SULFONATION OF ALKYLATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBON

摘要

In a process for the production of sulphonated alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons, wherein alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons are sulphonated with a gaseous sulphonating agent comprising SO3, an anhydrous low molecular weight carboxylic acid is added to the hydrocarbon before sulphonation. Such an addition can improve the colour and can lower the H2SO4 content of the sulphonic acid reaction product. Advantageously, the hydrocarbon is sulphonated in an atomized condition to provide a reaction mixture which is quenched by, and agglomerated in, cooled, recycled reaction product.