Synthesis of narrow-distributed Guerbet dodecyl alcohol ethoxylates on Ca(OAc)2 catalyst and theirs surface properties

Despite significant breakthroughs that have been made in the application performance of traditionally distributed Guerbet alcohol ethoxylates (GAEO), research on the characteristics of their narrow distribution products remains relatively limited. Herein, a series of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nonionic surfactants have been synthesized via the ethoxylation of 2-butyl-octanol with ethylene oxide. Ca(OAc) 2 was employed as a narrow distribution (NRD) catalyst, while KOH served as a broad distribution (BRD) catalyst. The synthesized products were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H, 13 C NMR) spectroscopy. In addition, a comprehensive assessment of the physicochemical and surface properties of the NRD GAEO surfactants was conducted through systematic investigations. The results were then compared to conventionally distributed GAEO surfactants. The study has demonstrated that NRD GAEO surfactants exhibited lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) values, which have the higher efficiency of the surfactant application. In addition, the NRD products have superior wettability performance, reduced foaming capacity in foam properties, and improved rapid defoaming capacities. In regarding their other properties, they closely mirrored the performance of BRD products. These findings will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the properties of NRD ethoxylates and have substantial practical implications in optimizing personal care and household cleaning products.