The present invention is directed to an isomerized alpha olefin sulfonate and a method of making the same wherein the isomerized alpha olefin sulfonate is derived from sulfonating an isomerized alpha olefin with sulfur trioxide in the presence of air thereby producing an isomerized alpha olefin sulfonic acid, wherein the isomerized alpha olefin is derived from the isomerization of C12-C20 normal alpha olefins; and neutralizing the isomerized alpha olefin sulfonic acid with a source of an alkali metal or ammonium or substituted ammonium ion.