Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine
- Anionic surfactants
- CAS 121617-08-1
- IUPAC: Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-(1-methyldecyl) to 4-(1-methyldodecyl) derivatives, compounds with triethanolamine
Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine (CAS 121617-08-1) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.
Primary eye and skin irritant at concentrate strength — contributes to H315 and H318 classifications in multi-surfactant APC formulas. At working-solution dilution (1:10 or greater), irritation potential is substantially reduced. No Prop 65 listing, no carcinogen classification, no respiratory sensitization data.
Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-C10-13-sec-alkyl derivs., compds. with triethanolamine (CAS 121617-08-1) is an anionic surfactant — a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS-type) neutralized with triethanolamine rather than sodium hydroxide. The triethanolamine salt form gives it better compatibility with fabric substrates and a self-buffering mildly alkaline pH range, making it a common choice in all-purpose interior cleaners and fabric cleaners.
At concentrate strength (3–10% in a multi-ingredient formula), this surfactant contributes to the GHS H315 (skin irritation) and H318 (serious eye damage) mixture-level classifications. At the working-solution dilutions recommended for headliner or upholstery cleaning (1:10 to 1:20), concentrations fall to 0.15–0.5%, which is below the classification thresholds for most mixture-level hazard assessments.
The ingredient is biodegradable per the EU Detergents Regulation (Regulation EC No 648/2004), which requires surfactants in detergent products sold in Europe to meet OECD ultimate biodegradability standards. This is documented in the SDS Section 12 of products containing it under that regulation framework.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 4/5
Common questions about Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine
- What is Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine used for in car care?
- Primary anionic surfactant in pH-balanced all-purpose and fabric cleaners
- Is Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine a VOC?
- No. Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine biodegradable?
- Yes. Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-sec-Alkyl Derivs., Compds. with Triethanolamine has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
1 product contain this
nextzett Blitz All Purpose CleanerProp 65all-purpose-cleaner
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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.