New nonionic detergents derived from epoxidized oils. IV.¹

Abstract

The results of an experiment designed to in-vestigate optimal composition, catalyst level, mo-lar ratio, and cosolvent level for the reaction of methylepoxystearate with polyoxyethylene glycol are presented. These results show that nonionic wetting agents of possible technical value can be produced from methylepoxystearate and com-mercially available polyoxyethylene glycols. The reaction is catalyzed at ambient temperatures by the presence of about 0.25% boron trifluoride as its dihydrate in the absence of any coupling solvents. The reaction goes at ambient tempera-tures with the use of only the most rudimentary equipment and is relatively insensitive to formu-lation errors. This makes it possible for small formulators to custom-produce their own nonionic surface-active agents and produce products with tailor-made properties. Since some of the systems initially are emulsions if no coupling cosolvent is present, care should be taken to insure that the raw materials are dry and the mixing is adequate. Companies with more sophisticated equipment can, of course, take advantage of the remaining functionality at the hydroxyl group and at the methyl ester end of the fatty chain, as has previously been described (2).