Petroleum-derived surfactants alcohols

The use of chlorosulfonic acid (1.5-1.6 equivalents) converted petroleum-derived unsaturated alcohols (one equivalent) into alkyl sulfates (92% conversion) with good surfactant properties. ... 

There is activity to develop a variety of plant, animal, gas, and even coal. For years to come, we completely expect that surfactants will be derived from a combination of green- and petroleum-based sources. Moreover, as natural and bioderived sources become cheaper, and as such attract more investment, natural sourced feedstocks will compete head to head with synthetics and perhaps, someday, dominate the mix as a supply soiffce for the siu factant industry. New process technology may also begin to play a role to change how we apply even natural oils to production of surfactant alcohols. New research in the fuels industry by Neste Oil has now demonstrated an ability to convert fats and oils into paraffins, making potential feedstock for synthetic surfactants... 

Many surfactants are made from petroleum with hazardous reagents. Sulfur trioxide was used with the carcinogen benzene to make the alkylbenzenesulfonates described earlier. The carcinogen ethylene oxide is used to make many nonionic surfactants from phenols and long-chain alcohols. A common surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, is made from an alcohol derived from coconut oil by reduction followed by treatment with sulfur trioxide. Long-chain tertiary amines derived from natural fats and oils are quat-ernized with methyl chloride. Perhaps this can be done with... 

The alcohol ether sulfates (AES) represent approximately 9% of industrialized surfactant consumption. Because of their perceived mildness, they are used primarily in personal care products. They have a strong position in terms of raw materials since they can be made from either petroleum or renewable (i.e., agriculturally derived) raw materials. One possible disadvantage of AES surfactants is the possible presence of dioxane derivatives as a byproduct of the ethoxylation process. Although modem processes have been shown to effectively eliminate the presence of such contaminants, emotional factors and lack of good information must always be considered, especially where consumer products are concerned. 

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