Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) 92% Powder

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate 92%, commonly abbreviated as AOS 92%, is a high-active anionic surfactant supplied as a light-yellow powder.

The product is primarily evaluated for laundry detergent powders, concentrated cleaning powders and other formulations requiring a high-active dry surfactant. It may also be incorporated into selected liquid detergent systems after suitable dissolution, addition-sequence and compatibility testing.

AOS 92% should not be selected only by comparing active matter or price per metric tonne. A technically meaningful evaluation also considers petroleum ether solubles, inorganic salts, free alkali, moisture, pH, powder condition, dissolution requirements, complete formulation compatibility and cost per unit of active matter.

YARUN supplies AOS 92% in 25 kg bags with a minimum order quantity of 1 MT. Final acceptance should be based on the agreed product specification and the corresponding commercial batch Certificate of Analysis.

AOS 92% at a Glance

HS Code 3402390000 is provided as a China export reference. Final customs classification should be confirmed according to product composition, shipment documents and the requirements of the importing country.

What Is Commercial Alpha Olefin Sulfonate?

Commercial Alpha Olefin Sulfonate is better understood as a related surfactant system rather than one completely uniform molecular species.

AOS is produced by sulfonating alpha olefins, followed by neutralization and hydrolysis. The resulting commercial material can contain related sulfonated components, principally alkene sulfonates and hydroxyalkane sulfonates. Feedstock distribution, sulfonation conditions, neutralization and hydrolysis can affect the composition and properties of the finished surfactant.

This is an important purchasing distinction. Product identity should not be evaluated only from a simplified structural formula or the abbreviation “AOS.” Commercial acceptance should be based on the agreed specification, applicable analytical methods and the corresponding batch COA.

The product described on this page is the 92% powder grade. A liquid AOS grade has a different active-matter concentration, water content, packaging requirement and processing profile. Powder and liquid AOS should not be compared on an equal-weight basis.

How Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Works

Amphiphilic Surfactant Structure

AOS components contain two functionally different regions:

• A hydrophilic sulfonate group that interacts with the aqueous phase;
• A hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain that associates with oils, non-polar soil and interfaces.

This amphiphilic structure gives AOS its surface-active behavior.

Interfacial Adsorption and Wetting

When AOS is introduced into an aqueous formulation, surfactant molecules can adsorb at interfaces between water and air, oil or solid surfaces.

This adsorption changes interfacial behavior and can help the aqueous phase spread across fabrics, particles and hard surfaces. Improved wetting increases contact between the cleaning solution and the soil or surface being treated.

Wetting performance is affected by more than AOS concentration. Relevant variables include:

• Water hardness;
• Temperature;
• Formula pH;
• Surface type;
• Electrolyte concentration;
• Other surfactants;
• Builders and solvents;
• Soil composition.

Soil Interaction and Dispersion

The hydrophobic part of the surfactant can associate with oily or non-polar material, while the hydrophilic sulfonate group remains oriented toward the water phase.

Under suitable formulation conditions, this behavior can help loosen soil from a surface and disperse it into the cleaning solution. At an appropriate concentration, surfactant molecules can form micellar structures that help maintain hydrophobic material in the aqueous phase.

AOS does not independently determine the finished cleaning result. Detergency also depends on:

• Total surfactant system;
• Builders and chelating agents;
• Formula alkalinity;
• Water hardness;
• Temperature;
• Soil type and loading;
• Contact time;
• Mechanical action;
• Washing and rinsing conditions.

Foam Formation

AOS can support foam formation through adsorption at the air–water interface and stabilization of the liquid films surrounding air bubbles.

Foam behavior depends on surfactant concentration, water hardness, temperature, soil loading, electrolytes, other surfactants, foam-control ingredients and the mechanical conditions of use.

High foam must not automatically be interpreted as stronger detergency. Foam volume and cleaning performance are separate characteristics and should be evaluated using appropriate finished-product tests.

Why Active Matter Matters

Active matter represents the portion of the commercial product attributed to surfactant-active components under the applicable test method.

A high-active powder can reduce the amount of commercial material required to deliver a specified quantity of active surfactant. However, active matter alone does not establish:

• Finished-product detergency;
• Foam height or stability;
• Dissolution rate;
• Formulation compatibility;
• Storage stability;
• Skin or eye tolerance;
• Suitability for a regulated application.

Selection should be based on the complete product specification and the intended manufacturing process.

Technical Specifications

The table represents the current product control specification supported by the supplied inspection information. It must not be interpreted as the result of every commercial batch.

Final order acceptance should be based on the specification agreed for the order, the applicable analytical methods and the corresponding commercial batch COA.

The supplied inspection report identifies GB/T 20200 as the testing reference. The applicable edition and individual test methods should be stated in the approved commercial specification where required.

Understanding the Quality Parameters

Active Matter

Active matter is the primary concentration parameter for AOS 92%. It should be reviewed together with moisture, petroleum ether solubles and inorganic salts.

A higher active-matter result does not automatically mean that the material will provide better finished-product performance. Formulation performance also depends on surfactant composition, dosage, processing and compatibility with other ingredients.

Petroleum Ether Solubles

Petroleum ether solubles are used as a control parameter for organic material extracted under the applicable analytical procedure.

The result should be interpreted together with the stated test method. It should not be presented as a complete standalone measurement of product purity.

Sodium Sulfate and Sodium Chloride

Sodium sulfate and sodium chloride contribute to the inorganic salt content of the commercial product.

Inorganic salts may influence:

• Delivered active matter;
• Ionic strength;
• Dissolution behavior;
• Liquid-formulation viscosity;
• Formula clarity;
• Interaction with other ingredients;
• Finished-product stability.

Their practical effect must be evaluated within the complete formulation.

Free Alkali and pH

Free alkali and pH are related quality parameters, but they do not measure exactly the same property.

Free alkali is determined using the applicable analytical procedure. The pH result describes a defined aqueous solution under stated test conditions.

These parameters are relevant when establishing:

• Finished-product pH;
• Addition sequence;
• Compatibility with acid-sensitive ingredients;
• Interaction with dyes and fragrances;
• Safety requirements for the intended application.

The pH range of the raw-material test solution is not a recommended pH range for every finished product.

Moisture

Moisture affects the proportion of dry material delivered and may influence powder condition during storage and transport.

Because AOS 92% is supplied as a powder, moisture protection is important for maintaining product condition and reducing the risk of caking.

Whiteness and Solution Color

Whiteness describes the visual property of the powder under the applicable test method. Hazen color assesses the color of a prepared solution under specified conditions.

These parameters are not interchangeable. Neither whiteness nor solution color should be used as a standalone indicator of detergency or active-matter content.

Primary Application Areas

Laundry Detergent Powders

AOS 92% may be evaluated as an anionic surfactant component in conventional or concentrated laundry detergent powders.

Depending on the complete formulation, AOS may contribute to:

• Surface wetting;
• Soil removal;
• Dispersion of oily material;
• Foam generation;
• Delivery of an anionic surfactant in high-active dry form.

Finished performance depends on builders, alkalinity, enzymes, fillers, polymers, water hardness, washing temperature and mechanical action.

Where enzymes are used, compatibility should be confirmed through formulation and storage testing. The presence of AOS alone does not establish universal enzyme compatibility.

Concentrated Cleaning Powders

The high-active powder form may be evaluated in:

• Concentrated detergent powders;
• General cleaning powders;
• Scouring powders;
• Solid cleaning products;
• Selected cleaning tablets or compacted products.

Particle distribution, moisture control, blending uniformity, compaction behavior and finished-product dissolution should be evaluated during product development.

Liquid Laundry Detergents

AOS 92% can be considered for selected liquid detergent systems, but it is not a ready-to-pump liquid surfactant.

Before commercial use, manufacturers should evaluate:

• Dissolution method;
• Water temperature;
• Addition sequence;
• Mixing time;
• Electrolyte concentration;
• Final pH;
• Viscosity development;
• Low-temperature stability;
• Precipitation or sedimentation;
• Compatibility with fragrances, dyes and preservatives.

A liquid AOS grade may be more convenient where pumping and direct liquid-phase dosing are the main processing priorities. Selection between powder and liquid AOS should include active matter, water introduced into the formula, packaging, freight and manufacturing capability.

Hand-Dishwashing Liquids

AOS may be evaluated as part of the anionic surfactant system in hand-dishwashing products.

Relevant development criteria include:

• Oily-soil removal;
• Foam behavior under soil loading;
• Rinsing characteristics;
• Viscosity response;
• Water hardness;
• Compatibility with other surfactants;
• Safety of the finished formulation.

The suitability of an industrial AOS 92% grade for repeated skin-contact applications cannot be established from active matter alone. Product specification, impurity profile and finished-product safety must be assessed for the intended market.

Household and Hard-Surface Cleaners

AOS 92% may be evaluated in selected:

• Multipurpose cleaners;
• Kitchen cleaners;
• Bathroom cleaners;
• Hard-surface cleaning powders;
• General household cleaning formulations.

The required foam profile should be selected according to the cleaning method. High foam may be desirable in some manually applied products but unsuitable for automated or low-rinse systems.

Industrial Cleaning Formulations

AOS may be considered for selected industrial cleaning systems requiring an anionic surfactant for wetting, soil dispersion or foaming.

Industrial suitability depends on:

• Soil type;
• Substrate compatibility;
• Formula pH;
• Temperature;
• Water hardness;
• Mechanical action;
• Rinsing method;
• Wastewater requirements;
• Applicable workplace controls.

Suitability for food-contact, medical, institutional or other regulated environments requires a separate assessment of the finished cleaning product and cleaning process.

Dissolution and Processing Considerations

Addition Sequence

The appropriate addition point depends on the complete formulation.

Direct addition into a concentrated electrolyte phase may produce different results from controlled pre-dissolution in water. Addition sequence should therefore be established through laboratory and production trials.

Water Temperature

Water temperature can influence dissolution and processing time. The suitable temperature must be established through trials and should remain within the stability limits of the other formulation ingredients.

Mixing Conditions

Adequate agitation is required to disperse and dissolve the powder. Excessive surface aeration may generate foam during processing and make it difficult to evaluate whether dissolution is complete.

Mixing speed, impeller type, batch volume and addition rate should be considered during scale-up.

Electrolytes

Salts, builders, neutralized LABSA and other ionic ingredients change the ionic strength of the formulation. This can affect:

• Dissolution;
• Viscosity;
• Clarity;
• Foam behavior;
• Precipitation risk;
• Storage stability.

Electrolytes should be added according to a controlled formulation procedure rather than adjusted only by visual observation.

pH Control

The final formulation pH should be established according to the application and complete ingredient system.

The pH of a 1% AOS raw-material solution should not be copied directly as the target pH of a laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid or hard-surface cleaner.

Production Scale-Up

A formulation that appears stable in a small laboratory sample may behave differently in production equipment.

Scale-up should evaluate:

• Mixing energy;
• Addition rate;
• Heating and cooling;
• Holding time;
• Foam generated during manufacturing;
• Batch uniformity;
• Final filtration or transfer;
• Storage before filling.

No universal dissolution temperature, mixing time or addition sequence is suitable for every AOS formulation.

Formulation Compatibility

AOS may be combined with other surfactants when the complete system is appropriately designed and tested.

AOS and SLES

AOS 92% and Sodium Laureth Sulfate SLES 70% may be evaluated together in selected detergent and cleaning systems.

SLES 70% is supplied as a concentrated viscous paste, while AOS 92% is supplied as a high-active powder. The combination therefore affects both surfactant performance and manufacturing procedure.

The formulation should be tested for:

• Dissolution;
• Foam profile;
• Detergency;
• Viscosity;
• Clarity;
• Electrolyte response;
• Low-temperature stability;
• Finished-product cost.

AOS and LABSA/LAS

AOS can be evaluated with neutralized Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid LABSA 96% in detergent formulations.

LABSA is supplied in acid form and must not be treated as if it were already equivalent to sodium LAS. Important controls include:

• Neutralization procedure;
• Final pH;
• Heat generated during neutralization;
• Salt introduced by neutralization;
• Surfactant ratio;
• Finished-product viscosity;
• Storage stability.

AOS and SLS

AOS and SLS are both anionic surfactant systems, but their commercial composition, product form and processing behavior are not identical.

YARUN’s SLS Needles 92%, 93% and 95% are supplied as defined needle-shaped particles, while AOS 92% is supplied as a light-yellow powder.

Selection should consider:

• Required physical form;
• Active-matter specification;
• Powder-processing equipment;
• Dissolution process;
• Foam target;
• Water conditions;
• Finished-product performance.

AOS and Amphoteric Surfactants

An amphoteric surfactant such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine CAPB 35% may be evaluated with AOS in selected liquid formulations.

The combination may affect foam behavior, viscosity and formulation characteristics. Actual results depend on the surfactant ratio, electrolyte level, pH and other ingredients.

AOS and Nonionic Surfactants

Nonionic surfactants may be evaluated with AOS to adjust oily-soil removal, wetting, foam profile and performance at different temperatures.

The result depends on the structure and cloud point of the nonionic surfactant, its concentration and the complete formulation system.

Compatibility with Cationic Ingredients

Because AOS is an anionic surfactant, combinations with cationic ingredients require particular attention.

Depending on the materials and concentrations, direct combination may cause association, loss of performance, instability or precipitation. Compatibility must be verified before commercial production.

AOS 92% vs SLS Needles vs SLES 70%

This comparison identifies practical starting points. It does not establish that one surfactant is universally stronger, milder or more economical.

A commercial comparison should include:

• Delivered price;
• Active-matter percentage;
• Quantity required;
• Packaging;
• Freight;
• Storage;
• Processing time;
• Water introduced;
• Manufacturing loss;
• Finished-product performance.

Comparing Cost per Unit of Active Matter

Price per delivered metric tonne does not provide a complete comparison between different surfactants or grades.

The theoretical quantity of product required can be calculated by dividing the required active surfactant by the active fraction of the commercial material.

For a product containing exactly 92% active matter, approximately 1.087 MT of commercial product would theoretically provide 1 MT of active surfactant.

This is a mathematical comparison only. It does not include:

• Specification tolerance;
• Manufacturing loss;
• Packaging;
• Freight;
• Storage;
• Processing cost;
• Finished-product performance.

The commercially preferred surfactant should be selected according to cost per usable active matter and the performance of the completed formulation.

Quality Control and Batch Approval

Before approving a commercial AOS 92% order, buyers should confirm:

• Product identity;
• Appearance;
• Active matter;
• Petroleum ether solubles;
• Sodium sulfate;
• Sodium chloride;
• Free alkali;
• Moisture;
• pH and test concentration;
• Whiteness;
• Solution color;
• Packaging;
• Applicable test methods;
• Batch COA requirements.

Product Specification and Batch COA

The product specification defines the agreed acceptance limits.

A batch COA reports the test results obtained for a particular batch. A result from one batch must not be presented as the permanent value for every future shipment.

For example, an active-matter result of 92.36% applies to the reported batch. The general product specification should continue to state the applicable acceptance limit of at least 92.0%.

Sample Evaluation

Where appearance, dissolution, foam profile or compatibility is commercially important, a representative sample should be evaluated before the first bulk order.

Sample approval does not replace commercial batch inspection. The approved reference, order specification and corresponding batch COA should be reviewed together.

Finished-Product Validation

Raw-material conformity does not guarantee that the buyer’s finished product will meet all performance, stability, safety or regulatory requirements.

Finished-product validation should consider:

• Appearance;
• pH;
• Viscosity;
• Storage stability;
• Low- and high-temperature behavior;
• Foam profile;
• Cleaning performance;
• Rinsing;
• Packaging compatibility;
• Target-market requirements.

Packaging, Handling and Storage

Packaging

AOS 92% is supplied in 25 kg bags.

Final bag construction, palletization, container loading and shipment configuration should be confirmed in the commercial quotation.

Handling

AOS 92% is a powdered material. Industrial handling should consider:

• Dust generation during bag opening and transfer;
• Suitable ventilation;
• Clean transfer and mixing equipment;
• Prevention of contamination;
• Appropriate personal protective equipment;
• Instructions in the applicable SDS.

Handling practices should minimize unnecessary airborne dust.

Storage

Store AOS 92%:

• In its original sealed packaging;
• In a cool, dry and ventilated area;
• Protected from moisture;
• Protected from direct sunlight and rain;
• Away from contamination;
• Away from incompatible materials;
• In accordance with the applicable SDS.

Opened bags should be resealed promptly. Shelf life and storage duration should follow the approved product documentation rather than an unsupported general assumption.

Product Documentation

Depending on the confirmed product and order stage, the applicable documentation may include:

• YARUN Technical Data Sheet;
• Applicable AOS Safety Data Sheet;
• Agreed product specification;
• Representative COA;
• Commercial batch COA;
• Packaging information;
• Commercial invoice;
• Packing list;
• Certificate of Origin where required;
• Other agreed shipment documents.

The applicable AOS SDS covers the confirmed commercial product scope and is not presented as a separate AOS 92%-only safety data sheet.

Document title, revision, product scope and availability should be confirmed before commercial shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AOS 92%?

AOS 92% is a high-active powder form of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, an anionic surfactant. The YARUN product is supplied as a light-yellow powder with active matter of at least 92.0%.

What is the CAS number of AOS 92%?

The CAS number is 68439-57-6.

The CAS number identifies the commercial Alpha Olefin Sulfonate substance category. Product acceptance should still be based on the complete specification.

Is commercial AOS one single molecule?

Commercial AOS is a related surfactant system formed through the sulfonation of alpha olefins, followed by neutralization and hydrolysis. It can contain related alkene-sulfonate and hydroxyalkane-sulfonate components rather than one completely uniform molecular species.

What is the appearance of YARUN AOS 92%?

The confirmed appearance is light-yellow powder.

It should not be described as white or granular unless a separately approved grade and specification support that description.

What is AOS 92% mainly used for?

It is primarily evaluated for laundry detergent powders, concentrated cleaning powders and selected cleaning formulations. It may also be incorporated into appropriately developed liquid detergent systems after controlled dissolution and compatibility testing.

Can AOS 92% be used in liquid detergent?

Yes, it may be evaluated in selected liquid detergent formulations, but it must be incorporated through an appropriate dissolution and mixing process.

Addition sequence, water temperature, electrolyte level, pH, viscosity and storage stability should be verified before commercial production.

Does more foam mean better cleaning?

No. Foam and detergency are not the same measurement.

High foam can be desirable for some products, but cleaning performance depends on the complete surfactant system, builders, water quality, washing conditions and type of soil.

Can AOS 92% be combined with SLES or LABSA?

AOS may be evaluated with SLES, neutralized LABSA/LAS, nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.

The ratios, neutralization process, addition sequence, viscosity, stability and finished-product performance must be established through formulation testing.

Is AOS 92% the same as SLS?

No. Both are anionic surfactants, but their commercial chemical composition, product form, specification and processing behavior are not identical.

Selection should be based on the finished product, manufacturing process and validated formulation performance.

What should buyers check before ordering AOS 92%?

Buyers should confirm active matter, petroleum ether solubles, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, free alkali, moisture, pH, appearance, packaging, applicable test methods and batch COA requirements.

What is the standard packaging?

The standard packaging is 25 kg per bag.

What is the minimum order quantity?

The minimum order quantity is 1 MT.

Which documents may be provided?

Depending on the order stage, the applicable documents may include the AOS SDS, YARUN TDS, agreed product specification, representative or commercial batch COA and relevant shipment documents.

Current document versions and availability should be confirmed before shipment.

Request an AOS Specification and Quote

Selecting AOS by active matter or delivered price alone may result in an unsuitable choice for the buyer’s formulation or manufacturing process.

For a technical and commercial review, please provide:

• Finished-product application;
• Required specification;
• Target product format;
• Expected order quantity;
• Destination country and port;
• Packaging requirements;
• Required documents;
• Sample requirement, if applicable;
• Preferred Incoterm.

YARUN will review the product specification, packaging, document status and commercial requirements before preparing the quotation.

Request an AOS Specification and Quote

Related Surfactant Products

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate SLES 70%
• Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid LABSA 96%
• SLS Needles 92%, 93% and 95%
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine CAPB 35%
• Cocamide DEA CDEA 6501