NOVEL BRANCHED ALKOXYLATES

摘要

Novel alkylene oxide-extended alkoxylates of a branched 1,3-dialkyl-oxy-2-propanol may be prepared by a convenient process comprising adding epichlorohydrin to a stoichiometric excess of a branched alcohol, wherein the molar ratio of branched alcohol:epichlorohydrin is at least about 3:1, preferably in the presence of a Group 1 A metal hydroxide and a phase transfer catalyst, followed by alkoxylation in the presence of an ionic catalyst. The branched alkyl chain may be saturated or unsaturated and may contain one or more heteroatoms. The repeating alkoxy units from the alkylene oxide are in the 2-position. The compositions are useful as surfactants, diluents, and the like, and may be less expensive than other branched surfactants.