Abstract: A cleaning composition comprises a first surfactant and a second surfactant. The first surfactant is of the general formula R1—O-(A)mH, wherein R1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, A is an alkyleneoxy group, and subscript m is a positive number. The second surfactant is of the general formula R2—O—(B)nH, wherein R2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 12 to 15 carbon atoms, B is an alkyleneoxy group, and subscript n is a positive number. The cleaning composition has an average degree of alkoxylation of from about 3 to about 8 moles and an excess of the first surfactant relative to said second surfactant. The cleaning composition can further comprise a third surfactant in addition to the first and second surfactants. If employed, the third surfactant typically can comprise a linear alkyl sulfonate (LAS) and/or an alkyl ether sulfate (AES).

Abstract: Neutralizing a surfactant which is comprised of an alkaline-catalyzed reaction product between a monomeric or polymeric alcohol having at least one active hydrogen group and an alkylene oxide with a fatty acid allows the cloud point of the surfactant to be adjusted.

Abstract: A cleaning composition comprises a first surfactant and a second surfactant. The first surfactant is of the general formula R1-O-(A)mH, wherein R1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, A is an alkyleneoxy group, and subscript m is a positive number. The second surfactant is of the general formula R2 -O-(B)nH, wherein R2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 12 to 15 carbon atoms, B is an alkyleneoxy group, and subscript n is a positive number. The cleaning composition has an average degree of alkoxylation of from about 3 to about 8 moles and an excess of the first surfactant relative to said second surfactant. The cleaning composition can further comprise a third surfactant in addition to the first and second surfactants. If employed, the third surfactant typically can comprise a linear alkyl sulfonate (LAS) and/or an alkyl ether sulfate (AES).

Abstract: Neutralizing a surfactant which is comprised of an alkaline-catalyzed reaction product between a monomeric or polymeric alcohol having at least one active hydrogen group and an alkylene oxide with a fatty acid allows the cloud point of the surfactant to be adjusted.

Abstract: Most generally, the invention provides a method for making a neutralized polyether polyol, comprising the steps of a) Polymerizing one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of an alkaline catalyst to form a polyalkylene oxide intermediate; and b) Neutralizing the intermediate, after the polymerization step a) is complete, with an organic acid of general formula where R1 is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R2 is methyl or ethyl; and R3 is an alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl group containing one to twelve carbon atoms. The invention also comprises the novel compositions made by the above process.