GB777978A - Trihydroxy polyoxyalkylene ethers of glycerine - Google Patents

Abstract

Polyoxyalkylene ethers of glycerol have three polyoxy-1,2-propylene chains attached to the glycerol nucleus and three hydroxypolyoxyethylene chains attached to each of the polyoxypropylene chains. The oxy-1,2-propylene groups are 48-66 mol. per cent of the total oxyalkylene groups and the average number of oxy-1,2-propylene groups is at least 63 per glycerol nucleus and of oxyethylene groups at least 33. Preparation is effected in two steps, batch-wise or continuously, under relatively moisture-free conditions with an alkali metal hydroxide or alcoholate catalyst, and preferably in an inert atmosphere, e.g. of nitrogen. Heat may be removed to maintain the temperature at 120-140 DEG C. Reaction is terminated by neutralization of catalyst, e.g. with acetic acid. The products may be washed with water and distilled at low pressure to remove volatile material. They are non-ionic surface active agents, useful as emulsifying agents especially for parasiticides. Examples describe detailed preparations of some of the products, give their physical properties and compare their emulsifying properties with those of known emulsifying agents. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 731,603.ALSO:Ethers with a polyoxy-1, 2, -propylene chain attached to each hydroxyl group of glycerol and a hydroxyl terminated polyoxyethylene chain attached to the outer end of each oxypropylene chain and the oxypropylene groups being 48-66 mol per cent of the total oxyalkylene groups (see Group IV(a) are good emulsifying agents particularly for parasiticides and insecticides. They form stable oil-in-water emulsions with little mixing, are also useful for dispersing pigments, as blending, thickening, and wetting agents and as ingredients of cosmetic preparations and detergents. Example 3 illustrates their power of emulsifying petroleum oils in water and compares them in this respect with known emulsifiers. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 731,603 [Group IV(a)]