Abstract: Novel surfactant compounds are provided of the formula R--CO--NH--(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n --CH.sub.2 COOH, wherein R--CO-- is the residue of at least one aliphatic carboxylic acid of 6-22 carbon atoms and n represents a number having an average of 2-10, as well as their salts with alkali metals, ammonium and amines. These compounds possess not only a low primary toxicity, but also a low secondary toxicity for the skin, and accordingly they are especially useful in cosmetic compositions, compositions for non-automatic dishwashing and laundering compositions for the fine laundry.

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: 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.