Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB): Grades, Purity Levels, and Industrial Applications
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) is a key petrochemical intermediate widely used in the global detergent and surfactant industry. Thanks to its high cleaning efficiency, excellent foaming behavior, and favorable biodegradability profile, LAB remains the preferred raw material for the production of household and industrial cleaning products.
Understanding LAB Purity and Grades
One of the most frequently asked questions by buyers and manufacturers is related to LAB purity percentage. In commercial trade, LAB is typically available in multiple grades, each designed to meet different formulation needs and market requirements.
High-purity LAB grades are commonly classified as:
LAB 99% – Premium grade
LAB 98% – Export standard grade
LAB 97.5% – Industrial grade, cost-effective option
Each grade plays a distinct role within the detergent and surfactant supply chain.
LAB 99% – Premium Quality for High-End Applications
LAB with 99% purity is considered a premium grade, primarily used by manufacturers who require maximum consistency and minimal impurities. This grade is often selected for:
High-performance LABSA production
Sensitive detergent formulations
Premium household cleaning products
Its high purity ensures excellent sulfonation efficiency and stable final product quality.
LAB 98% – Global Export Standard
LAB 98% is the most widely traded and accepted grade in international markets. It offers an optimal balance between performance and cost, making it suitable for large-scale production.
Typical uses include:
Standard LABSA manufacturing
Laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids
Industrial and institutional cleaning products
This grade is commonly specified in export contracts due to its reliability and broad market acceptance.
LAB 97.5% – Industrial & Cost-Effective Grade
LAB 97.5% is a widely used industrial-grade option, especially popular in price-sensitive markets. Despite its slightly lower purity, it remains fully suitable for LABSA production and detergent formulations when properly handled.
This grade is often chosen for:
High-volume detergent manufacturing
Emerging markets and developing regions
Cost-optimized formulations
For many manufacturers, LAB 97.5% provides excellent performance while maintaining competitive production costs.
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) – Specification by Grade
| Parameter | LAB 97.5% | LAB 98% | LAB 99% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, pale yellow | Clear, very light yellow | Clear, colorless |
| LAB Content | 97.5% min | 98.0% min | 99.0% min |
| Color (APHA) | Max 30 | Max 20 | Max 10 |
| Density @ 20°C | 0.860 – 0.870 g/cm³ | 0.860 – 0.870 g/cm³ | 0.860 – 0.870 g/cm³ |
| Bromine Index | Max 20 | Max 15 | Max 10 |
| Water Content | Max 0.05% | Max 0.03% | Max 0.02% |
| Application | LABSA, detergents | LABSA, detergents | Premium LABSA, detergents |
| Packing | ISO / Flexitank | ISO / Flexitank | ISO / Flexitank |
Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Regardless of grade, commercial LAB typically appears as:
Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Free from visible impurities
Smooth and uniform consistency
Higher-purity grades usually exhibit lighter color and improved visual clarity, which is often preferred by detergent producers.
Logistics, Storage, and Global Supply
LAB is transported and stored in bulk using:
ISO tanks
Flexitanks
Bulk liquid containers
Efficient logistics and regional warehousing significantly improve delivery speed and supply reliability—critical factors for detergent manufacturers operating continuous production lines.
Reliable LAB Supply by Basekim
Basekim is an active producer and exporter of Linear Alkyl Benzene, supplying multiple LAB grades through two operational warehouses located in Turkey and Dubai (UAE). This strategic setup allows for fast regional distribution, flexible shipment planning, and consistent supply to international customers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Conclusion
Linear Alkyl Benzene remains a cornerstone raw material for the detergent industry worldwide. With available purity levels ranging from 97.5% to 99%, LAB offers manufacturers the flexibility to choose the right grade based on performance requirements, market conditions, and cost targets. Selecting the appropriate LAB grade ensures optimal detergent quality, efficient production, and long-term supply stability.
WIKI
Q1:What is Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) used for?
Linear Alkyl Benzene is primarily used as a raw material for producing LABSA (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid), which is further processed into LAS, one of the most widely used surfactants in detergents. LAB is essential for manufacturing laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and industrial cleaners.
Q2:What purity levels of LAB are available in the market?
LAB is commonly available in 97.5%, 98%, and 99% purity grades.
99% is considered premium grade
98% is the global export standard
97.5% is an industrial, cost-effective option
All three grades are suitable for LABSA production, depending on formulation needs.
Q3:Is LAB 97.5% suitable for LABSA production?
Yes. LAB 97.5% is widely used in LABSA manufacturing, especially in large-volume and cost-sensitive markets. Many detergent producers successfully use this grade without compromising final product performance.
Q4:What does LAB look like physically?
LAB is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. It should be transparent and free from suspended particles. Lighter color generally indicates higher purity and better quality.