Alkylxylene sulfonates for enhanced oil recovery processes

摘要

The present invention is directed to a method for enhancing the recovery of oil from a subterranean reservoir which method employs an alkylxylene sulfonate that contains a high percentage of the 4-alkyl-1,2-dimethyl benzene isomer and a high percentage of alkyl group attachment to the xylene ring at positions higher than the 2-position on the alkyl carbon chain in an aqueous media, since it has surprisingly been discovered that the high percentage of the 4-alkyl-1,2-dimethyl benzene isomer and the high percentage alkyl group attachment to the xylene moiety at positions higher than the 2-position along the alkyl carbon chain on the alkylxylene sulfonate provides an enhanced oil recovery surfactant having low Interfacial Tension. The method optionally employs co-surfactants.