Ultrasonic-induced transalkylation of heavy alkylbenzene to linear alkylbenzene using aluminum chloride: A green and efficient pathway for sustainable detergent production

The efficient production of linear alkylbenzene (LAB) from heavy alkylbenzene (HAB) has become increasingly essential due to the global demand for highly efficient detergents. This study introduces an innovative ultrasonic-induced transalkylation process, leveraging HAB as a catalyst to enhance reaction efficiency while ensuring sustainability. Unlike traditional methods, which often suffer from high energy consumption, prolonged reaction times, and environmental drawbacks, the proposed technique harnesses ultrasonic energy to significantly accelerate molecular interactions, reducing reaction time and operating temperatures without compromising product quality. Our comprehensive experimental analysis revealed that ultrasonic waves, combined with aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) catalysis, achieved a significant conversion efficiency of HAB to LAB. Notably, this method outperformed conventional catalytic approaches by producing LAB with high purity, viscosity, and density that meet industrial standards. This ultrasonic-induced process presents a sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable alternative for the large-scale production of LAB, offering significant environmental and operational advantages over traditional methods.