| abstract |
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of beta-substituted sulphonic acids and/or sulphonates which comprises reacting a beta-sultone of an internal olefin having the chemical formula <CHEM> wherein each of the groups R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently are linear or branched alkyl groups or hydrogen and the total number of carbon atoms of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is from 6 to 24, and at least one of R1 and R2 and one of R3 and R4 is an alkyl group, with a nucleophile, with the proviso that the nucleophile is not H2O or hydroxide ion. |