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