Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid is a light yellow to dark brown colored liquid. It is used to make cleaning products like detergents, shampoos, and hair conditioners. It is used as a catalyst for the esterification of fatty acids to produce biodiesel, and also for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives. It is used as a dopant for conducting polymers, a wetting agent, a dispersant, a foamer, a paraffin inhibitor, and an emulsion breaker.