Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Tetradecene Sulfonate, AOS, 68439-57-6, 68439-58-7

Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Tetradecene Sulfonate, AOS, 68439-57-6, 68439-58-7

ALPHA OLEFIN SULFONATE (AOS)

1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Note: Alpha Olefin Sulfonate is a high-performance anionic surfactant produced by the sulfonation of linear alpha-olefins (typically C14-C16), followed by hydrolysis and neutralization with sodium hydroxide. It is known for its excellent foaming power, hard water tolerance, mildness to the skin, and high biodegradability. It is widely used as a primary surfactant in personal care, household cleaning, and industrial applications, and is a preferred choice in "sulfate-free" formulations as an alternative to SLS/SLES.

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

3. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MODE OF ACTION

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

• Mildness and Skin Compatibility: Unlike SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), AOS has a significantly lower irritation potential. This makes it a preferred, mild, and "sulfate-free" primary surfactant for personal care products designed for sensitive skin and baby formulations.

• High Cleaning Power: Effectively removes oily soils and particulate dirt from fabrics and hard surfaces. Its wetting and emulsifying properties are excellent.

• Hard Water Tolerance: Its performance is not diminished by water hardness, making it an ideal choice for laundry and dishwashing detergents in all regions.

• Sulfate-Free Formulations: As an olefin sulfonate (not a lauryl sulfate), it is the surfactant of choice for products marketed as "sulfate-free."

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

4. COMPARISON WITH SLS (SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE)

5. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS, SUITABILITY, AND USAGE RATES

6. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

7. ALTERNATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS

8. SAFETY, STORAGE, AND REGULATORY INFORMATION

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

• Storage:

  • Store in a dry, cool (<30 °C), and well-ventilated area, away from moisture and direct heat.

  • Keep containers tightly sealed, especially the powder form, to prevent moisture absorption which can cause caking.

• Personal Protection: For handling the powder form in large quantities, use a dust mask to avoid mechanical irritation from inhalation. Standard nitrile gloves are sufficient for handling the liquid form.

• Regulatory: Meets the criteria for ready biodegradability (OECD 301). Approved for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1: Is AOS truly sulfate-free?
Yes. Although its name contains "sulfonate," a sulfonate group is chemically different from a sulfate group. Products made with AOS can legitimately make a "sulfate-free" claim, as it does not contain the lauryl sulfate (SLS) or laureth sulfate (SLES) molecules that the claim targets.

Q2: How does AOS perform in hard water compared to traditional soaps?
This is one of AOS's greatest strengths. Unlike traditional soaps (fatty acid carboxylates), which form insoluble scum with calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, AOS remains fully active and soluble. Its foam and cleaning power are virtually unaffected by water hardness.

Q3: What is the difference between AOS and SLES?
While both are high-foaming, mild anionic surfactants, the key difference is chemical. SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate) is a sulfate, produced by ethoxylation and sulfation. AOS (Alpha Olefin Sulfonate) is a sulfonate, produced by a different process. AOS is often considered to produce a slightly denser, creamier foam and has a different molecular structure, allowing for a true "sulfate-free" label.

10. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE