| abstract |
A wetting agent according to Formula (I):wherein R<sup>1</sup>is selected from a branched alkyl group or linear alkyl group or a cycloaliphatic group or an aromatic group, each having 6 to 15 carbon atoms; R<sup>2</sup>is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R<sup>3</sup>is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R<sup>4</sup>is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R<sup>5</sup>is selected from methyl or ethyl; x ranges from 0 to 5; y ranges from 0 to 10; z ranges from 1 to 10; with the proviso that when x ranges from 1 to 5, R<sup>2</sup>is different from R<sup>3</sup>; and with the proviso that when x = 0, R<sup>3</sup>is different from R<sup>4</sup>. The wetting agent also imparts antifoam properties to aqueous solutions while reducing surface tension. |