Sulfosuccinates for emulsion polymerization

Sulfosuccinates are anionic surfactants based on maleic acid anhydride. one distinguishes mono- and dialkyl esters of the sulfosuccinic acid, both are obtained in a two-step process. Sulfosuccinates are used in many different fields of application. The dialkyl esters are weakly foaming surfactants with good wetting power. in fiber technology, they are used in spinning oils for nylon production, in agriculture for pesticide formulations in crop protection as well as in paint formulations and in the leather industry. With regard to household products, the dialkyl esters are used for specific glass cleaners and for carpet shampoos, only to name some. Sulfosuccinic acid monoalkyl esters are good foaming surfactants, more particularly those based on ethoxylated fatty alcohols which exhibit outstanding skin compatibilities. So far they are used in personal care products like shower gels, shampoos, and skin-cleaners. Both the mono- and the dialkyl sulfosuccinates are used as emulsifiers for emulsion polymerisation and this report is focussing on this application.