Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) is a chemical compound,  a sodium salt of a sulfonic acid.

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• Sodium. Grants the compound water solubility, enabling even distribution in products.
• Dodecyl. Long aliphatic chain, responsible for interaction with greasy and oily substances.
• Benzenesulfonate. Aromatic structure that adds stability, while the sulfonate group makes the compound anionic, enhancing surfactant properties.

Description of the Raw Materials

Benzene. Aromatic hydrocarbon, serves as the central core of the molecule.

Dodecyl Alcohol. Fatty alcohol, allows interaction with lipophilic substances.

Sulfuric Acid. Sulfonating agent that introduces the sulfonate group.

Sodium Hydroxide. Strong base, used for neutralization and formation of the sodium salt.

Industrial Chemical Synthesis Process

• Alkylation of Benzene. Benzene is alkylated with dodecyl alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, forming dodecylbenzene.
• Sulfonation. The dodecylbenzene is treated with sulfuric acid, forming dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid.
• Neutralization. The acid is neutralized with sodium hydroxide, converting the product into a sodium salt, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

Form and color

 Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is typically a solid in the form of powder or granules usually white or slightly yellow.

What it is for and where

It is commonly used as a surfactant in various cleaning products, including laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and multipurpose cleaners. Due to its ability to remove grease and dirt, it is effective in formulations for both household and industrial cleaning.

Cosmetics

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. 

Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum. 

Commercial applications 

Laundry Detergents: SDBS is commonly found in laundry detergents because of its strong cleaning abilities. It helps break down oils and greases on fabrics, making it easier to wash away dirt and stains.

Dishwashing Detergents: Similar to laundry detergents, SDBS is effective at breaking down oily and greasy residues on dishes.

Household Cleaners: Many all-purpose cleaners and degreasers contain SDBS as it can effectively clean a variety of surfaces.

Personal Care Products: Due to its foaming properties, SDBS can be found in certain shampoos, shower gels, and other personal care items.

Industrial Cleaners: Used in industrial settings for cleaning machinery, equipment, and surfaces. Its effective degreasing properties make it suitable for such applications.

Agriculture: Sometimes used in agrochemical formulations, helping to spread and adhere the product effectively to plants.

Emulsifying Agent: In some industries, SDBS serves as an emulsifying agent, helping to mix oil and water.

Wetting Agent: In certain applications, like textile processing, it can serve as a wetting agent to ensure even distribution of liquids on fabrics.

Safety

Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate when formulated to be non-irritating may be considered acceptable, however at concentrations of 15%, this compound has been shown to be severely irritating (1).

• Molecular Formula  C₁₈H₂₉NaO₃S
• Molecular Weight  348.5 g/mol
• CAS  69669-44-9
• UNII    
• EC Number   246-680-4

References________________________________________________________________________

(1) Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Andersen FA. Amended safety assessment of dodecylbenzenesulfonate, decylbenzenesulfonate, and tridecylbenzenesulfonate salts as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2010 Nov-Dec;29(6 Suppl):288S-305. doi: 10.1177/1091581810386124. PMID: 21164075.

Abstract. Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is one of a group of salts of alkylbenzene sulfonates used in cosmetics as surfactant-cleansing agents. Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is soluble in water and partially soluble in alcohol, with dermal absorption dependent on pH. Dodecylbenzenesulfonate salts are not toxic in single-dose oral and dermal animal tests, and no systemic toxicities were observed in repeat-dose dermal animal studies. In dermal animal studies, no evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity was reported. At 15% concentrations, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate was severely irritating to rabbit skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that the irritant properties of these ingredients are similar to those of other detergents, with severity dependent on concentration and pH. Products containing these ingredients should be formulated to ensure that the irritancy potential is minimized.