Abstract: A compound of the formula R1. [(AO)n.—R2]m (I) where: R1 is the residue of a group having at least m active hydrogen atoms; AO is an alkylene oxide residue; each n is independently from 1 to 100; m is at least 2; and each R2 is independently H, a C1 to C2, hydrocarbyl, or an acyl group —OC.R3, where R3 is a C1 to C21 hydrocarbyl group, wherein on average greater than one of the R2 groups is or comprises a C4 to C21 hydrocarbyl group comprising at least two ethylenic double bonds. The compounds are particularly suitable for use in preparing aqueous emulsions or dispersions of resins and polymers, especially alkyd resins.

Abstract: A soap composition containing in the range from 60 to 99% by weight of the composition of a mixture of (i) 20 to 80% by weight of alkali metal soap of straight chain C8-C24 fatty acids, and (ii) 20 to 80% by weight of alkali metal soap of branched C8-C24 fatty acids, both based on the total weight of alkali metal soaps in the composition. The soap composition exhibits colour and odour stability without the requirement to include any additional stabilizers, preservatives or chelating agents normally present in soap.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising an ester of a polyol and a mixture of fatty acids, wherein at least a part (I) of the esterified fatty acids has a chain length of 5-12 carbon atoms and another part (II) of the esterified fatty acids has a chain length of 16-22 carbon atoms, and wherein the composition has a viscosity of 7000 mm 2 /s or less, when tested according to ASTM (D2531). Such compositions have unexpected good low temperature properties, in particular a good rheology after having been kept for a prolonged time at a low temperature (e.g. at −30° C.). These compositions are suitable for use as (part of) hydraulic fluid in applications at low temperatures.

Abstract: An ester resulting from an esterification reaction between at least one polyfunctional alcohol and at least one polyfunctional carboxylic acid using a chain stopping agent to form ester bonds with the remaining hydroxyl or carboxyl groups is disclosed. The polyfunctional carboxylic acid comprises an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid containing from 9 to 18 carbon atoms, dimerised and/or trimerised fatty acids or mixtures thereof, with the proviso that dimerised and trimerised fatty acids do not constitute more than 80% by weight of the total amount of polyfunctional carboxylic acid used. The chain stopping agent may be a monocarboxylic acid or a monofuntional alcohol having at least 14 carbon atoms. The complex esters have a kinematic viscosity at 100 C of from 30 to 1000 cSt, preferably from 30 to 200 cSt.

Abstract: The preparation of a mixture comprising branched fatty acids and oligomerised fatty acids comprises contacting a source of unsaturated fatty acids or their derivatives with an ionic liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the branching of fatty acids or derivatives thereof. More in particular, the invention provides a method for branching saturated fatty acids. This is achieved by contacting a source comprising fatty acids or derivatives thereof, with an ionic liquid. The invention also relates to the mixture of branched fatty acids so obtained.

Abstract: The preparation of a mixture comprising branched fatty acids and oligomerised fatty acids comprises contacting a source of unsaturated fatty acids or their derivatives with an ionic liquid.