Detergents from synthetic olefins

Conclusion Detergents prepared from Fischer‐Tropsch olefins are thus measurably better than the reference standards prepared from propylene tetramer or lauryl alcohol. The combination of straight and branched chains with both terminal and internal double bonds produces the high level of surface activity found with these synthetic olefins. Although the optimum molecular weights for the experimental sulfonates are about the same as for sulfonates from polymer olefins, the surface activity is somewhat better. In physical properties these sulfonates are superior to polymer‐olefin sulfonates in resistance to caking and in rate of solution. The optimum experimental sulfates, of 14‐ through 16‐carbon atoms, are superior to lauryl sulfate. The branched structure of these alkyl sulfates probably gives rise to their soft, waxy, and hygroscopic character. Total mixtures of these experimental products are better than the respective reference standards. Both types of detergents prepared from Fischer‐Tropsch olefins are about equivalent. The alkylbenzene sulfonates appear to be superior to similar products now in every‐day use. Although Fischer‐Tropsch olefins are a promising source of raw material for detergents, there is no assurance that they will be commercially available in the near future.