Sulfite ion catalysis of bisulfite addition to higher molecular weight detergent range olefins

摘要

Reaction rate and olefin conversion in an organic peroxide initiated addition of water soluble bisulfite to olefins having 12 or more carbon atoms can be increased with the addition of a small amount of water soluble sulfite in combination with an organic solvent and agitation. The catalytic effect of the added sulfite in this reaction system unexpectedly increases as the olefin molecular weight increases, thus allowing convenient and economical sulfitation of mixtures in the C. sub. 12 to C.sub.22 olefin range.