Abstract: A method for determining a concentration of a scale inhibitor in a water system that includes contacting a scale inhibitor with a dye in a capillary channel to form a complex effective to generate fluorescence; measuring a fluorescence signal generated by the complex; and, determining the concentration of the scale inhibitor based on the fluorescence signal.

Abstract: A method for determining a concentration of a scale inhibitor in a water system comprises: contacting a scale inhibitor with a dye in a capillary channel to form a complex effective to generate fluorescence; measuring a fluorescence signal generated by the complex; and determining the concentration of the scale inhibitor based on the fluorescence signal.

Abstract: Novel alkylene oxide-extended alkoxylates of a branched 1,3-dialkyl-oxy-2-propanol may be prepared by a convenient process comprising adding epichlorohydrin to a stoichiometric excess of a branched alcohol, wherein the molar ratio of branched alcohol:epichlorohydrin is at least about 3:1, preferably in the presence of a Group 1 A metal hydroxide and a phase transfer catalyst, followed by alkoxylation in the presence of an ionic catalyst. The branched alkyl chain may be saturated or unsaturated and may contain one or more heteroatoms. The repeating alkoxy units from the alkylene oxide are in the 2-position. The compositions are useful as surfactants, diluents, and the like, and may be less expensive than other branched surfactants.

Abstract: Polyalkylene glycol compositions having reduced low molecular weight oligomers are disclosed. Some compositions, particularly polyethylene glycol compositions, have a number average molecular weight range from about 3000 to about 10,000 g/mol and have a total oligomer concentration of less than about 400 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 812 g/mol and a total oligomer concentration of less than about 50 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 240 g/mol. Other polyalkylene compositions, particularly polyethylene glycol compositions, are characterized by a total oligomer concentration of less than about 90 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight less than or equal to 460 g/mol and are obtained without further processing to remove oligomers having a molecular weight of less than about 460 g/mol. Methods for making such compositions are also disclosed.