This invention is directed to detergent compositions which employ sulfonated
linear alkylbenzenes as surfactants, wherein the sulfonated linear alkylbenzenes
have a higher content of the sulfonated 2-phenyl alkylbenzene isomers than was
previously available in sulfonated phenyl alkylbenzene surfactants of the prior
art. Cleaning compositions according to the invention are more effective as cleaning
agents over their counterparts of prior art which contain sulfonated linear alkylbenzenes
having lower contents of the 2-phenyl alkylbenzene isomers, owing to an unexpected
increase in tolerance of water hardness minerals normally associated with precipitation
of the active detergent agent. Solid sulfonate salts of alkylbenzenes are also
provided, including dry formulations containing same.
