SLES 70% is sodium lauryl ether sulphate as a thick paste with about 70% active matter. LAB sulfonic acid 96% is linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acid with at least 96% active acid. Both are anionic surfactant raw materials for detergents, and each needs a different specification and handling.
This article gives no prices. It shows what to specify for SLES 70% and LAB sulfonic acid 96%, and what moves the SLES price and the LAB sulfonic acid price.
Specifying SLES 70%
SLES is made by ethoxylating a fatty alcohol, sulphating it and neutralising it. The usual product for detergents is a 2 mole ethoxylate, but confirm the ethoxylation degree. Write these points into the specification:
- Active matter at the stated minimum, measured by a named titration method.
- Unsulphated matter, sodium sulphate and sodium chloride levels.
- pH of a solution at a stated concentration.
- Colour and appearance, since a paste at this concentration is very viscous and may form a gel when diluted.
- The level of 1,4-dioxane, an unwanted by-product of ethoxylation that many customers limit. Ask for the limit and the test method.
Specifying LAB sulfonic acid 96%
LAB sulfonic acid is a dark, viscous and strongly acidic liquid used to make sodium LAS, the workhorse detergent surfactant. Specify the minimum active acid, free sulphuric acid, unsulphonated matter, moisture, colour and the alkyl chain distribution if your formulation needs it.
Free sulphuric acid matters twice. It affects your neutralisation, and under the dangerous goods rules it can change the transport entry. Check the SDS for the UN number and class of the exact grade, and read whether caustic soda and other corrosives are dangerous cargo for how the rules apply.
What moves the price
Several factors move the quote, and they differ for the two products:
- Feedstocks: fatty alcohols from palm kernel or coconut oils or from petrochemicals for SLES, and linear alkylbenzene and sulphur for LAB sulfonic acid.
- Crude oil and vegetable oil markets, which feed through to these inputs. See how raw material and crude oil prices affect chemical prices.
- Active matter and impurity limits, and the cost of testing for them.
- Packing: drums, IBCs or tank loads, with the extra requirements for corrosive cargo.
- Freight, insurance and the Incoterm.
How to get a reliable quote
Send each supplier the same specification and ask for a sample from current production. Test the sample for active matter and in your own formulation before you order, since a paste that meets the number can still behave differently in use. Ask what the quote assumes about feedstock costs and how long it stays valid. Our guide on comparing chemical quotes on an equal basis explains the method.
For the wider family, see anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and surfactants made in India.
Packing and handling
SLES paste is viscous and can set into a gel on dilution, so ask how it is loaded, how it is packed and how to pump and dilute it. It is shipped in drums, IBCs or tank loads, and often needs gentle warming to flow.
LAB sulfonic acid is corrosive and needs suitable packing and materials, including lined or compatible containers and proper personal protection. Follow the safety data sheet, and confirm the transport classification with your forwarder before you book.
Next step
We find and audit surfactant plants, check samples and documents, have lots tested, and supervise loading. A real quote for your grade comes from a sourcing review, so book a free sourcing review.