α-Sulfo Fatty Methyl Ester Sulfonate: A Review on Chemistry, Processing Technologies, Performance, and Applications in Laundry Detergents

alpha-Sulfo fatty methyl ester sulfonate (alpha-MES) is one of the anionic surfactants that is currently used commercially in the cleaning industry. Although the fundamental studies on alpha-MES were initiated as far back as the 1950s, it was only recognized as a class of surfactant in the 1980s. In the initial stage of development, alpha-MES has been associated with many technical impediments, which created a fear factor for the detergent industry to consider this oleo-based anionic surfactant for commercial production. However, all the technical adversities have been resolved after five decades of continuous active research and development activities. This paper will review the history, chemistry, process development, processing technologies, performance, commercial production, and applications of oleo-based based alpha-MES with special emphasis on palm oil-based alpha-MES. The paper also will highlight the challenges and adversities faced by the technology developers and product formulators toward the commercialization of alpha-MES as an active ingredient in the production of powder and liquid laundry detergents.

Automated summary

Alpha-MES, an anionic surfactant, has been commercially used in the cleaning industry after overcoming technical impediments through five decades of research and development. It is mainly derived from oleo-based sources, with a focus on palm oil. Technology developers and product formulators have faced challenges and obstacles in commercializing Alpha-MES as an active ingredient in laundry detergent production.