BIODEGRADABLE DETERGENTS

An attempt was made to improve the biodegradability of the straight- chain anionic detergents (LAS) by a novel approach involving the synthesis of the derivatives of sodium p-(n-dodecyl) benzenesulfonate in which the different methylene groups are successively replaced by sulfur. The eleven possible isomers of sodium p-(thia-n-dodecyl) benzenesulfonate, were synthesized for the first time. The sulfur atoms were also oxidized to sulfoxides, forming another series of compounds containing the sulfinyl group. This incorporation of a sulfur atom into the alkyl side-chain of the LAS molecule provided insight into the mechanism of its biodegradation and has resulted in the synthesis of new and more diodegradable detergents. Presented at the Army Science Conference (1966), U. S. military Academy, West Point, N. Y., 14-17 June 1966. Complete proceedings available in two unclassified volumes as AD634615 and AD634616 and one classified volume available to qualified DDC users.