Synthesis, characterization and application of anionic surfactant methyl ester sulfonate (MES) from grapeseed oil

Surfactants are in high demand across various industrial sectors. Edible oils are a renewable feedstock resource which has acquired increasing demand due to the environmentally-friendly alternatives t7o the petroleum-based products, with focus on sustainability and green chemistry principles. Renewable feedstock not only enhance biodegradability but also supports circular economy. The study deals with the synthesis of anionic surfactant from grapeseed oil which is a byproduct for the wine industry. It is rich in linoleic C18:2, oleic C18:1, palmitic C16 and stearic C18 fatty acids present in it. Anionic surfactant was synthesized via transesterification of grapeseed oil (GSO) and Sulfonation followed by sodium bisulphite (NaHSO 3 ) and Neutralization. The process yielded fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and methyl ester sulfonates (MES), an anionic surfactant with good surface-active properties. Characterization included the successful initiation of sulfonate groups, examined by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) along with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), surface activity parameters like surface tension, foam height, critical micelle concentration (CMC), contact angle, active matter, moisture content, pH, and appearance was determined. This work confirms grapeseed oil as a potential raw material for eco-friendly anionic surfactant production, furnishing valuable prospects, applications in cosmetics and detergency and adaptable alternatives in the surfactant industry.