Alpha olefin sulfonates from a commercial SO₃‐Air reactor

Abstract

Abstract Alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) can be made by SO 3 ‐air sulfonation of straight chain alpha olefins followed by saponification of the neutralized product. The sulfonation step forms unsaturated sulfonic acids, sultones and sultone sulfonic acids. Hydrolysis of the various sultones yields a mixture of unsaturated and hydroxy sulfonates. Sulfonation of commercial mixtures of straight chain alpha olefins in a large‐scale SO 3 falling film unit has given AOS of 1.5舑3.0% oil based on active content and tristimulus color of about 40% saturation (2% solution) which is readily bleachable with 1舑3% NaOCl to about 10舑15% saturation. Performance of AOS made from C 15 蜢C 18 alpha olefin is comparable to that of the high‐foaming C 11 蜢C 14 LAS in both detergency and dishwashing foam. It is superior to similar products made from internal straight chain olefins. The product shows a low order of toxicity and biodegrad‐ability slightly better than that of LAS. A C 15 蜢C 16 AOS blend is especially attractive in liquid detergent formulations.