| abstract |
Polyhydroxy amines reacted with fatty acid esters yield polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants, such as the C11-C17 fatty N-methyl glucamides, which may be contaminated with secondary amines. Such amines are acylated by a reaction with acetic anhydride. The resulting "clean" polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants are preferred for use in the presence of oxidants, especially in the formulation of modern, colorless liquid detergents. |