An extended anionic surfactant having the general formula: In this formula, R is a linear alkyl chain ranging from C6 to C36, a branched alkyl chain ranging from C6 to C36, or mixtures thereof; PO is a propyleneoxy group; Y is -SO 3, -CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -SO 3, -CH 2 CH (CH 3) -SO 3, or -CH 2 COO gt; Z is a cation; n is from 1 to 50;