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3. Manufacturing processes
Non-ionic surfactants are obtained by two main processes.
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Condensation
Esterification is the most important method, but transesterification and, less commonly, amide formation and glucosydation are also used. These reactions, as shown in the diagram below, lead to the elimination of water, low-molar-weight alcohols or hydrochloric acid.
Esterification of polyhydric alcohols
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Regulations
Regulations in force in European Union countries http://www.cc.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/chemicals/documents/specific-chemicals/detergents/index_en.htm
Council Directive 76/769/EEC of July 27, 1976 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and...
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The non-ionic surfactants used on an industrial scale on the European market are presented in Table 2 . The chemical formulas and properties of the most important products are given at
Statistical and economic data
1. Production
Among the various classes of surfactants, non-ionic surfactants (NIS) now rank first in terms of both volume and value. Their consumption continues to grow due to their physico-chemical properties, the effects they are intended to achieve, and developments in formulation technologies.
In Europe, the total market for surfactants (expressed as 100% active ingredient)...
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