| abstract |
Mono O-hydroxyalkylated derivatives of 1,1-dihydroperfluorinated or 1H,1-alkylperfluorinated alcohols are prepared by reacting the alcohols with alkylene carbonates at a temperature of at least 60° C. in the presence of a one- or two-part catalyst. The catalyst is a nitrogenous base, optionally in combination with a tetraalkylammonium halide. The O-hydroxyalkylated derivatives are useful non-ionic surfactants and emulsifiable compounds for fire extinguishing systems. |