Abstract: An improved, no -bleach process for the production of sulfonated fatty acid alkyl ester surfactants containing sulfonated fatty acid alkyl esters and less than 10% of sulfonated fatty acid disalt, fatty acid salt (soap), and fatty acid alkyl ester impurities, said process comprising sulfonating fatty acid alkyl esters, reacting with a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alcohol, and continuously neutralizing with an alkoxide in a substantially anhydrous medium of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.

Abstract: Liquid alkyl lactam bleach activators are intimately mixed with a water-soluble surfactant and a thickener to form a bleach activator particle with good solubility, which perhydrolyzes well, and which is non-sticky and free flowing. Optionally, but preferably, the particles will further comprise binders and filler materials. Novel activator compositions comprising polyhydroxy fatty acid amides plus lactam activators are disclosed.

Abstract: Acyl lactam bleach activator is intimately mixed with a water-soluble surfactant to form a bleach activator particle, with good solubility and which perhydrolyzes well. Said process does not include a drying step. Optionally, but preferably, the particle will further comprise binders and a crystalline material.

Abstract: A process for improving the color and purity of dark-colored potassium or magnesium alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant compositions, and particularly alpha-sulfo fatty acid methyl ester compositions, without the need for bleaching or other process steps. The process comprises the steps of (1) forming a mixture comprising (i) an alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant composition containing impurities including dark-colored impurities, organic and inorganic salts, and disalts, and (ii) water, and (2) separating the ester sulfonate surfactant from the mixture. The process may further comprise step (3) recovering the alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant. Methyl ester sulfonate surfactant compositions are most preferred. After processing in accordance with the invention, the alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant composition has improved color, purity, and odor properties.