FIELD: organic chemistry, chemical technology. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to mixture of branched primary alcohols from C11 to C36 and to mixture of their sulfates, alkoxylates, alkoxysulfates and carboxylates that exhibit high detergent capacity in cold water and good biological decomposition. Mixture of primary branched alcohols has mean amount of by-side chains from 0.7 to 3.0 per main chain, at least 8 carbon atoms and comprises both methyl and ethyl by-side chains. Mixture can comprise also alcohols containing less 0.5 at.% of quaternary carbon atoms and less 5% linear alcohols and at least 40% of methyl by-side chains. Method of their synthesis involves skeletal isomerization of the parent olefin containing at least 7 carbon atoms or dimerization of C6-C10-olefin followed by conversion to alcohol either hydroformulation. The following sulfation, alkoxylation or combination of both methods result to preparing surface-active substance exhibiting detergent properties. Catalysts used for skeletal isomerization involve zeolites containing at least one channel with crystallographically free diameter along plane X or Y. Catalysts used for dimerization involve combination of nickel carboxylate with alkylalumohalogenide or combination of nickel chelate with alkylalumoalkoxide. Detergent composition involves one or more substances taken among group: alkoxylates, primary alkyl sulfates or alkoxylated primary alkyl sulfates synthesized on the base of primary alcohols and additions also. Detergent composition presents granulated detergent powder or detergent liquid, or soap, or cleansing agent. EFFECT: expanded assortment of detergent of high quality. 21 cl, 7 tbl
