Hydroxysultaine

Hydroxysultaines are chemical compounds used in high-foaming shampoos, bath products and shower gels especially in conjunction with ether sulfates and alkyl sulfates. They are also used in industrial applications where high, stable foam is required. Chemically, hydroxysultaines are zwitterionic, typically containing covalently linked positive and negative ions. Hydroxysultaines are chemical compounds used in high-foaming shampoos, bath products and shower gels especially in conjunction with ether sulfates and alkyl sulfates. They are also used in industrial applications where high, stable foam is required. Chemically, hydroxysultaines are zwitterionic, typically containing covalently linked positive and negative ions. Hydroxysultaine is prepared industrially by the reaction of sodium bisulfite with epichlorohydrin to give the sodium salt (sodium 1-chloro-2-hydroxypropane sulfonate). This is similar to the synthesis of isethionate, which is also used as a 'head-group' in surfactants. It is typically combined with the rest of the surfactant molecule via a Menshutkin reaction with a tertiary amine. Hydroxysultaines are also compatible with cationic surfactants and are stable over a wide pH range in soft or hard water. In addition to being used as a surfactant, hydroxysultaines are often used as antistatic agents.