Abstract: Solid detergent compositions containing up to 40% by weight of water are obtained by mixing 100 parts by weight of an aqueous 40 to 60% by weight alkyl sulfate paste at 20.degree. to 80.degree. C. with (a) 15 to 100 parts by weight of a sodium salt selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and sodium silicate; and/or (b) 10 to 300 parts by weight aluminosilicate; and converting the solid mixture obtained into particulate or powder form at 20.degree. to 60.degree. C.

Abstract: Alkali metal alkane sulfonates containing on averge 11 to 21 carbon atoms are used as viscosity regulators for aqueous, highly concentrated commercial anionic surfactant concentrates, more especially for .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester salt concentrates containing at least 30% by weight of .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester salt. The viscosity regulators are used in quantities of from 0.5 to 10% by weight, based on the surfactant content, so that the concentrates have a viscosity at 40.degree. C. of at most 10,000 mPas.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the preparation of color-stable, light-colored aqueous salt pastes of wash-active esters of .alpha.-sulfofatty acids with monohydric C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alcohols by a combined bleaching treatment of dark-colored .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester salt paste with hydrogen peroxide and alkali metal hypochlorite. According to the process, dark-colored .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester salt paste is first subjected in a preliminary bleaching step to bleaching with alkali metal hypochlorite in a neutral to mildly alkaline aqueous medium, any excess metal hypochlorite is removed, and the paste is subjected in a final bleaching step to bleaching in a mildly acidic medium with hydrogen peroxide or with one or more compounds which yield hydrogen peroxide.