Source Calcium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate for Emulsifier, Detergent, and Industry

Strategic Sourcing Guide for Calcium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate

Understanding Product Identity and Technical Variants

Calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, often identified by its CAS number 26264-06-2, is a critical intermediate in the chemical manufacturing sector, primarily functioning as an emulsifier and surfactant. Buyers must first distinguish between the various physical states and chemical formulations available in the market. The product is observed to exist in multiple forms, ranging from white to pale yellow granular solids to dark brown liquids. This variation is not merely cosmetic but indicates different processing stages or specific application requirements. For instance, the liquid form is frequently associated with applications requiring immediate integration into detergent formulations, while the granular solid state may be preferred for logistics stability in specific industrial settings.

The chemical identity is further defined by the molecular formula C36H58CaO6S2 and a molecular weight of approximately 691.05. However, sourcing this material requires careful attention to purity specifications, as the market offers products with varying concentration levels. Observed specifications include models ranging from 500# to 96% purity, with some listings indicating a standard range of 70% to 99%. Additionally, specific grades such as 60% and 90% or 96% are noted, suggesting that a single "calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate" label may encompass a spectrum of concentrations. Buyers must verify the exact purity model against their production needs, as the performance of the emulsifier is directly correlated with the concentration of the active sulfonate content. The product is also known by alternative names such as Calcium 4-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Ddbsa, Dbsa, and Sulphonic Acid, which can lead to confusion if not cross-referenced with the CAS number.

Regulatory Compliance and Certification Verification

In the B2B chemical procurement landscape, compliance is as critical as the chemical specification itself. Suppliers typically provide a suite of documentation to validate the quality and safety of their offerings. Standard documentation observed in the market includes Certificates of Analysis (COA), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and Technical Data Sheets (TDS). These documents are essential for verifying that the product meets the required Industrial Grade standards. While the product is generally classified as Industrial Grade, buyers must ensure that the specific batch they intend to purchase aligns with the regulatory requirements of their destination country, particularly regarding environmental and safety standards.

The European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS) number 247-557-8 serves as a key identifier for regulatory tracking within certain jurisdictions. When evaluating a supplier, procurement teams should request the most recent COA to confirm that the batch purity matches the ordered specification, whether it is 70%, 90%, or 96%. It is important to note that while certifications like COA, MSDS, and TDS are standard, the specific validity and issuing authority of these documents must be verified. Buyers should not assume that a supplier's general certification covers every specific model or purity level they are purchasing. Furthermore, the product is intended for adult use in industrial and personal care contexts, but specific safety data must be reviewed to ensure handling protocols are adequate for the specific form (liquid vs. solid) being procured.

Cost Drivers and Supply Chain Economics

The pricing structure for calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate is influenced by several dynamic factors, including raw material costs, purity levels, and packaging requirements. The observed market price range is broad, spanning from 1 to 2000 USD, which reflects the diversity of product grades, packaging sizes, and order volumes. A significant driver of cost is the purity specification; higher purity models, such as those approaching 99%, typically command a premium over standard industrial grades like 60% or 70%. Additionally, the physical form of the product plays a role in logistics costs. Liquid forms may require specialized tankers or drums, while granular solids might be packaged in different configurations, affecting shipping efficiency.

Packaging is another critical cost component. The product is commonly supplied in 200kg drums, 1000kg drums, or IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) drums. Some listings specify 220kg plastic drums, which may differ slightly in weight capacity and material cost from standard steel drums. The quantity per container also impacts the unit price; for example, a 20-foot container (20'FCL) can hold approximately 17.6 tons of the product when packaged in 220kg drums. Buyers should calculate the total landed cost, including freight, by considering the optimal packaging size for their volume needs. Supply ability is another economic factor, with some suppliers indicating a capacity of 1000 tons per month. This capacity suggests that large-volume orders can be met without significant delays, but buyers must confirm current availability to avoid supply chain bottlenecks.

Application-Specific Performance and Usage

The versatility of calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate makes it a valuable asset across multiple industries, primarily as an emulsifier. Its primary application is in the detergent industry, where it aids in the stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions. The product is specifically noted for use in toilet cleaners, bath products, and general personal care formulations. In these applications, the unscented nature of the product is a distinct advantage, allowing manufacturers to add their own fragrance profiles without interference from the raw material. The product's ability to function as an emulsifier is crucial for maintaining the homogeneity of complex mixtures used in household and industrial cleaning agents.

Beyond personal care, the product finds significant application in the broader industrial sector. It is utilized in processes requiring the dispersion of hydrophobic substances, such as in pesticide formulations, as indicated by the name "Pesticide Emuls." The physical properties, such as a density of 1.04 and a boiling point of 843.05 degrees Celsius, contribute to its stability under various processing conditions. However, buyers must match the specific product form to the application; for instance, the dark brown liquid form might be more suitable for certain liquid detergent blends, while the white to pale yellow granular solids might be preferred for dry mixing processes. The "Age Group: Adult" designation reinforces that this is an industrial chemical not intended for direct consumer application without further formulation.

Supplier Evaluation and Procurement Terms

Selecting a reliable supplier requires a rigorous evaluation of their operational capabilities and commercial terms. The origin of the product is predominantly China, with specific sourcing hubs identified in Shanghai. When evaluating potential partners, buyers should verify the supplier's supply chain transparency and their ability to meet the required lead times. The market indicates a "Prompt" lead time for many suppliers, but this should be confirmed in writing for specific orders. Payment terms are another critical area of negotiation, with common arrangements including T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) and L/C at Sight. These terms reflect the standard financial practices in the international chemical trade and should be aligned with the buyer's risk tolerance and cash flow management.

The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is a significant factor in supplier selection, with observed ranges from 1 to 1000 units. This wide range suggests flexibility for both small-scale trials and large-scale industrial procurement. Buyers should also inquire about sample availability, as many suppliers offer samples to verify product quality before committing to a bulk order. The customization options available for the product allow buyers to tailor specifications, such as purity or packaging, to their specific needs. However, customization may impact lead times and costs, so these trade-offs must be clearly understood. It is essential to avoid suppliers who cannot provide clear documentation regarding their production standards or who are vague about their origin and logistics capabilities.

Quality Control and Long-Term Procurement Strategy

Maintaining consistent quality is paramount in long-term procurement strategies for chemical intermediates. The shelf life of calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate is typically around 2 years, which requires buyers to manage their inventory carefully to prevent degradation. Quality control measures should include regular testing of incoming batches against the agreed-upon specifications, such as purity levels and physical appearance. The product standard is often defined by purity ranges (e.g., 70%-99%) or specific model numbers (e.g., 500#, 96%), and buyers must ensure that the delivered product matches these criteria exactly.

For long-term success, buyers should establish a robust relationship with their suppliers that includes regular communication regarding market trends, raw material availability, and potential supply disruptions. The ability of a supplier to provide a consistent supply of 1000 tons per month is a strong indicator of stability, but buyers should also assess their contingency plans for unexpected demand spikes. Additionally, the product's application in sensitive areas like personal care and detergents necessitates a high degree of consistency. Any deviation in color, from dark brown to pale yellow, or in purity could impact the final product's performance. Therefore, a comprehensive quality assurance protocol, including third-party testing if necessary, is recommended to ensure that the calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate meets the rigorous demands of the end-user market.

Comparative Analysis of Product Specifications

To facilitate clearer decision-making, the following table summarizes the key variations observed in the market for calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate. This comparison highlights the diversity in physical forms, purity levels, and packaging options that buyers must navigate.

This table underscores the importance of precise specification matching. While the core chemical identity remains constant, the physical and purity variations dictate the suitability for specific applications. Buyers must ensure that the variant selected aligns with their formulation requirements and regulatory constraints. By carefully analyzing these attributes, procurement teams can optimize their sourcing strategy, ensuring both cost-efficiency and product performance.