Benzenesulfonic acid compounds didn’t land fully formed in the laboratories of modern chemical companies. Their story goes back more than a century, to the early days of organic chemistry. Early sulfonic acids were crafted by treating benzene with strong sulfuric acid, a process that soon found fame for its ability to give benzene water solubility and turn petroleum into soaps and cleaners. Chemists spent the later half of the 20th century focused on tailoring side chains for better detergency. The C10-13 sec-alkyl derivatives gained attention because they strike a balance between cleaning power, biodegradability, and cost. Whenever detergents made headlines for their environmental footprint, attention returned to molecular tweaks like these. In this way, the C10-13 sec-alkyl versions grew out of both necessity and innovation—built for daily goods but shaped by ever-changing rules and expectations.
Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-C10-13-sec-alkyl derivatives live mostly in liquid and paste form. People rarely see or touch the pure material unless they work in manufacturing, but almost everyone tangles with it in the form of cleaning agents or industry-grade detergents. Producers ship it as a brownish, sometimes viscous liquid, along with a faint but distinct odor. In my time working with chemical supply chains, companies valued its stable shelf life and manageable reactivity. Switch it from pure acid to a neutralized form, and suddenly it becomes the backbone of some household names in cleaning. That's a transformation many chemistry students remember witnessing for the first time—watching a nasty acid turn into a common cleanser with just a few steps of processing.
The physical profile shows a dense, darker liquid with a sharp pH at full strength but more moderate once blended. Temperature swings don’t break it down, but extreme cold or heat can lead to phase separation or changes in viscosity that make handling tougher. Its water solubility sits near the top among surfactants, which makes for easy mixing during detergent formulation. From a chemical standpoint, the long alkyl chains give it a weightier hydrophobic tail, making it more effective at lifting greasy soils. Lab measurements peg its molecular weight in the 340–380 range depending on the exact alkyl mix, and it packs a punch in terms of acid strength, prompting care during blending and storage. Some folks get careless in the factory, moving it in bulk tanks without the right seals, and that can lead to corrosion headaches.
Producers set technical rules for minimum purity, pH, and content of active ingredient. On spec sheets I’ve seen, you’re likely to find benchmarks for color (to limit impurities), acidity (to control corrosivity), and limits for things like free oil or unsulfonated matter. Transport labels require the corrosive pictogram, and in big shipments destined for laundry or dish soap plants, regulatory paperwork gets checked for compliance with REACH or TSCA rules. In shipping warehouses, I've seen drum stocks with bold warnings and material safety data sheets nearby, and workers always keep goggles on hand. Rose-tinted labels about “eco-friendly” don’t appear on bulk packages, but downstream users increasingly want these product attributes called out, especially where environmental audits lurk.
It all starts with selecting the right alkylbenzenes. Byreacting those with fuming sulfuric acid or oleum, companies sulfonate the aromatic ring. Strict temperature and mixing speed keep the process steady, as too much acid or too much heat can lead to byproducts that complicate purification. Once sulfonated, chemists separate the acid product by extracting with water, washing away excess reagents and, in some plants, neutralizing to form the salt right away for shipping. I’ve watched this done at scale, and every step carries a risk—spills, acid burns, unwelcome fumes. For quality, labs often measure how much “unsulfonated oil” remains, aiming for the lowest possible numbers since customers want performance, not waste. It sounds simple, but precision is everything. A slipped valve or bad temperature reading can scrap a batch, costing time and money.
Most modifications target the acid’s neutralization or sulfonation state. Switching the free acid to its sodium salt gives a water-soluble cleaner, and that’s what travels into most finished products. Some factories blend it with other surfactants or add stabilizers to prevent breakdown under high heat or in hard water conditions. The aromatic sulfonic group locks it into a family of reactions familiar to anyone who’s run a lab: esterification, salt formation, and sometimes careful reduction or oxidation. That’s not often done outside R&D labs, but it shows up in patent filings and custom applications. The big commercial use always centers on its cleaning action, but companies trial tweaks all the time—shorter or longer side chains, better pairing with enzymes, and faster biodegradation on the back end.
Chemical companies use a laundry list of synonyms, from “linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid” to more technical mouthfuls that only regulatory consultants keep straight. Mainstream brands refer to “LAS acid” or just “sulfonic acid C10–13.” Product codes and trade names pop up all over, from small town hardware shelves to global bulk shipments. Some buy under European Chemical Agency names, others trust catalog numbers or proprietary blends. Keeping those names straight is a job in itself—especially for smaller buyers who aren’t fluent in chemical industry lingo.
Handling sulfonic acids demands discipline. No matter how familiar the crew, one slip leads to instant burns. My own early days in industrial labs taught me to respect every safety rule around these compounds. Protective gear—rubber gloves, shields, acid-proof aprons—sits on every supply rack. On production lines, factories design storage for containment and spill cleanup. The acid eats metals over time, so tanks and pipes usually run to certain grades of plastic or steel. Disposal rules prevent accidental discharge into sewer systems because concentrated acid causes real harm to aquatic life and public water systems. Regulatory scrutiny keeps these rules tight; periodic audits check spill logs, storage temperatures, and worker training records. Companies invest heavily in upgrades because the cost of a single accident outweighs years of minor savings.
The number one use: surfactants in cleaning products, especially household laundry and dish detergents. Its strong cleaning action comes from both the acid and the tailored alkyl structure, which grabs oily stains and Suspends them for rinsing. Industrial users rely on these derivatives in degreasers, emulsifiers, and sometimes even in the textile and leather trades for scouring and dyeing. Some agricultural products use modified forms as wetting agents, letting pesticides stick better to plant leaves. Every time I run across a stubborn stain that lifts with a soapy wash, I remember the field days spent testing yet another blend with just a touch more sec-alkyl to see if it outperforms last year’s model. Environmental testing follows growth in these markets—sewer discharge, aquatic toxicity, and long-term persistence all drive attention back to the molecule’s structure and how it breaks down after use.
R&D focuses on greener chemistry, better performance, and lower cost. Labs experiment with tweaking the alkyl chain length or branching to improve cleaning and reduce environmental impact after disposal. Biodegradability takes top billing. I recall conferences where scientists from detergent companies showed up with new breakdown rates or enzymes that work with these acids to speed up decay in wastewater treatment plants. Patents fly fast: some target improvements in cold-water cleaning, some go after less residue, and all watch regulations closely. Trends move toward less persistent byproducts and the quest for “clean label” chemistry—no easy task given the tradeoffs between stability, cost, and shelf life. Pilot projects often fade due to price or practicality, but the knowledge keeps growing, feeding back into the next wave of products.
Toxicologists flag the free acid and its neutralized forms as irritants for skin and eyes, both in the workplace and in the home. Occasionally, improper handling in industrial settings has triggered acute exposures that land workers in the hospital. Regulatory bodies set wide margins for concentration limits in finished goods, both for skin contact and environmental discharges. Chronic toxicity looks lower, but biodegradability sits in the hot seat. Studies show the C10-13 variants break down faster than older, branched-chain versions, leaving less risk for aquatic buildup or long-term ecological damage. Animal studies and wastewater tests keep up with new formulations, and for every new product, safety assessments must be checked before market launch. A big part of my past compliance work included reviewing these datasets and talking through accident prevention plans. Even though the worst risks rarely hit consumers, companies bear the burden to keep that record spotless.
Benzenesulfonic acid’s future depends on rising demand for cleaning products and tightening rules on sustainability. New forms will need to break down faster, avoid persistent byproducts, and offer stronger cleaning with less material. Advances in plant-based feedstocks might eventually change how the alkyl chains are made, cutting dependence on fossil sources. Industry watchers expect more blending with enzymatic or biobased actives, creating hybrid products that outpace current limits. Digital tracking, smarter supply chains, and heightened transparency will keep tightening the screws on everything from labeling to waste handling. As countries push for circular economies, recyclability and safe degradation gain even more weight in the design and sale of chemical products. The next decade looks ready for both innovation and scrutiny, each new wave of product development shaped by a growing blend of chemistry, regulation, and public expectations.
Few people pause to think about the chemistry inside the products they use each day. Take a strong, foamy detergent or a bottle of all-purpose cleaner—hidden inside many of these is benzenesulfonic acid, 4-C10-13-sec-alkyl derivatives. The name doesn’t roll off the tongue, but this compound shows up in more lives than most would expect.
Every home or business seeks cleaning products that cut through grease and take on tough stains. The backbone of that power often comes from surfactants. These are molecules with a natural gift: one end grabs oil and dirt, the other stays friendly with water. Benzenesulfonic acid derivatives are workhorse surfactants. Their structure breaks up grime and helps it wash away without leaving residues behind.
Look under the sink or in a janitor’s closet. Dish soaps, laundry detergents, floor cleaners, and even industrial degreasers often contain these molecules. Brands rely on them because they bring proven results, supporting both quality and value for the customer.
Bench chemists and product developers keep finding ways to use this chemical. In the textile field, it helps dyes bond evenly to fabrics, fixing color where it belongs. Treating leather? The process relies on the ability of sulfonic acid derivatives to remove grease and open pores. Water treatment plants use it to emulsify oil, break up clumps, and keep machinery running longer with fewer clogs. It even plays a part in some paints, coatings, and agricultural products, helping active ingredients spread effectively.
It’s smart to ask about safety. The name sounds intimidating, and any chemical deserves respect. Research points out that while benzenesulfonic acid derivatives can irritate skin or eyes if used carelessly, consumer products keep concentrations low and warn clearly on labels. These compounds do break down in water treatment systems, but incomplete biodegradation raises questions about what traces remain in streams and rivers. The European Chemicals Agency, U.S. EPA, and others keep a close watch, setting guidelines and limits to help protect people and the environment.
Green chemistry pushes for alternatives with better biodegradability. Companies launch research projects to rework old product formulas—using new surfactants from plants or microbes. These innovations often hit roadblocks with cost, supply, or cleaning strength, but progress continues. Responsible producers invest in wastewater cleanup and safer worker conditions, facing pressure from regulators and informed consumers alike.
Manufacturers and cleaning professionals face a puzzle: demand for effective products never fades, but more buyers want safer, greener chemistry on the label. It demands a shift—testing, investment, and willingness to replace what once seemed irreplaceable. In my own work with clients who run cleaning businesses, I’ve seen brand loyalty waver as new information comes to light. People weigh cleaning power against their own health, family safety, and what runs down the drain.
Thinking about solutions brings up the basics—clearer labeling, strict guidelines on waste treatment, and supporting new research. In practice, the most practical approach balances the real needs of daily life against the responsibility to protect what matters outside our walls. That conversation will stretch far beyond benzenesulfonic acid, but each step matters.
Plenty of people have asked what really lurks behind the long chemical name: Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-Sec-Alkyl Derivatives. It usually pops up in industrial cleaning products, detergents, and sometimes in household goods meant to lift grease and grime. Those who work in factories, janitorial jobs, or with industrial supplies often face more exposure than the average consumer.
Safety sheets show that it causes skin and eye irritation on direct contact. Splashes can burn, not just sting. People have shared stories about working without gloves and ending up with red, painful hands or eyes that water for hours. About a decade ago, I helped clean out storage facilities and used a concentrated cleaner with sulfonates. Coworkers who skipped goggles headed home with sore eyes, and no warning label can really explain that sensation.
Nobody likes breathing in fumes during deep cleans, and this derivative sometimes creates low fumes when mixed with other chemicals or hot water. Chronic low-level exposure can stress airways, especially for those with asthma or allergies. Ingestion, which might happen by mistake during rushed cleanups or in houses with young kids, can burn the mouth or esophagus and trigger vomiting.
Emergency room records report incidents of children swallowing diluted cleaners, leading to intense throat pain and vomiting. Poison control gets frequent calls asking what symptoms to monitor after accidental exposure.
Most research focuses on short-term effects like burns or trouble breathing. Data on long-term risks stays limited. Studies on rats exposed to high concentrations show changes in liver and kidney tissue, but concentrated doses in a lab rarely match what people face in daily life. Even so, workplaces that handle these reagents all the time take no chances, and safety officers keep logs of incidents and symptoms.
Several respected sources like the European Chemicals Agency classify the compound as hazardous. That label means employers and manufacturers must ensure safe handling and training, following strict rules for labeling and protective gear.
Folks can take a few smart steps to avoid health issues with these chemicals. Gloves and goggles aren’t just for lab techs; anyone handling strong cleaners should gear up at home too. Plenty of eco-friendly detergents skip high-risk compounds altogether, relying on less caustic alternatives. Using less product and rinsing thoroughly can also limit residue that might irritate skin later.
Regulators in the U.S., Europe, and Asia push for safer consumer products, and watchdog groups track complaints about severe reactions. Some manufacturers substitute milder surfactants in their cleaning lines in response to consumer demand for gentler ingredients.
Scientific knowledge doesn’t rest — new toxicity data arrives every year, and public pressure keeps companies transparent about chemical risks. Involving workers in regular safety training, reporting every exposure, and listening to consumers who report rashes or coughs gives everyone a better shot at safer living and working environments.
Working with chemicals day in and day out, a person sees just how easy it can be to overlook details that matter. Take Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-Sec-Alkyl Derivs. On a busy afternoon, a container left on the wrong shelf might not seem like a big deal. That little mistake, though, sometimes leads to spilled product, strange odors, or worse—harm to people or equipment. Safe storage isn’t overkill; it’s a small habit that pays off over the long haul.
This chemical isn’t especially volatile, but its acidity can catch up with anything less than stainless steel or high-density polyethylene. Containers made of weaker materials tend to discolor, leak, or even crack. Acid creeping out causes corrosion, and it stinks up the room. Storage gets easier with triple-sealed drums and well-fitted caps. My own warehouse taught me: gear up with hand protection and splash-fit goggles when moving these drums—even a quick touch leaves your skin tingling, if not worse.
Shelf placement does more than help with inventory. I always keep Benzenesulfonic Acid on the bottom shelf, away from oxidizers or chlorine bleach. Acids and oxidizers don’t get along; stacking them side by side puts people at risk. There’s no sense in tempting fate with fumes or nasty surprises. Some companies invest in separate acid cabinets with dedicated exhausts, which prevents strong vapors from spreading through the workspace.
I’ve seen containers stored near exterior walls sweat during seasonal changes—low-cost heating doesn’t always account for condensation. Moisture inside a room can rust metal lids, which start seeping. Dry, cool, and stable conditions work best, usually around normal room temperature. Heat speeds up degradation, and that costs real money over time. Workers unfamiliar with this hazard sometimes park drums near boilers, not realizing those few degrees make a difference. A temperature log and humidity sensor near storage go a long way in catching trouble early.
Labeling lets anyone know exactly what they’re reaching for. My hand-written notes have caused more confusion than they solved. Modern labels, with clear names and warning icons, prevent mix-ups. It’s not just about regulations; it’s about respecting the folks who handle these chemicals in the dark on a Friday night.
Good airflow sheds unwanted fumes and keeps breathing easier. I’ve worked in rooms where one clogged vent turned a workday sour. Investing in a proper fan system and regular checks avoid respiratory complaints. Spill kits should sit right at hand—paper towels won’t do the job. Absorbent mats and neutralizing powders fix small mistakes, while a clear path to the eyewash station cuts down on the panic during bigger spills.
People often treat safety rules as red tape. In my experience, routine walk-throughs and honest conversations build habits stronger than any training video. Repetition breeds muscle memory; muscle memory reduces regrets. Talking with new team members about why we store Benzenesulfonic Acid away from heat or sunlight makes the lesson stick—and keeps folks healthy.
Getting used to chemical safety comes from paying attention, not just from following a checklist. In my years working in labs and classrooms, one thing stands out: nothing substitutes for personal vigilance. Stories hit the news about spills or injuries, but few highlight the thousands of quiet successes every day—from janitors handling floor cleaners to researchers mixing reagents in a fume hood. Each success shares the same foundation: knowing the risks and caring enough to take action.
Understanding a chemical’s hazards isn’t fancy. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) holds the basics, and even if you think you know the material, reviewing this sheet matters. You’ll find details on physical risks, health hazards, first-aid, storage, and disposal. Relying on memory is risky; chemicals switch suppliers, and small formulation changes make a difference. One day, I reached for an “everyday” solvent and missed the detail that the batch included more volatile impurities. That taught me to double-check every time.
Some colleagues try to skip gloves or safety glasses when “just pouring a little.” Getting comfortable leads to accidents. In one class, a splash from a diluted acid caused skin irritation for someone who left gloves on the shelf. Use splash goggles, not just regular glasses, when pouring or mixing. Gloves should fit right and ocver the wrists, and not every glove protects against every chemical—so always match the glove type to the material. Lab coats can seem like a hassle but they shield your everyday clothes and skin. Chemical-resistant aprons are smart for concentrated acids or bases.
People underestimate the risks of fumes and vapors. Using volatile or odorous chemicals should always happen under a fume hood or in a place with strong ventilation. Even everyday cleaning agents, if mixed wrong, release gases that irritate eyes and lungs. Anyone who’s mixed bleach and ammonia by mistake remembers that lesson. Home users: fans and open windows help, but won’t always keep up with dangerous vapors.
Leaving chemicals unlabeled or on the wrong shelf courts trouble, not just for you but for everyone who might walk by. Keep incompatible materials apart—store acids away from bases, flammables away from oxidizers. Even if you only use a chemical a few times each year, inspect the bottle regularly for leaks or corrosion. Clear labeling stops accidents before they begin. Teach new team members to treat every unlabeled bottle as dangerous until someone can prove it safe.
Unplanned spills and splashes happen even to the careful. Have a spill kit and know what it contains. Quick, confident cleanup limits the spread and keeps others out of harm’s way. Emergency showers and eyewash stations must stay unblocked. Every workplace should run regular practice drills so muscle memory kicks in during an emergency. I’ve seen panic and confusion waste precious seconds during real spills; practice makes the right response automatic.
Safe chemical handling starts with attitude and habits. Sharing veteran wisdom with newcomers, running quick refreshers, and reporting even minor incidents create a safety culture. Old-timers sometimes scoff at “safety moments,” but they work. Mixing personal care with official protocols creates real awareness. Protecting yourself protects everyone around you—at work, at home, and in the wider community. If that isn’t worth doing right, not much is.
Everyday cleaners, detergents, and industrial products lean on chemicals for results. Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-Sec-Alkyl Derivs. belongs to that long list of surfactants found in cleaning and personal care formulas. Many folks don’t pay attention to the chemical names on the back of a bottle, but the question about safety never fades. Is it safe for our rivers and for the fish beneath the surface?
After washing hands or scrubbing a floor, everything swirls down the drain. People rarely see where those chemicals travel. They end up in water treatment plants that fight to filter out what doesn’t belong. Not all companies get rid of surfactants in the same way. Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-Sec-Alkyl Derivs. stands out because it breaks down a bit in wastewater plants, but not always fully, letting residues trickle into natural water.
Research from environmental journals points to moderate toxicity for aquatic critters when high amounts linger in streams or lakes. Fish and water bugs feel the hit more than plants do. I grew up near a small river outside the city, and local anglers used to talk about seeing fewer minnows after big storms. More runoff means more chemicals, and it’s hardly ever just one ingredient doing the damage.
These surfactants can stick around. Some sources show they hang in sediments and don’t always degrade fast in cooler, low-light conditions. My own reading on water quality backs up what scientists say: urban creeks near industrial zones test positive for fragments of these compounds, months after their release. Wildlife pays the cost before anyone else notices.
Bodies like the European Chemicals Agency flag moderate but real risk to aquatic life with chronic exposure, especially when waterways see little dilution. A journal entry from the early 2020s referenced growth delays in certain freshwater species exposed to these surfactants, even in small amounts. The U.S. EPA places stricter limits on wastewater quality for this very reason. Chemical companies have started tweaking formulas, but not every manufacturer keeps pace.
Fish aren’t the only ones at risk. There’s anecdotal evidence from municipal water workers: harder-to-remove chemicals can strain old treatment plants, sending higher bills and nastier water to taps when budgets get tight.
People who buy household cleaners or commercial chemicals get bombarded by marketing that promises safe, green, biodegradable products. It’s easy to fall for those buzzwords. Truth is, biodegradation depends on many factors: temperature, bacteria in local rivers, and how much chemical ends up in the water. Municipal treatment only works up to a point. Stronger enforcement pushes industry to roll out less persistent, truly safer surfactants.
In my experience, transparency and regular third-party testing matter. Labels need honest breakdowns, not jargon. Holding companies to public reporting requirements has proven effective in a few European cities where pollution numbers improved year after year. Smaller brands and big companies both respond fastest when city regulators and customer voices set clear, science-backed boundaries.
Personal steps also matter. I switched to plant-based detergents after listening to a seminar from river conservationists. The price felt higher, but my local co-op showed me how to track down producers with published environmental audits.
Benzenesulfonic Acid, 4-C10-13-Sec-Alkyl Derivs. isn’t the worst chemical out there, but it has a footprint bigger than most people realize. Water and wildlife caught in the crosshairs need more than slow tweaks from industry. Citizen pushback, honest discussion, and hard data all build momentum toward genuinely safer products.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-sec-alkyl derivatives (C10-C13) |
| Other names |
4-Decylbenzenesulfonic acid, branched C10-13-sec-alkylbenzenesulfonic acid Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-(C10-13-branched alkyl) derivatives |
| Pronunciation | /ˈbɛnziːnˌsʌlˈfɒnɪk ˈæsɪd ˈfɔːr siː tɛn tuː ˈθɜːrtiːn sɛk ˈæl.kɪl ˈdɛr.ɪ.vɪvz/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 68411-30-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 2051326 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:91222 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL4308859 |
| ChemSpider | 2299079 |
| DrugBank | DB11105 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03-2119482821-49-0000 |
| EC Number | 271-528-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin Reference: 107594 |
| KEGG | C18004 |
| MeSH | D031026 |
| PubChem CID | 122221679 |
| RTECS number | DJ6650000 |
| UNII | YRU1KNM1JI |
| UN number | UN2584 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID1020966 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C16H26O3S |
| Molar mass | 351.59 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear amber liquid |
| Odor | characteristic |
| Density | D=1.01 |
| Solubility in water | soluble |
| log P | 2.96 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.01 mm Hg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | -2.8 |
| Basicity (pKb) | < 0 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -75 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.490 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 175 mPa·s at 40°C |
| Dipole moment | 2.72 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 709.53 J/(mol·K) |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -634.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7886 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | This product does not have an ATC code. |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H314, H318, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | P260, P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P321, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 218 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 400°C |
| Explosive limits | 0.9% - 6.4% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 2,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat Oral >2000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | CM5600000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5 mg/m3 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Benzenesulfonic acid Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid Linear alkylbenzenesulfonate Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid Sulfonic acids |
