Arylalkylsulfonic acids and methods for producing same

A method for preparing arylalkylsulfonic acid of the formula

• wherein m and n are independently integers 0 to 34, provided that m+n is at least 2 and wherein m+n is equal to or less than 34;
• wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkoxy, OH, C1-C36 alkyl, substituted C1-C36 alkyl and polyoxyalkylene ether,
• providing a reaction mixture comprising one or more aromatic compounds, one or more alpha olefin sulfonic (AOS) acids and one or more alkylation promoters and alkylating said one or more aromatic compounds with said one or more alpha olefin sulfonic acids in the presence of said one or more alkylation promoters,
• wherein the one or more aromatic compound is selected from the group consisting of benzene, toluene, xylene, cumene, phenol, alkylphenol alkylated on one or more carbons, alkoxylated phenol, benzene wherein the benzene is optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 groups that are independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkoxy, OH, C1-C36 alkyl, substituted C1-C36 alkyl and polyoxyalkylene ether, and mixtures thereof:
• wherein the one or more alpha olefin sulfonic (AOS) acids are acid materials which are the reaction product of sulfonating an olefin;
• and
• wherein the one or more alkylation promoters comprises a compound of the formula:
• wherein m and n are independently integers 0 to 34, provided that m+n is at least 2 and wherein m+n is equal to or less than 34;
• wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkoxy, OH, C1-C36 alkyl, substituted C1-C36 alkyl and polyoxyalkylene ether;
• wherein the alkylation is conducted at a temperature sufficient to produce an arylalkylsulfonic acid;
• under substantially anhydrous conditions;
• and the alkylation promoter is initially present in at least 25% by weight, based on the weight of the alpha olefin sulfonic (AOS) acid that is present.