1. , Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy;2. CIRCC, Bari, Italy;3. , Research Institute of Daily Chemical Industry, Taiyuan, China;4. , MEXEO, K?dzierzyn‐Ko?le, Poland
Abstract:
The intermediates for the production of nonionic surfactants can be derived from petrochemicals and/or from renewable raw materials. In both, the role of catalysis is fundamental. In this paper the main results reported in the literature related with the catalysis for ethoxylation of fatty esters will be reviewed. The main open challenges for these technologies will be outlined.