Sulphonation of Alkylbenzene

Abstract

Sulphonation and sulphated products, i n the form of solutions of their sodium salts, are main components in the world-wide manufacture of detergents. These products have found application also in many of the processes of the textile and leather industries. But the use of detergents, in solid and liquid form, has been the main reason for production capacity growth in sulphonation alkylbenzenes. Sulphonation of linear or branched alkylbenzenes may be achieved through application of sulphuric acid, chlorosulphonic acid or sulphur trioxide. The last-mentioned process is widely used because there are no problems in disposing of residual acids; moreover, the product I s sodium sulphate content is low.