What is alpha olefin sulfonates?

Alpha olefin sulfonates (AOS) are a type of surfactant that is commonly used in the production of detergents and cleaning products. They are derived from alpha olefins, which are hydrocarbons that contain one carbon-carbon double bond at the beginning of their carbon chain.

AOS have a high degree of biodegradability and are therefore considered to be environmentally friendly. They are also effective at removing dirt and oils, making them ideal for use in industrial and household cleaning applications.

AOS are typically manufactured using a chemical reaction between alpha olefins and sulfuric acid. The resulting product is then neutralized with an alkaline substance such as sodium hydroxide to produce the final AOS product.

Some of the key properties of AOS include their high foaming ability, excellent wetting properties, and their ability to form stable emulsions. They are also highly soluble in water, which makes them easy to use in a variety of applications.

Overall, AOS are an important ingredient in many cleaning and detergent products due to their effectiveness, biodegradability, and ease of use.