Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing cold-hardening foams containing urethane groups using as an emulsifier, sulphonamide compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl, chloroalkyl, cycloalkyl radical having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, or an alkaryl radical having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, a chloromethyl, methyl, ethyl or phenyl radical,m is an integer of from 0 to 50,R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl, aralkyl, alkaryl, aryl radical or a --(CHR.sup.1 -CHR.sup.2 -O-).sub.m R.sup.4 - group andR.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl, aralkyl, acyl, carbamoyl or cyanalkyl radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.The use of these additions results in an increase in compression hardness without detrimental effects on other foam properties.

Abstract: Covers compounds of the formula: ##STR1## where R is lower alkyl and R.sub.1 is hydrogen, alkyl or aryl and ##STR2## where R is lower alkyl and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or alkyl. Also covers a method of producing a polyurethane by utilizing said above compounds as catalysts in reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an organic polyester polyol or polyether polyol in the presence of said catalyst.