Rules for Biodegradation

Over the years, the following generalizations have been developed to explain the biodegradation of most surfactant types  

The nature of the hydrophilic group has a minor effect on biodegradability. 

The greater the distance between the hydrophilic group and the terminus of the hydrophobe, the greater is the rate of primary degradation. 

The relationship between the chemical structure of a surfactant and its resultant surface-active properties is quite complex. Many of the following chapters will point out general rules relating the two types of information. In the end, it will usually be firsthand experience that leads to a final decision on the selection of a surfactant for a given end use. That experience can be made less painful, however, by the application of rules of thumb and chemical common sense. 

Using basic principles of organic synthesis, suggest a process for the synthesis of sodium dodecylsulfate (CH3(CH2)iiOSOjNa+) from lauric acid. 

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For this purpose, the quality rules for biodegradable polymers have to be strict and guarantee, besides compostability and biodegradability in different environments, nontoxicity of products and additives, as well as a low environmental impact throughout the life cycle, with improving targets in terms of raw material quality and renewability level, feedstock sustainability, inuse efficiency and end of life options to close the loop. 

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