The Role of Surface Active Agents in Sulfonation of Double Bonds

Abstract

AbstractSulfosuccinate esters are vastly used in different formulations as wetting agents and dispersants. Hemi-ester, diester, ethoxylated, and ethoxylated ester derivatives of maleic anhydride, maleic acid, and fumaric acid are converted to the saturated or corresponding sulfosuccinates by the reaction of the double bond with sodium bisulfite in basic media. The roles of anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactants have been investigated. Appropriate surfactants have been applied in the absence of a peroxide initiator. The results obtained show increased reaction rates. Characterization of the products was performed by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Ethoxylated isooctyl maleate derivative was used as the starting material and the sulfonation agents used were sodium bisulfite and meta bisulfite.