What is Optical Brightener CBS-X? Complete Guide for Detergent and Textile Applications

Raytop
Oct/24/2025
What is Optical Brightener CBS-X? Complete Guide for Detergent and Textile Applications
Discover what Optical Brightener CBS-X is and how it enhances detergents and textiles. Learn about its chemical properties, whitening mechanism, dosage, applications, and advantages for fabric care and laundry formulations.

Optical Brightener CBS-X is one of the most widely used fluorescent whitening agents in the detergent and textile industries. Known for its excellent whitening strength, stability, and compatibility with various formulations, CBS-X plays a crucial role in improving the brightness and visual cleanliness of fabrics and household laundry products.

This article provides a complete overview of Optical Brightener CBS-X, including its working principle, properties, technical data, advantages, and industrial applications.


1. What is Optical Brightener CBS-X?

Optical Brightener CBS-X (chemical name: Disodium 4,4′-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl) is a high-efficiency fluorescent whitening agent belonging to the stilbene derivative family. It works by absorbing invisible ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emitting it as visible blue light, neutralizing the natural yellowish tint of fabrics and giving them a brilliant white appearance.

In detergent formulations, CBS-X enhances the visual whiteness of washed clothes, even after repeated washing cycles. It is highly stable in alkaline and high-temperature environments, making it ideal for modern automatic laundry systems.


2. Technical Specifications

PropertyDescription
Chemical NameDisodium 4,4′-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl
Common NameOptical Brightener CBS-X
CAS Number27344-41-8
Molecular FormulaC₂₈H₂₀Na₂O₆S₂
Molecular Weight562.57 g/mol
AppearanceLight yellow crystalline powder
Purity (Content)≥ 99%
Water SolubilityExcellent, easily soluble in water
pH Value (1% solution)6.5 – 8.0
Optimum pH Range7 – 11
Ionic CharacterAnionic
Melting Point330°C (decomposition)
Whitening ShadeBlue-violet fluorescence
CompatibilityExcellent with anionic and nonionic surfactants
StabilityHigh resistance to alkali, peroxide bleach, and heat
ApplicationsLaundry detergents, textile whitening, and paper industry

If you are looking for Optical Brightener CBS-X products and want to learn more professional product information, you can click Optical brightener CBS-X C.I. 351 CAS NO. 27344-41-8 powder/granula/liquid for detergent washing powder and soap,As a professional factory, we can give you suggestions, such as usage and dosage.

Optical brightener CBS-X Liquid 446.webp


3. How Does CBS-X Work?

The working principle of Optical Brightener CBS-X is based on fluorescence. When light hits the treated fabric, CBS-X molecules absorb invisible UV rays and convert them into visible blue light. This additional blue light offsets yellow tones, making fabrics appear brighter, cleaner, and newer.

Because of its excellent photostability and chemical resistance, CBS-X maintains its whitening performance even after exposure to sunlight, high temperature, and detergent ingredients such as surfactants, enzymes, and bleaching agents.


4. Applications of Optical Brightener CBS-X

a. Laundry Detergents

CBS-X is extensively used in powdered and liquid detergents. It gives washed fabrics a long-lasting bright appearance and enhances customer satisfaction.

b. Textile Industry

CBS-X is suitable for cotton, polyester, nylon, and blended fabrics. It can be added during the washing, bleaching, or finishing stage to enhance textile whiteness.

c. Paper Industry

In paper manufacturing, CBS-X improves the brightness of coated and uncoated papers, making them look cleaner and more appealing.


5. Key Advantages of CBS-X

  • High whitening intensity with minimal dosage

  • Excellent water solubility and dispersibility

  • Outstanding stability under alkaline conditions and high temperature

  • Compatible with all major detergent formulations

  • Non-yellowing performance and consistent brightness after multiple washes

  • Environmentally friendly when used as per recommended dosage


6. Recommended Dosage

ApplicationRecommended Dosage
Laundry detergent0.05% – 0.3%
Textile whitening0.05% – 0.2% (based on fabric weight)
Paper industry0.1% – 0.5% (depending on brightness requirement)

A small amount of CBS-X provides a strong visual whitening effect, making it a cost-effective solution for manufacturers.


7. Safety and Storage

CBS-X is non-toxic, non-irritating, and generally considered safe for industrial use.
To maintain product quality:

  • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area

  • Avoid direct sunlight and moisture exposure

  • Keep the package tightly sealed when not in use


8. Buying Tips for Optical Brightener CBS-X

When purchasing CBS-X for industrial use, consider the following factors:

  1. Purity and Concentration: Ensure the product has ≥99% purity for consistent brightness.

  2. Water Solubility: Choose formulations that dissolve quickly without residues.

  3. Supplier Reputation: Source from reliable manufacturers that offer technical support and consistent batch quality.

  4. Compatibility Testing: Conduct small-scale tests to verify performance with your detergent or fabric formulations.


Conclusion

Optical Brightener CBS-X is an essential additive for achieving high whiteness and brightness in detergents and textiles. Its superior whitening effect, high stability, and environmental safety make it a preferred choice for detergent formulators and textile finishers worldwide.

By selecting a high-quality CBS-X product from a trusted supplier, manufacturers can deliver superior cleaning performance and long-lasting fabric brightness — ensuring customer satisfaction and brand competitiveness.


Optical Brightener CBS-X – FAQ (12 Questions & Answers)

1. What is Optical Brightener CBS-X?
Optical Brightener CBS-X is a fluorescent whitening agent widely used in detergents, textiles, and paper. It absorbs invisible UV light and emits blue light, making fabrics look brighter and whiter.


2. What is the chemical name of CBS-X?
Its chemical name is Disodium 4,4′-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl. It belongs to the stilbene derivative family and has excellent stability in alkaline and high-temperature environments.


3. What is the difference between CBS-X and CBS-L?
CBS-X has higher whitening strength and better solubility, making it more suitable for liquid detergents and low-temperature washing, while CBS-L is more common in powder detergents and industrial applications.


4. What does Optical Brightener CBS-X do in detergents?
CBS-X enhances fabric whiteness by converting UV light into visible blue light. It helps clothes look cleaner and newer, even after repeated washes.


5. Is CBS-X suitable for both liquid and powder detergents?
Yes. CBS-X is highly compatible with both liquid and powder detergent formulations, offering excellent solubility and stability.


6. Can CBS-X be used in textile processing?
Yes. It can be applied during bleaching, dyeing, or finishing processes for cotton, polyester, nylon, and blended fabrics to improve whiteness and brightness.


7. What is the recommended dosage of CBS-X?

  • Detergents: 0.05% – 0.3%

  • Textiles: 0.05% – 0.2% (based on dry fabric weight)

  • Paper: 0.1% – 0.5%

A small dosage gives a strong whitening effect.


8. What are the key advantages of CBS-X?

  • Excellent whitening intensity

  • High water solubility

  • Long-lasting brightness

  • Stability under heat and alkaline conditions

  • Compatibility with surfactants and enzymes

  • Safe and eco-friendly formulation


9. What is the appearance of CBS-X?
CBS-X typically appears as a light yellow crystalline powder that turns colorless when dissolved in water, emitting a bright blue fluorescence under UV light.


10. How should CBS-X be stored?
Store CBS-X in a cool, dry, and ventilated place away from sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent clumping or contamination.


11. Is CBS-X environmentally friendly?
Modern CBS-X products are biodegradable and safe for the environment when used correctly. They meet global detergent ingredient safety standards such as REACH and RoHS.


12. Where can I buy high-quality Optical Brightener CBS-X?
CBS-X is available from reputable chemical and detergent additive manufacturers in China and worldwide. Always choose suppliers that provide technical data sheets (TDS) and safety data sheets (MSDS) to ensure consistent quality and performance.



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