Overview
Linear alpha-olefins (LAOs) are straight-chain hydrocarbons with a reactive terminal double bond (CH2=CH—) produced by the chain growth of ethylene using modified Ziegler technology. The terminal double bond position distinguishes LAOs from internal or branched olefins, enabling selective reactions including oligomerization, hydroformylation (oxo synthesis), epoxidation, sulfonation, and amination. LAOs are supplied as individual pure-cut grades or as blended carbon-number ranges, each suited to different end-use chemical applications.
The carbon chain length determines the primary application: shorter chains (C6–C8) dominate polyolefin comonomer use; mid-range chains (C10) serve as the primary feedstock for PAO synthetic lubricant synthesis; and longer chains (C12–C18) are the foundation of biodegradable surfactants and detergents. C20+ blends serve specialty applications including synthetic drilling fluids and wax alternatives.
Product Range & Applications
| Grade | IUPAC Name | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| C6 | 1-Hexene | Comonomer in polyolefins; oxo alcohols; hexyl mercaptans; organo aluminum compounds; synthetic fatty acids |
| C8 | 1-Octene | Comonomer in polyolefins; oxo alcohols; synthetic fatty acids; octyl mercaptans; amines; organo aluminum compounds; hydrogenated oligomers |
| C10 | 1-Decene | Comonomer in copolymers; epoxides; amines; oxo alcohols; synthetic lubricants; synthetic fatty acids; alkylated aromatics |
| C12 | 1-Dodecene | Alkylated aromatics; amines & amine oxides; mercaptans; oxo alcohols; epoxides; synthetic fatty acids |
| C12–14 | C12–C14 blend | Amines & amine oxides; oxo alcohols; alkylated aromatics; epoxides; synthetic fatty acids |
| C14 | 1-Tetradecene | Amines & amine oxides; oxo alcohols; alkylated aromatics; alpha olefin sulfonates; epoxides; tanning oils; synthetic fatty acids |
| C14–16 | C14–C16 blend | Offshore drilling synthetic fluid / drilling mud base; biodegradable & low toxicity; surfactants & detergents |
| C16 | 1-Hexadecene | Amines & amine oxides; oxo alcohols; alkylated aromatics; alpha olefin sulfonates; alkyl succinic anhydrides; drilling fluids; epoxides; synthetic fatty acids |
| C16–18 | C16–C18 blend | Oxo alcohols; alkylated aromatics; epoxides; tanning oils; synthetic fatty acids; alpha olefin sulfonates; base fluid for synthetic drilling muds |
| C16–18 IO | Isomerized C16–C18 | ASA production for paper sizing; biodegradable drilling fluid formulations; additives; specialty chemicals |
| C18 | 1-Octadecene | Amines & amine oxides; oxo alcohols; alkylated aromatics; alpha olefin sulfonates; alkyl succinic anhydrides; drilling fluids; epoxides; synthetic fatty acids |
| C18 IO | Isomerized C18 | ASA production for paper sizing; biodegradable fluids formulations; additives; specialty chemicals |
| C20–24 | C20–C24 blend | Oxo alcohols; alkylated aromatics; alpha olefin sulfonates; epoxides; tanning oils; synthetic fatty acids; biodegradable fluids |
| C20+ | — | Technical data sheet available on request. Contact us for product specifications and application information. |