Performance of Φ‐Sulfo Fatty Methyl Ester Sulfonate Versus Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, Secondary Alkane Sulfonate and α‐Sulfo Fatty Methyl Ester Sulfonate

Abstract

Abstract Sulfoxidation of fatty acid methyl esters with SO 2, O 2 and ultraviolet light of appropriate wavelength, has led to the synthesis of methyl esters sulfonates or sulfoxylates, known as Φ‐MES, because of the possible random position of SO 3 group in the alkyl chain. Aqueous solutions based on the sulfoxylated methyl ester of palmitic acid (Φ‐MES C16) have been studied and compared to the leading types of surfactants used today: linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) secondary alkane sulfonate (SAS) and α‐sulfo fatty methyl ester sulfonate (α‐MES) with regard to solubility, performance and skin compatibility. The experimental results obtained indicate that Φ‐MES C16 can be regarded as a potential component of detergent formulations and most likely also of body care products.