The present invention relates to compositions comprising alkene benzenes or alkene benzene sulfonates or alkylbenzenes or alkylbenzene sulfonates; methods for making alkene benzenes or alkene benzene sulfonates or alkylbenzenes or alkylbenzene sulfonates; where the benzene ring is optionally substituted with one or more groups designated R*, where R* is defined herein. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions comprising 2-phenyl linear alkene benzenes or 2-phenyl linear alkene benzene sulfonates or 2-phenyl linear alkylbenzenes or 2-phenyl linear alkylbenzene sulfonates; methods for making 2-phenyl alkene benzenes or 2-phenyl alkene benzene sulfonates or 2-phenyl alkylbenzenes or 2-phenyl alkylbenzene sulfonates; where the benzene ring is optionally substituted with one or more groups designated R*, where R* is defined herein. This invention also relates to compositions, methods of making, use of, and articles of manufacture comprising 2-ethoxylated hydroxymethylphenyl linear alkyl benzenes. This invention also relates to compositions, methods of making, use of, and articles of manufacture comprising 2-propoxylated hydroxymethylphenyl linear alkyl benzenes.