Abstract: An improved process for the production of sulfonated fatty acid alkyl ester surfactants containing low levels of impurities including disalt and dimethyl sulfate (DMS) impurities, said process comprising sulfonating fatty acid alkyl esters, forming a substantially anhydrous alkoxide solution, over-neutralizing to a pH of at least about 10 with the alkoxide solution, and re-neutralizing to a pH of about 5 to about 9. The substantially anhydrous alkoxide solution is formed by combining an alkoxide solution containing an alkoxide of the formula (RO.sup.-).sub.n M.sup.n+, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alcohol, and no more than 1% by weight water with a sacrificial ester of the formula R.sup.1 COOR.sup.2, wherein the molar ratio of the sacrificial ester to water is from about 0.5:1 to about 2:1.

Abstract: A porous, pouched granular detergent compositions containing an organic surfactant, preferably an aluminosilicate ion exchange material, and water-soluble neutral or alkaline hygroscopic detergency builder salt, preferably an ether polycarboxylate. The pouched compositions contain no or low levels of phosphate and silicate materials, yet provide granules which exhibit at least initial free-flowing granular characteristics, reduced dusting and unexpectedly good/equivalent solubility in the laundering solution notwithstanding the development of lumps upon storage under stress conditions.

Abstract: The invention is a fast dissolving granular detergent composition having a phosphate builder system comprising: crutched sodium tripolyphosphate and/or tetrasodium pyrophosphate and admixed sodium tripolyphosphate and/or tetrasodium pyrophosphate and preferably with a minimal of the admixed tetrasodium pyrophosphate. The preferred composition is used in combination with a water-permeable, water-insoluble pouch for a unit dose home laundry execution.