In practice, the selection of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) for detergents is a matter of balancing performance, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Based on decades of industrial application experience, the most outstanding categories are DSD-acid bis-triazine type and distyryl-biphenyl type compounds. Among these, C.I. Fluorescent Whitening Agent 351 and C.I. Fluorescent Whitening Agent 71 are the most widely used and recognized products worldwide-corresponding to CBS-X (C.I. 351) and CXT (C.I. 71) in China's detergent industry today.
Fluorescent Whitening Agent CBS-X (C.I. 351)
CAS No.: 27344-41-8
Performance Characteristics
CBS-X is a distyryl-biphenyl type optical brightener and is considered one of the most effective whitening agents for detergent applications. It is readily soluble in water and exhibits excellent whitening performance on cellulose fibers, polyamide fibers, and protein fibers at room temperature. In its high-concentration form, its brightening effect on cotton fabric is approximately 2.7 times that of traditional distyrene-bis-triazine type brighteners, while offering a pleasant bluish tone and superior dispersibility and solubility. Notably, it shows exceptional stability against sodium hypochlorite, qualifying as a bleach-resistant fluorescent whitening agent suitable for use in oxidative/chlorine bleaching systems.
Applications
Widely used in synthetic detergents, laundry powders, liquid detergents, soaps, fabric softeners, and related products.
Recommended Dosage (by weight % of detergent formulation)
| Detergent Type | Dosage (% w/w) | Detergent Type | Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular laundry powder | 0.01–0.05 | Soap / toilet soap | 0.01–0.05 |
| Concentrated powder | 0.05–0.30 | Fabric softener | 0.01–0.05 |
| Liquid detergent | 0.02–0.06 | Laundry paste | 0.005–0.02 |
Fluorescent Whitening Agent CXT (C.I. 71)
CAS No.: 16090-02-1
Performance Characteristics
CXT is widely recognized as a superior brightener for detergent formulations. The introduction of a morpholine group into its molecular structure significantly enhances several application properties-improved acid resistance, better tolerance to perborate bleaching systems, and good affinity for both cellulose and polyamide fibers. As an anionic type, it emits a distinct bluish fluorescence that delivers a naturally bright, cool-toned whiteness. Its resistance to chlorine bleaching is markedly better than that of VBL and C.I. 31#, with an optimal working pH range of 7–10 and a lightfastness rating of 4. The standout advantages of CXT in powder detergents are its broad dosage latitude and high cumulative whiteness after repeated washing, making it particularly suitable for large-scale industrial production where formulation flexibility and whiteness consistency are critical.
Recommended Dosage
In laundry powders: 0.1%–0.5% (w/w of detergent);
In textile dyeing applications: 0.1%–0.3% (w/w of fabric).
About Jinan Tonex Chemical – Your Trusted Chinese Manufacturer of Fluorescent Whitening Agents
Jinan Tonex Chemical, as a professional fluorescent whitening agent manufacturer in China, is committed to delivering products of consistent quality, high batch-to-batch reproducibility, and excellent formulation compatibility. We fully understand that the right brightener choice goes beyond whiteness-it directly impacts formulation stability, end-user experience, and cost-efficiency. Tonex Chemical will continue to support our partners with reliable products and responsive technical services, helping you achieve brighter, safer, and more competitive detergent solutions.