Sodium Alpha Olefinesulfonate (AOS, AOS)

α-olefinesulfonates (also: alpha-olefinesulfonates or AOS) are a group of anionic surfactants that are used as detergents. The compounds contain mainly a linear, primary alkyl R and a monovalent cation M, preferably sodium. The most commonly used example of substances in this group is sodium α-olefinesulfonate (INCI: sodium olefinesulfonate C14-16).

α-olefin sulfonates with linear alkenyl radicals from C12 to C18 are used as anionic surfactants in various applications due to their pronounced foaming and foam stability (even at high water hardness), excellent ability to dissolve fat and oil, as well as a favorable environmental profile and low toxicity to water and humans. They are commonly used in detergents and cleaning products, for degreasing, in emulsion polymerization, conditioning concrete and building mortars, as well as in pesticide formulations.