Abstract: New anionic surfactants and methods of preparation which are derived from aromatic or substituted aromatic molecules and alkenesulfonic acid. Wherein the aryl compound is alkylated and sulfonated in one-step with an alkene sulfonic acid prior to sulfonic acid neutralization. The methods allow the functional sulfonate group to be attached to the end of the alkyl chain rather than to the aromatic ring thus allowing for selective substituted groups, either branched, linear or alkoxylated or combinations thereof to be placed on the aryl compound prior to sulfonation and alkylation.