| abstract |
The present invention is in the field of processes for making modified alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactants and of the products of such processes, including the surfactant compositions and consumer cleaning products, especially laundry detergents, containing them. The processes herein have in common: (a) the provision of a specific, lightly branched alcohol mixture and (b) alkylation reaction of benzene, toluene or the like with this alcohol mixture using specific shape-selective zeolite catalysts, preferably at least partially dealuminized nonfluoridated H-mordenites. The alcohol required in the process can be prepared by any of (i) selective hydroformylation of lightly branched olefins; (ii) nonselective hydroformylation of linear olefins; and (iii) reactions of suitable alkyl Grignard reagents with methyl alkyl ketones. |