Alkoxylation of fatty alcohol(s) - using cationic layer-lattice cpd. as catalyst, used as nonionic surfactants in detergents

摘要

Alkoxylation of fatty alcohols is effected in the presence of 2.5-10 wt.% (based on alkoxylation prod.) of an insol. catalyst comprising a cationic layer-lattice cpd. (I). Pref. alcohols of formula R1OH (R1=6-24C aliphatic hydrocarbyl with 0-3 double bonds) are reacted with 1-20 molar equivs. of ethylene oxide (EO) and/or propylene oxide (PO) at 120-220 deg.C and 1-5 bar in the presence of 4-10 wt.% of a calcined form of a hydrotalcite of formula (M)xM1(OH)y(CO3)z.nH2O (Ia) or a hydrophobised hydrotalcite of formula (M)aM1(OH)b(CO3)c(A)d.mH2O (Ib) where M = a divalent metal; M1 = a trivalent metal; x = 1-5; y is greater than z; (y+2z)=(2x+3); n = 0-10; A = the dianion of a 4-44C aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or two anions of 2-34C fatty acids; a = 1-5; b is greater than 2a+2; (b+2c+2d)=(2a+3); (c+d) is less than 0.5; c and d are greater than zero; m = 0-10. USE/ADVANTAGE - Alkoxylated fatty alcohols are nonionic surfactants useful in detergents. The process gives easily filtered prods. with good storage stability at low temps. (cf. DE3843713 and US4962237).