Methyl ester sulfonate

Methyl ester sulfonate (CAS 93348-22-2), commonly abbreviated as MES, is a bio-based anionic surfactant derived from natural fatty acids in the C16–18 range. Produced from palm or tallow feedstocks, it delivers strong detergency and foam performance.

This versatile surfactant is utilized across both consumer and industrial cleaning formulations. In home care, it is used as the primary active in laundry powders and bars, where it maintains cleaning performance in hard water conditions.

These conditions often challenge conventional linear alkylbenzene sulfonates. Textile and leather processors use it as a scouring and wetting agent to remove oils and sizing agents from fabric during pre-treatment processes.

In agricultural formulations, it functions as an emulsifier and dispersant in pesticide concentrates. This improves active ingredient distribution across leaf surfaces for better efficacy. Industrial cleaning compounds also benefit from its use.

Floor care and hard surface cleaners incorporate the material for its degreasing efficiency at moderate use levels. It is supplied as a paste or spray-dried powder, with active content typically ranging from 30% to 90%.

Standard commercial grades are available in technical and detergent-grade specifications. Sodium salt form is the predominant commercial variant supplied for formulation use, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chemical systems.