Abstract: A process for making nonionic emulsifiers involving the steps of: (a) performing an acid-catalyzed acetalization reaction on a mixture of (i) sugars or water-containing starch degradation products and (ii) primary alcohols in a molar ratio of (i):(ii) of from 1:2 to 1:8; (b) terminating the reaction at a conversion ranging from 60% to 90% of the theoretical to form a reaction product; (c) neutralizing the reaction product to form a neutralized reaction product; and (d) purifying the neutralized reaction product by back-mixing the product through at least one coarse filter until the product becomes clear.

Abstract: Light-colored alkyl oligoglycoside pastes can be obtained by a process in whicha) glycose is reacted with fatty alcohols in the presence of acidic catalysts at elevated temperature to a residual content of glycose of less than 0.1% by weight, based on the starting quantity of glycose,b) water of reaction released is continuously removed from the equilibrium,c) the reaction products are neutralized with a base, the molar ratio of hydrogen ions in the reaction mixture to added base being from 1:1 to 1:1.5,d) unreacted fatty alcohols is separated by distillation,e) the residue is subsequently processed by addition of water to a paste having a solids content of 30 to 70% by weight, based on the paste, the paste is alkalized and, optionally, bleached by methods known per se.