Ethoxylated glycerol and propylene glycol glycoside palmitates from lactose

Polyoxyethylene polyol glycoside palmitates were prepared by the following successive reactions: transglycosylation of lactose by glycerol and propylene glycol to yield crude mixtures of the polyol glucosides and galactosides; alkoxylation with ethylene oxide; and tranesterfication by methyl palmitate. Almost all the solid waxy products exhibited low surface and interfacial tensions and good emulsion stability; they are expected to be effective food emulsifiers, cosmetic surfactants and biodegradable industrial surfactants. ARS, USDA.