Comparison of the kinetics and composition of ethoxylated methyl dodecanoate and ethoxylated dodecanol with narrow and broad distribution of homologs

Broad‐ and narrow‐range dodecanol ethoxylates were obtained with sodium hydroxide and a proprietary calcium‐based catalyst, respectively. The proprietary catalyst was also used for direct ethoxylation of methyl dodecanoate ester. Natta‐Mantica distribution coefficients were calculated from the fractional content of the reaction products. A specific sequence of the distribution coefficients was observed in each case. A superior activation of the second addition step in ethoxylation of the methyl dodecanoate ester was noted. The kinetic pattern of the reaction resulted in a product distribution specifically related to the average degree of oxyethylation degree.