EP3645496A1

EP3645496A1 - Alkoxylation of hydroxy acids

Info

Publication number: EP3645496A1
Application number: EP18732111.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sophia Ebert; Roman Benedikt Raether
Original assignee: BASF SE
Current assignee: BASF SE
Priority date: 2017-06-26
Filing date: 2018-06-25
Publication date: 2020-05-06
Also published as: WO2019002189A1; CA3067664A1; RU2020102946A; KR20200020886A; US11168048B2; RU2020102946A3; BR112019027607A2; CN110785395A; JP2020525456A; MX2019015878A; US20200165184A1

Abstract

The invention also relates to alkoxylated hydroxy carbon acids and to a method for the production and use thereof.

Description

Alkoxylation of hydroxysaurs

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to alkoxylated hydroxycarboxylic acids, a process for their preparation and their use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Surfactants are among the most widely used surface-active compounds and are widely used not only in detergents and cleaners, but also in the field of cosmetics. Conventional surfactants, such as those used primarily in cosmetics, are alkoxylated hydroxycarboxylic acid (alkoxylated hydroxy acids). If the carboxylic acid group (s) are not already esterified, the alcohol groups and the carboxylic acid groups are converted equally during the alkoxylation. The resulting esters and ethers are characterized by high foaming power, high cleaning power and low hardness and fat sensitivity and are widely used for the production of cosmetic products such as

Hair shampoos, foam or shower baths, but also in hand dishwashing detergents.

Etheric carboxylates are known as anionic surfactants. These are obtained from the corresponding alcohol ethoxylates by reaction with chloroacetic acid. A disadvantage of this synthesis is that a high proportion of sodium chloride is obtained. For many current applications, surfactants require more than just a good surface-active effect. Especially in cosmetics, a high dermatological compatibility is required. Furthermore, a sufficient solubility in water, good compatibility with as many of the active ingredients and auxiliaries used in cosmetics, good foaming power and good rheology behavior are generally desirable. Furthermore, there is a need for surfactants that can be prepared at least partially from biogenic sources and especially renewable raw materials. Furthermore, there is also a need for surfactants which, on the one hand, contain free carboxylic acid groups, i. strongly hydrophilic groups, and on the other hand, dispersing groups, especially oligo- and polyalkylene oxide groups have. In particular, there is a need for selective ones

Alkoxylation reactions of hydroxycarboxylic acids while maintaining the acid function.

Alkoxylation reactions of hydroxycarboxylic acids have long been known. CN 102850538 describes polylactic acid whose hydroxy groups are not terminated with lactic acid and their method of preparation. The process makes it possible to carry out a termination by adding an end capper during or after the polylactic acid polymerization in a melt or solid phase polymerization.

WO 2013/014126 describes etherified lactate esters and their use in

Pesticides. Alkoxylated free polylactic acid is not described in this document.

EP 0017059 describes the alkoxylation of carboxylic acids which additionally carry one or more hydroxyl groups. Monohydroxy fatty acids are reacted with ethylene oxide. However, this reaction is not selective. In addition to the alkoxylation of the carboxylic acid function, an esterification reaction also takes place. In addition, the hydroxy groups are also alkoxylated. The products obtained have a very low acid number of less than 5 mg KOH / g. In contrast, the esters obtained, depending on the degree of alkoxylation, a high saponification number.

WO2008 / 015381 describes cleaning compositions for surfaces. Among others, compounds of the formula Ri (OC ₂ H ₄ ) _n -OCH ₂ COO ^" M ⁺ , where Ri is a C ₄ -C ₈ -alkyl, are disclosed, ie these compounds are capped at the hydroxy terminus.

So far, it is not possible to selectively alkoxylate hydroxycarboxylic acids. In addition to the preferred alkoxylation on the acid function, the hydroxyl functions are likewise alkoxylated. Furthermore, transesterification reactions occur. Thus, a complex product mixture is obtained.

It is an object of the present invention to provide novel compounds which are advantageous as surface-active compounds for various purposes

Applications are suitable. They should be especially suitable to cover a complex range of requirements, as described above. In particular, a should

A process is provided which allows to selectively alkoxylate hydroxycarboxylic acids while maintaining the acid function.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that this object is achieved by the compounds according to the invention and the process according to the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first subject of the invention are compounds of the general formula (I)

R-C (= O) -O-A (I)

wherein

R is an organic radical having at least one substituent

Carries -0- [R ² -O] _k -H; wherein

R ^{2 is} -CR ^a R ^b -CR ^c R ^d - wherein each R ^a , R ^b , R ^c and R ^{d is} independently

is selected from among hydrogen, unsubstituted C1-C20-

Alkyl, unsubstituted Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl and Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl carrying 1, 2 or 3 substituents which are independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl and C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, wherein two radicals R ^a and R ^c also together with the group

-CR ^b -CR ^d - to which they may be attached represent Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently of one another selected from C 1 -C 6 -alkyl and C 2 -C 6 -alkyl alkenyl ,; and k is a number from 1 to 100; and

A is hydrogen or a cation equivalent.

The compound 2- [2- (2-hydroxyethoxy) ethoxy] propanoic acid (CAS 1604403-13-5 (S), 1604453-64-6 (R)) is excluded from the compounds of general formula (I).

A preferred embodiment are compounds of the formula (Γ)

wherein R ^{1 is} selected from hydrogen, a linear or branched saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and aryl,

R ^{3 is} selected from hydrogen and methyl,

Each X is a bond or a divalent linear or branched one

saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or a divalent saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; n is a number from 1 to 10; and

A, R ² and k are each independently defined as before or below. Another object of the invention is a process for the preparation of

Compounds of the general formula (I) in which a) at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid salt of the general formula (III)

R'-C (= O) -O-A '(III)

wherein

R 'is an organic radical which carries at least one hydroxyl group and in which all optionally present acid groups are completely deprotonated; and each A 'is independently a cation equivalent; with at least one epoxide of the general formula (IV)

(IV)

converting, wherein each R ^a, R ^b, R ^c and R ^d is independently selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted Ci-C2o-alkyl, unsubstituted Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl and C _Ö -CT Cycloalkyl having 1, 2 or 3 substituents which are independently selected from ^C 1 -C 6 -alkyl and ^C 2 -C 6 -alkenyl, where two radicals R ^a and R ^c also together with the group -CR ^b -CR ^d - they may be bonded to Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl and C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl; and b) optionally treating the reaction product from step a) with an acid.

The invention also provides the products obtainable by this process

Compounds of the general formula (I) and (II).

Another object of the invention is a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition containing at least one compound of general formula (I) or (Γ), as defined above and below.

Another object of the invention is the use of compounds of general formula (I) or (Γ), as defined above and hereinafter, as surface-active substances, especially as a surfactant for detergents and cleaners, cosmetic products, pharmaceutical agents.

DESCRIPTION The compounds of the general formula (I) may be in the form of mixtures or as pure compounds. For the uses according to the invention are generally suitable mixtures of compounds of general formula (I), as described, for. B. are obtainable by the manufacturing method described below. The individual components of these mixtures may differ, for example, with regard to the degree of alkoxylation k. The individual components of this

Mixtures may continue to differ with respect to the degree of oligomerization n. Of course, it is also possible to obtain the reaction mixtures obtainable by the process according to the invention by customary separation processes, for. B.

distillative or chromatographic, separate.

In the context of the invention, cation equivalent denotes a monovalent cation or the monovalent charge fraction of a polyvalent cation. If A or A 'is a cation equivalent, this is preferably selected from alkali metal cations, NH ₄ ⁺ and cations of the formula HNE ¹ E ² E ³⁺ , where E ¹ , E ² and E ^{3 are} independent of are selected from hydrogen, linear and branched Ci-C6-alkyl and linear and branched Ci-C4-hydroxyalkyl, with the proviso that one of the radicals E ¹ , E ² and E ^{3 is} different from hydrogen. Preferably, the cation equivalent is selected from Na ^+, K ^+, NH ₄ ^+, Mg ²⁺ / 2, HN (CH ₃₎ ₃ ^+, HN (C ₂ H ₅₎ ₃ ^+,

HN (C ₂ H ₄ OH) 3 ⁺ , H 2 N (C 2 H ₄ OH) 2 ⁺ , etc. In particular, the cation equivalent is an alkali metal cation or one equivalent of an alkaline earth metal cation.

Suitable linear or branched saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 30 carbon atoms are the corresponding C 1 -C 30 -alkyl radicals and C 1 -C 30 -alkenyl radicals having 1, 2, 3 or more than 3 C-C double bonds.

Unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 30 carbon atoms generally have 1, 2 or 3 double bonds. In a specific embodiment, these are predominantly linear alkyl radicals, as also occur in natural or synthetic fatty alcohols and oxo alcohols, or predominantly linear alkenyl radicals, as also occur in natural or synthetic fatty alcohols and oxo alcohols, which are simply, twice, may be triple, quadruple, quintuple or sixfold unsaturated.

If one of the radicals R, R ¹ , R ³ , R ^{1 '} and R ^{3' is} alkyl or alkenyl, these radicals are preferably derived from natural raw materials, particularly preferably from a renewable raw material. Suitable C 1 -C 25 -alkyl groups, C 1 -C 20 -alkyl groups and C 1 -C 6 -alkyl groups are each linear and branched alkyl groups.

Suitable C 2 -C 30 -alkenyl groups, C 2 -C 25 -alkenyl groups and C 2 -C 6 -alkenyl groups are each linear and branched alkenyl groups having in each case 1, 2, 3 or more than 3 C-C double bonds.

Suitable C 2 -C 10 -alkylene groups, C 10 -C 30 -alkylene groups and C 10 -C 20 -alkylene groups are each linear and branched alkylene groups. In the context of the present invention, C 1 -C 6 -alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of these are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and position isomers thereof. C 1 -C 20 -alkyl represents the abovementioned C 1 -C 6 -alkyl radicals and also linear or branched alkyl radicals having from 7 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of these are n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, 2-propylheptyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tridecyl, isotridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n Hexadecyl, n-heptadecyl, n-octadecyl (stearyl), isostearyl, n-nonadecyl, n-eicosyl (arachinyl), and positional isomers thereof.

C 1 -C 25 -alkyl represents the abovementioned C 1 -C 20 -alkyl radicals and also a linear or branched alkyl radical having 21 to 25 carbon atoms. Examples of these are n-henicosyl, n-docosyl (behenyl), n-tricosyl, n-tetracosyl (behenyl), n-pentacosyl and positional isomers thereof.

C 1 -C 30 -alkyl represents the abovementioned C 1 -C 25 -alkyl radicals and also linear or branched alkyl radicals having from 26 to 30 carbon atoms.

In the context of the present invention, C2-C6-alkenyl is linear or branched alkenyl radicals having 1 or 2 C-C double bonds. Examples of these are ethenyl, n-propenyl, allyl, n-butenyl, n-butadienyl, n-pentenyl, n-pentadienyl, n-hexenyl, n-hexadienyl and their constitution isomers.

C2-C25 alkenyl represents the aforementioned C2-C6 alkenyl radicals and a linear or branched alkenyl radical having 7 to 25 carbon atoms and having 1, 2, 3 or more than 3 C-C double bonds. Examples of these are n-heptenyl, n-octenyl, n-octadienyl, n-octatrienyl, n-nonenyl, n-nonadienyl, n-nonatrienyl, n-decenyl, n-decadienyl, n-decatrienyl, n-dodecenyl, n-dodecadienyl , n-dodecatrienyl, n-tridecenyl, n-tridecadienyl, n-tridecatrienyl, n-tetradecenyl, n-tetradecadienyl,

n-tetradecatrienyl, n-hexadecenyl, n-hexadecadienyl, n-hexadecatrienyl,

n-heptadecenyl, n-heptadecadienyl, n-heptadecatrienyl, n-octadecenyl,

n-octadecadienyl, n-octadecatrienyl, n-nonadecenyl, n-nonadecadienyl,

n-nonadecatrienyl, n-eicosenyl, n-eicosadienyl, n-eicosatrienyl, n-heneicosenyl, n-heneicosadienyl, n-heneicosatrienyl, n-docosenyl, n -docosadienyl, n -docosatrienyl, n-tricosenyl, n-tricosadienyl, n- Tricosatrienyl, n-tetracosenyl, n-tetracosadienyl, n-tetracosatrienyl, oleyl, linolenyl and their constitutional isomers.

C2-C3o alkenyl represents the aforementioned C2-C25 alkenyl radicals and a linear or branched alkenyl radical having 26 to 30 carbon atoms and having 1, 2, 3 or more than 3 CC double bonds. C 2 -C 10 -alkylene is preferably linear or branched and is preferably selected from -CH ₂ CH ₂ -, -CH (CH ₃ ) -, -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -, -CH (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ -, -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -,

-CH ₂ CH (CH 3) CH ₂ -, -CH (CH3) CH (CH3) -, -C5H10-, -CeHi ₂ -, -C7H14-, -CeHi6-, -C9H18-, -CioH ₂ o- and their constitutionally.

In the context of the present invention, a saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 3-10 carbon atoms is a cycloalkanyl or cycloalkenyl, wherein the ring has 3 to 10 carbon atoms. These cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals may each be unsubstituted or substituted. Saturated unsubstituted cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals are preferably cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl. Saturated substituted cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals preferably carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents which are independently selected from C ₁ -C 6 -alkyl and C ₂ -C 6 -alkenyl. Unsaturated unsubstituted cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals are preferably cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl and cyclooctenyl. Unsaturated substituted cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals preferably carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents which

are independently selected from C ₁ -C 6 -alkyl and C ₂ -C 6 -alkenyl.

In the context of the present invention, Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl is a monocyclic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring having 5 to 7 carbon atoms. Examples of unsubstituted Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl are cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl. Examples of substituted Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl are methylcyclopentyl, ethylcyclopentyl, n-propylcyclopentyl, isopropylcyclopentyl, methylcyclohexyl, ethylcyclohexyl, n-propylcyclohexyl, isopropylcyclohexyl, isopropenylcyclohexyl and isobutenylcyclopropyl.

In the context of the present invention, a divalent saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 3 to 10 carbon atoms is a cycloalkanediyl or cycloalkendiyl, wherein the ring has 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of divalent saturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals are cyclopropane-1, 2-diyl, cyclobutane-1, 3-diyl, cyclopentane-1, 2-diyl, cyclohexane-1, 4-diyl, cycloheptane-1, 3-diyl. In the context of the present invention, aryl is a carbocyclic aromatic radical having 6 to 14 carbon atoms. Examples of these are phenyl, naphthyl, fluorobenyl, azulenyl, anthracenyl and phenanthrenyl. Aryl is preferably phenyl or naphthyl, in particular phenyl. The aryl radicals may each be unsubstituted or substituted. Substituted aryl radicals preferably carry 1, 2 or 3 substituents which are independently selected from C 1 -C 6 -alkyl and C 2 -C 6 -alkenyl. These include, for example, tolyl, xylyienyl, ethylphenyl, n-propylphenyl, isopropylphenyl, isopropenylphenyl and isobutenylphenyl. A preferred embodiment of the invention are compounds of the formula (Γ)

R ^{1 is} selected from hydrogen, a linear or branched saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 30

Carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatic

Hydrocarbon radicals having 3-10 carbon atoms and aryl,

R ^{3 is} selected from hydrogen and methyl,

Each X is a bond or a divalent linear or branched one

A is a hydrogen or cation equivalent;

k is a number from 1 to 100; and

R ^{2 is} a divalent linear or branched saturated aliphatic

Hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 30 carbon atoms. R ^{2 is} preferably -CR ^a R ^b -CR ^c R ^d -, in which each R ^a , R ^b , R ^c and R ^{d are} independently selected from hydrogen, C 1 -C 20 -alkyl, unsubstituted C 5 -C 7 -cycloalkyl, Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl having 1, 2 or 3 Ci-C6-alkyl substituents. In particular, each R ^{a is} independently hydrogen, C 1 -C 20 -alkyl, unsubstituted C 5 -C 7 -cycloalkyl.

Preferably, R ^{b is} independently hydrogen or C 1 -C 6 -alkyl, in particular hydrogen or methyl, especially hydrogen. Preferably, each R ^{c is} independently hydrogen or Ci-C6-alkyl, in particular hydrogen or methyl, especially hydrogen.

Preferably, each R ^{d is} independently hydrogen or C 1 -C 6 -alkyl, in particular hydrogen or methyl.

In a preferred embodiment, R ^{2 is} -CR ^a R ^b -CR ^c R ^d -, wherein each R ^{a is} independently selected from hydrogen, C 1 -C 20 -alkyl,

unsubstituted Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl, Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl with 1, 2 or 3 Ci-C6-alkyl substituents, each R ^b and R ^{d are} hydrogen and each R ^{c is} hydrogen or methyl.

When in the groups -O- [R ² -O] _k -H the radical R ^{2 is} -CR ^a R ^b -CR ^c R ^d -, wherein CR ^a R ^b and CR ^c R ^{d are} not the same meaning (ie the two carbon atoms are substituted differently), the orientation of each radical -CR ^a R ^b -CR ^c R ^d - is basically arbitrary. In other words, each R ² can be -CR ^a R ^b -CR ^c R ^d - or -CR ^c R ^d -CR ^a R ^b - stand. As a rule, all radicals R ^{2 of} an alkoxylate chain have the same orientation. Whether the more highly substituted carbon atom faces or faces away from the hydroxycarboxylic acid-bearing end of the alkoxylate chain depends on the conditions of the alkoxylation reaction and especially the one used

Catalyst off. Without being bound by theory, the nucleophilic ring opening reaction under acidic conditions usually proceeds by an SN1 mechanism, ie the oxygen atom of the hydroxycarboxylic acid or the terminal oxygen atom of the growing chain end bonds to the more highly substituted carbon atom of the radicals -CR ^a R ^b -CR ^c R ^d -, since the intermediate, the more stable, ie the higher substituted carbocation is formed.

If, in the groups of the formula - (R ² -O) _n -R ^3, the variable n is at least 2, the radicals R ^{2 of} the individual repeat units may have the same or different meanings. In principle, the sequence of the alkylene oxide units (R ² -O) is arbitrary.

In particular, k is a number from 1 to 50, in particular 1 to 20, especially 1 to 10.

Preferably, A is hydrogen or an alkali metal cation or one equivalent of an alkaline earth metal cation, in particular hydrogen, K ⁺ , Na ⁺ , 1 / 2Mg ²⁺ . In particular, R ^{1 is} selected from hydrogen, C ¹ -C 25 -alkyl, C ¹ -C 25 -alkenyl, and phenyl.

R ¹ is more preferably selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, 2-pentyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl , 1, 2-dimethylpropyl, 1, 1-dimethylpropyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-propyl, n-hexyl, 2-hexyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl,

1, 2-dimethylbutyl, 1, 3-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 1, 1-dimethylbutyl,

2,2-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1, 1, 2-trimethylpropyl, 1, 2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, n-heptyl, 2-heptyl , 3-heptyl,

2-ethylpentyl, 1-propylbutyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylheptyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n- Hexadecyl, n-heptadecyl, n-octadecyl, n-nonadecyl, arachinyl, behenyl, lignocerinyl, melissinyl, isotridecyl, isostearyl, oleyl, linoleyl, linolenyl, etc., especially for methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl , Isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, 2-propylheptyl, n-undecyl , n-dodecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-heptadecyl, n-octadecyl, n-nonadecyl, arachinyl, behenyl, lignocerinyl, melissinyl, isotridecyl, isostearyl, oleyl, linoleyl, linolenyl ,

In particular, R ^{1 is} selected from hydrogen and C ¹ -C 10 -alkyl.

X is preferably a bond, C 1 -C 20 -alkylene, and C 2 -C 20 -alkenylene,

in particular for a bond, C 1 -C 6 -alkylene and C 2 -C -alkenylene, in particular a bond, C 1 -C 12 -alkylene and C 2 -C 12 -alkenylene

Preferably, R ^{3 is} hydrogen.

N is preferably 1 or 2, in particular 1.

The compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention have a saponification number of less than 10 mg KOH / g, preferably less than 9 mg KOH / g, especially less than 8 mg KOH / g.

Another object of the invention is a process for the preparation of

R'-C (= O) -O-A '(III) wherein

wherein each of R ^a , R ^b , R ^c and R ^{d is} independently selected from

Hydrogen, unsubstituted Ci-C3o-alkyl, unsubstituted Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl and C5-C7-cycloalkyl, which carries 1, 2 or 3 substituents which are independently selected from Ci-C6-alkyl and C2-C6-alkenyl, wherein two radicals R ^a and R ^c also together with the group

-CR ^b -CR ^d - to which they are attached may stand for Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or carries 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from C 1 -C 6 -alkyl and C 2 -C 6 -alkenyl; and b) optionally treating the reaction product from step a) with an acid.

Step a)

The alkoxylation reaction in step a) can be carried out in several stages, wherein first at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid salt (III) is reacted with an epoxide of the general formula (IV) and then the resulting reaction mixture,

optionally after separation and / or purification, in another

Alkoxylation reaction with at least one further epoxide of the general formula (IV) is reacted.

Preferably, the alkoxylation reaction for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) in the sense of a one-pot reaction, wherein at least one Hydroxycarbonsauresalz the general formula (III) in the presence of at least one epoxide of the general formula (IV) of an alkoxylation.

The compounds of the formula (III) may optionally contain acid groups. The acid groups present are completely deprotonated.

The compound (I) is obtained by a reaction of a hydroxycarboxylic acid salt of the general formula (III) or (ΙΙΓ) with an epoxide of the general formula (IV). The choice of reaction conditions in the reaction of the alcohol with an alkylene oxide can be carried out by methods known in the art.

The alkoxylation can be random, alternating or blockwise.

In step a) of the process according to the invention, a compound R'-C (= O) -O-A '(III) is provided.

Preferred compounds (III) for use in step a) are hydroxycarboxylic acid salts, wherein the hydroxycarboxylic acid salt used is a salt of the formula (II)

wherein

R ¹ 'has one of the meanings given above for R ¹ ;

R ³ 'has one of the meanings given above for R ³ ;

X 'has one of the meanings given above for X;

n has one of the meanings given above; and

A 'stands for a cation equivalent.

With regard to suitable and preferred definitions of R ^{1 '} , R ^3' , X ', A' and n, reference is made in full to the foregoing remarks on these radicals and variables. In a preferred embodiment, the hydroxycarboxylic acid salt is selected from salts of lactic acid, glycolic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, ricinoleic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, mandelic acid and mixtures thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydroxycarboxylic acid salt is selected from salts of lactic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid and ricinoleic acid.

In a preferred embodiment, the alkylene oxide is selected under

Ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, 1, 2-butylene oxide, 2,3-butylene oxide, Cio-C3o-alkylene oxides and mixtures thereof. In particular, the alkylene oxide is selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, 1, 2-butylene oxide, 2,3-butylene oxide, hexadecene epoxide and

Dodecene.

In general, from 1 to 8 mol, preferably from 2 to 7 mol, of epoxide (IV) are generally employed per mole of compound (III). The possibly remaining residues of unreacted epoxide (IV) can be distilled off or removed by stripping with an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon.

In the first step of step a) are usually 1 to 7 mol, preferably 2 to 6 mol of the epoxide (IV) per mole of the compound (III) used. In the second step of step a) 0.5 to 2 mol, preferably 1 to 1, 5 mol of the epoxide (IV) are used per mole of the compound (III) in the rule.

The reaction in step a) is usually carried out at a temperature of 50 ° C to 180 ° C, preferably at 85 ° C to 160 ° C, more preferably at 95 ° C to 150 ° C.

The alkoxylation is preferably carried out at atmospheric pressure or reduced pressure. If the alkoxylation is carried out at reduced pressure, the pressure is preferably in a range from 1 mbar to 1, 1 bar, in particular 5 mbar to 1 bar, especially 10 mbar to 900 mbar. This applies both to the one-stage and the two-stage variant of the alkoxylation reaction. Preferably, the reaction takes place at atmospheric pressure.

The compound (III) from step a) can be heated together with the epoxide (IV) until the desired reaction temperature is reached. Another possibility is that first the compound (III) is heated to the desired reaction temperature. For this purpose, the epoxide (IV) is added at the desired reaction temperature. Preferably, the compound (III) is heated to the reaction temperature. For this purpose, the epoxide (IV) is added at the reaction temperature. This can be done in one or more steps at different temperatures. The dosage can also take place over a longer period of time and the temperature is kept constant or continuously increased. After complete dosing of the epoxide (IV), the mixture can be kept at the reaction temperature or another temperature for a certain time.

Preferably, the dosage of the epoxide (IV) takes place in several steps. Two different epoxides (IV) are preferably used in the various steps. In the first stage in step a), the salt of the hydroxycarboxylic acid (III) is reacted with at least one first epoxide (IV). The first epoxide (IV) for the reaction in step a) in the first stage is preferably selected from

Ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, 1, 2-butylene oxide, 2,3-butylene oxide. The resulting first stage product is reacted in a second stage with a second epoxide (IV). The second epoxide (IV) is preferably selected from C 10 -C 20 -epoxides (IV), in particular selected from hexadecene epoxide and dodecene epoxide.

The alkoxylation can be carried out autocatalytically or in the presence of a catalyst.

The catalyst used is generally alkali metals, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal alkoxides, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal acetates, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydrides, phosphines, double metal cyanides, Lewis acids or tertiary amines.

Preferred alkali metals are lithium, sodium or potassium, more preferably potassium.

Preferred alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides are lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium or barium hydroxide, particularly preferred are lithium, sodium and potassium hydroxide.

Preferred alkali metal or alkaline earth metal alcoholates are sodium methylate, potassium methylate, sodium ethylate, potassium ethylate or potassium tert-butoxide, particularly preferably sodium methylate or potassium methylate.

Preferred alkali metal or alkaline earth metal acetates are sodium acetate (NaOAc) or potassium acetate (KOAc), particularly preferred is sodium acetate (NaOAc). Preferred alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydrides are lithium hydride, sodium hydride or potassium hydride, particularly preferred is sodium hydride.

Preferred phosphine is triphenylphosphine.

Preferred Lewis acids are B (CH ₃ ) ₃ , B (OH) ₃ , BF ₃ , B (CI) ₃ , AICI ₃ , Al (OEt) ₃ , Ti (OiPr) ₄ , BF ₃ is particularly preferred.

Preferred tertiary amines are trimethylamine, triethylamine, tris (ethylhexylamine), tripropylamine, tributylamine, trihexylamine, trioctylamine or pyridine.

Preferred double metal cyanides are Mn ₃ [Co (CN) 6] 2 and Zn ₃ [Co (CN) 6] 2.

The catalyst is preferably used in an amount of 0.01 to 5 mol%, based on the hydroxycarboxylic acid salt (III).

Preferably, the alkylation reaction takes place in the absence of a catalyst.

The reaction in step a) can be carried out in the presence of a solvent which is inert under the reaction conditions. Examples of these solvents are, for. As tetrahydrofuran, methyl tert-butyl ether, dioxane, toluene or xylene. It is also possible the reaction in bulk, d. H. be carried out without external, (added) solvents. The reaction according to the invention can be carried out continuously or batchwise, preferably it is carried out batchwise.

The reaction according to the invention can be carried out in a stirred tank, a circulated reactor, a stirred tank cascade or a tubular reactor, preferably it is carried out in a stirred tank or pumped reactor.

Step b)

Step b) is optional. If appropriate, it may be advantageous to treat the reaction product from step a) with an acid in order to obtain the alkoxylated hydroxycarboxylic acid. As a rule, carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, CO2, mineral acids are used. The use of ion exchangers is also possible. Preferred are carboxylic acids and mineral acids, more preferably carboxylic acids. A preferred carboxylic acid is acetic acid. Particularly preferred is glacial acetic acid.

Another object of the invention are alkoxylated hydroxycarboxylic acids or their salts of formula (I) or (Γ) and mixtures thereof, which are obtainable by the method described above.

The compounds of general formula (I) and general formula (II) are advantageously suitable for use as surfactants. In general, they may be, for example, cosmetic compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, hygiene products, detergents and cleaners, paints, compositions for the paper industry, compositions for the textile industry, etc.

The surfactants of the invention can be used as the sole surface-active

Substance can be used. Advantageously, the compounds of the general formula (I) and the general formula (II) are distinguished by their good compatibility with other surfactants.

Surfactant-containing Compositions The compounds of the general formula (I) or the general formula (II) according to the invention are particularly advantageously suitable for the formulation of surfactant-containing compositions. In particular, these are aqueous surfactant-containing compositions. The compounds (I) and (Γ) are distinguished in such compositions by their good water solubility, good compatibility with many of the active ingredients and auxiliaries used in cosmetics, good foaming power and good rheology behavior.

The surfactant-containing compositions according to the invention preferably have a total surfactant content of from 0.1 to 75% by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 60% by weight, in particular from 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the surfactant-containing composition, on. Suitable surfactants are anionic surfactants other than compounds (I) and (II), nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and

Mixtures thereof. Typical examples of anionic surfactants are soaps, alkyl sulfonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefinsulfonates, alkyl ether sulfonates, glycerol ether sulfonates, methyl ester sulfonates, sulfo fatty acids, alkyl sulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates, glycerol ether sulfates, fatty acid ether sulfates, hydroxy mixed ether sulfates, monoglyceride (ether) sulfates,

Fatty acid amide (ether) sulfates, mono- and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, mono- and dialkyl sulfosuccinamates, sulfotriglycerides, amide soaps, ether carboxylic acids and their salts,

Fatty acid isethionates, fatty acid sarcosinates, fatty acid taurides, N-acylamino acids such as acylglutamates and acylaspartates, as well as acyl lactylates, acyl tartrates, alkyl oligoglucoside sulfates, alkyl glucose carboxylates, protein fatty acid condensates and alkyl (ether) phosphates.

Suitable soaps are z. As alkali, alkaline earth and ammonium salts of fatty acids, such as potassium stearate.

Suitable olefin sulfonates are z. B. by addition of SO3 to olefins of the formula R ⁵ -CH = CH-R ⁴ and subsequent hydrolysis and neutralization, wherein R ⁵ and R ^{4 are} independently H or alkyl radicals having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, with the proviso that R ⁵ and R ⁴ together have at least 6 and preferably 8 to 20, especially 10 to 16, carbon atoms. For the preparation and use, see the review article "J. Am. Oil. Chem. Soc.", 55, 70 (1978). The olefinsulfonates can be used as alkali, alkaline earth,

Ammonium, alkylammonium, alkanolammonium or glucammonium salts. Preferably, the olefin sulfonates are present as sodium salts. The hydrolyzed alpha olefin sulfonation products, d. H. the alpha-olefinsulfonates are composed of about 60% by weight of alkanesulfonates and about 40% by weight of hydroxyalkane sulfonates; Of these, about 80 to 85 wt .-% mono- and 15 to 20 wt .-% disulfonates.

Preferred methyl ester sulfonates (MES) are obtained by sulfonation of the fatty acid methyl esters of vegetable or animal fats or oils. Preferred are methyl ester sulfonates of vegetable fats and oils, eg. From rapeseed oil,

Sunflower oil, soybean oil, palm oil, coconut oil, etc.

Preferred alkyl sulfates are sulfates of fatty alcohols of the general formula R ⁶ -O-SO 3 Y, wherein R ^{6 is} a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated Hydrocarbon radical having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and Y is an alkali metal, the monovalent charge equivalent of an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, mono-, di-, tri- or tetraalkylammonium, alkanolammonium or glucammonium. Suitable fatty alcohol sulfates will preferably be obtained by sulfation of native fatty alcohols or synthetic oxoalcohols and subsequent neutralization. Typical examples of fatty alcohol sulfates are the sulfation products of

Caprolyl alcohol, capryl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, capric alcohol, lauryl alcohol, isotridecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, palmoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, petroselinyl alcohol, linolyl alcohol, linolenyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol and elaeostearyl alcohol, and the salts and mixtures thereof. Preferred salts of the fatty alcohol sulfates are the sodium and potassium salts, especially the sodium salts. Preferred mixtures of

Fatty alcohol sulfates are based on technical alcohol mixtures, the z. B. in the high pressure hydrogenation of technical methyl esters based on fats and oils or in the hydrogenation of aldehydes from the oxo process or in the

Dimerization of unsaturated fatty alcohols incurred. For the preparation of alkyl sulfates, preference is given to using fatty alcohols and fatty alcohol mixtures having 12 to 18 carbon atoms and in particular 12 to 14 carbon atoms.

Typical examples include technical alcohol sulfates based on vegetable raw materials.

Preferred sarcosinates are sodium lauroyl sarcosinate or sodium stearoyl sarcosinate. Preferred protein fatty acid condensates are wheat based vegetable products.

Preferred alkyl phosphates are mono- and Diphosphorsäurealkylester.

Suitable acylglutamates are compounds of the formula (V)

(V) wherein COR ^{7 is} a linear or branched acyl radical having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and 0, 1, 2 or 3 double bonds and Y is hydrogen, an alkali metal, the monovalent charge equivalent of an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkylammonium, alkanolammonium or glucammonium. The production of acylglutamates is carried out, for example, by Schotten-Baumann acylation of glutamic acid with fatty acids, fatty acid esters or fatty acid halides. Acylglutamates are commercially available from, for example, BASF SE, Clariant AG, Frankfurt / DE or Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Tokyo / JP. An overview of the production and properties of the acylglutamates can be found in M. Takehara et al. in J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 49 (1972) 143. Typical suitable acylglutamates are preferably derived from fatty acids having 6 to 22 and more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. In particular, the mono- or dialkali metal salts of acylglutamate are used. These include z. B. (trade names of the company. Ajinomoto, USA in brackets):

Sodium cocoylglutamate (Amisoft CS-1 1), disodium cocoylglutamate (Amisoft ECS-22SB), triethanolammonium cocoylglutamate (Amisoft CT-12), triethanolammonium lauroylglutamate (Amisoft LT-12), sodium myristoylglutamate (Amisoft MS-1 1),

Sodium stearoyl glutamate (Amisoft HS-1 1 P) and mixtures thereof. Nonionic surfactants include, for example:

Fatty alcohol polyoxyalkylene esters, for example lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene acetate,

Alkylpolyoxyalkylenether, which are derived from low molecular weight Ci-C6 alcohols or C7-C3o-fatty alcohols. In this case, the ether component of

Ethylene oxide units, propylene oxide units, 1,2-butylene oxide units, 1,4-butylene oxide units and random copolymers and block copolymers thereof. These include especially fatty alcohol alkoxylates and

Oxo, and in particular of the type RO- (R ⁸ 0) _r (R ⁹ 0) _s R ¹⁰ where R ⁸ and R ⁹ independently of one another = C2H4, C3H6, C4H8 and R ¹⁰ = H or Ci-Ci2-alkyl, R =

C 3 -C 30 -alkyl or C 6 -C 30 -alkenyl, r and s independently of one another are from 0 to 50, both of which can not stand for 0, such as iso-tridecyl alcohol and oleyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers,

Alkylaryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, e.g. As octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, - alkoxylated animal and / or vegetable fats and / or oils, for example

Corn oil ethoxylates, castor oil ethoxylates, tallow fat ethoxylates,

Glycerol esters, such as glycerol monostearate,

Alkylphenolalkoxylate, such as ethoxylated iso-octyl, octyl or

Nonylphenol, tributylphenol polyoxyethylene ether,

Fatty amine alkoxylates, fatty acid amide and fatty acid diethanolamide alkoxylates,

in particular their ethoxylates,

Sugar surfactants, sorbitol esters, such as, for example, sorbitan fatty acid esters (sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan tristearate), polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, alkyl polyglycosides, N-alkylgluconamides, alkyl methyl,

Alkyldimethylphosphine oxides, such as, for example, tetradecyldimethylphosphine oxide.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants are, for. Alkylbetaines, alkylamidopropylbetaines, alkylsulfobetaines, alkylglycinates, alkylcarboxyglycinates, alkylamphoacetates or propionates, alkylamphodiacetates or dipropionates. For example, you can

Cocodimethylsulfopropylbetain, lauryl betaine, Cocamidopropylbetain, sodium cocamphopropionate or Tetradecyldimethylaminoxid be used. The cationic surfactants include, for example, quaternized ammonium compounds, in particular alkyltrimethylammonium and dialkyldimethylammonium halides and alkylsulfates, and also pyridine and imidazoline derivatives, in particular alkylpyridinium halides. For example, behenyl or cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride can be used. Also suitable are so-called esterquats based on quaternary triethanol-methyl-ammonium or quaternary diethanol-dimethyl-ammonium compounds with long hydrocarbon chains in the form of fatty acid esters. These include, for example, bis (acyloxyethyl) hydroxyethylammonium methosulfate. Also suitable is Dehyquart L 80 (INCI: dicocoylethyl

Hydroxyethyl ammonium methosulfate (and) propylene glycol).

Cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents

The compounds of general formula (I) and general formula (II) are preferably suitable for the formulation of cosmetic and pharmaceutical

Products, especially of aqueous cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Another object of the invention is a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising a) at least one compound of general formula (I) or (Γ), as before

Are defined,

b) at least one cosmetic or pharmaceutical active substance, and c) optionally at least one of the components a) and b)

various cosmetic or pharmaceutical excipient.

Preferably, at least one compound of the general formula (II) is used as component a). Preferably, component c) comprises at least one cosmetic or pharmaceutical carrier.

Preferably, the carrier component c) is selected from i) water,

ii) water-miscible organic solvents, preferably C 2 -C 4 alkanols, in particular ethanol,

iii) oils, fats, waxes,

iv) of (iii) various esters of C6-C3o-monocarboxylic acids with monohydric, dihydric or trihydric alcohols,

v) saturated acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbons,

vi) fatty acids,

vii) fatty alcohols,

viii) propellants, and mixtures thereof.

Especially suitable cosmetically acceptable oil or fat components c) are described in Karl-Heinz Schräder, Fundamentals and formulations of cosmetics, 2nd edition, Verlag Hüthig, Heidelberg, pp. 319-355, to which reference is made here.

The cosmetic agents according to the invention may be skin-cosmetic, hair-cosmetic, dermatological, hygienic or pharmaceutical agents. Because of their surface-active properties, the compounds of the formula (I) and of the formula (II) described above are particularly suitable in compositions for cleansing the skin and / or the hair.

Preferably, the compositions according to the invention are in the form of an aqueous solution, a solid formulation (eg a bar of soap or a washing stick)

Foam, emulsion, suspension, lotion, gel, paste or spray. If desired, liposomes or microspheres can also be used.

The cosmetic compositions according to the invention may additionally contain cosmetic and / or dermatological active substances and effect substances as well as auxiliaries. The cosmetic compositions according to the invention preferably comprise at least one compound of the formula (I) or of the formula (Γ) as defined above, at least one support C as defined above and at least one constituent thereof, which is preferably selected from among cosmetic active ingredients, emulsifiers, surfactants, preservatives, perfume oils, additional thickeners, hair polymers, hair and skin conditioners, graft polymers, water-soluble or dispersible silicone-containing polymers, light stabilizers, bleaching agents, gelling agents, conditioners, tinting agents, tanning agents, dyes, Pigments, consistency regulators,

Humectants, restockers, collagen, protein hydrolysates, lipids, antioxidants, defoamers, antistatic agents, emollients and plasticizers.

In addition to the compounds of the formula (I) and the formula (II), the cosmetic agents may contain at least one thickener. These include z. B.

Polysaccharides and organic layer minerals such as Xanthan Gum ^® (Kelzan ^® from. Kelco), Rhodopol ^® 23 (Rhone Poulenc) or Veegum ^® (from RT Vanderbilt) or Attaclay ^® (Engelhardt). Suitable thickening agents are also organic natural thickeners (agar-agar, carrageenan, tragacanth, gum arabic, alginates, pectins, polyoses, guar flour, locust bean gum, starch, dextrins, gelatin, casein) and inorganic thickeners (polysilicic acids, clay minerals such as montmorillonites, zeolites , Silicas). Other thickeners are polysaccharide gums, for example gum arabic, agar, alginates, carrageenans and their salts, guar, guar gum, tragacanth, gellan, Ramzan, dextran or xanthan and their derivatives, e.g. B. propoxylated guar, and their mixtures. Other polysaccharide thickeners are, for example, starches of various origins and starch derivatives, eg. As hydroxyethyl starch, starch phosphate esters or starch acetates or carboxymethylcellulose or its sodium salt, methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxypropyl methyl or hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose or cellulose acetate. As thickeners, it is also possible to use phyllosilicates. These include, for example, available under the trade name Laponite ® magnesium or sodium magnesium phyllosilicates from Solvay Alkali and the magnesium silicates from Süd-Chemie. Suitable cosmetic and / or dermatological agents are, for. As skin and hair pigmenting agents, tanning agents, bleaching agents, keratin-hardening substances, antimicrobial agents, light filter agents, repellent, hyperemic substances, keratolytic and keratoplastic substances, anti-dandruff agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, keratinizing substances, antioxidant or as a radical scavenger active substances, skin moisturizing or moisturizing substances, moisturizing active ingredients, deodorizing agents, sebostatic agents, plant extracts, antierythimatically or antiallergically active substances and mixtures thereof. Artificial skin tanning agents that are suitable for tanning the skin without natural or artificial irradiation with UV rays, z. B. dihydroxyacetone, alloxan and walnut shell extract. Suitable keratin-hardening substances are generally active ingredients, as used in antiperspirants, such as. B.

Potassium aluminum sulfate, aluminum hydroxychloride, aluminum lactate, etc. Antimicrobial agents are used to destroy microorganisms or inhibit their growth and thus serve both as a preservative and as a deodorizing substance, which reduces the formation or intensity of body odor. These include z. As usual preservatives known in the art, such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid, imidazolidinyl urea, formaldehyde, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, etc. Such deodorizing substances are, for. Zinc ricinoleate, triclosan, undecylenic acid alkylolamides, triethyl citrate, chlorhexidine, etc. Suitable light filtering agents are substances that absorb UV rays in the UV-B and / or UV-A range. Suitable UV filters are those mentioned above. Also suitable are p-aminobenzoic acid esters, cinnamic acid esters, benzophenones, camphor derivatives and UV-radiation-stopping pigments, such as titanium dioxide, talc and zinc oxide. Suitable repellents are compounds capable of preventing or repelling certain animals, particularly insects, from humans. This includes z. B. 2-ethyl-1, 3-hexanediol, N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, etc.

Suitable hyperemic substances which stimulate the circulation of the skin are, for. Essential oils, such as mountain pine, lavender, rosemary,

Juniper berry, horse chestnut extract, birch leaf extract, hay flower extract, ethyl acetate, camphor, menthol, peppermint oil, rosemary extract, eucalyptus oil, etc. Suitable keratolytic and keratoplastic substances are, for. Salicylic acid, calcium thioglycolate, thioglycolic acid and its salts, sulfur, etc. Suitable

Antidandruff agents are for. As sulfur, Schwefelpolyethylenglykolsorbitan- monooleate, Schwefelricinolpolyethoxylat, Zinkpyrithion, Aluminiumpyrithion, etc.

Suitable anti-inflammatory drugs that counteract skin irritation, z. Allantoin, bisabolol, dragosantol, chamomile extract, panthenol, etc.

The cosmetic agents according to the invention may contain as cosmetic active ingredient (as well as optionally as adjuvant) at least one cosmetic or pharmaceutical polymer. These include, in general, anionic, cationic, amphoteric and neutral polymers.

Examples of anionic polymers are copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylamide and their salts; Sodium salts of polyhydroxycarboxylic acids, water-soluble or water-dispersible polyesters, polyurethanes, eg. B. Luviset PUR® Fa. BASF, and polyureas. Particularly suitable polymers are copolymers of t-butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methacrylic acid (eg Luvimer® 10 Ρ), copolymers of ethyl acrylate and methacrylic acid (eg Luvimer® MAE), copolymers of N-tert-butylacrylamide, ethyl acrylate, acrylic acid (Ultrahold® 8, strong), copolymers from vinyl acetate, crotonic acid and optionally further vinyl esters (eg Luviset® brands), maleic anhydride copolymers, if appropriate reacted with alcohol, anionic polysiloxanes, eg. B.

carboxy-functional, t-butyl acrylate, methacrylic acid (for example Luviskol® VBM), copolymers of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid with hydrophobic monomers, such. B.

C 4 -C 30 -alkyl esters of (meth) acrylic acid, C 4 -C 30 -alkyl vinyl esters, C 4 -C 30 -alkyl vinyl ethers and hyaluronic acid. An example of an anionic polymer is furthermore the methyl methacrylate / methacrylic acid / acrylic acid / urethane acrylate copolymer available under the name Luviset® Shape (INCI name: Polyacrylate-22). Examples of anionic polymers are also vinyl acetate crotonic acid copolymers, such as, for example, under the names Resyn® (National Starch) and Gafset® (GAF) commercially, and vinylpyrrolidone A / inyl acrylate copolymers, available, for example, under the trademark Luviflex® (BASF) , Other suitable polymers are those under

Designation Luviflex® VBM-35 (BASF) available vinylpyrrolidone / acrylate terpolymer and sodium sulfonate-containing polyamides or sodium sulfonate-containing polyesters.

Also suitable are vinylpyrrolidone / ethyl methacrylate methacrylic acid copolymers as are sold by the company Stepan under the names Stepanhold-Extra and -R1 and the Carboset® brands of the company. BF Goodrich.

Suitable cationic polymers are, for. As cationic polymers called Polyquaternium INCI, z. B. Copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone / N-vinylimidazolium salts (Luviquat® FC, Luviquat® HM, Luviquat® MS, Luviset Clear®, Luviquat Supreme®, Luviquat® Care), copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone / dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, quaternized with diethyl sulfate (Luviquat® PQ 11), copolymers of N-vinylcaprolactam / N-vinylpyrrolidone / N-vinylimidazolium salts (Luviquat® Hold);

cationic cellulose derivatives (Polyquaternium-4 and -10), acrylamidocopolymers (Polyquaternium-7) and chitosan. Suitable cationic (quaternized) polymers are also Merquat® (polymer based on dimethyldiallylammonium chloride), Gafquat® (quaternary polymers formed by reaction of polyvinylpyrrolidone with quaternary ammonium compounds), polymer JR (hydroxyethylcellulose with cationic groups) and cationic polymers based on plants. z. B.

Guarpolymere, such as the Jaguar® brands of the company Rhodia.

Especially suitable polymers are neutral polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidones, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate and / or vinyl propionate,

Polysiloxanes, polyvinylcaprolactam and other copolymers with N-vinylpyrrolidone, polyethyleneimines and their salts, polyvinylamines and their salts, cellulose derivatives, Polyaspartic acid salts and derivatives. These include, for example, Luviflex® Swing (partially saponified copolymer of polyvinyl acetate and polyethylene glycol, BASF).

Suitable polymers are also nonionic, water-soluble or water-dispersible polymers or oligomers, such as polyvinyl caprolactam, z. B. Luviskol® Plus (BASF SE), or polyvinylpyrrolidone and copolymers thereof, in particular with vinyl esters, such as vinyl acetate, z. Luviskol® VA 37, VA 55, VA 64, VA 73 (BASF SE); Polyamides, z. B. based on itaconic acid and aliphatic diamines, as z. B. in DE-A-43 33 238 are described.

Suitable polymers are also amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers, such as those available under the names Amphomer® (National Starch) octylacrylamide / methyl methacrylate / tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate copolymers and zwitterionic polymers, as, for example, in the German Patentan meidungen DE 39 29 973, DE 21 50 557, DE 28 17 369 and DE 37 08 451 are disclosed. Acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride / acrylic acid or methacrylic acid copolymers and their alkali metal and ammonium salts are preferred zwitterionic polymers. Further suitable zwitterionic polymers are methacroylethylbetaine / methacrylate copolymers, which are commercially available under the name Amersette® (AMERCHOL), and copolymers of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, Ν, Ν-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and acrylic acid (Jordapon®).

Suitable polymers are also nonionic, siloxane-containing, water-soluble

or dispersible polymers, e.g. As polyether siloxanes, such as Tegopren® (Fa.

Goldschmidt) or Belsil® (from Wacker).

In a specific embodiment, the compositions of the invention contain at least one polymer which acts as a thickener. Suitable polymeric thickeners are, for example, optionally modified polymeric natural substances (carboxymethylcellulose and other cellulose ethers, hydroxyethyl and propylcellulose and the like) and synthetic polymeric thickeners (polyacrylic and polymethacrylic compounds, vinyl polymers, polycarboxylic acids, polyethers, polyimines, polyamides). These include the polyacrylic and polymethacrylic compounds, some of which have already been mentioned above, for example the high molecular weight homopolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether, in particular an allyl ether of sucrose, pentaerythritol or propylene (INCI name: Carbomer). Such polyacrylic acids are available, inter alia, from the company. BF Goodrich under the trade name Carbopol ®, z. Carbopol 940 (molecular weight approx. 4000000), Carbopol 941 (molecular weight about 1250000) or Carbopol 934

(Molecular weight about 3,000,000). Also included are acrylic acid copolymers, which are available, for example, from Rohm & Haas under the trade names Aculyn® and Acusol®, e.g. The anionic non-associative polymers Aculyn 22, Aculyne 28, Aculyn 33 (crosslinked), Acusol 810, Acusol 823 and Acusol 830

(CAS 25852-37-3). Especially suitable are associative thickeners, e.g. based on modified polyurethanes (HEUR) or hydrophobically modified acrylic or

Methacrylic acid copolymers (HASE thickener, high alkali swellable emulsion). According to a preferred embodiment, the agents according to the invention are skin cleansers.

Preferred skin cleansing agents are soaps of liquid to gel consistency, such as transparent soaps, luxury soaps, deep soaps, cream soaps, baby soaps, skin soaps, abrasive soaps and syndets, pasty soaps, soft soaps and washing pastes, liquid detergents, bath and shower preparations such as washing lotions, shower baths and gels, bubble baths, oil baths and scrub preparations, shaving creams, lotions and creams. Skin cleansing compositions preferably contain at least one compound of the formula (I) and the formula (II) in a proportion of about 0.001 to 70% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 50% by weight, very particularly preferably 0.1 to 30% by weight .-%, based on the total weight of the agent. According to a further preferred embodiment, the agents according to the invention are a shower gel, a shampoo formulation or a bathing preparation.

Such formulations contain at least one compound of general formula (I) or (II) as base surfactant and optionally at least one amphoteric and / or nonionic surfactant as cosurfactant. Other suitable active ingredients and / or auxiliaries are generally selected from lipids, perfume oils, dyes, organic acids, preservatives, antioxidants, thickeners / gelling agents, skin conditioners and moisturizers.

These formulations preferably contain from 2 to 50% by weight, preferably from 5 to 40% by weight, particularly preferably from 8 to 30% by weight of surfactants, based on the total weight of the formulation. In addition, all anionic, neutral, amphoteric or cationic surfactants commonly used in personal cleansing preparations may additionally be used in the washing, showering and bathing preparations. Suitable surfactants are the aforementioned.

Furthermore, the shower gel / shampoo formulations additional thickeners, such. Saline, PEG-55, propylene glycol oleate, PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate and others. Suitable commercially available further thickeners are z. B.

Arlypon TT (I NCI: PEG / PPG-120/10 trimethylolpropanes trioleate (and) laureth-2) and arlypone F (INCI: laureth-2). In addition, the shower gel / shampoo formulations may contain preservatives, other active ingredients and adjuvants and water. The compounds of the formula (I) and of the formula (II) according to the invention are also advantageously suitable as surfactants for shampoo formulations which may additionally contain other conventional surfactants.

In the shampoo formulations customary conditioners can be used to achieve certain effects. These include, for example, the aforementioned cationic polymers with the name Polyquaternium according to INCI, in particular copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone / N-vinylimidazolium salts (Luviquat® FC, Luviquat® HM, Luviquat® MS, Luviquat® Care), copolymers

N-vinylpyrrolidone / dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, quaternized with diethyl sulfate (Luviquat® PQ 11), copolymers of N-vinylcaprolactam / N-vinylpyrrolidone /

N-vinylimidazolium salts (Luviquat® Hold); cationic cellulose derivatives

(Polyquaternium-4 and -10), acrylamide copolymers (Polyquaternium-7). Furthermore, protein hydrolysates can be used, as well as conditioning substances based on silicone compounds, for example polyalkylsiloxanes, polyarylsiloxanes, polyarylalkylsiloxanes, polyethersiloxanes or silicone resins. Other suitable silicone compounds are dimethicone copolyols (CTFA) and amino-functional silicone compounds such as amodimethicones (CTFA). Furthermore, cationic guar derivatives such as guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (INCI) can be used. According to a further preferred embodiment, the

agents according to the invention to cosmetic agents for the care and protection of the skin, nail care products or preparations for decorative cosmetics. In addition, the compounds of formula (I) and formula (II) can be used in nasal strips for pore cleansing, in anti-acne agents, repellents, shaving agents, depilatories, personal care products, foot care products and in baby care.

In addition to the compounds of the formula (I) and of the formula (II) and suitable carriers, the skin cosmetic preparations may contain other active ingredients and auxiliaries customary in skin cosmetics, as described above. Preferred oil and fat components of the skin cosmetic and dermatological agents are mineral and synthetic oils, such as. As paraffins, silicone oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons having more than 8 carbon atoms, animal and vegetable oils, such as. As sunflower oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, lanolin, or waxes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, such as. B. triglycerides of C6-C3o-fatty acids, wax esters, such as. As jojoba oil, fatty alcohols, Vaseline, hydrogenated lanolin and acetylated lanolin and mixtures thereof.

To set certain properties such. B. improving the feeling of touch, the spreading behavior, the water resistance and / or the binding of active ingredients and excipients, such as pigments, the skin cosmetic and dermatological preparations may additionally contain conditioning substances based on silicone compounds. Suitable silicone compounds are, for example, polyalkylsiloxanes, polyarylsiloxanes, polyarylalkylsiloxanes, polyethersiloxanes or silicone resins. The preparation of cosmetic or dermatological preparations which comprise at least one compound of the formula (I) or of the formula (II) is carried out by customary methods known to the person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the cosmetic and dermatological agents are in the form of

Emulsions, in particular as water-in-oil (W / O) or oil-in-water (0 / W)

Emulsions, before. However, it is also possible to choose other types of formulations, for example hydrodispersions, gels, oils, oleogels, multiple emulsions, for example in the form of W / O / W or O / W / O emulsions, anhydrous ointments or ointment bases, etc.

Emulsions are prepared by known methods. In addition to at least one compound of the formula (I) or of the formula (II), the emulsions generally contain customary constituents, such as fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters and in particular

Fatty acid triglycerides, fatty acids, lanolin and derivatives thereof, natural or synthetic oils or waxes and emulsifiers in the presence of water. The selection of the emulsion type-specific additives and the preparation of suitable emulsions is described for example in Schräder, bases and formulations of cosmetics, Hüthig Buch Verlag, Heidelberg, 2nd edition, 1989, third part, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Preferred fat components which may be included in the fat phase of the emulsions are: hydrocarbon oils such as paraffin oil, purcellin oil, perhydrosqualene and solutions of microcrystalline waxes in these oils; animal or vegetable oils, such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, calophilum oil, lanolin and derivatives thereof, castor oil, sesame oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, karite oil, hoplostethus oil; Mineral oils whose beginning of distillation under atmospheric pressure at about 250 ° C and the distillation end point at 410 ° C, such. Vaseline oil; Esters of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, such as alkyl myristates, e.g. For example, i-propyl, butyl or cetyl myristate, hexadecyl stearate, ethyl or i-propyl palmitate, octanoic or Decansäuretriglyceride and Cetylricinoleat.

The fat phase may also contain other oil-soluble silicone oils such as dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane and the silicone glycol copolymer, fatty acids and fatty alcohols.

It can also waxes are used, such as. Carnauba wax, candililla wax, beeswax, microcrystalline wax, ozokerite wax and Ca, Mg and Al oleates, myristates, linoleates and stearates. Furthermore, an emulsion of the invention may be present as O / W emulsion. Such an emulsion usually contains an oil phase, emulsifiers which stabilize the oil phase in the water phase and an aqueous phase, which is usually thickened. Suitable emulsifiers are preferably O / W emulsifiers, such as polyglycerol esters, sorbitan esters or partially esterified glycerides into consideration.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the agents according to the invention are a hair treatment agent.

Hair treatment agents according to the invention preferably contain at least one compound of the general formula (I) or (II) in an amount in the range of about 0.1 to 30 wt .-%, preferably 0.5 to 20 wt .-%, based on the total weight of agent. The compounds of the formula (I) and the formula (II) according to the invention are also suitable for styling gels. As gel formers, all gel formers customary in cosmetics can be used. For this purpose, reference is made to the aforementioned conventional thickener.

The compounds of the formula (I) and the formula (II) according to the invention are likewise suitable for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Suitable pharmaceutical auxiliaries are the adjuvants listed in relevant pharmacopoeias (eg DAB, Ph. Eur., BP, NF) and also other adjuvants whose properties do not conflict with a physiological application. Such substances are for example also in Fiedler, H. P. Lexicon of excipients for pharmacy, cosmetics and related fields, 4th ed., Aulendorf: ECV Editio Kantor Verlag, 1996, described.

Detergents and cleaners

The compounds of the formula (I) and the formula (Γ) according to the invention are also suitable for the preparation of detergents or cleaners, for. As for cleaning textile fabrics and / or hard surfaces. Such detergents may be in the form of a hand or machine dishwashing detergent, general-purpose cleaners for non-textile surfaces, e.g. As of metal, painted wood or plastic, or detergents for ceramic products, such as porcelain, tiles, tiles are present. The detergents or cleaners according to the invention are preferably in the form of a liquid laundry detergent. If desired, these can also be formulated pasty.

Examples of further formulations in which at least one compound of the general formula (I) or of the formula (II) as defined above can be used advantageously are, for example, B.

Pesticides,

Wetting agents,

Thickeners,

Paints, coatings, adhesives, leather treatment or

Textile treatment or paper treatments, and / or

Chemicals for tertiary mineral oil production. Examples of further formulations in which at least one compound of the general formula (I) or of the formula (II) as defined above can be used advantageously are, for example, B.

All-purpose cleaners, spray cleaners, hand dishwashing detergents for cleaning in the private, industrial and institutional sectors;

Humectants;

Printing roll and printing plate cleaning agents in the printing industry;

Formulations for spray applications, for example in ink jet inks;

Metal treatment agents, such as anti-corrosion formulations;

- Cutting, grinding or drilling aids and lubricants;

Formulations in the textile industry, such as leveling agents or formulations for cleaning yarn;

Flotation aids and foaming aids. Such formulations usually contain other ingredients such as surfactants, builders, fragrances and dyes, chelating agents, polymers and other ingredients. In general, the compounds of general formula (I) according to the invention can be used in all areas in which a thickening surfactant effect is necessary. Furthermore, the compounds of the general formula (I) are suitable, the solubility of other components, for. B. other surface-active components, such as anionic surfactants to improve. They thus also contribute positively to the formation of clear surfactant-containing solutions.

EXAMPLES

The process is further illustrated by the following examples. Surface tension is measured as described in DIN EN 14370. Example 1 :

84.5 g of sodium lactate, 0.5 g of KOtBu and 200 ml of xylene are at 80 ° C in a

Autoclaves submitted. The autoclave is rendered inert with nitrogen. The vacuum is then released with nitrogen and the temperature is raised to 90 ° C. At this temperature 166 g of ethylene oxide are added within 4 h. It will

then stirred for a further 10 h at this temperature. In vacuo, all volatiles are removed. There are obtained 229.0 g of a brown viscous substance.

Saponification number: 0 mg KOH / g IR: 1599 cm- ¹ Example 2: 76.1 g of sodium lactate, 0.6 g of KOtBu and 250 ml of xylene are at 80 ° C in a

Autoclaves submitted. The autoclave is rendered inert with nitrogen. Subsequently, the vacuum is released with nitrogen and the temperature increased to 120 ° C. At this temperature, 74.7 g of ethylene oxide are added within 1 h. It is then stirred for a further 6 h at this temperature. Thereafter, 124.9 g of dodecene epoxide are added within 2 h. It is then stirred for a further 12 h at this temperature. All volatiles are removed in vacuo. After removal of the solvent, 270.0 g of a brown viscous substance are obtained.

Saponification number: 0.7 mg KOH / g

IR: 1599 cm ^-1

Surface tension: 27.4 mN / m (1 g / l, 25 ° C) Example 3

Add 0.1 g of KOtBu to 87.4 g of the product of Example 1. Under nitrogen flow and at a temperature of 50 ° C, 48.4 g of dodecene are added dropwise within 10 min. Subsequently, the temperature is raised to 90 ° C and stirred for a further 6 h at this temperature. There are obtained 134.0 g of a brown solid.

Surface tension: 30.5 mN / m (1 g / l, 25 ° C)

Example 4:

There are added dropwise 15.6 g of hexadecene epoxide to 22.1 g of the product of Example 1 under nitrogen flow and at a temperature of 90 ° C within 10 min. It is then stirred for a further 14 h at this temperature. There are obtained 134.0 g of a brown solid.

IR: 1600 cm ^-1

Example 5: 129.0 g of sodium salt of 12-hydroxystearic acid, 0.4 g of KOtBu and 800 ml of xylene are introduced at 80 ° C in an autoclave. The autoclave is rendered inert with nitrogen. Subsequently, the vacuum is released with nitrogen and the

Temperature increased to 120 ° C. At this temperature, 86.9 g of ethylene oxide are added within 1.5 h. It will then be another 10 h at this

Temperature stirred. In vacuo, all volatiles are removed. There are obtained 201.0 g of a beige solid.

Saponification number: 0 mg KOH / g

IR: 1561 cm ^-1

Example 6:

373.5 g of sodium ricinoleate, 1.2 g of KOtBu and 1000 ml of xylene are initially introduced at 80 ° C. in an autoclave. The autoclave is rendered inert with nitrogen. Subsequently, the vacuum is released with nitrogen and the temperature increased to 120 ° C. At this temperature 220.0 g of ethylene oxide are added within 5 h. It is then stirred for a further 10 h at this temperature. In vacuo, all volatiles are removed. There are obtained 580.0 g of a beige solid. Saponification number: 2.6 mg KOH / g

IR: 1557 cm ^-1

Comparative Example:

90.7 g of lactic acid (99.3% pure) and 0.54 g of KOH (50% in H ₂ 0) are placed at 80 ° C in an autoclave. The autoclave is rendered inert with nitrogen. The mixture is then stirred for 2 h at 80 ° C under vacuum (<10 mbar). The vacuum is quenched with nitrogen and the temperature raised to 90 ° C. At this temperature 44.0 g of ethylene oxide are added within 10 min and stirred for a further 5 h at this temperature. Afterwards, all volatiles are removed in vacuo. There are obtained 134 g of a bright clear liquid.

Acid value: 6.4 mg KOH / g

Saponification number: 433.9 mg KOH / g

IR: 1734 cm ^"1

Claims

claims:

1 . Compound of formula I

R-C (= O) -O-A (I)

wherein

R is an organic radical bearing at least one substituent -O- [R ² -O] _k -H; wherein R ^{2 is} -CR ^a R ^b -CR ^c R ^d - wherein each R ^a , R ^b , R ^c and R ^{d are} independently selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted C 1 -C 30 -alkyl, unsubstituted C 1 -C 12 cycloalkyl and Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl carrying 1, 2 or 3 substituents which are independently selected from ^C 1 -C 6 -alkyl and ^C 2 -C 6 -alkenyl, where two radicals R ^a and R ^{c are} also taken together with the group -CR ^b -CR ^d - to which they are attached may stand for Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted, or carries 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl and C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl ; and k is a number from 1 to 100; and

A is hydrogen or a cation equivalent, except for 2- [2- (2-hydroxyethoxy) ethoxy] propanoic acid.

A compound according to claim 1 wherein R ^{2 is} -CHR ^a -CHR ^c - wherein each R ^{a is} independently selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted C 1 -C 20 -alkyl, unsubstituted C 1 -C 12 cycloalkyl, C 1 -C 12 cycloalkyl 1, 2 or 3 C1-C6-

Alkyl substituents and each R ^c is independently selected from hydrogen and methyl.

3. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A is for

Hydrogen, an alkali metal cation or an equivalent of a

Erdalkalimetallkations stands.

4. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein k is a number from 1 to 50, in particular 1 to 20, especially 1 to 10. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, of formula Γ

R ^{1 is} selected from hydrogen, a linear or branched one

saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated

cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 3-10 carbon atoms and aryl,

R ^{3 is} selected from hydrogen and methyl,

Each X is a bond or a divalent linear or branched saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or a divalent saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; n is a number from 1 to 10; and

A, R ² and k are each independently defined as in any one of the preceding claims.

A compound (Γ) according to claim 5, wherein R ^{1 is} selected from hydrogen, C ¹ -C 25 alkyl, C 2 -C 25 alkenyl, and phenyl; and in particular hydrogen and Ci-Cio-alkyl.

7. compound (Γ) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein R ^{1 is} methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isoamyl, n- Hexyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, 2-propylheptyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-heptadecyl, n-octadecyl, n-nonadecyl, arachinyl, behenyl, lignocerinyl, melissinyl, isotridecyl, isostearyl, oleyl, linoleyl, linolenyl.

8. A compound (Γ) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein X is selected from a bond, Ci-C2o-alkylene, and C2-C2o-alkenylene. 9. A compound (Γ) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein R ^{3 is} hydrogen.

A compound (Γ) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein n is 1 or 2; especially for 1. 1 1. Process for the preparation of compounds of the general formula I as defined in any one of the preceding claims, in which a) at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid salt of the general formula (III)

R'-C (= O) -O-A '(III)

wherein

(IV)

wherein each R ^a , R ^b , R ^c and R ^{d are} independently selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted C 1 -C 30 -alkyl, unsubstituted C 5 -C 7 -cycloalkyl and C 1 -C -cycloalkyl bearing 1, 2 or 3 substituents , which are independently selected from ^C 1 -C 6 -alkyl and ^C 2 -C 6 -alkenyl, where two radicals R ^a and R ^{c are} also taken together with the group

-CR ^b -CR ^d - to which they are attached may be Cs-Cz-cycloalkyl, which is unsubstituted or bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from C 1 -C 6 -alkyl and C 2 -C 6 -alkenyl; and b) optionally the reaction product from step a) with an acid

treated.

12. The method of claim 1 1 for the preparation of compounds of general formula (Γ), wherein as the hydroxycarboxylic acid salt of the formula III 'is used

R ¹ 'has one of the meanings given in claims 5-7 for R ¹ ;

R ³ 'has one of the meanings given in claims 5 or 9 for R ³ ;

X 'has one of the meanings given in claim 5 or 8 for X; n has one of the meaning given in claims 5 or 10; and

A 'stands for a cation equivalent.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hydroxycarboxylic acid salt is selected from salts of lactic acid, glycolic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, ricinoleic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, mandelic acid and mixtures thereof, and especially among salts of lactic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid and ricinoleic acid , 14. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the alkylene oxide

is selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, 1, 2-butylene oxide, 2,3-butylene oxide, Cio-C3o-alkylene oxides and mixtures thereof.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein for the reaction in step a) at least two different alkylene oxides are used, wherein preferably one is selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, 1, 2-butylene oxide, 2,3-butylene oxide and preferably a second is selected from Cio-C2o-alkylene oxides.

16. Compounds of formula (I) obtainable by a process as defined in any one of claims 1 1 to 15.

17. Use of the compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10 or obtainable by a process as in any one of claims 1 to

15 defined as a surface-active substance or as a component of

Formulation of cosmetic products,

- pharmaceutical agents,

Detergents and cleaners,

Pesticides,

Wetting agents,

Thickeners,

- paints, coatings, adhesives, leather treatment or

Textile treatment agents, and / or

Chemicals for tertiary mineral oil production.