ALKYLENE OXIDE-CAPPED SECONDARY ALCOHOL ALKOXYLATES USEFUL AS SURFACTANTS

Disclosed are compositions of the formula wherein R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group containing from (1) to about (18) carbon atoms, provided that R1 and R2 together contain from about (8) to about (18) carbon atoms, and further provided that less than about 10 mole percent of R1 or R2 is hydrogen; R3 is hydrogen or an alkyl radical containing from (1) to about (6) carbon atoms; R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl radical containing from (2) to about (6) carbon atoms, provided that R4 and R5 together contain from (2) to about (6) carbon atoms; m is an average value ranging from (0) to about (10), and n is an average value ranging from about (3) to (about 40), provided that the group containing m and the group containing n may be exchanged with one another as to position; and z is an average value ranging from about (0.5) to about (5). These compositions are conveniently prepared by a process including at least two steps and are useful as surfactants.