Abstract: Novel mixtures of long-chain (C10-C20) olefins are functionalized by conversion to aldehydes using an OXO process, or to sulfates, sulfonates, sulfones, sulfides, or sulfoxides by direct sulfonation. The aldehydes may then be hydrogenated to form alcohols, or aminated to form amines or amides. The olefins starting mixture may be acquired as a byproduct of the tetramerization of ethylene in the presence of certain chromium-containing tetramerization catalysts. The functionalized mixtures, and derivatives prepared therefrom such as alkoxylates prepared from the alcohols, may be useful as surfactants that may offer improved performance in many applications, while their preparation based on a byproduct mixture reduces their cost and also reduces waste-handling issues for this non-targeted stream.

Abstract: Process for purifying the hydrochloric acid obtained as by-product in the synthesis of MSA, characterized in that the gaseous flow of hydrogen chloride evacuated from the top of the synthesis reactor is placed in contact in a treatment column, counter-currentwise, with a flow consisting of an aqueous solution of an acid chosen from methanesulfonic acid, hydrochloric acid or a mixture of these two acids, at a temperature of between 80 and 130° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing 4-(2-sulfoethylcyclohexane)-1,2-diol sodium salt, at ambient condition and in the presence of a buffer and an initiator, from vinylcyclohexane-1,2-diol. Also disclosed is a process for preparing 3-(2-sulfoethyl) hexanedioic acid, sodium salt by oxidizing 4-(2-sulfoethylcyclohexane)-1,2 diol sodium salt with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of tungstic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of highly pure 2-Methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, sodium salt in high yield, with very low iron content, by the reaction of distilled sulfur trioxide complexed with a Lewis base in a halogentated solvent, the unreacted sulfur trioxide vapors being removed from the reactor before the mixture is treated with liquefied isobutylene, and neutralization by a base with an iron content within the range of 0 to 20 ppm.

Abstract: In order to remove the methanesulphonyl chloride entrained by the gaseous HCl by-product, an amount of water ranging from 0.01 to 20%, relative to the mass of HCl to be treated, is injected into the HCl gas flow and the temperature is lowered to a value below or equal to 15° C.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of methanesulfonic acid by reacting sulfite ions within an aqueous system with dimethyl sulfate at an elevated temperature and adding a strong acid subsequently, wherein the molar ratio of sulfite ions to dimethyl sulfate is 1.5 to 2.5:1, preferably 2:1, and the reaction charge is maintained at said elevated temperature for at least 2 h, preferably 4 h.

Abstract: A process for incorporating sulfonic acid groups in the structure of an aliphatic, non-polar, water insoluble compound is disclosed. In the process the compound is first dissolved in an appropriate solvent and is then reacted in the presence of a catalyst and oxygen with an aqueous sulfite solution. The sulfonation renders the compound polar and water absorbent and, therefore, suitable in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Fatty acid esters of isethionate salts are made by reacting ethylene oxide and a bisulfite salt, that may be made in situ, in aqueous ammonia while maintaining (1) the pH in the range of about 5.5 to about 6.5 and (2) the temperature in the range of 25.degree. C. to 85.degree. C. to form an isethionate salt. The isethionate salt is then esterified with a fatty acid to produce a product having little or no unwanted fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of olefins by using a palladium catalyst at a temperature above the ceiling temperature of the SO.sub.2 /olefin copolymer system, for the synthesis of sulfinic and sulfonic acid derivatives.

Abstract: The description is of a process for the production of light-colored lower alkane sulfonic acids, especially methane sulphonic acid, by reacting the corresponding alkyl halide with alkaline halides and obtaining the free alkane sulphonic acid. In the process of the invention, the reaction is performed as a liquid/liquid reaction at temperature not exceeding 120 degrees C., and at such high pressures that even the lower alkyl halide is in the liquid phase at the reaction temperature, the aqueous reaction mixture is reduced by water content of some 50% wt. at the most, the alkaline sulphonic acid is liberated from its alkaline salt by the addition of HCl, the solid salt phase still remaining in the reaction mixture is separated out and the free alkaline sulphonic acid is obtained from the liquid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for increasing the selectivity in converting sulfates to sulfonates following ethoxylation and sulfation of alcohols. It is demonstrated that minimization of unethoxylated and monoethoxylated alcohols before the sulfation step will substantially reduce hydration to alcohols and increase the selectivity of the subsequent sulfonation step.