What is Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate CAS 68439-57-6?

It is an anionic surfactant commonly known as AOS or alpha olefin sulfonate. The CAS number covers sulfonic acids, C14-16 alkane hydroxy and C14-16 alkene sodium salts, so the commercial product is a mixture rather than a single molecule.

What is in a typical AOS product?

AOS is mainly composed of alkene sulfonates and hydroxyalkane sulfonates, often with smaller amounts of related sulfonated species. Liquid grades usually contain about 35-40% active matter, while spray-dried powder grades may contain 90% or more active matter.

Why is AOS used in detergents and cleaning products?

It provides high foaming, strong detergency, and good wetting in liquid and powder laundry detergents, dishwashing products, household cleaners, and institutional cleaning systems. It is also readily soluble in water and readily biodegradable under typical conditions.

How does AOS perform in hard water compared with some other anionic surfactants?

AOS generally retains good cleaning and foaming performance in hard water because its sulfonate structure is less sensitive to calcium and magnesium ions than many soap-based or carboxylate surfactants. It can therefore be useful in formulations intended for areas with harder water.

How should Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate be stored and handled?

Keep liquid grades in sealed drums or IBCs and prevent freezing during cold storage. Keep powder grades dry to avoid caking. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from prolonged high heat and direct sunlight, and close containers when not in use.

Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate CAS 68439-57-6

Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) is supplied as an anionic surfactant derived from alpha-olefins through sulfonation, widely used in detergent and cleaning formulations. It provides strong detergency, good foaming performance, and effective wetting properties, making it suitable for both household and industrial cleaning systems. For liquid detergent formulas that use an ethoxylated sulfate primary surfactant, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is a related anionic product to compare by active matter, foam profile and electrolyte tolerance.

In commercial supply, AOS is typically available as an aqueous solution (commonly around 35–40% active matter) or as spray-dried powder, allowing flexibility for different formulation processes. It is used in liquid detergents, powder detergents, personal care cleansers, and industrial cleaning agents. Standard packaging, batch documentation (COA, TDS, SDS), and supply support are available for both formulation development and bulk production.

CAS: 68439-57-6
Synonyms: AOS; Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Sodium Salt
Grade: Typically supplied for detergent and cleaning formulation use
Package: Available in drums, IBC containers (liquid form), or bags (powder form); packaging arranged according to supply form and order volume

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Product Description

1 Physicochemical Properties

2 Typical Applications

3 Packaging

4 Storage

Physicochemical Properties

Item	Description
Appearance	Light yellow liquid (solution) or white to off-white powder
Odor	Mild characteristic odor
Active Content	Typically 35–40% (liquid); higher in powder form
pH (1% solution)	Typically 7.0 – 9.0
Solubility	Readily soluble in water
Density	Approx. 1.05 – 1.10 g/cm³ (liquid form)
Foaming Property	High foaming with good stability
Biodegradability	Readily biodegradable under typical conditions

Typical Applications

Liquid and powder laundry detergents
Dishwashing liquids and household cleaners
Personal care cleansing formulations such as shampoos and body washes
Industrial and institutional cleaning systems

Application suitability should be evaluated based on formulation design and local regulatory requirements.

Packaging

Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is supplied in both liquid and solid forms depending on application requirements. Liquid grades are packed in plastic drums, IBC containers, or bulk tanker systems, while powder grades are packed in moisture-resistant bags or bulk containers. Packaging is designed to maintain product stability and prevent contamination during storage and transport. Configurations can be arranged according to order quantity and logistics needs.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination and moisture variation. Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight. For liquid forms, prevent freezing conditions; for powder forms, protect from humidity to avoid caking.

For related sulfonate surfactant pages, review Sodium Secondary Alkyl Sulfonate, Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate, and LABSA 96%.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate CAS 68439-57-6?

A: It is an anionic surfactant commonly known as AOS or alpha olefin sulfonate. The CAS number covers sulfonic acids, C14-16 alkane hydroxy and C14-16 alkene sodium salts, so the commercial product is a mixture rather than a single molecule.
Q:
What is in a typical AOS product?

A: AOS is mainly composed of alkene sulfonates and hydroxyalkane sulfonates, often with smaller amounts of related sulfonated species. Liquid grades usually contain about 35-40% active matter, while spray-dried powder grades may contain 90% or more active matter.
Q:
Why is AOS used in detergents and cleaning products?

A: It provides high foaming, strong detergency, and good wetting in liquid and powder laundry detergents, dishwashing products, household cleaners, and institutional cleaning systems. It is also readily soluble in water and readily biodegradable under typical conditions.
Q:
How does AOS perform in hard water compared with some other anionic surfactants?

A: AOS generally retains good cleaning and foaming performance in hard water because its sulfonate structure is less sensitive to calcium and magnesium ions than many soap-based or carboxylate surfactants. It can therefore be useful in formulations intended for areas with harder water.
Q:
How should Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate be stored and handled?

A: Keep liquid grades in sealed drums or IBCs and prevent freezing during cold storage. Keep powder grades dry to avoid caking. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from prolonged high heat and direct sunlight, and close containers when not in use.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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