Process for the preparation of sulphonates

Abstract

Sulphonates are prepared by the neutralisation of a sulphonic acid with a basic hydroxide or oxide. The process requires the staged addition of sulphonic acid to a reaction mixture comprising basic hydroxide or oxide dispersed in a water/diluent mixture; the reaction mixture is basic throughout the additions of acid and at least until the point of completion of the neutralisation reaction. The basic hydroxide or oxide may also be added in stages. The sulphonate product has low viscosity, low haze and good stability and is essentially chloride free as halide promoters are not utilised in the manufacture of the product.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.