Abstract: Particular compositions of vinylidene alcohols are provided which are distinguishably characterized by their structure, their biodegradable nature, and by their very low pour point characteristics. These compositions can be used to provide useful surfactants and detergents and to form distinctive ethoxylate derivatives having unusual attributes, such as biodegradability, very high rates of water solubility, nongelling tendencies, and superior wetting ability; and certain of these ethoxylate compositions are synergistic in wetting ability and, unlike related ethoxylates of conventional alcohols, the ethoxylates of certain compositions possess cloud point temperatures within an especially desired range.