Abstract: Surfactant compounds are of the general formula (I): R1(R2)X1CH2CH(OH)CH2(OA)nOR3??(I) where R1 is hydrocarbyl; R2 is hydrocarbyl; R2 is H or hydrocarbyl; X1 is a nitrogen containing group as defined, and R3 is hydrocarbyl, and X1 n and AO have defined meanings, provided that at least one group R1, R2 or R3 is or contains a C6 to C30 hydrocarbyl group. The compounds of the formula (I) can function as surfactants in agrochemical formulations, particularly as emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersants, thickeners or solubilisers and, especially as adjuvants; or as and, especially for amino oxide or quaternary compounds, in personal care formulations or as fabric softeners. The compounds can be used as adjuvants particularly where the agrochemical is a plant growth regulator, herbicide, and/or pesticide, for example insecticides, fungicides, acaricides, nematocides, miticides, rodenticides, bactericides, molluscicides and/or a bird repellent.