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 epichlo rohydrin 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 catalys t, followed by alkoxylation in the presence of an ionic catalyst. The branch ed alkyl chain may be saturated or unsaturated and may contain one or more h eteroatoms. 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.