Methyl ester propoxylates

Insertion of propylene oxide into methyl esters is accomplished using a proprietary alkoxylation catalyst. The alkoxylation mechanism is believed to involve transesterification between the alkoxylated metal-alkoxide of the catalyst and the ester. Optimal alkoxylation conditions are discussed. The effect of inserting propylene oxide prior to ethoxylation on surface properties and foam performance is examined. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Oil Chemists' Society, Seattle, WA, May 1997.