Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy has been used for the determin
ation of dodecylbenzenesulphonate in commercial samples of liquid dete
rgents. Analyses have been performed without sample treatment. Attenua
ted total reflectance with use of a ZnSe crystal allows measurement of
the bands of the detergent together with the water spectrum. The prec
ision, recovery and accuracy obtained by use of calibration line and s
tandard additions have been optimized.