| abstract |
Novel branched primary alcohol compositions and sulfates, alkoxylates, alkoxy sulfates and carboxylates thereof which exhibit good cold water washability and biodegradability are provided. Branched primary alcohol compositions have an average number of side chains from 0.7 to 3.0 per chain, having at least 8 carbon atoms and containing both methyl and ethyl side groups. The primary alcohol composition may also contain up to 0.5 atomic percent quaternary carbon atoms, and a significant number of ethyl side chains, terminal isopropyl side chains, and side chains at the C 3 position relative to hydroxyl carbon. Its manufacturing process structurally isomerizes the olefin feed having at least seven carbon atoms or dimerizes the C 6 -C 10 olefins, followed by hydroformylation, and finally sulfated, alkoxylated or both. To alcohol to obtain a detergent surfactant. Useful structural isomerization catalysts include zeolites having at least one channel having a crystallographic glass diameter of 42 to 70 nanometers along the x and / or y planes of the [001] aspect. Useful dimerization catalysts include combinations of nickel carboxylates and alkyl aluminum halides, or combinations of nickel chelates and alkyl aluminum alkoxides. |