Surface-Active and Photochemical Properties of Sodiump-Dodecylbenzylsulfate in Aqueous Solution

Abstract

A UV-degradative anionic surfactant, sodium p-dodecylbenzylsulfate, was prepared and its surface-active and photochemical properties in water were examined. The surface activities such as solubilizing, foaming, and dispersing powers were as good as those of synthetic detergents, linear alkylbenzenesulfonate and sodium dodecylsulfate. Upon UV irradiation, the surfactant was degraded to give p-dodecylbenzyl alcohol, a nonsurfactant.