Iso-branching of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS)

A commercial Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS) of HF-type, with a low content (< 0.5%) of Di Alkyl Tetralin Sulphonates (DA TS) and an iso-branching amount of 6.5 %, was tested in a prolonged batch-biodegradation experiment called living test, where the product, as the only carbon source, was continuously fed by gradual additions for 80 days to a screening biodegradation system. The final organic residue of this prolonged biodegradation test was characterized in detail showing that no accumulation of iso-branching structures had occured. The organic residue is mostly made up of 4 Sulpho Phenyl Carboxylates (SPC) originating from the linear components of LAS.