Abstract: A compound of the formula R1. [(AO)n.—R2]m (I) where: R1 is the residue of a group having at least m active hydrogen atoms; AO is an alkylene oxide residue; each n is independently from 1 to 100; m is at least 2; and each R2 is independently H, a C1 to C2, hydrocarbyl, or an acyl group —OC.R3, where R3 is a C1 to C21 hydrocarbyl group, wherein on average greater than one of the R2 groups is or comprises a C4 to C21 hydrocarbyl group comprising at least two ethylenic double bonds. The compounds are particularly suitable for use in preparing aqueous emulsions or dispersions of resins and polymers, especially alkyd resins.

Abstract: Polyethylene glycol esters and amides of polymerised fatty acids are useful dispersing agents for solids, particularly particulate solids e.g. agrochemicals, oil drilling mud components, pigments, personal care formulants, ceramics, magnetic materials, extenders, fillers, optical brighteners, textile auxiliaries, or soil removed from clothes during cleaning, in aqueous media. Particular such agents are of the formula (I): [Pol]-(COX)m (I), where: Pol is the core residue of a polymerised fatty acid; m is 2 or 3; and each X is: OM; where M is H, a cationic salt forming species or a group —(AO)nR7; or a group —NR8—(AO)nR9; where AO is an alkylene oxide residue; n is from 1 to 100; and R7, R8 and R9 are as defined, from H, an anionic group, alkyl or alkenyl; provided that at least one X is a group of the formula —(AO)nR7 or —NR8—(AO)nR9.

Abstract: Cleaning media based on liquid CO2 and including from 0.01 to 5% by weight of the formulation of a cleaning additive which is at least one C6 to C24 hydrocarbyl ester of a multi-carboxylic acid can be used in dry cleaning of textiles. Desirable cleaning additives are of the formula (I): R1(CO2R2)n where R1 is the residue of a C1 to C10 hydrocarbyl group from which n hydrogen atoms have been removed, R2 is a C6 to C24 hydrocarbyl, particularly alkyl or alkenyl, group; and n is from 2 to 5; particularly C12 to C18 adipate esters.

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.

Abstract: An anionic surfactant of the formula (I): R2—Y—(O)C—(HR)C—C(HR1)—C(O)—(OA)n—X wherein one of R and R1 is a C6 to C22 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and the other is hydrogen; Y is O, or NH, or —NH—CH2—C(?CH2)—, or —N(CH2—CR3(?CH2))—CH2—C(?CH2)— where R3 is hydrogen or methyl; when Y is O, R2 is hydrogen, or a salt, or a C1 to C6 linear or branched alkyl, or an optionally substituted C3 to C10 linear or branched alkenyl; when Y is NH, or —NH—CH2—(?CH2)—, or —N(CH2—CR3(?CH2))—CH2—C(?CH2)— where R3 is hydrogen or methyl, R2 is hydrogen or methyl; OA is an oxyalkylene group; n is 2 to 100; and X is a group comprising at least one acidic H atom, or a salt thereof, and the use thereof in free radical initiated addition polymerisation, particularly emulsion polymerisation.