alkylbenzenesulfonate

noun

Meaning

A synthetic surfactant used as a key cleaning ingredient in household detergents and industrial cleaners.

Examples

  • The detergent's cleaning power is largely due to the presence of sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate.
  • Manufacturers often use linear alkylbenzenesulfonate because it is more biodegradable than older branched versions.

Synonyms: surfactant, detergent, anionic surfactant, cleaning agent