What is "dodecylbenzene"

n. (context organic chemistry English) A liquid aromatic compound used to prepare the anionic detergent dodecylbenzene sodium sulfonate.

Dodecylbenzene is an organic compound with the formula CHCH.Dodecylbenzene is a colorless liquid with a weak oily odor. Floats on water.

This colourless waxy solid consists of a dodecyl group (CH) attached to a phenyl group (CH). Dodecylbenzene is a precursor to sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, a surfactant that is a key ingredient of household laundry detergents, such as detergent powder.