α-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) Sodium α-Olefin Sulfonate

α-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS)， Sodium α-Olefin Sulfonate

Technical Introduction

1. Chemical Description

• Chemical Name: Sodium α-Olefin Sulfonate

• CAS No.: 68439-57-6

• Molecular Formula: CₙH₂ₙ₋₁SO₃Na (where *n* = typically C14–C18)

• Structure: A mixture of alkene sulfonates and hydroxyalkane sulfonates, derived from the sulfonation of α-olefins.

2. Key Properties

• Appearance: Light yellow viscous liquid or powder (depending on concentration).

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water.

• Surface Activity: Excellent foaming, wetting, and emulsifying properties.

• pH (1% solution): 7–10 (mild, skin-friendly).

• Biodegradability: >90% (readily biodegradable, eco-friendly).

• Stability: Performs well in hard water and across a wide pH range.

3. Applications

AOS is widely used as a high-performance anionic surfactant in:
✅ Personal Care & Cosmetics

• Shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers (gentle on skin, low irritation).

• Toothpaste and foam baths (rich, stable lather).

✅ Household & Industrial Cleaners

• Detergents (liquid/powder), dishwashing liquids.

• Industrial degreasers and textile processing aids.

✅ Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

• Lowers interfacial tension in oilfield chemicals.

✅ Agriculture & Emulsions

• Pesticide emulsifiers and dispersants.

4. Advantages Over Other Surfactants

✔ Milder than SLES/SLS – Less irritating to skin and eyes.
✔ Better foam stability vs. linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS).
✔ Hardwater resistance – Performs better than soaps.
✔ Cost-effective – Competitive with other anionic surfactants.

5. Safety & Environmental Profile

• Non-toxic, non-sensitizing (OECD 402 tested).

• Not classified as hazardous under GHS.

• Eco-label compliant (EU Ecolabel, USDA BioPreferred).

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