CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ETHOXYLATES

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a continuous process for producing an ethoxylate having a molecular weight distribution substantially equivalent to that of an ethoxylate produced by a semi-batch method using a basic catalyst (potassium hydroxide). SOLUTION: The present invention provides continuous processes for the production of an ethoxylate from a 1 to 26C non-phenolic alcohol in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst. The inventive multi-stage continuous process produces an ethoxylate product with an essentially equivalent molecular weight distribution as compared to the same ethoxylate made by basic catalysis. The inventive single-stage continuous process produces ethoxylate products having only a slightly broader molecular weight distribution than the multi-stage process. The products made by the inventive multi-stage continuous process may offer advantages where the ethoxylate product is used in or as a surfactant. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT