Abstract: A process for preparing a pumpable surface active product based on polyether acetic acid is described, wherein 1-10% water and an acid is added to a crude reaction mixture obtained by reacting in an alkaline medium an adduct of the formula RO--(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.x H with a compound Hal--CH.sub.2 COOM, wherein R is a hydrophobic, aliphatic or aliphatic-aromatic residue, x is a number having an average value of 0.5-10, Hal is a halogen atom and M represents an alkali metal, the amount of acid added being such that a 10-percent aqueous solution of the product shows a pH of 4-7. Preferably about 7% of water is added and also it is preferred to add so much acid that a pH of about 5-6 is obtained.

Abstract: A detergent composition is provided containing as essential ingredients one or more surfactants, one or more builders, perborate, and a member of the group chosen from (a) acidic substances acceptable in detergent compositions and having a pK value of at least 2, and (b) compounds which in aqueous solutions of said compositions form said substance in situ, a 0.5% aqueous solution of said composition having an initial pH of 5.0-8.5, measured at room temperature.The composition may contain further usual additives, and is preferably substantially phosphate-free. Surfactants of the polyether-carboxylic acid type may be used herein advantageously.

Abstract: Stable concentrated aqueous solutions of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride are provided which contain the monohydrate of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride in a concentration of 90% to saturation, said solutions after dilution with water to a content of 25% glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride showing a pH of less than 12.5. Furthermore a process is provided for preparing stable concentrated solutions of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride, wherein anhydrous glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride is mixed with an excess of water over the amount necessary for forming the desired solution, whereafter the excess of water is evaporated under reduced pressure. Also the invention provides the monohydrate of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride as a novel substance.

Abstract: A process is provided for the flotation of ores, wherein esters of orthophthalic acid or maleic acid with C.sub.8 -C.sub.14 alcohols or oleyl alcohol are used as collectors, together with the usual fatty acid type collectors, thus permitting important savings in the use of this latter component. Particular advantages are so obtained in the flotation of phosphate ore and of magnesium-containing minerals.

Abstract: Detergent compositions containing ether sulfates are provided, wherein ether sulfates are used of the formula RO--(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n SO.sub.3 M, wherein R is an alkyl group containing about 12 to about 15 carbon atoms or a mixture of such groups, n is a number having an average of 1-5 and M is a cation, said ether sulfate having been prepared by ethoxylating a compound ROH with epoxyethane in a manner known per se with the use of acid catalysis, followed by sulfation. Particular advantages are obtained, if the starting product ROH is an alcohol mixture containing a high percentage of branched chain compounds.

Abstract: A process is provided for the flotation of ores, wherein compounds of the formula RO-(C.sub.x H.sub.2x O).sub.n CH.sub.2 COOM, wherein R is an aliphatic residue of 8-18 carbon atoms or an alkylaryl residue having 6-12 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, n has an average value of 0-10 and x has a value of 2 or 3, and M is a monovalent cation, are used as collectors, together with the usual fatty acid type collectors, these collector mixtures possessing synergistic properties. Also collector mixtures for use in such a process are provided.

Abstract: Flotation processes are provided, wherein a vinyl sulfonic acid polymer or an allyl sulfonic acid polymer is added to the pulp in a minor amount as a depressant for constituents which preferably should be floated to a minimum degree. Thus the polymers are effective barite-depressants in the flotation of fluoride minerals and rare earth carbonates. Also the polymers are useful as monazite depressants.