Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB & LABSA)

Linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is a family of organic compounds with the formula C6H5CnH2n+1, where n is typically between 10 and 16. LABs are mainly used as intermediates in the production of biodegradable detergents and surfactants. LABs are produced by the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins, which can be obtained from the dehydrogenation of linear paraffins or the oligomerization of ethylene. There are two major processes for the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins: the HF process and the DETAL process. The HF process uses hydrogen fluoride as a catalyst, while the DETAL process uses a solid catalyst. The DETAL process is newer and more environmentally friendly than the HF process.