Alkylbenzene sulfonates based on toluene, xylene and cumene, and alkylnaphthalene sulfonates act as hydrotropes in surfactant systems. One measure of hydrotropicity is the amount of hydrotrope required to clear a cloudy detergent formulation; some hydrotropes are more effective than others, depending on the surfactant formulation. Another measure is the modification of the viscosity of surfactant formulations; the change in the viscosity depends on the amount and type of hydrotrope used and on the specific formulation involved. Additionally, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate hydrotropes change the solubility of nonionic surfactants in water, and both types of hydrotrope raise the cloud point of nonionic surfactant solutions; however, the naphthalene-based hydrotropes are more efficient. Ross-Miles foam test data are used to compare the foam characteristics of different alkylnaphthalene sulfonates. A critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined for the alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, but although alkylbenzene sulfonates do show some surface activity, a CMC could not be found for these materials.
