Abstract
The addition reaction of propylene oxide to higher alcohol was investigated. Polyoxyethylene derivatives of polyoxypropylated lauryl ethers were prepared and the change in their surface activities, such as surface tension, foaming property, wetting power, dispersing power and emulsifying power, by the difference in the number of moles of propylene oxide, was discussed.
1) KOH and NaOH are excellent catalysts, more than 3 wt% of which must be added to alcohol, and the recomended reaction temperature is above 150 °C.
2) As compared with polyoxyethylene lauryl ethers, the surface tension and the cmc value of lauryl alcohol·propylene oxide·ethylene oxide adducts are lower and the dispersing power is superior, but the foaming property, the wetting power and the emulsifying power are inferior.
