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CarCareTruth

Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 68584-22-5
  • IUPAC: Benzenesulfonic acid, C10-16-alkyl derivs.

Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (CAS 68584-22-5) appears in 5 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

The acid form (CAS 68584-22-5) is corrosive at concentrate; neutralized sodium salt (DDBSA neutralized) is H315/H319 at product level. No Prop 65 listing. No asthmagen classification. GHS classification at product level is driven by formulation concentration and pH.

Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (CAS 68584-22-5) is the acid precursor to linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS / DDBSA), the most widely used anionic surfactant family in liquid cleaning products. In a finished formula, it is neutralized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or another alkali to form the sodium salt surfactant. LAS is readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions per OECD 301B. Aquatic toxicity is present at ingredient level but low bioaccumulation potential (log Kow ~3.3–3.8, below the bioaccumulation threshold of 4.5). No Prop 65 listing. GHS classification for the finished neutralized form in product context is typically H315/H319 at consumer concentrations.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Anionic surfactant precursor (acid form of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, LAS) — neutralized by NaOH in formula to yield the sodium salt surfactant

Common questions about Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid

What is Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid used for in car care?
Anionic surfactant precursor (acid form of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, LAS) — neutralized by NaOH in formula to yield the sodium salt surfactant
Is Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid a VOC?
No. Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid biodegradable?
Yes. Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

5 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.