Synthesis and Interfacial Properties of Dialkylbenzenesulfonates for Producting Low Interfacial Tensions

Abstract

Abstract A new method of synthesis a series of pure dialkylbenzene sulfonates is described. The benzene ring carries a major alkyl substituent, consisting of a linear chain of sixteen carbon atoms long, and one additional methyl group. Products are charactered by EI-MS and 1H NMR. Experimental investigations have been conducted to explore the interfacial tension behavior of crude oil with dialkylbenzenesulfonates. The effects of various parameters such as surfactant concentration, salinity concentration on the interfacial tension of crude oil-water were investigated in detail. The transient low interfacial tensions in crude oil/alkali system were caused by the synergistic effects between surfactant and the active species generated at interface, but surfactant molecules plays the dominant role at equilibrium.