LABSA Isopropylamine Salt(CAS#84961-74-0)–Oil Soluble Anionic Surfactant

1. Properties:

• Appearance and Physical Form: Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-C10-13-sec-alkyl derivs., compds. with 2-propanamine is supplied as a clear to amber or brown viscous liquid at 25°C, containing an isopropylamine salt of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA). The product is free from foreign matter and has a characteristic mild odour. Unlike sodium salts of LABSA, this amine salt exhibits significantly improved solubility in hydrocarbon solvents [10†L3-L4][14†L2-L6].
• Solubility: The product is oil‑soluble and water‑dispersible. It is slightly soluble in water (230 g/L at 20°C) and demonstrates excellent solubility in hydrocarbon solvents, kerosene, mineral oils, toluene, xylene, and aromatic solvents [15†L5-L10][14†L6]. This unique dual solubility profile enables superior performance as a coupling agent and emulsifier in solvent‑based systems.
• Chemical Properties: As an anionic surfactant derived from the neutralisation of linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (C10–C13, >95% linear) with 2‑propanamine (isopropylamine), this compound possesses a hydrophobic C10‑C13 alkyl chain attached to a benzene ring bearing a hydrophilic isopropylamine sulfonate group (–SO₃⁻ · H₃N⁺‑C₃H₇) [10†L3-L5][16†L5-L8]. The product exhibits excellent chemical stability across a broad pH range, compatibility with other anionic and nonionic surfactants, and high surface activity. It is readily biodegradable, making it suitable for environmentally conscious formulations [12†L2-L4]. At low temperatures, the product may become viscous but does not separate; gentle warming restores its flow properties [10†L31-L33].

2. Applications:

Industrial & Institutional Cleaning (Primary):

• Emulsion Degreasers: The product is particularly well‑suited for the manufacture of emulsion degreasers for heavy‑duty industrial cleaning, effectively removing oils and greases from metal surfaces, machinery, and equipment [10†L21-L25][15†L7-L10].
• Kerosene‑Based Hand Cleaning Gels: Its oil solubility and emulsifying properties make it an ideal base for kerosene‑based hand cleaning gels used in automotive workshops, industrial facilities, and garages [10†L23-L25][15†L21-L23].
• Dry Cleaning Products: Applied as a detergent and wetting agent in dry cleaning formulations, improving soil removal and cleaning efficiency in solvent‑based dry cleaning systems [14†L16-L17][15†L8].
• Paint Brush Cleaners: Functions as an emulsifier and detergent for solvent‑based paint brush cleaners, facilitating the removal of oil‑based paints and coatings [14†L15-L16].

Fuel & Oilfield Chemicals:

• Fuel Oil Additives – Water Solubilisation: Added to fuel oil to solubilise traces of water, preventing phase separation and improving fuel stability and combustion efficiency [14†L14-L15].
• Paraffin Deposit Control: Serves as an effective dispersant for paraffin wax deposit build‑up in crude oil pipelines, preventing flow assurance issues and reducing maintenance costs [14†L19-L20].
• Emulsifier for Petroleum Solvents: Acts as an efficient emulsifier for petroleum‑based solvents in various oilfield and industrial formulations [15†L9-L10].

Latex & Emulsion Polymerization:

• Latex Emulsifier: Used as an emulsifier in latex manufacturing and emulsion polymerisation processes, stabilising polymer particles and controlling particle size distribution [14†L15][16†L23-L26].
• Emulsion Polymerisation Additive: Its oil‑soluble nature allows for delayed surfactant addition without a separate feed system when blended with most monomers [16†L24-L26].

Metal Treatment & Acid Cleaning:

• Metal Cleaning Applications: Applied in metal cleaning formulations for the removal of oils, greases, and shop soils prior to electroplating, phosphating, or painting [14†L18].
• Acid Aluminium Cleaners: Functions as a wetting and detergent agent in acid‑based aluminium cleaners, improving cleaning efficiency while maintaining substrate integrity [14†L18-L19].
• Laundry Pre‑spotters: Used in laundry pre‑spotters for heavy soil and grease removal from fabrics prior to washing [15†L8].

Agrochemicals:

• Wettable Powders (WP): Used in wettable powder formulations for agrochemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides), improving powder wettability, dispersion, and suspension stability when diluted with water [3†L10-L11].
• Pesticide Emulsification: Serves as an emulsifying agent for pesticides in solvent‑based emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations [10†L25].

Other Industrial Applications:

• Coupling Agent: Functions as a coupling agent for water within charge detergent systems, improving system homogeneity and stability [14†L17-L18].
• Hard Surface Cleaners: Incorporated into household and industrial hard surface cleaners for effective degreasing on tiles, glass, stainless steel, and plastics [15†L9].
• Ore Flotation: Applied as a wetting and frothing agent in mineral ore flotation processes for separation of valuable minerals from gangue [3†L13].
• Textile Scouring Agent: Used as a scouring and wetting agent in textile pretreatment processes, removing natural impurities from fibres [12†L20-L21].
• Dye Dispersant: Functions as a dispersant for dyes in textile dyeing operations, improving dye uniformity and preventing agglomeration [12†L20].
• Construction Chemicals: Used for air entrainment in concrete and gypsum board manufacturing, improving freeze‑thaw resistance and workability [3†L13-L14][12†L21].

3. Preparation Method:

• Laboratory Method: LABSA isopropylamine salt can be prepared by neutralising linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (LABSA, C10–C13, typically 96–98% active) with 2‑propanamine (isopropylamine) in an inert hydrocarbon solvent or directly under controlled conditions. One mole of isopropylamine is added slowly to one mole of LABSA with continuous stirring and cooling to control the exothermic reaction. The reaction proceeds to completion at 40–60°C, yielding the isopropylamine salt along with water as a byproduct. The resulting product is a clear to amber viscous liquid with active matter typically ≥90%. Alternatively, the salt can be prepared by metathesis from the sodium salt, though direct neutralisation is preferred for higher purity.
• Industrial Process: Industrial production follows a continuous or batch neutralisation process: (1) Sulfonation: Linear alkylbenzene (LAB, with C10–C13 alkyl chains, >95% linear, high‑β‑phenyl‑based alkylate) is sulfonated with gaseous sulfur trioxide (SO₃) in a falling‑film reactor at 40–60°C to produce alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (LABSA). (2) Neutralisation: The crude LABSA is neutralised with isopropylamine in the presence of a solvent or diluent to control viscosity and improve handling. The reaction is carefully controlled to prevent overheating and byproduct formation. (3) Product Conditioning: The neutralised product is further processed to remove residual solvents, unreacted amine, and moisture, yielding a clear to brown viscous liquid with active matter ranging from 75% to 90% depending on grade. The final product is typically supplied in 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC containers, or bulk road tankers. Key quality parameters controlled include active matter content (≥75–90%), pH (3.0–6.0), colour (max. 9 Gardner), viscosity, pour point (max. 10°C), flash point (min. 100–150°C), water content, and free amine content.

4. Safety Information:

• Hazard Classification: According to CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and GHS, this substance is classified with the following hazard statements: H315 (Causes skin irritation), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation), H412 (Harmful to aquatic life with long‑lasting effects) [13†L14-L18][11†L7-L11]. Hazard pictogram: GHS07. Signal word: Warning [13†L22-L24]. In REACH registrations, it is listed as ≥75% active content with additional registration number 01‑2119985163‑33 [13†L5-L6][13†L35-L38].
• Health Hazards: Causes skin irritation upon prolonged or repeated contact. Contact with eyes causes serious eye irritation. Inhalation of mists or vapours may cause respiratory tract irritation. The substance is harmful to aquatic life with long‑lasting effects.
• Personal Protection: When handling concentrated solutions, wear appropriate protective equipment including chemical‑resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), protective clothing, chemical splash goggles, and a face shield [13†L27-L28]. Use in well‑ventilated areas. Wash hands, forearms, and face thoroughly after handling [13†L26-L27].
• First Aid Measures:
  • Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek medical attention if eye irritation persists [13†L29-L31].
  • Skin Contact: Wash skin with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical advice if skin irritation develops [13†L28-L29].
  • Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. If symptoms (coughing, throat irritation) persist, seek medical advice [13†L40].
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Fire & Reactivity Hazards: The product is not combustible but may decompose on heating, releasing irritating and toxic fumes including sulfur oxides (SOₓ). Flash point is typically >100°C. In case of fire, use water spray, foam, dry powder, or CO₂ as extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire. Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide and sulfur oxides.
• Environmental Precautions: The substance is harmful to aquatic life with long‑lasting effects (H412). Avoid direct release into natural water bodies, drains, or the environment. Large spills should be contained and prevented from entering waterways, sewers, or soil. Comply with local environmental regulations for disposal.
• Storage & Stability: Store in sealed, corrosion‑resistant containers (stainless steel, polyethylene, or glass‑lined equipment is recommended to prevent corrosion) in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, strong oxidisers, and moisture [12†L32-L34]. The product will become very viscous when subjected to cold temperatures and will need gentle warming (30–40°C) before use [10†L31-L33]. It does not separate on standing, but may require agitation and warming prior to use if stored under cold conditions [12†L34-L36]. Shelf life is typically 24 months from date of manufacture when stored in tightly closed original containers under recommended conditions [10†L33-L34].
• Regulatory Compliance: This substance (CAS#84961-74-0, EC#284-664-9) is listed on EINECS, TSCA, DSL, NZIoC (New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals), and other regional chemical inventories. It is registered under REACH with registration number 01‑2119985163‑33. It is approved for industrial use as a surface‑active agent and is widely used in cleaning, agrochemical, and industrial formulations globally. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety, environmental, and regulatory information specific to each product grade and application jurisdiction.