Synthesis of series of pure polyethylene glycol ethers based onn-tridecanol,7-tridecanol,and oxo-process tridecyl alcohol

Puren-tridecyl, 7-tridecyl andoxo-tridecyl polyethylene glycol monoethers, C₁₃H₂₇O (C₂H₄O)_nH, were made by the Williamson reaction with n=4,6,8,10 and 12. Related crystalline diethers derived fromn-tridecanol were made in the range of 4–16 oxyethylene units. The compounds were extensively purified by crystallization (where applicable) or by chromatography and distillation. The final products are new compounds important for comparative studies of surface properties. Characterizing constants and physical properties including those of a large number of pure intermediates are reported. All but the lowest member of then-tridecyl monoether series are crystalline, melting between 26 and 40C. The related diethers melting between 37 and 50C have a minimum melting point when they contain between 6 and 8 oxyethylene units. Theoxo-tridecyl and 7-tridecyl monoethers are liquids.