α-Sulfo fatty methyl ester sulfonate (α-MES) is one of the anionic surfactants that is currently used commercially in the cleaning industry. Although the fundamental studies on α-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, α-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 α-MES with special emphasis on palm oil-based α-MES. The paper also will highlight the challenges and adversities faced by the technology developers and product formulators toward the commercialization of α-MES as an active ingredient in the production of powder and liquid laundry detergents.

中文翻译：

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α-磺基脂肪酸甲酯磺酸盐：化学，加工技术，性能和在洗衣粉中的应用的综述。

α-磺基脂肪甲基酯磺酸盐（α-MES）是目前在清洁工业中商业使用的阴离子表面活性剂之一。尽管有关α-MES的基础研究可追溯到1950年代，但直到1980年代才被认为是一类表面活性剂。在开发的初始阶段，α-MES与许多技术障碍有关，这为洗涤剂行业考虑将这种油基阴离子表面活性剂用于商业生产带来了担忧。但是，经过连续五十年的积极研发活动，所有的技术难题都得到了解决。本文将回顾历史，化学，工艺开发，加工技术，性能，商业化生产，油基α-MES的研究和应用，特别是棕榈油基α-MES。本文还将重点介绍技术开发人员和产品配方设计师在生产粉末和液体洗衣粉中作为一种有效成分的α-MES的商业化过程中所面临的挑战和逆境。