Novel general procedure for the preparation of homogeneous nonionic surfactants

Homogeneous nonionic surfactants were produced by the ethoxylation of a selected unit of a homolog series. These particular products are of use for the analysis of nonionics and for the determination of surface characteristics. A new general method for the synthesis of homogeneous nonionic surfactants is described. Ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether was repeatedly reacted in Williamson synthesis (or esterified with acid chlorides in the first step), followed by hydrogenolysis with alkyl- or aralkyl alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, and amines. Homogeneous nonionics can be synthesized by this method, whereas the conventionally produced ones are usually inhomogeneous.