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Ultimate biodegradation studies of α‐olefin sulfonates
Author(s) -
Kravetz L.,
Chung H.,
Rapean J. C.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of the american oil chemists' society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.512
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1558-9331
pISSN - 0003-021X
DOI - 10.1007/bf02680280
Subject(s) - biodegradation , olefin fiber , carbon chain , carbon number , carbon fibers , linear alkylbenzene , chemistry , alcohol , long chain , organic chemistry , chemical engineering , materials science , polymer science , catalysis , composite material , biochemistry , pulmonary surfactant , alkyl , composite number , engineering
Abstract Single carbon cut α‐olefin sulfonates (AOS) having 12, 14, 16 and 18 carbon chain lengths and several of their blends were prepared from high‐quality α‐olefins by continuous SO 3 sulfonation in a laboratory falling film reactor. The ultimate biodegradability of these products was studied using a modified shake flask procedure with CO 2 evolution as the major biodegradability criterion. For comparison, commercial samples of a modified Ziegler‐based AOS, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), and an alcohol ethoxysulfate (AEOS) were included. The results showed the AOS products bio‐degraded to CO 2 more completely than LAS and slightly less extensively than AEOS. CO 2 evolution decreased slightly in amount and rate as AOS carbon chain length increased in the C 14 to C 18 range.