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Questions and Answers
What makes sulfonation a difficult reaction to perform on an industrial scale?
What makes sulfonation a difficult reaction to perform on an industrial scale?
The reaction is rapid, highly exothermic, and releases approximately 380 kJ/kg SO3. Most organic compounds form a black char on contact with pure SO3 due to the rapid reaction and heat evolution.
Why is effective cooling of the reaction mass essential in commercial scale sulfonation reactions?
Why is effective cooling of the reaction mass essential in commercial scale sulfonation reactions?
High temperatures promote side reactions that produce undesirable byproducts. Effective cooling is essential to prevent these side reactions.
What is the significance of precise control of the molar ratio of SO3 to organic in sulfonation reactions?
What is the significance of precise control of the molar ratio of SO3 to organic in sulfonation reactions?
Any excess SO3 contributes to side reactions and by-product formation, so precise control of the molar ratio is essential to prevent this.
How has the problem of SO3 reactivity been solved in industrial sulfonation?
How has the problem of SO3 reactivity been solved in industrial sulfonation?
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What challenges arise in the viscosity of the formed products during sulfonation reactions?
What challenges arise in the viscosity of the formed products during sulfonation reactions?
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