Joseph Rubinfeld

Straight-chain alkylbenzenes: Structure and performance property relations

An intensive study of the mass spectral characteristics of straight-chain alkylbenzenes has been made in conjuction with their ultimate performance as sulfonates in heavy duty formulations. Two variables of the alkylates, carbon-chain length distribution (which fixes the mean mol wt) and phenyl position on the chain, have been successfully related to the observed dishwashing performances. Formulas are given which allow accurately predicting this performance criteria. The important role of phenyl position is illustrated by a detailed study of each phenyl isomer in the tetradecylbenzene series.

Straight-chain alkylbenzenes: Structure and performance property relations III. Light-duty dishwashing formulations

A relationship between mixtures of straightchain alkylbenzene sulfonates and their performances in light-duty dishwashing formulations has been established through studies of many pure isomers and isomer mixtures in both liquid and powder systems. The foam performance characteristics are shown to be directly related to carbon chain length, phenyl position, and water hardness in a readily calculable manner. Solubility studies on pure isomers are also reported.