| abstract |
Compounds of general formula (I), wherein R1 is hydrogen, C¿1-4? alkyl or a group of formula (II): -O(CH(R?10)CH¿2O)nR20, R2 is hydrogen or a group of formula (III): -O(CH(R11)CH2O)mR21, R3 is a group of formula (IV): -(CH(R12)CH2O)pR?22, and R4¿ is a group of formula (V): -(CH(R13)CH2O)rR23, where R?10, R11, R12 and R13¿ each is hydrogen or CH¿3?, R?20 R21, R22 and R23¿ each is an acyl moiety of a polycarboxylic acid, and n, m, p and r each is an integer from 1 to 15; q is 1 or 2; with the provisos that if q is 2, then the 2 groups R1 may be the same or different and the 2 groups R2 may be the same or different; and, if one or more of the groups R?20, R21, R22, and R23¿ is an acyl moiety of a polycarboxylic acid group, then 0-3 of the remaining carboxy groups of the polycarboxylic acid form the acyl function(s) of a moiety R?20, R21, R22, and R23¿ in another unit of formula (I); and at least one of any free carboxylic acid groups are neutralized, as well as compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and an additive, and aqueous emulsions of such compounds or compositions. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as self-emulsifying compounds, as cooling/lubricating agents in the machining of metals, in hydraulic fluids, and as mould release agents. |