| abstract |
The present invention provides compounds useful as surfactants having formula (1), including isomers thereof: n n n wherein a and b are integers independently selected from about 3 to about 6; x is an integer from about 1 to about 12; (m+n) is from about 1 to about 4; the R 1 groups are independently selected from the group consisting of linear, cyclic, and branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and alkylaryl groups having from about C 3 to about C 30 atoms; and when (m+n) is equal to or greater than 2, each R 1 may be independently R 2 or R 3 , wherein R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from the group consisting of linear, cyclic, and branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and alkylaryl groups having from about C 3 to about C 30 atoms. The invention also provides a method for reducing surface tension in a waterborne composition or an industrial process by the incorporation of a surfactant having formula (1) and an aqueous composition comprising a surfactant having formula (1). The invention further provides a product prepared by the reaction of a N,N′-bis(polyhydroxyalkyl)alkylenediamine with a glycidyl ether. |