Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Tetradecene Sulfonate, AOS, 68439-57-6

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Tetradecene Sulfonate, AOS, 68439-57-6

General Information

• Chemical Name: Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS)

• Formula: CnH2n-1SO3Na (n = 14–16)

• Molecular Weight: ~324 g/mol

• CAS Number: 68439-57-6

• Appearance: Light yellowish powder or liquid form

• Nature: Anionic surfactant, biodegradable, mild on skin

Production Process

• Derived from alpha-olefins (C14–C16 carbon chains).

• Produced via sulfonation of alpha-olefins.

• Steps include:

  • Sulfonation reaction

  • Hydrolysis and neutralization (with sodium hydroxide)

  • Purification

• Raw materials often come from petrochemical processes (ethylene oligomerization, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis).

Applications

• Household Cleaning: Laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, liquid soaps.

• Personal Care: Shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, toothpaste, hand soaps.

• Industrial Uses:

  • Textile, printing, dyeing

  • Firefighting foams

  • Concrete additives (air entrainment)

  • Pesticide emulsifiers

  • Emulsion polymerization

Advantages

• Excellent foaming and foam stability

• Works well in both hard and soft water

• Gentle on skin, low irritation

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Compatible with other surfactants (nonionic, amphoteric)

• Ideal for sulfate-free formulations (alternative to SLS)

Difference from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

• AOS: Milder, less irritating, preferred for sulfate-free shampoos and body washes.

• SLS: Stronger, cheaper, but can be harsh and irritating to skin.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and heat.

Other Names for AOS

• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate

• AOS Powder

• Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate

• Sodium C14–16 Olefin Sulfonate

• Sodium Tetradecene Sulfonate

• Linear Alpha Olefin Sulfonate

• AOS

Sectoral Usage, Suitability, and Dosage

Key Notes

• Mildness: Less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), making it ideal for sulfate-free shampoos and body washes.

• Flexibility: Can be used alone or combined with nonionic/amphoteric surfactants.

• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable, low toxicity, safe for personal care and environmental applications.

• Concentration Range: Generally used between 4–30% depending on product type and desired foaming/cleaning effect.