Sodium Alpha-olefin Sulfonate, AOS, 68439-57-6

Sodium Alpha-olefin Sulfonate, AOS, 68439-57-6

SODIUM ALPHA-OLEFIN SULFONATE (AOS)

1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Note: Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is a high-performance anionic surfactant produced by the sulfonation of linear alpha-olefins (typically C14-C16), followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. It is known for its excellent foaming power, strong wetting and emulsifying properties, and high stability in both acidic and alkaline formulations. It is widely used in personal care, household cleaning, and industrial applications as a primary or secondary surfactant.

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

3. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MODE OF ACTION

• High Foaming Power and Stability: AOS generates a rich, dense, and stable foam very quickly, even in the presence of hard water ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) and soils. This makes it an excellent primary or secondary foaming agent in shampoos, body washes, and liquid soaps.

• Strong Cleaning and Degreasing: Effectively removes oily soils and particulate dirt from fabrics and hard surfaces. Its wetting and emulsifying properties are excellent, making it a powerful degreaser.

• Mildness and Skin Compatibility: Compared to traditional SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), AOS has a significantly lower irritation potential, making it suitable for mild personal care formulations.

• Versatile Compatibility: Highly compatible with other anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric co-surfactants (such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine and SLES), allowing for synergistic performance and easy viscosity building.

• Broad pH Stability: Maintains its surfactant properties effectively in both mildly acidic and alkaline formulations, making it suitable for a wide range of household and industrial cleaning products.

4. ALTERNATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS

5. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS AND USAGE RATES

6. PRODUCTION METHOD (Summary)

1. Sulfonation: A linear alpha-olefin (typically C14-C16) is reacted with sulfur trioxide (SO₃) in a continuous thin-film sulfonation reactor.

2. Neutralization: The resulting sulfonic acid intermediate is immediately neutralized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

3. Result: The final product is a mixture of alkene sulfonates and hydroxy alkane sulfonates, known collectively as Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS).

7. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

8. TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS

9. SAFETY, STORAGE, AND REGULATORY INFORMATION

• GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture. The concentrated powder may cause mild mechanical irritation to the skin and eyes upon prolonged contact.

• Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; considered safe for use in cosmetic and detergent formulations at typical concentrations.

• First Aid: In case of skin or eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

• Regulatory Compliance:

  • Registered under EU REACH.

  • Biodegradable according to OECD 301 standards.

  • Compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation and Detergents Regulation.

• Storage:

  • Store at room temperature in a dry and well-ventilated area.

  • Keep containers tightly sealed and protect from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong oxidizing agents.

• Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended storage conditions.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When handling bulk quantities, use nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing.

10. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE