Alkylene oxide-capped secondary alcohol alkoxylates useful as surfactants

1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 Disclosed are compositions of the formula wherein Rand Rare each independently hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group containing from (1) to about (18) carbon atoms, provided that Rand Rtogether contain from about (8) to about (18) carbon atoms, and further provided that less than about 10 mole percent of Ror Ris hydrogen; Ris hydrogen or an alkyl radical containing from (1) to about (6) carbon atoms; Rand Rare each independently hydrogen or an alkyl radical containing from (2) to about (6) carbon atoms, provided that Rand Rtogether 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.