Glyceryl ether compounds and their use
Glyceryl ether compounds prepared by the reaction of glycerol and olefin epoxides are disclosed. The compounds are renewable biomass-based surfactants useful as detergents and emulsifiers in formulations for cleaning, laundry, personal care, cosmetics, and industrial uses.
1. A compound having the formula:
wherein:
R 1 is hydrogen and R 2 is a C 6 -C 30 linear alkyl; and
X is
wherein:
R 4 and R 5 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl; linear, branched, or cyclic alkenyl; aryl; and arylalkyl.
2. The compound of claim 1 , wherein R 4 and R 5 are not both hydrogen.
3. A method for preparing a compound, the method comprising:
a) providing a compound of the formula:
wherein:
R 3 is a C 6 -C 30 linear alkyl;
b) providing glycerol or a compound of the formula:
wherein:
R 4 and R 5 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl; linear, branched, or cyclic alkenyl; aryl; and arylalkyl; and
c) effecting the reaction between the compounds of a) and b) in the presence of an acid catalyst thereby preparing a compound
having the formula:
wherein:
one of R 1 and R 2 is hydrogen and the other is a C 6 -C 30 linear alkyl; and
X is
wherein:
R 4 and R 5 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl; linear, branched, or cyclic alkenyl; aryl; and arylalkyl.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein R 3 is a C 6 -C 14 linear alkyl.