Abstract: To provide plate-like alumina particles that are less likely to wear apparatuses. Plate-like alumina particles containing germanium or a germanium compound. The plate-like alumina particles preferably have a molar ratio of Ge to Al, [Ge]/[Al], of 0.08 or more as determined in an XPS analysis. The plate-like alumina particles preferably contain the germanium or germanium compound in a surface layer. The plate-like alumina particles preferably have a density of 3.7 g/cm3 or more and 4.1 g/cm3 or less. The plate-like alumina particles preferably have a molar ratio of Ge to Al, [Ge]/[Al], of 0.08 or less as determined in an XRF analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a double end capped glycol ether, the method comprising: introducing into a reactor a raw material comprising a glycol monoether and a monohydric alcohol ether, and enabling the raw material to contact and react with an acidic molecular sieve catalyst to generate a double end capped glycol ether, a reaction temperature being 50-300° C., a reaction pressure being 0.1-15 MPa, a WHSV of the glycol monoether in the raw material being 0.01-15.0 h?1 , and a mole ratio of the monohydric alcohol ether to the glycol monoether in the raw material being 1-100:1. The method of the present invention enables a long single-pass lifespan of the catalyst and repeated regeneration, has a high yield and selectivity of a target product, low energy consumption during separation of the product, a high economic value of a by-product, and is flexible in production scale and application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing at least one ether compound, comprising reacting at least one alcohol (I) with at least one polyol (II) in the presence of a functional polymer [polymer (F)] as a catalyst (X), wherein: the alcohol (I) is represented by the general formula (1): R1-OH (1) wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 36 carbon atoms, the polyol (II) is represented by the general formula (2): R2-(OH) m (2) wherein R2 represents the skeleton moiety of the polyol and m is an integer of from 2 to 20, and polymer (F) is a polymer comprising recurring units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer [monomer (M)] and bearing at least one cation exchange group. Further disclosed is a surfactant composition obtained by said process, and featuring an excellent detergency performance.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an ether compound is disclose, wherein the ether compound is prepared via a reaction from at least an alcohol (I) and an alcohol (II), optionally using a catalyst X, wherein alcohol (I) and alcohol (II) are forming a biphasic liquid system when mixed together; comprising at least the following steps: a) Producing an alcohol (I)/alcohol (II) emulsion by using as stabilizing species amphiphilic solid particles of nanometric dimension; optionally comprising a catalyst X; b) Proceeding to the reaction of the ether compound by setting temperature, and c) Isolating the ether compound.

Abstract: A novel composition made of polyalkoxylated derivatives of trimethylolpropane and fatty alcohols, the preparation thereof and the use thereof as a reversing agent for a reversible reverse latex.

Abstract: A method for producing a medium-molecular weight polyalkylene oxide having a viscosity-average molecular weight of from 100,000 to 2,500,000, including heat-treating a polyalkylene oxide having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 3,000,000 or more at a temperature of from 30° to 70° C. in an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.5 mg/L or more, in the presence of a radical initiator in an amount of from 0.001 to 1 part by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the polyalkylene oxide, and thereafter adding an antioxidant to a mixture in an amount of from 0.001 to 5 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the polyalkylene oxide to remove the solvent. According to the method of the present invention, a medium-molecular weight polyalkylene oxide having a viscosity-average molecular weight of from 100,000 to 2,500,000 which has excellent storage stability can be industrially obtained without subjecting to a gamma-ray irradiation treatment.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing refined glycerin alkyl ether at a high recovery rate by removing glycerin from a mixture containing glycerin and glycerin alkyl ether. A method for producing refined glycerin alkyl ether comprising the following steps (1) and (2): step (1): bringing a mixture containing glycerin and glycerin alkyl ether into contact with a cation exchange resin; step (2): bringing the cation exchange resin into contact with a solvent having an SP value of from 20.5 to 34 (MPa)1/2 to obtain an eluate.

Abstract: A process for glycerol etherification, including a recycle of glycerol and/or mono-ether, to produce glycerol alkyl ethers with low amount of mono-ether by reacting glycerol and olefinic hydrocarbon, and/or the corresponding aldehydes, ketones and alcohols, having 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the presence of homogeneous acid catalyst with hindered formation of olefin oligomers comprising of two essential steps: reaction step (1) neutralization and salt removal step (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of converting glycerol into organic reaction products. The method may include mixing glycerol with a monohydric alcohol. The mixture of glycerol and monohydric alcohol is then reacted in the presence of a heterogeneous nano-structured catalyst, wherein the monohydric alcohol is present at subcritical/supercritical temperatures and pressures. This converts the glycerol into one or more reaction products, wherein the reaction products include an oxygenated organic reaction product. Ninety percent or greater of the glycerol is converted.

Abstract: A process of contacting an alkylene oxide with 2-methoxy-1-propanol (PM1) in the presence of an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex catalyst is disclosed. Further, a process involving contacting an alkylene oxide with an alkyl alcohol using an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex as a catalyst is also disclosed. Additionally, novel compositions which can be used as catalysts in processes involving the contacting of an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a business method and system for generating sugars and recycling a non-biomass component from a waste stream. In some embodiments, a waste stream comprising cellulose and a non-biomass component is saccharified to produce glucose, followed by recovery of the glucose and non-biomass component, which may be recycled to another site associated with production of a cellulose-containing product that contains the non-biomass component. In certain scenarios, the waste stream is generated at a first location, cellulose pretreatment (if desired) and hydrolysis are conducted at a second location, and the non-biomass component is recycled to the first location or a third location. The non-biomass component may include metals, metal oxides, salts, organic compounds, inorganic compounds, oligomers, or polymers, for example.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing epoxidation catalysts. The present methods are able to produce catalysts having the desired loading levels of catalytic species at a lower vacuum level (having a higher minimum residual pressure) than previously appreciated by the art, thereby providing equipment cost and time savings.

Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying ethylene oxide, including introducing a feed stream including ethylene oxide to a heat exchanger to heat the feed stream, feeding the heated feed stream to a distillation apparatus base below a first stage, removing from the distillation apparatus an impurity fraction as a top exit stream from the distillation apparatus located at a top take-off on the distillation apparatus, removing from the distillation apparatus an ethylene oxide stream of 99.7 weight percent purity, based on the total weight of the ethylene oxide stream, from the distillation apparatus, and removing from the distillation apparatus an aldehyde enriched fraction as a bottom stream from the distillation apparatus, where the aldehyde enriched fraction is fed directly to a glycol reactor.

Abstract: A process for preparing olefin-CO copolymers with the steps of: providing a reactor; charging the reactor with a gaseous olefin and with CO, such that there is a first pressure p1 in the reactor; and reacting olefin with CO in the presence of a catalyst in the reactor. Prior to the reaction, either no CO is present in the reactor or the volume ratio of gaseous olefin to CO is ?90:10. During the reaction, gaseous olefin and CO are metered in at least intermittently, with an average over time of the volume ratio of the olefin metered into CO metered in of ?90:10.

Abstract: A polyether preparation method which comprises a polymerization step of subjecting a monoepoxide having at least 2 carbon atoms to ring-opening addition polymerization to an initiator having at least one active hydrogen-containing functional group in the presence of a catalyst in a stirring vessel, to obtain a polyether, wherein the stirring vessel is one wherein a stirring shaft rotatable by an external drive source is provided at the center of the stirring vessel; plate-shaped bottom paddles extending in a radial direction of the stirring vessel are mounted on a lower portion of the stirring shaft; lattice vanes each comprising arm paddles extending in a radial direction and strips extending in an axial direction, are mounted on a portion of the stirring shaft above the bottom paddles; and a discharge nozzle as a monoepoxide-supply means for discharging the monoepoxide to at least two locations below the lower ends of the strips.

Abstract: A method is provided of regenerating solvents used to remove gaseous contaminants from gaseous mixtures of various compositions with significantly reduced energy required, where one exemplary method includes directing a solution with the solvents and the preferentially absorbed and/or dissolved gaseous contaminants through a filter comprising a membrane having pre-determined diffusion rates so that a substantial portion of the gaseous contaminants pass through the filter, permitting the passage of the gaseous contaminants through the membrane for further processing, and recirculating the separated solvent so that it may be used again to remove new gaseous contaminants. In some cases, it may be desired to permit some of the solvent to pass through the membrane along with the gaseous contaminant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the overall selectivity of an EO process for converting ethylene to ethylene oxide utilizing a highly selective EO silver catalyst containing a rhenium promoter wherein following normal operation a chloride strip of the chloride on the surface of the catalyst is conducted in order to remove a portion of the chlorides on the surface of the catalyst. The chloride strip involves the addition of certain saturated hydrocarbons to the feed. Following the chloride strip, the catalyst is optionally re-optimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the overall selectivity of an EO process for converting ethylene to ethylene oxide utilizing a highly selective EO silver catalyst containing a rhenium promoter wherein following normal operation a hard strip of the chloride on the surface of the catalyst is conducted in order to remove a portion of the chlorides on the surface of the catalyst. Following the hard strip, the catalyst is optionally re-optimized. Surprisingly, it has been found that the selectivity of the catalyst following the hard strip may be substantially higher than the selectivity prior to the hard strip.

Abstract: This disclosure provides chips, systems and methods for sequencing a nucleic acid sample. Tagged nucleotides are provided into a reaction chamber comprising a nanopore in a membrane. An individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can contain a tag coupled to a nucleotide, which tag is detectable with the aid of the nanopore. Next, an individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can be incorporated into a growing strand complementary to a single stranded nucleic acid molecule derived from the nucleic acid sample. With the aid of the nanopore, a tag associated with the individual tagged nucleotide can be detected upon incorporation of the individual tagged nucleotide. The tag can be detected with the aid of the nanopore when the tag is released from the nucleotide.

Abstract: A method for producing epoxidation catalysts is provided. The catalyst comprises a support, a catalytic species, maganese and at least one alkali metal and/or promoter. The catalytic species may be silver. The catalyst is prepared by a method wherein at least a portion of the manganese is impregnated in a step separate from the at least one alkali metal and/or promoter. Advantageously, catalysts produced by the present method may exhibit greater efficiencies than catalysts produced by conventional methods. A method for the epoxidation of alkylenes using the catalysts so produced is provided as is a method for using the alkylene oxides for the production of 1,2-diols, 1,2-carbonates, 1,2-diol ethers, or alka-nolamines.

Abstract: Provided are a plasticizer for a resin composition including any one or more selected from a polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, a polycarbonate resin or a biodegradable resin, which has excellent mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation and hardness, and shape processability, and particularly has excellent flexibility at low temperatures, does not cause bleeding because compatibility with the resins is good, and has excellent transparency, heat resistance, cold resistance and durability, and a resin composition including the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating ditrimethylol propane from secondary trimethylol propane production streams.

Abstract: Dialkoxymagnesium granules having spherical or ellipsoidal particle shapes with a mean particle size, represented by D50, in the range of 60-200 ?m, a bulk specific gravity of 0.2-0.7 g/ml, having numerous interior pores with pore sizes of 0.1-5 ?m as observed with a TEM, and having a particle size distribution, represented by (D90?D10)/D50, of no greater than 1. Granular metallic magnesium and an alcohol are added continuously or intermittently in divided portions to a reaction system of the metallic magnesium and alcohol while circulating the alcohol for reaction. Large-sized dialkoxymagnesium granules are obtained with a uniform particle size distribution and containing no fine powder.

Abstract: The synthesis of high performance polyvinyl ether (PVE) fluids using a Lewis acid based cationic polymerization process is disclosed. The polyvinyl ether fluid have repeating vinyl ether units of the general formula —[CH2—CH(O—R)]n, wherein R is comprised of a branched or linear alkyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms and n is a whole number representing the average number of repeating units in the polyvinyl ether. The resulting PVE fluids exhibit excellent lubricant properties, similar to poly-alpha olefins (PAOs), but the PVE fluids have the benefit of higher polarity than PAOs and thus have better solubility and dispersity of polar additives.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing glycerol-related products. One process for producing glycerol-related products comprises introducing glycerol and an alkylation reagent to a substantially oxygen free environment. Another process for producing glycerol-related products comprises introducing a glycerol and tetramethylammonium hydroxide to a substantially oxygen free environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing glycerol-related products. One process for producing glycerol-related products comprises introducing glycerol and an alkylation reagent to a substantially oxygen free environment. Another process for producing glycerol-related products comprises introducing a glycerol and tetramethylammonium hydroxide to a substantially oxygen free environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the overall selectivity of an EO process for converting ethylene to ethylene oxide utilizing a highly selective EO silver catalyst containing a rhenium promoter wherein following normal operation a hard strip of the chloride on the surface of the catalyst is conducted in order to remove a portion of the chlorides on the surface of the catalyst. Following the hard strip, the catalyst is optionally re-optimized. Surprisingly, it has been found that the selectivity of the catalyst following the hard strip may be substantially higher than the selectivity prior to the hard strip.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil-absorbent polymer and the preparation method thereof, and disclosed a preparation method of quick oil absorbent material, which comprises: (1) Mixing and stirring well monomer A, vinyl monomer, initiator and vesicant to form a copolymerization system, wherein the amount of monomer A is in the range of approximately 10-50 wt %, the amount of vinyl monomer is in the range of approximately 48-88 wt %, the amount of initiator is in the range of approximately 0.01-5 wt %, the amount of vesicant is in the range of approximately 1-5 wt %; (2) And then immersing fiber carriers into the liquid of above-said copolymerization system to adsorb the liquid on the fiber carriers, then heating the fiber carriers under a temperature between 60˜80° C. for 1˜4 hours to synthesize polymers on the fiber carriers.

Abstract: A polyglycerol monoether is represented by FOLLOWING General Formula (1): RO—(C3H6O2)n—H??(1) wherein R represents an alcohol residue having one to thirty carbon atoms; and “n” is an average number of moles of added glycerol units and represents a number of 2 or more, and has a content (peak area percentage) of monoether components of 75% or more and a content (peak area percentage) of diether components of 5% or less, as determined by reversed-phase partition high-performance liquid chromatography using a 80:20 (by volume) mixture of methanol and water as an eluent. The polyglycerol monoether may be prepared by adding a basic substance to an alcohol to yield an alkoxide, adding glycidol to the alkoxide, and subjecting them to a reaction at 0° C. to 100° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions obtained by the reaction of an alcohol having a variable nature and that can be modified beforehand by the addition of alkylene oxide, and of a substrate characterized by an oxetane pattern and at least one hydroxyl function.

Abstract: A method of forming a tellurium alkoxide includes providing a tellurium halide and a non-tellurium alkoxide in a liquid organic solvent. The liquid organic solvent has less moles of alcohol, if any, than moles of tellurium halide in the liquid organic solvent. The tellurium halide and the non-tellurium alkoxide within the liquid organic solvent are reacted to form a reaction product halide and a tellurium alkoxide. The liquid organic solvent is removed from the reaction product halide and the tellurium alkoxide to leave a liquid and/or solid mixture comprising the reaction product halide and the tellurium alkoxide. The mixture is heated effective to gasify the tellurium alkoxide from the reaction product halide. Other implementations are disclosed, including methods of forming a mixed halide-alkoxide of tellurium.

Abstract: A carrier having at least three lobes, a first end, a second end, a wall between the ends and a non-uniform radius of transition at the intersection of an end and the wall is disclosed. A catalyst comprising the carrier, silver and promoters deposited on the carrier and useful for the epoxidation of olefins is also disclosed. A method for making the carrier, a method for making the catalyst and a process for epoxidation of an olefin with the catalyst are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic inks are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the electronic ink includes a non-polar carrier fluid, a plurality of negatively charged colorant particles dispersed in the non-polar carrier fluid, a small molecular additive, and a charge director. Each of the negatively charged colorant particles includes a surface modified with an acidic functional group. The small molecular additive has at least two branches, each of which includes nitrogen or oxygen atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of in vivo optical imaging, of the margins around tumours, which comprises an optical imaging contrast agent. The optical imaging agents comprise conjugates of near-infrared dyes with synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers having a molecular weight in the range 15-45 kDa. Also disclosed are optical imaging contrast agents, pharmaceutical compositions and kits.

Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. In another embodiment anionic surfactants are combined with a solvent, and amine oxide to remove sunscreen stains. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amphiphile of the formula (I) as described hereinafter. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the amphiphile and to a composition comprising the amphiphile and a sparingly water-soluble active ingredient. It further relates to a process for producing the composition by contacting the amphiphile and the active ingredient, and to the use of the amphiphile for solubilizing a sparingly water-soluble active ingredient in aqueous solutions. The invention also relates to the use of the amphiphile in an agrochemical formulation comprising the amphiphile and a pesticide for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or unwanted vegetation and/or unwanted insect or mite infestation and/or for regulating the growth of plants, and finally to plant propagation material comprising the amphiphile.

Abstract: Surfactants of the general formula R1—X where R1 is an aliphatic C17H35-alkyl radical and X is a hydrophilic group, and the mean degree of branching of the R1 radical is from 2.8 to 3.7. Mixtures which comprise such surfactants and the use of such surfactants and of mixtures thereof for tertiary mineral oil extraction.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving neutral conjugated polymers including methods for synthesis of neutral conjugated water-soluble polymers with linkers along the polymer main chain structure and terminal end capping units. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.

Abstract: The present invention is related to substituted butanol derivatives of the formula: wherein R is an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 straight chain alkyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C3-6 branched chain alkyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C3-6 straight chain alkenyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C3-6 branched chain alkenyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C3-6 cycloalkyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkoxy, nitrile, halo, amino, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylamino, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 dialkylamino, carboxy-C1-6 alkylamino, carboxy-C1-6 dialkylamino, an unsubstituted or substituted acetoxy, carboxy, an unsubstituted or substituted carboxyethyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylcarbonyl, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylcarboxy, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylthio, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkyloxy, carboxamido, an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 alkylcarboxamido or an unsubstituted or substituted C1-6 dialkylcarboxa

Abstract: A process for glycerol etherification, including a recycle of glycerol and/or mono-ether, to produce glycerol alkyl ethers with low amount of mono-ether by reacting glycerol and olefinic hydrocarbon, and/or the corresponding aldehydes, ketones and alcohols, having 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the presence of homogeneous acid catalyst with hindered formation of olefin oligomers comprising of two essential steps: reaction step (1) neutralization and salt removal step (2).

Abstract: A catalyst for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising a carrier and, deposited on the carrier, silver, a rhenium promoter, a first co-promoter, and a second co-promoter; wherein the molar ratio of the first co-promoter to the second co-promoter is greater than 1; the first co-promoter is selected from sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and mixtures thereof; and the second co-promoter is selected from tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and mixtures thereof; a process for preparing the catalyst; a process for preparing an olefin oxide by reacting a feed comprising an olefin and oxygen in the presence of the catalyst; and a process for preparing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, a 1,2-carbonate, or an alkanolamine.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous body precursors and shaped porous bodies. Also included are catalysts and other end-use products based upon the shaped porous bodies and thus the porous body precursors. Finally, processes for making these are provided. The porous body precursors are germanium doped and comprise a precursor alumina blend. It has now surprisingly been discovered that inclusion of germanium, alone or in combination with such a blend, in porous body precursors can provide control over, or improvements to, surface morphology, physical properties, and/or surface chemistry of shaped porous bodies based thereupon. Surprisingly and advantageously, heat treating the shaped porous bodies can result in additional morphological changes so that additional fine tuning of the shaped porous bodies is possible in subsequent steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides rhenium-promoted epoxidation catalysts based upon shaped porous bodies comprising a minimized percentage of their total pore volume being present in pores having diameters of less than one micron, and a surface area of at least about 1.0 m2/g. Processes of making the catalysts and using them in epoxidation processes are also provided.

Abstract: A surface-modified nanodiamond includes a base nanodiamond, and at least one polyglycerol-chain-containing group present on at least a surface portion of the base nanodiamond, in which the polyglycerol-chain-containing group is represented by following Formula (1): —X—R ??(1) wherein X represents single bond, —NH—, —O—, —COO—, —PH(?O)O—, or —S—; and R represents a polyglyceryl group. X may be single bond or —NH—. The surface-modified nanodiamond is highly soluble or dispersible satisfactorily stably in water and/or polar organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a (poly)glyceryl ether which includes the step of reacting an alcohol with glycidol under a neutral condition. According to the process of the present invention, the (poly)glyceryl ether having a narrow molecular weight distribution can be produced with a high yield in a simplified manner.

Abstract: The process of the present invention provides for the manufacture of lower molecular weight DMC-catalyzed polyols than is possible using non-acidified continuous addition of starter (CAOS) feeds, by adding excess acid to a starter feed stream over that required for mere neutralization of the basicity of the starter. The benefits of the invention also extend to starters which do not contain basicity. Polyether polyols made by the inventive process may be used to produce improved polyurethane products such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, foams and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions obtained by the reaction of an alcohol having a variable nature and that can be modified beforehand by the addition of alkylene oxide, and of a substrate characterised by an oxetane pattern and at least one hydroxyl function.

Abstract: This invention provides a method related to the preparation of derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol).

Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying ethylene oxide, including introducing a feed stream including ethylene oxide to a heat exchanger to heat the feed stream, feeding the heated feed stream to a distillation apparatus base below a first stage, removing from the distillation apparatus an impurity fraction as a top exit stream from the distillation apparatus located at a top take-off on the distillation apparatus, removing from the distillation apparatus an ethylene oxide stream of 99.7 weight percent purity, based on the total weight of the ethylene oxide stream, from the distillation apparatus, and removing from the distillation apparatus an aldehyde enriched fraction as a bottom stream from the distillation apparatus, where the aldehyde enriched fraction is fed directly to a glycol reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-soot diesel fuel comprising a fuel additive, to the uses thereof and to the use of the fuel additive for producing low-soot diesel fuels. The diesel fuels are mineral-based, optionally with additions of FAME or XTL diesel fuels, which are formulated with polyoxaalkanes of the general formula (I): R1(—O—CH2—CHR2)m—O—R3??(I) In the formula (I), the R1 radicals are each a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical, R2 is a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical or H, and R3 is likewise a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical. In addition, m is ?1, and the fuel additive is essentially free of toxic constituents. Diesel fuels formulated in this way, even at a low polyoxaalkane content, have significantly reduced soot formation. The proportion of premixed combustion and the density are increased, and the volumetric reduction in calorific values which occurs when CH2 groups in long-chain alkanes are replaced by O groups can be compensated for.