Abstract: Novel sulfate salts of C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 linear alkyl glyceryl ether alcohols, useful as biodegradable surfactants in detergent compositions, are prepared by reacting a stoichiometric excess of C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 linear alkyl alcohol with glycidol predissolved in hexyl acetate, to selectively produce C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 linear alkyl glyceryl ether alcohols containing 1-3 glyceryl units, sulfating said ether alcohols, and neutralizing the sulfates with base.

Abstract: Cresylic acid (phenol or alkylated phenols) is used to promote barium oxide or hydroxide which is used as an ethoxylation catalyst for the reaction of ethylene oxide and alkanols of all classes. The reaction is carried out at temperatures of from about 150.degree. to about 200.degree. C. to yield the ethoxylated product. The product obtained has a very narrow high adduct distribution with low levels of by-products and unreacted free alcohols. Calcium and magnesium oxides show negligible catalytic effect.

Abstract: Biodegradable, alkali stable, non-ionic surfactants are disclosed which feature the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a linear, alkyl hydrocarbon radical having an average of from 16 to 18 carbon atoms; R' is methyl or ethyl; a has an average value of 9 to 15 and b has an average value of 3 to 5; the ratio of a:b being from 2.7:1 to 3.5:1.

Abstract: A surfactant which is the condensation product of a fatty alcohol containing from 17 to 19 carbon atoms with from about 6 to about 15 moles of ethylene oxide, the distribution of the ethylene oxide condensation products being such as to give more than about 50% by weight within .+-.2 ethylene oxide moieties of the average, preferably, no single condensation product (a single specific number of ethylene oxide moieties) constituting more than 50% by weight of the product; automatic dishwasher compositions containing said surfactant.

Abstract: Mono- and poly-ethylene glycol dialkyl ethers IR.sup.1 --O--(--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--).sub.n --R.sup.2where R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, R.sup.2 is C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 -alkyl and n is from 1 to 100, are prepared by reacting monoalkyl ethers IIR.sup.1 --O--(--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--).sub.n --Hwith a C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 -olefin III in the presence of an acid ion exchanger at from 1 to 200 bar and from 40.degree. to 150.degree. C., the reaction being started at from 100.degree. to 150.degree. C. and the temperature then being lowered, in at least two approximately equal steps, to from 40.degree. to 80.degree. C., the temperature being dropped in each case to the next-lower level when the conversion per unit time no longer changes significantly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the removal of troublesome secondary products, particularly small quantities of water, solvents, low molecular weight glycols, and pungent-smelling substances, from polyethers by means of a tubular coil evaporator.