| abstract |
A process for the sulfonation of a hydrocarbon feedstock, particularly one containing naphthenes, is improved by ozonating the hydrocarbon feedstock prior to sulfonation. The ozonation results in a greater conversion of the sulfur trioxide to sulfonate, a reduction in the salts, for example, sulfites, which are formed, a decrease in the amount of colored bodies and a more efficient extraction and separation of unreacted hydrocarbons from the sulfonated product. The process is especially applicable to petroleum feedstocks such as crude oil, topped crude oil, gas oil and mixtures thereof. |