Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), CAS 25155-30-0, is the sodium salt of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LAS) and the workhorse anionic surfactant of powder detergents. PolyBlueChem supplies a free-flowing, white to slightly yellow powder or granule grade with active matter 80 +/- 2%, bulk density above 0.18 t/m3, moisture below 3% and pH 8.5-11.5 in 1% solution at 25 deg C – a specification designed for dry blending into detergent powders, for industrial cleaning compounds and for emulsion polymerisation.
Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or slightly yellow free-flowing powder / granules |
| Active matter (%) | 80 +/- 2 |
| Bulk density (t/m3) | Min 0.18 |
| Moisture (%) | Max 3 |
| pH (1% solution, 25 deg C) | 8.5 – 11.5 |
| Packaging | 25 kg net, inner PE liner; 500-1000 kg jumbo bags on request |
Basic Information
| Chemical name | Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate) |
| Common names | SDBS, LAS-Na, sodium LAS, sodium laurylbenzenesulfonate |
| CAS number | 25155-30-0 |
| Chemical class | Anionic surfactant, alkylbenzene sulfonate |
| Appearance | White or slightly yellow free-flowing powder / granules |
| Active matter | 80 +/- 2% |
| Bulk density | Min 0.18 t/m3 |
| Moisture | Max 3% |
| pH (1% solution, 25 deg C) | 8.5 – 11.5 |
| Ionic character | Anionic (sulfonate, fully neutralised sodium salt) |
Where It Fits
SDBS is the dry form of the most widely used anionic surfactant in the world. Because it arrives already neutralised, a detergent producer can dry-blend it into a powder without owning sulfonation or neutralisation equipment – the reason powder plants buy SDBS rather than laminating LABSA on site. The price of that convenience is the inactive fraction: an 80% grade carries roughly 20% of sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, unsulfonated matter and water, which is why formulators compare SDBS with LABSA on cost per unit of active matter, not on price per tonne.
The high pH window (8.5-11.5) is a formulation signal, not a defect. Part of the alkalinity comes from residual free alkali carried through neutralisation, and it suits alkaline laundry powders and industrial degreasers. It has to be balanced against acid-sensitive components – enzymes, perborate bleach activators, acid-releasing builders – in the same powder.
Typical Applications
- Household detergent powders – the primary anionic surfactant in laundry powder, combined with builders (zeolite 4A, sodium silicate, sodium carbonate), a co-surfactant and optical brighteners.
- Industrial and institutional cleaners – alkaline degreasers, floor cleaners, dairy and food-plant cleaning compounds.
- Emulsion polymerisation – emulsifier for acrylic, styrene-butadiene and vinyl acetate systems where a stable, low-foam-contribution anionic is needed.
- Agrochemical formulations – wetting and dispersing agent in wettable powders and suspension concentrates.
- Construction materials – foaming agent in gypsum board and lightweight concrete / aerated block production.
- Textile and leather processing – scouring, wetting and leveling auxiliary.
Handling and Formulation Notes
| Point | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Dry blending | Free-flowing powder with bulk density above 0.18 t/m3 blends well with zeolite and carbonate builders; avoid over-shearing, which generates fines and dust |
| Moisture control | Specification max 3% – keep bags sealed, since pick-up of moisture causes caking in the finished powder |
| Alkali balance | pH 8.5-11.5 in 1% solution; check compatibility with enzymes (protease optimum around pH 8-10) and with acidic bleach activators |
| Hard water | LAS is calcium-sensitive; performance in hard water depends on the builder system, so dose builders against water hardness rather than increasing surfactant |
| Dissolving | Dissolves readily in warm water; add to water with agitation, not the reverse, to avoid lumps |
| Dust | Use local exhaust ventilation at weighing and blending points; the powder is a respiratory irritant in bulk handling |
Packaging, Storage and Documentation
Supplied in 25 kg net bags with an inner PE liner, or 500-1000 kg jumbo bags for powder plants. Store in a dry, ventilated area on pallets, away from strong acids (which liberate the free acid) and away from prolonged humid exposure. Each batch ships with a COA covering appearance, active matter, bulk density, moisture and pH; SDS is available in English. Export palletisation and shipping documents are arranged per order.
Related reading
- Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS): properties, production and applications
- SDBS in detergent powders and industrial cleaning
- SDBS vs LABSA vs AOS vs SLES: choosing an anionic surfactant
- AOS vs SLES, LAS and SLS
FAQ
Is SDBS the same as LAS? SDBS is the sodium salt of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LAS). “LAS” usually refers to the acid or the surfactant family; SDBS specifically means the neutralised sodium powder.
What does 80% active matter mean in practice? Roughly 20% of the product is sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, unsulfonated matter and moisture. Compare quotations on cost per unit of active matter and on bulk density, not on price per tonne.
Can SDBS be used in liquid detergents? It dissolves, but liquids are normally made from LABSA neutralised in situ or from a 30% SDBS slurry; the powder grade is intended for dry blending.
Is SDBS biodegradable? Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are readily biodegradable under standard test conditions; the linear (LAB-based) chain is the reason the industry moved away from branched alkylbenzene.
Contact PolyBlueChem for specifications, samples and quotations.
