pure C12 representative, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. Because it is a mixture, quote it as an average. |
| Grade supplied against | 90% linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid |
| Appearance | Brown to dark brown viscous liquid ('acid slurry') with a sharp, pungent sulphonic odour |
| Product group | Surfactants & Oleochemicals |
| HSN code | 3402 31 00 |
| Country of origin | As stated on the producer’s documents for the lot supplied; confirmed at offer stage |
| Packing | 225 kg drum · IBC |
| Storage | Store below 50 degC (one producer limits handling to 50 degC max 55 degC; colour darkens above this) in closed containers of 316 stainless steel, polyester/GRP, or HDPE, in a bunded area with an acid-resistant floor. Protect from frost, direct sunlight and heat. Never use galvanised steel, mild steel, aluminium or copper alloys. Segregate from alkalis and oxidising agents. EU storage class 8AL (combustible corrosive liquid). |
| S. No. | Test parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Description | Brown to dark brown viscous liquid ('acid slurry') with a sharp, pungent sulphonic odour | Visual |
| 2 | Identification | Conforms to the substance supplied | Instrumental or chemical test, per method agreed |
| 3 | Assay / grade | 90% linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid | Titrimetry or instrumental, per method agreed |
| 4 | Physical state | Liquid (viscous; viscosity falls sharply on warming) | Visual |
| 5 | Solubility in water | Completely miscible/soluble in water. Dissolution is strongly exothermic and the resulting solution is strongly acidic - add the acid to water, never water to the acid. | Per the test method agreed |
| 6 | pH | About 1 measured on a 10 g/L (1%) aqueous solution at 20 degC (Sasol Marlon AS3 N); about 1.5 on a 1% solution (two other producer datasheets); about 2 measured on the neat 96% acid (Transmare Chemie). The number is meaningless without the dilution, so always print the dilution with it. | Potentiometry |
| 7 | Relative density | 1.03 g/cm3 at 20-25 degC (Sasol Marlon AS3 N and Transmare Chemie, 96% grade); 1.04-1.05 g/mL at 20 degC and 1.01 g/mL at 25 degC reported by other producers of 96-97% material. For the 90% grade: Not available - expect a slightly different figure because of the higher water content. | Densitometry / hydrometry |
| 8 | Melting / freezing point | About -10 degC pour point for the roughly 96% acid (Sasol Marlon AS3 N; Transmare Chemie LABSA 96). For the 90% grade specifically: Not available. | Capillary / thermal |
| 9 | Boiling point | About 315 degC is quoted for the 96% grade (Transmare Chemie), but the acid decomposes rather than boiling cleanly. For the 90% grade: Not available. | Distillation range |
| 10 | Flash point | About 210 degC (Sasol Marlon AS3 N); greater than 200 degC (Transmare Chemie); greater than 90 degC by DIN 51758 on one 96-97% grade. Not a flammable liquid but combustible - quote your own supplier's measured figure rather than picking one of these. | Closed cup |
| 11 | Additional parameters | To the specification agreed before order | As agreed |
UN 2586 · Class 8 (Corrosive substances) · Packing group III
Proper shipping name: ALKYLSULPHONIC ACIDS, LIQUID or ARYLSULPHONIC ACIDS, LIQUID with not more than 5% free sulphuric acid - declared in practice as 'ALKYLSULPHONIC ACIDS, LIQUID (alkylbenzenesulphonic acid)'. CRITICAL: this entry only applies if free sulphuric acid is not more than 5%. If the free sulphuric acid content exceeds 5%, the correct entry is UN 2584, ALKYLSULPHONIC ACIDS, LIQUID ... with more than 5% free sulphuric acid, Class 8, Packing Group II. Check the COA before raising the transport document.
Need this on your own enquiry, or need the producer’s batch certificate of analysis for a consignment? Email the sales desk or see what travels with the load.