A novel dianionic surfactant from the reaction of C 14 ‐alkenylsuccinic anhydride with sodium isethionate

A novel derivative of alkenylsuccinic anhydride has been developed. When the anhydride is opened with sodium isethionate, a difunctional surfactant, alkenyl carboxysulfonate (ACS), is produced. This product has a unique combination of properties: moderate foaming, effective detergency, as well as the capability to function as a hydrotrope and as a co‐builder in formulated cleaning systems. This paper briefly reviews some past studies with ACS. The utility of ACS in hard‐surface cleaning is also examined, especially the capacity of this molecule to act both as a low‐streaking surfactant and a hydrotrope. This combined function should allow formulators to diminish or eliminate volatile solvents in a variety of cleaning products. ACS has shown merit as an agent to reduce soil redeposition in three different heavy‐duty liquid formulations. Additionally, heavy‐duty liquid detergents containing ACS can be formulated to high surfactant and organic builder levels.