Lignosulfonate and lignosulphonate are the same product. “Lignosulfonate” is the American spelling and “lignosulphonate” the British one. Buyers and customs documents also use several other names, which can cause confusion when comparing offers.
Names You Will See
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lignosulfonate / lignosulphonate | Same product, US vs UK spelling |
| Lignin sulfonate, lignin sulphonate | Same product, older or descriptive name |
| Sodium / calcium / magnesium / ammonium lignosulfonate | The salt type (counter-ion) |
| Lignosulfonic acid, sodium salt | Chemical name used on some SDS |
| Sulfonated lignin | Broader term; can also mean sulfonated kraft lignin |
| Spent sulfite liquor | The raw liquid from pulping before refining |
Customs and Trade Codes
Lignosulfonates are generally classified under HS heading 3804 (residual lyes from the manufacture of wood pulp, including lignin sulphonates). Confirm the full code for your destination country with your customs broker. See also CAS numbers by salt type.
What to Specify When You Buy
- The salt type (sodium, calcium, magnesium or ammonium) and the CAS number.
- Form: powder or liquid, and solids content for liquids.
- Lignosulfonate content, reducing sugar, water-insoluble matter and, for sodium grades, Ca + Mg.
- The application, so the supplier can recommend a grade.
| Grade | Lignosulfonate content | Water-insoluble | Other key values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium lignosulfonate GAC-NaLS-1 | 55% min (dry basis) | 1.5% max | pH 7.0–9.5; Ca + Mg 0.5% max; reducing sugar 7% max |
| Calcium lignosulfonate GAC-CaLS-1 | 55% min (dry basis) | 1.5% max | Ca + Mg 5–8%; reducing sugar about 7%; ash 12% max |
Common Mix-Ups
- Lignosulfonate vs lignin: lignin powder (for example our GAC-L-Non-soluble) is insoluble in water; lignosulfonate dissolves.
- Lignosulfonate vs naphthalene sulfonate (SNF): both are concrete water reducers, but SNF is a synthetic, high-range product. See SNF superplasticizer.
- Sodium vs calcium salt: same backbone, different counter-ion; sodium grades are used where calcium must be low.
Definitions and uses: what is lignosulfonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lignosulphonate the same as lignosulfonate?
Yes. They are UK and US spellings of the same product.
What is the HS code for lignosulfonate?
Lignosulfonates generally fall under HS heading 3804 (residual lyes from wood pulp manufacture, including lignin sulphonates). Check the full national code with your customs broker.
