A Review in Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) Production Processes in the Petrochemical Industry

Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) is a cost-effective and biodegradable intermediate in the production of detergents and surfactants. Recently, due to the spread of the Coronavirus and the high global need for detergent, the production of LAB is essential. Kerosene is the raw material of linear paraffin with high purity, which are finally converted to linear olefins by dehydrogenation. The linear mono-olefins react with benzene in the existence of the catalyst to produce LAB which is used to produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), as a biodegradable detergent. The main methods for the production of LAB, including HF and Detal processes were studied and compared with each other. In Detal method, many compounds such as zeolites and metal oxides have been used to make solid catalysts with selectivity, long life, economic efficiency and high safety. Nowadays, most LAB production units have used the Detal process. In this review, the production of LAB was investigated, the influential factors and the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of each method were also investigated. The product quality, process economics, sales market, and the quantitative and qualitative properties of LAB have also been investigated. Also, the exact mechanism of LAB production by HF acid was described.