Stepan Chemical Company

Raymond J Shute

Thomas G Baker

Alpha olefin sulfonates generally commercially made by reacting SO.sub.3 with alpha olefins followed by neutralization and saponification with base (typically sodium hydroxide), and subsequently bleaching, characteristically may contain by-product impurities which are non-sulfonate sulfur containing organic compounds. These impurities chiefly sultones, can be substantially completely eliminated by the process sequence of the present disclosure which involves heating and bleaching and pH adjustment under specified conditions. Surprisingly, such and similar organic sulfurous impurities are eliminated during such heating and do not reform under such bleaching and pH adjustment.

Growing community of inventors

Chicago, IL, United States of America

Raymond J Shute