PROCESS FOR PREPARING SOAP-ACYL ISETHIONATE COMPOSITIONS

摘要

A batch and continuous process is disclosed for the production of a composition comprising alkali metal salts of C8-C22 alkyl fatty monocarboxylic acid and C8-C22 acyl isethionate in a ratio of 20:1 to 1:0.98. Both batch and continuous routes require that the saponifying aqueous caustic solution includes sodium hydroxide and sodium isethionate added as a hot solution. For the batch route, the sequence of steps requires the caustic solution to be added slowly to the fatty acid. In the continuous process, it is advantageous to introduce fatty acid upstream from the point where the caustic solution stream enters the mixing chamber. Addition of the acyl isethionate either precedes addition of caustic solution, which then is added at a temperature of at least 80.degree.C, or else is subsequent to addition of caustic solution.