Sulfonation and Sulfation

Abstract Sulfonation and sulfation are chemical reactions in which sulfur trioxide moiety is introduced into organic entities. These processes are utilized industrially for the manufacturing of chemical products that are used to produce anionic surfactants, cyclic intermediates, dyes, pigments, medicines, pesticides, sweeteners, lubricant additives, and polymeric specialty chemicals. The focus in this article is on industrial processes suitable for the manufacturing of sulfated and sulfonated products. Considering the chemistry involved, processes are dependent on the choice of reagents, physical properties of feedstocks and derived products, product volume requirements, operational mode (batch, continuous), quality of derived products, by‐products and their disposal, and equipment and operating and equipment investment costs. Recent advances in sulfonation and sulfation technologies, including microchannel reactor technology as well as economic and environmental considerations are also discussed.