DE1593210

Water-in-oil emulsion containing an emulsifier comprising at least one compound of general formula (I) R - (OC3H6)n - (OCH2H4)p - OH where R is a linear alkyl radical (C 12-20) n is 3 - 8 p is the highest number from 1 - 6 compatible with the production of an alcohol which is insoluble in water. A process for making an emulsion by mixing a compound of general formula (I) with the oil phase component, bringing the temp. of the mixture to 80 deg. and agitating the mixture while adding the water phase (pre-heated to 80 deg.). The mixture is then cooled while continuing the agitation. Also claimed is a process of making a compound of general formula (I) by reacting 1 mole of fatty alcohol with at least 3 moles of propylene oxide under pressure in the presence of (1) a basic catalyst at a temp. between 110-180 deg., reacting the oxypropylenated product with ethylene oxide at 120-180 deg. in the presence of a basic catalyst and then separating out water-soluble components by washing with water. (2) a Lewis acid catalyst at 25-150 deg. reacting the oxypropylenated product with ethylene oxide at 100-130 deg. in the presence of a Lewis acid, and then separating out any water-soluble components by washing with water.