We run ethoxylation and propoxylation reactions. Ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) can be introduced in blocks or randomly distributed. We produce a large variety of alkoxylates with different starting materials (natural and synthetic feedstocks) and varying degrees of EO/PO.

For alkoxylation reaction see Figure 1.

We alkoxylate:

•    (Fatty) alcohols (linear, branched, saturated or unsaturated or polyols)
•    (Fatty) acids (linear, branched, saturated, unsaturated)
•    Triglycerides
•    Fatty amines (linear)

We continuously optimize our products and develop new alkoxylates to meet our customers’ needs. With more than 50 years of experience in alkoxylates production, we safely handle reactive raw materials like ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

SULFATATION

Sulfated surfactants are anionic surfactants with a sulphated group neutralized with different cations.

Fatty alcohols or ethoxylated fatty alcohols (vegetable or synthetic) react with SO₃ to form an acid intermediate, which is subsequently neutralized (Figure 2).

SULFITATION

Sulfitation is the reaction used to produce sulfosuccinates, starting from fatty alcohols or fatty alcohol ethoxylated and maleic anhydride. Monoesters or diester can be synthetized on the molar ratio used (Figure 3).

Many amphoteric surfactants are synthetized via amidation – a reaction between an amine and a carboxylic group, usually from fatty acids or oils.                           

Different amides produced in this way can undergo further reaction (quaternization) to form amphoteric surfactants such as cocamidopropyl betaines (Figure 4).

AMIDATION (AMINO ACID SURFACTANTS)

Fatty acid chlorides react in alkaline amino acid solutions to form amino acid surfactants and salt (Schotten-Baumann reaction). The fatty acid chlorides are created through the reaction of fatty acids with PCl₃. We are backward-integrated in this chemistry. Z&S offers amino acid surfactants in all qualities (salt content) available on the global market (Figure 5).

Carboxylic acid esters can by synthesized by the reaction of carboxylic acids with alcohols under release of water. As starting materials, different types of carboxylic acids and alcohols can be used which are based on natural and synthetic feedstock. 

Esterification reaction of carboxylic acid with alcohol (Figure 6).

Phosphoric acid esters can be synthesized by the reaction of phosphorus pentoxide with alcohol. Depending on the application, they can be neutralized with different neutralization agents. Phosphoric acid esters can be used in numerous applications, as they can have emulsifying/dispersing, anti-corrosive and antistatic effects when neutralized. Moreover, they are used as anti-wear additives (AW additives) or extreme pressure additives (EP additives).

Esterification reaction of phosphorus pentoxide acid with alcohol to the corresponding monoester and diester (Figure 7). 

Phosphorous-based raw materials used for the synthesis of chelating and antiscaling agents mainly include phosphorous trichloride (PCl₃) and phosphonic acid (H₃PO₃), while phosphorous oxychloride (POCl₃) is used for special applications.

The typical reactions include the synthesis of hydroxybisphosphonates via acylation reactions and the synthesis of aminomethylenephosphonates via multicomponent reactions. The resulting products are acids or their corresponding salts after neutralization.

Synthesis conditions are optimized for nearly complete raw material conversion to the highest technical standard and ensure comprehensive recycling of auxiliary materials, ensuring full compliance with environmental standards.