Alkyl ether sulfates
Alkyl ether sulfates (often also called alkyl polyether sulfates or fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates , also known as ether sulfates for short ) are anionic surfactants in the form of their salts that are used in many cleaning agents , shampoos and cosmetics.
Structurally, they have a lipophilic alkyl group and a hydrophilic area, which is composed of the polar ether groups and the chemically bound sulfate anion. These physical properties make these compounds surfactants and allow them to emulsify fats and oils . They are not very sensitive to hard water and are readily biodegradable. An example is Natriumdodecylpoly (oxyethylene) sulfate (sodium lauryl ether sulfate, SLES ), which as a strong foam formers and fat solvent is used.
Alkyl ether sulfates (fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates) are produced from fatty alcohols or synthetic alcohols with mostly 12 to 14 carbon atoms, which are first reacted with an epoxide , mostly ethylene oxide . The number of ether groups is usually between one and five. The ether is then reacted with sulfur trioxide to form the ester , a sulfuric acid monoester being formed. The acid can be converted to the salt with any basic alkali or ammonia.
Individual evidence
- ↑ What is sodium lauryl sulfate?
- ^ Karl Laux, Günther Täuber, Joachim Gohlke and Dieter Schirmer: Tenside , in Winnacker-Küchler (editors: Heinz Harnisch, Rudolf Steiner and Karl Winnacker ): Chemische Technologie , Volume 7, Carl Hanser Verlag, 4th edition 1986, p. 84 –148, there p. 123, ISBN 3-446-13186-8 .