Synthetic detergents from animal fats. The sulfation of tallow alcohols

Summary Sodium oleyl sulfate (or the trans isomer) is a desirable component in a mixture of sulfated tallow alcohols, principally because of its ready solubility in water at room temperature. The use of moderate sulfating agents, which can be thought of as complexes formed with either sulfur trioxide, chlorosulfonic acid, or sulfuric acid, has been shown to give products having good detergent and surface‐active properties. Desirable properties are generally related to the purity of the product and to the extent to which side reactions at the double bond are minimized or avoided.