Linear alkylbenzenes . Also known as linear alkyl benzene or simply LAB, by its English name, (Linear Alkyl Benzene), is an intermediate product in the manufacture of detergents .
Summary
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- 1 Obtaining
- 2 Main uses
- 3 Applications
- 4 Sources
Obtaining
Linear alkylbenzenes are obtained from n-paraffins (C 10 to C 14 ) either by partial dehydrogenation until olefins are obtained , and the subsequent addition of benzene (C 6 H 6 ) using hydrogen fluoride (HF) as a catalyst ; or by chlorination of the paraffins followed by the Friedel-Crafts reaction, using benzene and an aluminum chloride catalyst. In a process the linear paraffins are dehydrogenated to linear olefins, which are then reacted with benzene using a heterogeneous solid catalyst, in order to obtain alkyl benzenes. Paraffins usually have a chain length from C 10 to C 14 .
Main uses
The main uses for linear alkyl benzenes lie in the manufacture of linear alkyl sulphonates, which are used to make household detergents and industrial cleaners.
Applications
- Laundry detergents: 70%
- Dishwasher detergents: 15%
- Industrial cleaners: 12%
- Household cleaners: 3%
