A review of ethylene oxide condensation with relation to surface‐active agents

Abstract

SummaryA limited presentation has been made in the preceding discussion of some of the more important aspects of ethylene oxide condensation with respect to surface‐active agents. As a commercial process it is an economical means of introducing hydrophilic ethoxy groups to achieve the desired balance with lipophiles. The hydrophilic characteristics of ethoxy groups result from hydration of ether‐linked oxygen atoms. The condesation of ethylene oxide with compounds having active hydrogen atoms is carried out commercially at moderate temperatures and pressures in the presence of catalysts with careful regard to safe operating procedures. Nonionic agents having a variety of properties and uses are formed by condensing ethylene oxide with alkyl phenols, higher aliphatic alcohols, polyhydric alcohol partial esters, carboxylic acids, higher alkyl amides, alkyl mercaptans, and polypropylene glycols. Condensation of ethylene oxide with higher alkyl amines yields cationic agents.In recent years a considerable volume of literature has been published on the subject of ethylene oxide and nonionic surface‐active agents. The references cited should serve as a source of more complete and detailed information.