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Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs.

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

Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs. (CAS 68584-22-5) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Causes skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319) at typical use concentrations. Moderately toxic to aquatic crustacea (EC50 4.66–6.83 mg/L Ceriodaphnia dubia; EC50 3.55–11.29 mg/L Artemia) and fish (LC50 2.7 mg/L rainbow trout). At 1–3% in a finished formulation, direct health hazard is limited to contact irritation. Rapidly neutralized in water to form the corresponding sulfonate salt.

Benzenesulfonic acid, C10-16-alkyl derivatives (CAS 68584-22-5) is a family of linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acids (LABSA) — the undiluted acid form of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), which are among the most widely used anionic surfactants in cleaning formulations. In carburetor cleaners and fuel-system products, it serves as a penetration promoter: the sulfonate head group improves wetting of metal and varnish surfaces, allowing the petroleum solvent carriers to attack deposits more aggressively.

At 1–3% concentration it is present as a minor formulation aid. Despite moderate aquatic toxicity in laboratory tests (LC50 2.7 mg/L rainbow trout), its ready biodegradability under aerobic conditions limits real-world aquatic exposure compared to the persistent aromatic naphtha co-solvents in the same formulation.

The acid form is corrosive at high concentration, but at 1–3% in a hydrocarbon carrier it is a skin and eye irritant rather than a corrosive hazard.

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
3/5
Purpose: Anionic surfactant and wetting agent — improves penetration of petroleum solvents into varnish and carbon deposits in carburetor and fuel-system cleaners

Common questions about Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs.

What is Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs. used for in car care?
Anionic surfactant and wetting agent — improves penetration of petroleum solvents into varnish and carbon deposits in carburetor and fuel-system cleaners
Is Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs. a VOC?
No. Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs. is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs. on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs. is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs. biodegradable?
Yes. Benzenesulfonic Acid, C10-16-Alkyl Derivs. has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 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.