Zeolite 4A
Na₁₂[(AlO₂)₁₂(SiO₂)₁₂]·27H₂O | CAS: 1318-02-1 | HS: 38249990
Product Description
Zeolite 4A is the primary phosphate-free builder in modern laundry detergent formulations — the environmentally driven replacement for STPP in markets where phosphate discharge regulations apply. It softens wash water by exchanging sodium ions for calcium and magnesium, preventing hardness interference with surfactant performance, but unlike phosphates, it is non-soluble and does not contribute to aquatic eutrophication. Zeolite 4A is mandatory in EU-compliant detergent formulations and is increasingly adopted in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East as environmental regulations tighten. MITCHEM supplies detergent-grade Zeolite 4A for export to compliant detergent manufacturers.
Applications by Industry
Exchanges Na⁺ for Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ to soften wash water and prevent hardness interference with surfactant action; the mandated builder in EU-compliant eco-label detergents replacing STPP.
Absorbs liquid LABSA or SLES onto its highly porous surface, enabling controlled agglomeration and incorporating liquid surfactant into dry detergent powder.
Zeolite 4A's precisely controlled 4Å pore size enables selective adsorption and separation of small molecules in desiccant systems, gas purification, and specialty separation processes.
Used as a catalyst support and acidic zeolite precursor in petrochemical refining, gas processing, and specialty organic synthesis.