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KIKI’S CHEMICALS

Quick Answer — LABSA 96% for High-Yield Commercial Soap & Detergent Manufacturing

LABSA 96% (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid) is an industrial-grade liquid formulated for industrial cleaning chemicals & disinfectant raw materials applications. KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals supplies commercial volumes from Nairobi to manufacturers and processing facilities across Kenya and the East African region.

LABSA 96% (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid) is a commercial chemical supplied by KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals for industrial manufacturing in Kenya and East Africa.

Key Facts

  • •Product: LABSA 96% (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid)
  • •Grade: Industrial Grade
  • •Form: Liquid
  • •Packaging: 210kg Tighthead HDPE Drum
  • •Primary Sector: Industrial Cleaning Chemicals & Disinfectant Raw Materials
  • •Supply Reach: Kenya and East Africa (Dispatched from Nairobi Warehouse)

Primary Use Cases

Primary active surfactant in high-capacity commercial spray-dried detergent powder plantsHigh-yield concentrated liquid soap, multi-purpose cleaner & dishwash formulationsIndustrial degreaser manufacturing & textile scouring agent production
LABSA 96% (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid) (Industrial Grade, Liquid) in commercial industrial packaging
Industrial Cleaning Chemicals & Disinfectant Raw Materials

LABSA 96% for High-Yield Commercial Soap & Detergent Manufacturing

Product Code: KIC-SUR-003

Also known as: LABSA, Sulfonic Acid, Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, LABSA 96%

Synonyms: DBSA, Laurylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, DDBSA

Prime-grade Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid 96% (LABSA) anionic surfactant for dishwashing liquids, detergent powders, industrial degreasers, and soap manufacturing in Kenya.

CAS Number
27176-87-0
Formula
C18H30O3S
IUPAC Name
4-Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid
Molecular Weight
326.49 g/mol
EC Number
248-289-4
UN Number
UN 2586
Chemical Family
Anionic Organic Surfactants
Grade
Industrial Grade
Purity
96.0% min Active Matter
Physical Form
Liquid

Available Packaging

210kg Tighthead HDPE Drum1050kg IBC Tank
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Product Overview

Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid 96% (LABSA, CAS 27176-87-0) is a viscous, dark brown acidic surfactant. It is the single most important anionic surfactant raw material used globally in the manufacture of household and industrial detergent products.

When neutralized with Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) or Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash), LABSA forms sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, which delivers exceptional detergency, high foaming power, and rapid wetting action.

Essential Raw Material for Kenyan Detergent Manufacturers

Kiki's Industrial Chemicals Ltd imports prime virgin LABSA 96% directly into Kenya, supplying 210kg HDPE drums and 1000kg IBC totes to commercial soap factories and SME detergent makers in Nairobi and East Africa.

Technical Description

LABSA 96% features a hydrophobic alkylbenzene hydrocarbon chain coupled to a strongly hydrophilic sulfonic acid group. Its high active matter content (96% min) ensures maximum surfactant yield during saponification.

The reaction of 1.0 kg of LABSA 96% with approx. 0.133 kg of pure Caustic Soda (NaOH) yields a neutral, high-foaming sodium sulfonate paste with excellent hard water stability.

Complete Chemical Specifications

Active Matter (LABSA)
≥ 96.0% [Method: ISO 2271 Titration]
Free Sulfuric Acid
≤ 1.50% [Method: Titration]
Free Oil (Unsulfonated Matter)
≤ 2.0% [Method: Extraction]
Color (Klett)
≤ 50 max [Method: Colorimeter]

Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance
Viscous, dark brown liquid
Odour
Pungent, characteristic sulfurous odor
pH
< 1.0 (strongly acidic)
Density
1.05 – 1.07 g/cm³ at 20°C
Boiling Point
> 315°C (decomposes)
Melting Point
10°C (pour point)
Solubility
Soluble in water, forming acidic, highly foaming solution

Commercial Availability

Stock Status
InStock
Lead Time
Same-day dispatch in Nairobi / 24-48 hrs across Kenya & East Africa
MOQ
210 kg Drum
Delivery Regions
Nairobi Commercial Hub, Kenya Nationwide Delivery, East Africa Regional Supply

Contact Kiki's Technical Sales team for current 210kg drum prices, batch certificates of analysis, and starter liquid soap formulation guides.

Commercial Sectors

Target Industries

Forklift driver transporting palletized raw material bags through high-bay chemical distribution warehouse in Nairobi
Industry Sector

Industrial Chemicals for Manufacturing Plants in Kenya

In manufacturing clusters across Nairobi, Athi River, and Baba Dogo, continuous production depends on reliable supply of process chemicals, boiler water conditioners, and high-flashpoint cleaning solvents. A production stoppage caused by boiler scale or a missing raw material costs millions of shillings per hour. KIKI'S provides the reliable chemical supply that keeps Kenyan manufacturing plants operating at peak output.

manufacturing facilities served across East Africa:200+
View Sector Profile & Products →
Water treatment plant operators in high-vis overalls monitoring clarifier basins, pumps, and chemical dosing lines
Industry Sector

Industrial & Municipal Water Treatment Chemicals Supplier Kenya

From high-turbidity surface runoff during the long rains in the Tana and Athi river basins to mineral-heavy, high-fluoride volcanic boreholes across the Great Rift Valley, water treatment in Kenya is a demanding technical discipline. Whether treating municipal potable supplies or clarifying industrial effluent for NEMA compliance, KIKI'S supplies certified coagulants, flocculants, disinfectants, and membrane antiscalants.

of Kenya's water treatment plants use chemicals we supply:60%
View Sector Profile & Products →

Process Compatibility

Suitable Applications

Application Guide

Detergent & Soap Manufacturing

Explore Process Guide→
Application Guide

Industrial Cleaning Applications

Explore Process Guide→
Application Guide

Disinfection & Sanitation

Explore Process Guide→

Use Cases

  • •Primary active surfactant for commercial liquid dishwashing detergents
  • •Anionic builder for powdered laundry detergents & washing powders
  • •Heavy-duty car wash shampoos & fleet cleaning compounds
  • •Industrial floor degreasers & hard surface cleaners
  • •Emulsifier in agricultural pesticide formulations

Storage Guidelines

Store in original tightly sealed 210kg HDPE drums or stainless steel tanks in a cool, dry, sheltered area.

Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 50°C, direct sunlight, or strong oxidizing chemicals. Maintain storage temperatures above 15°C to prevent excessive viscosity increase.

Handling Advisory

LABSA 96% is corrosive and causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Wear chemical splash goggles, heavy PVC/Nitrile gloves, rubber apron, and boots when handling raw acid.

In case of skin contact, immediately flush with copious running water for at least 15 minutes and neutralize residual acidity.

Safety & Chemical Handling Advisory

Safety Advisory

Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air. Eye contact: Flush continuously with water for 20 mins. Skin: Remove clothing and flush with water.

GHS:Skin Corrosion Category 1C, Serious Eye Damage Category 1, Acute Toxicity Category 4
Signal Word:DANGER
Transport:UN 2586, Class 8 Corrosive Liquid
Packing Group:PG III

Hazard Statements

  • • H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
  • • H302: Harmful if swallowed
  • • H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Precautionary Statements

  • • P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
  • • P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
  • • P301+P330+P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
  • • P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water.
  • • P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.

PPE Requirements

Heavy PVC / Nitrile GlovesChemical Splash Goggles & Face ShieldRubber Apron & BootsEye Wash Station Available

COMMERCIAL & TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

Frequently Asked Questions — LABSA 96% for High-Yield Commercial Soap & Detergent Manufacturing

Technical, regulatory, and supply guidance for LABSA 96% for High-Yield Commercial Soap & Detergent Manufacturing.

LABSA 96% contains 96% active sulphonic acid with lower free sulfuric acid and un-sulfonated oil, yielding more active detergent per kilogram than standard 90% LABSA.

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