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Literature Abstracts

1480.    UNDERWOOD, A. J. V.  I. G. Farbenindustrie A.-G. Works at Leuna. XVI.  Mersol Process.  CIOS Rept. XXXII-107, 1945, pp. 101-103, PB 6,650; Bureau of Mines Inf. Circ. 770, 1946, pp. 98-99.

       Mersol reaction consists in treating paraffin hydrocarbons with SO₂ and C_l to produce sulfonyl chlorides which are saponified to give sodium sulfonates.  The product capacity of the Leuna plant was 50,000 tons per yr.  The raw material was a Kogasin fraction b. 220°-320°.  Preliminary hydrogenation at 200-230 atm. with a Ni-W-S catalyst is necessary to convert olefins to saturated compounds to prevent absorption of C_l.  The Mersol reaction is carried out in 12-16 hr. at ordinary temperature and pressure using ultraviolet light to catalyze the reaction.  The product, Mersol D, contains about 82% sulfonyl chlorides and 18% unreacted hydrocarbons.  The reaction is not carried to completion in order to avoid the formation of higher sulfonyl chlorides which give inferior products on saponification.  The soaps made therefrom, called Mersolates, are used mainly for soap powders.  They are not as good as natural soaps for removing dirt, but are better grease removers and thus have the advantage for wool washing.  By carrying the reaction with SO₂ and C₁ only to the extent of 30-33%, a product called Mersol 30 is obtained and is made into flakes.  Mersol D can only be made from Kogasin but Mersol 30 can be made from other materials.  Kogasin has the advantage that it is more transparent to ultra violet light.  The paraffinic Fischer-Tropsch material is preferred as it requires a smaller hydrogenation plant and the consumption of C_l is less.  This applies even more strongly to natural petroleum fractions.  With Kogasin at 3 pf. per kgm. and petroleum oil at 18 pf., there is not much difference in the final cost of the product.