Destiny Chemicals

LABSA stands for Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid, a viscous, brown liquid that is a synthetic surfactant used widely in household and industrial cleaning products, acting as an emulsifier, wetting agent, and foam producer. Produced by sulfonating Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB), this biodegradable chemical is a primary active ingredient in detergents, dishwashing liquids, shampoos, and other cleaning agents, and also finds uses in the textile, leather, and paper industries

Sodium Metasilicate

Product Description:
Sodium Metasilicate is a white, crystalline, and highly water-soluble inorganic compound. It is widely used as an alkaline cleaning agent, corrosion inhibitor, detergent builder, and adhesive ingredient. Known for its excellent emulsifying, wetting, and buffering properties, Sodium Metasilicate provides strong cleaning and degreasing performance in industrial and household applications.

Chemical Formula: Na₂SiO₃
CAS Number: 6834-92-0

Key Features:

• Strong alkalinity and effective cleaning power

• Corrosion inhibition for metals

• High solubility in water

• Acts as a pH buffer and detergent booster

• Available in Pentahydrate & Anhydrous forms

Applications:

• Detergents and cleaning products (laundry, dishwash, industrial cleaners)

• Water treatment chemicals

• Pulp & paper industry

• Ceramics and refractories

• Textile processing (bleaching, scouring, dyeing)

• Adhesives and binders

Chemical Identity & Basics:-

Name: Sodium Stearate
Synonyms: Sodium octadecanoate; Sodium salt of stearic acid
Chemical Formula: C₁₇H₃₅CO₂Na (often written as NaC₁₈H₃₅O₂)
CAS No.: 822-16-2
Molecular Weight: ~306.5 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white powder or waxy solid with a fatty odor
Melting Range: ~245–270 °C (varies by grade)
Solubility: Soluble in hot water and alcohol; aqueous solutions form foam (soap behavior)
pH of 5% Solution: ~9.2 (slightly alkaline)

·         Production & Chemistry

Sodium stearate is typically prepared by neutralizing stearic acid with sodium hydroxide or produced during saponification of fats/oils (soap manufacture):

C₁₇H₃₅COOH + NaOH → C₁₇H₃₅COONa + H₂O

This reaction yields the sodium salt of stearic acid, which has a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail, essential for surfactant behaviour in soaps and detergents.

·         Key Functional Properties

✔️ Surfactant & Detergent: Reduces surface tension and helps emulsify oils/fats.

✔️ Emulsifier & Stabilizer: Helps mix oil and water phases in creams and formulations.

✔️ Foaming & Cleansing: Central to soap and personal care products.

✔️ Thickening & Binder: Provides structure in creams, toothpaste, and powders.

✔️ Lubricant in Pharma: Used in tablet manufacturing as a lubricant/anti-stick agent.

·         Applications Across Industries

Personal Care & Cosmetics

- Soaps and shower bars (primary component).

- Emulsifier in lotions, creams, deodorants.

- Thickener and texture enhancer.

·         Pharmaceutical Industry

-          Tablet lubricant and binder.

·         Emulsifying agent in ointments and suppositories.

·         Industrial Uses

-          Waterproofing agent.

-          Release agent in rubber, plastics, textiles.

-          Additive in coatings and inks.

Safety & Handling:-

✔ Toxicity: Generally low acute toxicity and widely regarded as safe at normal use levels.

Irritation Risks: May cause skin/eye irritation; inhalation of fine powder can irritate respiratory tract.

⚠ Handling: Use PPE (gloves, goggles, dust mask), avoid inhaling dust, and wash after handling.

⚠ Storage: Cool, dry area away from oxidizers.