ALKOXILATION PROCESSES – Catalysis

Catalysis

When Al or Zr alkoxides were treated with sulfuric acid (100% stoichiometric ratio) the catalytic activity towards ethoxylation of fatty alcs. was strongly enhanced initially, but then decreased rapidly [6-7]. The reaction mechanism was studied, too [8]. As a result, products of industrial interest, e.g., two- or three-group ethylene oxide adducts, were obtained. This ethylene oxide oligomers are useful as raw materials for producing surfactants by sulfonation. A review with 104 references discusses possible mechanisms of catalytic ethylene oxide condensation and ethoxylation kinetics in preparation of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants [9].

 

Kinetics

Reactors

 

6-J. of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical (1996), 112(2), 235-251.
7-J. of Surfactants and Detergents (1998), 1(1), 83-91.
8-J. of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical (1999), 137(1-3), 169-182.
9-Annual Surfactants Review (1999), 2,168-215.