sulfonatesare a major componentin many micellarformulations.As a result, This paper summarizesthe yields of their cost is an importantelementin broad spectrumSU1fonatesobtainedfrom micellarflood economics. Both the the SU1fonati on of selectedpetroleum yield of hydrocarbonSU1fonateper unit fractionsusing gaseousS03 in a wiped feedstockand the type and distribution film reactor. Sulfonationis selective of sulfonationby-products will strongly towardmoleculeshavingmore than two influenceprojected surfactantmanufacaromaticrings; however,S03 treatswell tu}'ing costs. in excess of 1,0 moles S03/molefeed aromaticsare requiredto achieveThe objectiveof this studywas to aromaticsconversionsin excessof 50iovestigate the sulfonation of selected 70% . Sulfonicacid decomposition with lube boilingrange petroleumfractions concomitantformationof S02 can sigunder a varietyof reactionconditions nificantlyreduce sulfonzcesyield. utilizinga wiped film reactorand Sulfonicacid decomposition, which can be gaseousS03. Productdistributions and minimizedby rapid neutralization of the yields are correlatedagainstfeed acid product,is an important molecularweight and type, S03/oilfeed considerationin the designof a t"atio, sulfonicacid soak time and sulfontition process. reactoreffluenttemperature.