Fatty Acid Ethoxlylates

Fatty acid ethoxylates are typically produced by reacting a mixture of fatty acids with ethylene oxide in a reactor. The reaction can be controlled via temperature, pressure, and soluble catalysts to regulate the amount of ethoxylation that occurs. The reaction results in a variety of compounds, ranging from low molecular weight linear and branched ethoxylates to high molecular weight, highly branched, and structurally complex ethoxylates. Fatty acid ethoxylates are widely used in a variety of products due to their low toxicity and low cost. They are used as surfactants in detergents, emulsifiers in food products, and wetting agents in pesticides. Additionally, they are used in the manufacture of paints, adhesives, and lubricants.