Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulphonate belongs to the family of sulfonates developed from the neutralization of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid with calcium. This compound shows up in many industrial and commercial spaces due to its versatility. In daily work at chemical plants or dealing with raw material procurement, it's hard to miss its presence in lubricating oil additives, cleaning agents, and even the textile sector. The compound carries the HS Code: 34021100, which helps guide trade and import regulations. Experience in handling procurement and technical data sheets shows that understanding the difference between substance names and actual commercial grades prevents headaches down the line. Its chemical formula, C36H58CaO6S2, points to a layered aromatic sulphonate anchored to a calcium core. These molecules arrange themselves well, and this very structure opens doors to unique properties such as excellent surface activity and stability in a range of solutions.
Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulphonate doesn’t fit in a single box when it comes to form. Suppliers don’t just ship out bags of indistinct powder; depending on what needs doing in a formulations lab or a production line, the product comes as flakes, powder, or even pearl-like granules. I've seen folks in lubricant manufacturing swear by the solid or flake type when blending with base oils. The density usually sits close to 1.05 – 1.15 g/cm³. If it’s the liquid variant, often carried in hydrocarbon solvents, you’ll notice a more viscous and pale yellow appearance. Solid types often show up white or slightly yellow, with a faint soap-like odor. Water solubility isn’t high in the calcium salt form, giving it utility where water resistance is necessary—think corrosion inhibitors sprayed onto outdoor metal parts. For folks in material science, these properties shape decisions every day. A formulation scientist knows the way this sulfonate resists dissolving in water helps in creating protective films on metals.
Behind every specification sheet lies a real need to balance chemical stability and reactivity. Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulphonate doesn’t break down easily under heat, which makes it valuable for use in engine oil formulations and for high-temperature applications. Chemists in industry value the strong bond between the sulphonate group and the calcium ion, because it means the compound resists hydrolysis and limits the risk of changing its structure in tough environments. This chemical stability improves the overall efficiency of the lubricant or cleaning solution. That reliability in harsh settings has kept sulfonates like this relevant as other chemical classes come and go. Its influence on emulsification, detergency, and rust prevention isn’t just a claim—it’s proven by decades of engine and factory trials.
Industrial users want consistency. The product specification sheet lists the typical active matter percentage between 55% and 60% for solid versions, and slightly less for diluted liquids. Most technical teams look for low free oil content and minimal impurities, since too much of either can weaken the product’s performance or gum up precision equipment. Storage details matter—this sulfonate, especially in powder and pearl forms, should stay sealed in cool, dry places to avoid clumping and degradation. High humidity breaks down packaging and can lead to minor surface hardening, which I’ve seen cause real trouble in automated dosing systems. For health and safety, users must avoid dust inhalation and eye contact, as calcium salts of sulphonates can irritate mucous membranes. No one in a plant or warehouse wants an unnecessary chemical exposure incident, so safety data sheets always emphasize the basics: gloves, goggles, and local exhaust ventilation for bulk handling.
From field practice in blending lubricants to routine cleaning agent manufacturing, the impact of Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulphonate sticks out. Lubricating oil producers lean on its detergent and dispersant capabilities to keep engines running smoothly by trapping sludge and soot. In the textile business, it acts as a wetting agent, helping dyes and treatments penetrate fibers evenly. Over years in supply chains, the shift in demand between powder and liquid forms points to broader industrial trends—powders for powdered detergents and flakes for heavy-duty metal cleaning blends. Across agricultural chemicals, it works behind the scenes as an emulsifier in pesticide formulations, letting otherwise incompatible ingredients mix efficiently. For water treatment, it shows up as a key ingredient in anti-foaming products and specialty corrosion inhibitors.
Any chemical that sees high-volume usage also brings questions about impact beyond factories and labs. With Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulphonate, most risks connect to improper handling. Direct ingestion, or heavy, long-term contact without protection, could cause toxicity. Industrial hygiene teams focus on reducing airborne dust, ensuring ventilation, and keeping proper personal protective equipment on hand. For disposal, this compound requires controlled waste management to avoid release into waterways. Environmental teams frequently analyze effluent to catch and cut accidental discharges, protecting aquatic life where possible. Regulatory frameworks outline the pathways: safe transport, emergency spills, and workplace exposure limits, all of which underline the need for control at every stage. As industries update standards, regular review of hazardous material sheets and environmental impact assessments shapes how safely and sustainably production runs.
Practical innovation doesn’t usually stem from a single invention but from a steady focus on refining current methods. Chemical engineers look for ways to fine-tune the production of Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulphonate, cutting down on energy consumption and limiting byproducts. App developers and plant operators collaborate now more than ever, using smart monitoring tools and automated tracking systems to flag potential hazards before they become problems. For storage and transport, efforts center on designing containers that minimize exposure risk and preserve product quality, even across long shipping routes. In the end, knowledge-sharing between suppliers, buyers, and downstream users creates a feedback loop for safer and more responsible use.
