dodecylbenzene

Dodecylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon in the alkylbenzene family, consisting of a benzene ring substituted by a single dodecyl group (C12H25). Its chemical formula is C18H30. It is a colorless to pale liquid that is nonpolar and has very low solubility in water, while being soluble in many organic solvents.

Industrial production of dodecylbenzene typically involves Friedel–Crafts alkylation of benzene with long-chain alpha-olefins such as 1-dodecene, using strong acid catalysts (for example AlCl3, HF) or zeolite-based catalysts. The process yields a mixture of isomeric mono-alkylbenzenes, collectively referred to as linear alkylbenzenes (LABs). Dodecylbenzene is one of the components in LAB mixtures, which are optimized for downstream chemical processes.

The principal use of dodecylbenzene is as a feedstock for the production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), a widely used anionic detergent surfactant in household and industrial cleaners. The LAS derived from LABs are favored for good biodegradability compared with older branched isomers. Beyond LAS production, dodecylbenzene can serve as a chemical intermediate and solvent in various formulations.

Safety and handling: Dodecylbenzene is flammable and may cause skin or eye irritation. It is sparingly soluble in water and should be handled with appropriate protective equipment. Vapors can irritate the respiratory tract; stores should be cool, well ventilated, and kept away from heat sources and oxidizers.