Analytical methods for alpha sulfo methyl tallowate

Recent economic trends have made sulfo methyl tallowates viable alternatives to oil‐based synthetic detergents in certain applications. Currently available analytical methods to monitor and control product quality are rather limited and sketchy, however, meaning that a substantial amount of methods development has been required. This includes methodology for resolving the three types of sulfonates present, and for the determination of sodium methyl sulfate. This paper describes new methods developed for making these determinations. They include a new two‐phase dye transfer titration and a potentiometric ion‐selective electrode titration for the resolution of sodium alpha sulfo tallowate and sodium alpha sulfo tallow acid. In addition, a new method involving saponification and two‐phase dye transfer or potentiometric ion‐selective electrode titrations for the determination of sodium methyl sulfate is described.