Process for bleaching discolored surface-active alkyl glycosides and for working up the bleached material

摘要

The crude reaction products from the synthesis of alkyl glycosides are bleached by kneading the material substantially freed from the excess fatty alcohol and containing at most limited quantities of water with an oxidizing agent at such elevated temperatures that the reaction mixture lends itself to plastic processing. Temperatures of from about 50 DEG to 150 DEG C. are particularly suitable, although it is best to apply temperatures in the range from about 80 DEG to 100 DEG C. using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizing agent. Bleaching is carried out under basic conditions, optionally by addition of an alkaline compound, such as for example 50% sodium hydroxide solution. The bleached product accumulates in the form of a solid. It is preferably mixed with typical compatible solids, more particularly typical constituents of detergents and cleaning preparations, to form a solid and preferably free-flowing alkyl glycoside compound.