LABSA Chemical Supplier in Pakistan
The Complete Industrial Guide to Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid
If your business manufactures detergents, washing powders, liquid soaps, or industrial cleaning products, there is one chemical sitting at the heart of your formulation. It is not glamorous, but without it your product simply does not clean. That chemical is LABSA, short for Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid, and it is the world’s single most widely used synthetic surfactant.
Approximate global LABSA market value in 2024, driven mainly by detergent manufacturing demand.
Estimated share of globally produced LABSA consumed in detergent manufacturing.
Global market share currently held by LABSA 96%, preferred for premium formulations and stronger performance.
What Is LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid)?
LABSA is an anionic surfactant, which means it carries a negative electrical charge in solution. Its molecular structure is the reason it works so effectively. One end of the molecule, the alkyl chain, is hydrophobic and bonds with oils, grease, and dirt. The other end, the sulphonic acid group, is hydrophilic and bonds with water.
This dual nature allows LABSA to attach to greasy particles, lift them from surfaces, and pull them into water. That basic mechanism is behind nearly every detergent and cleaning product used in homes and factories.
Chemically, LABSA is a complex mixture of homologues with alkyl chain lengths typically ranging from C10 to C14, along with phenyl positional isomers. The dominant commercial grades, LABSA 90% and LABSA 96%, refer to active matter content, which directly affects cleaning performance and formulation dosage.
Chemical and physical properties of LABSA
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid |
| Common Names | LABSA, Acid Slurry, LAS Acid, LABS |
| CAS Number | 27176-87-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₀O₃S (representative; mixture of homologues) |
| Alkyl Chain Length | C10 to C14 (linear) |
| Appearance | Brown to dark amber viscous liquid or paste |
| Odour | Characteristic sulphonic acid smell |
| Active Matter (LABSA 96%) | 96% minimum |
| Active Matter (LABSA 90%) | 90% minimum |
| Sulphuric Acid Content | ≤ 1.5% for LABSA 96% |
| Colour (Klett) | ≤ 20–40 depending on grade |
| pH (1% solution) | 1.5–2.5 |
| Density at 20°C | 1.05–1.10 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity at 25°C | 3,000–7,000 mPa·s |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with water |
| Flash Point | > 100°C |
| UN Number | 2584 |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive) |
| EINECS No. | 248-289-4 |
How LABSA is manufactured
LABSA 96% vs LABSA 90%: what is the difference?
| Parameter | LABSA 96% | LABSA 90% |
|---|---|---|
| Active Matter | ≥ 96% | ≥ 90% |
| Sulphuric Acid | ≤ 1.5% | ≤ 4.0% |
| Parameter | LABSA 96% | LABSA 90% |
|---|---|---|
| Colour (Klett) | ≤ 20 | ≤ 40 |
| Overall Quality Positioning | Premium grade | Economy / budget grade |
| Parameter | LABSA 96% | LABSA 90% |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Use | Premium detergents, liquid formulations | Low-cost washing powders and budget cleaning products |
| Parameter | LABSA 96% | LABSA 90% |
|---|---|---|
| Dosage in Formulation | Lower dosage required | Higher dosage needed for similar performance |
| Price | Premium | Lower |
Industrial applications of LABSA in Pakistan
Liquid detergent manufacturing
LABSA is the primary active ingredient in dishwashing liquids, laundry liquids, floor cleaners, and multipurpose cleaners. It is typically neutralized with sodium hydroxide or soda ash to form water-soluble LAS before being incorporated into the final product.
Washing powder production
In detergent powder manufacturing, LABSA is spray-dried with soda ash, sodium sulphate, STPP, and other builders to produce free-flowing granules used across Pakistan’s mass-market laundry segment.
Detergent cakes and scouring bars
LABSA provides primary surfactancy in detergent cakes and kitchen scouring bars, where it is blended with fillers, builders, and binders, then pressed or extruded into final bar form.
Industrial and institutional cleaners
It is used in degreasers, floor cleaners, machine-cleaning concentrates, kitchen cleaners, and heavy-duty industrial cleaning products used in hotels, food facilities, textile plants, and workshops.
Textile and leather processing
LABSA acts as a wetting agent and detergent in textile and leather preparation, helping remove oils and contaminants while improving dye absorption and overall treatment consistency.
Agricultural formulations
LABSA is used as an emulsifier and wetting agent in pesticide, herbicide, and insecticide formulations, making it relevant beyond detergent manufacturing.
Emulsion polymerisation
In polymer-related processing, LABSA functions as an emulsifier and stabilizer, supporting consistent dispersion and formulation stability.
Lubricants and industrial oils
It is used as an anti-rust and anti-corrosion additive in selected lubricant and oil formulations where surface-active properties are beneficial.
Paper, leather, and construction
LABSA also finds use as a wetting agent in pulp processing, a degreasing agent in leather tanning, and a foaming aid in certain construction chemical applications.
Typical liquid detergent formulation using LABSA
| Ingredient | % in Formulation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| LABSA (neutralized to LAS) | 8–20% | Primary surfactant and cleaning action |
| SLES | 5–12% | Secondary surfactant and foam booster |
| Caustic Soda (NaOH) | As required | Neutralisation and pH adjustment |
| Salt (NaCl) | 1–3% | Viscosity control |
| Fragrance | 0.2–1% | Odour |
| Preservative | 0.1–0.2% | Shelf life |
| Water | Balance | Carrier |
Recommended proportion of LABSA in detergent powder
| LABSA Range | Quality Positioning |
|---|---|
| 5%–12% | Low-grade quality |
| 12%–16% | Mid-grade quality |
| 16%–28% | High-grade quality |
Industrial cleaning applications
| Sector | Product Type / Application |
|---|---|
| Food processing plants | Equipment degreasers and conveyor belt cleaners |
| Textile mills | Floor degreasers and machine cleaning concentrates |
| Automotive sector | Engine degreasers and workshop floor cleaners |
| Hotels and institutions | Heavy-duty floor cleaners and kitchen degreasers |
| Construction | Concrete form release agent cleaners and curing compound removers |
Other industrial uses
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Emulsion Polymerisation | Emulsifier and stabilizer in polymer manufacturing |
| Lubricants | Anti-rust and anti-corrosion additive |
| Paper Industry | Wetting agent in pulp processing |
| Leather tanning | Degreasing agent |
| Construction chemicals | Foaming agent in aerated concrete |
Storage, handling, and safety
Storage requirements
- Store in HDPE tanks or lined steel vessels
- Do not use unlined mild steel, aluminium, zinc, or copper
- Keep storage temperature between 10–35°C
- Be aware that 96% LABSA can solidify below approximately 10°C
- Keep storage closed because LABSA is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture
- Keep away from oxidizing agents, reactive metals, and uncontrolled contact with strong bases
PPE and handling guidelines
- Skin contact: chemical-resistant gloves and protective apron
- Eye or face exposure: safety goggles and face shield
- Inhalation risk: adequate ventilation and respiratory protection in enclosed spaces
- Spills: neutralise with soda ash or dilute sodium carbonate solution before cleanup
- First aid for skin: rinse immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
Why source LABSA from AMZ Industries?
Consistent active matter content
If active matter is lower than specified, your detergent underperforms. We focus on consistent grade specifications so your formulation performs the way it should.
Support for both 90% and 96% grades
Whether you need LABSA 90% for cost-efficient washing powder production or LABSA 96% for premium liquid formulations, we support both production models.
Reliable packaging options
We supply in 210 kg drums, 1,050 kg IBC tanks, and bulk tanker quantities depending on your manufacturing scale and monthly volume.
Cleaner neutralisation control
Lower sulphuric acid and predictable quality help reduce complications during neutralisation and improve control over final pH and product stability.
Nationwide delivery
We support delivery across Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and other industrial locations in Pakistan.
Competitive pricing and lead times
Industrial buyers need both consistency and supply reliability. We focus on dependable sourcing, practical lead times, and commercially competitive quotations.
Get in touch with AMZ Industries
If you are looking for a reliable LABSA chemical supplier in Pakistan, contact AMZ Industries today. Tell us your required grade, whether 90% or 96%, your monthly volume, and your delivery location, and we will come back to you with a competitive quotation and availability details.
