isethionic acid UK /ʌɪˌsiː.θiˌɒn.ɪk ˈas.ɪd/US /ˌaɪ.si.θiˌɑn.ɪk ˈæs.ɪd/ noun1 •A synthetic short-chain alkane sulfonic acid used in the manufacture of anionic surfactants.