Glycerol ether prodn. - by reacting aq. alkyl sulphate paste with glycerol in presence of base

摘要

Prodn. of glycerol ethers of formula (I) is effected by reacting an aq. paste contg. an opt. ethoxylated alkyl sulphate of formula R4(OCH2CH2)nOSO3X (II) with glycerol in the presence of a base at 150-220 deg.C. (R1-R3 = H or R4, but not all H; R4 = 6-22C alkyl; n = 0-10; X = alkali(ne earth) metal or NH4). Pref. paste has a solids content of 20-70 wt.%. The reaction is effected at 190-200 deg.C and 400-600 mbar using 0.1-1 mole (II) and 0.1-1 mole base (esp. alkali metal hydroxide) per mole glycerol. (II) is a 12-18C alkyl sulphate (n = 0). USE/ADVANTAGE - (I) are surfactants useful as detergents, wetting agents (US2932670), emulsifiers (DE1100035) or Ca soap dispersants (US3350460). The process avoids health hazards associated with handling solid (II), and proceeds without foaming when carried out in the indicated temp. range.