Sulfonation of n-Paraffins

Linear secondary alkane sulfonates are produced hy the reaction between sulfur dioxide and n-paraffms in the range of C15-C17. 

The reaction is catalyzed hy ultraviolet light with a wave-length between 3,300-3,600A. The sulfonates are nearly 100% biodegradable, soft and stable in hard water, and have good washing properties. 

Sodium alkanesulfonates for detergent manufacture can also be produced from the free-radical addition of sodium bisulfite and alpha olefins  

FERMENTATION USING n-PARAEEINS (Single Cell Protein SCP) 

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Sulfonation of n-paraffins to produce SAS is a totally different process involving ultraviolet (UV) catalysed reactors and much more complex processing steps than the standard sulfonation processes documented above. This has limited the availability and accessibility of this technology and consequently its broader use. Sulfonated paraffins are only produced in Europe in limited amounts. 

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