Quick Answer — LABSA 90% (Sulphonic Acid) for Liquid Soap & Detergent Making

Sulphonic Acid / LABSA 90% is an industrial-grade viscous brown liquid formulated for surfactants & detergent chemicals applications. KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals supplies commercial volumes from Nairobi to manufacturers and processing facilities across Kenya and the East African region.

Sulphonic Acid / LABSA 90% is a commercial chemical supplied by KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals for industrial manufacturing in Kenya and East Africa.

Key Facts

  • •Product: Sulphonic Acid / LABSA 90%
  • •Grade: Detergent / Industrial Surfactant Grade
  • •Form: Viscous Brown Liquid
  • •Packaging: 215kg Blue HDPE Plastic Drum
  • •Primary Sector: Surfactants & Detergent Chemicals
  • •Supply Reach: Kenya and East Africa (Dispatched from Nairobi Warehouse)

Primary Use Cases

Core active surfactant in manufacturing liquid hand soap, dishwashing liquid & multi-purpose cleanersPrimary active ingredient in formulated washing powders & commercial laundry detergentsIndustrial degreasing surfactant for heavy vehicle washes & factory floor cleaners
Sulphonic Acid / LABSA 90% (Detergent / Industrial Surfactant Grade, Viscous Brown Liquid) in commercial industrial packaging
Surfactants & Detergent Chemicals

LABSA 90% (Sulphonic Acid) for Liquid Soap & Detergent Making

Product Code: KIC-SUR-001

Also known as: LABSA 90%, Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, Sulphonic Acid

Synonyms: Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, Laurylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, Anionic Surfactant Acid Base

Premium Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA 90%) anionic surfactant for liquid detergent, washing powder, and cleaning formulations 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
2586
Chemical Family
Organic Sulfonic Acids
Grade
Industrial Grade
Purity
90.0% min Active Matter
Physical Form
Liquid

Available Packaging

215kg Blue HDPE Plastic Drum1,050kg IBC Tote

Product Overview

Sulphonic Acid (LABSA 90%) is the foundational anionic surfactant used in the detergent industry. When neutralized with alkalis such as Caustic Soda (NaOH) or Soda Ash, it converts into Sodium Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, providing powerful detergency, high foaming, grease emulsification, and stain removal.

Technical Description

Dark brown viscous liquid produced via continuous sulfonation of linear alkylbenzene (LAB) with sulfur trioxide. High active content (96% active sulfonic acid, ~90% min active matter specification) with low free oil and low free sulfuric acid to maximize detergent clarity.

Complete Chemical Specifications

Active Matter (LABSA)
90.0% min (typically 96.0%)
Free Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
1.5% max
Free Oil (Unsulfonated Matter)
1.5% max
Color (Klett, 5% active sol)
50 max
Water Content
1.0% max
Specific Gravity (20°C)
1.050 – 1.070

Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance
Dark brown viscous liquid
Odour
Pungent, characteristic acidic sulfur smell
pH
< 1.0 (highly acidic)
Density
1.05–1.07 g/cm³ at 20°C
Boiling Point
> 300 °C
Melting Point
10 °C
Solubility
Completely soluble in water

Commercial Availability

Stock Status
In Stock
Lead Time
Immediate dispatch in Nairobi; 1-3 days regional delivery
MOQ
215 kg (1 Plastic Drum)
Delivery Regions
Nairobi Commercial Hub, Kenya Nationwide Delivery, East Africa Regional Supply

Order together with Caustic Soda Flakes 99% or Soda Ash for complete neutralization in liquid soap batching.

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+

Process Compatibility

Suitable Applications

Use Cases

  • •Multi-purpose liquid detergent and dishwashing liquid production
  • •Washing powder (detergent powder) dry-mix & spray-drying
  • •Industrial degreaser and heavy-duty surface cleaner formulation
  • •Car wash shampoo and commercial laundry detergent synthesis

Storage Guidelines

Store in plastic-lined drums, HDPE containers, or stainless steel tanks. Protect from freezing (pour point ~10°C). Avoid direct contact with mild steel or carbon steel due to acidity.

Handling Advisory

DANGER: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if swallowed. Wear rubber apron, chemical face shield, and heavy-duty nitrile/butyl gloves when pouring or mixing.

Safety & Chemical Handling Advisory

Safety Advisory

Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with running water for 20+ mins. Skin: Remove contaminated clothing and drench skin with water. Swallowed: Do NOT induce vomiting; drink milk or water and seek immediate medical attention.

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

  • • P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
  • • P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes
  • • P310: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor

PPE Requirements

Nitrile / Neoprene Heavy Duty GlovesFull Face Shield & Splash GogglesAcid-Resistant Rubber Apron & Boots

COMMERCIAL & TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

Frequently Asked Questions — LABSA 90% (Sulphonic Acid) for Liquid Soap & Detergent Making

Technical, regulatory, and supply guidance for LABSA 90% (Sulphonic Acid) for Liquid Soap & Detergent Making.

LABSA 90% is the core surfactant chemical used in Kenya to manufacture liquid hand soaps, dishwashing liquids, washing powders, and industrial degreasers.

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