ANIONIC SURFACTANT ADDITION PRODUCTS OF MALEIC OR FUMARIC ACID AND A POLY(ETHOXYLATED) ALCOHOL

摘要

A process for preparing anionic surfactants is disclosed and, more specifically, surfactants which exhibit excellent sequestering efficacy for metal ions. These surfactants are prepared by the addition reaction of maleic or fumaric acid with a poly(ethoxylated) alcohol which is a relatively fast reaction as compared to certain of the analogous reaction using poly(ethoxylated-propoxylated) alcohols of the prior art. The surfactants of the present invention are physically and chemically stable in aqueous alkali media.