Process for the preparation of synthetic detergent bars, and products produced thereby

Claim 1

A process for in situ preparation of synthetic detergent compositions suitable for direct utilization in the processing of syndet bars having improved soap-like properties which comprises blending, at elevated temperatures and at a controlled rate, about a stoichiometric amount of a C 8 -C 16 alkyl mono-ester of butenedioic acid with an alkali metal sulfite in an aqueous dispersion of a water-soluble anionic surfactant in a molten waxy extender, the water concentration being between about 5 and about 12 percent, by weight, based upon the total weight of the reaction mass, said mass being kept fluid throughout the reaction and maintained at a temperature below about 85° C.; and, likewise based upon the total weight of the reaction mass, the surfactant being present in the concentration of about 4 to about 20 percent, and the waxy extender in the concentration of about 18 to about 45 percent, the anionic surfactant being selected from water-soluble alkali metal salts of C 12 -C 14 alkaryl sulfonate, C 14 -C 16 olefin sulfonate, C 10 -C 16 acyl isethionate, C 10 -C 16 alkyl sulfoacetate, C 12 -C 16 alkyl sulfate, C 12 -C 14 alkane sulfonate, and mixtures thereof; and recovering resulting mono-alkyl sulfocsuccinate-containing syndet composition.