SURFACTANT

Abstract: A surtactant comprising a carboxylic acid ester or amide carrying a terminal strong acid group selected from carboxy­ methyl, sulphate, sulphonate, phosphate and phosphonate, suitable for stabilising dispersions of solids in organic liquids and oil/water emulsions, processes for the preparation of the surfactant and dispersions and emulsions containing the surfactant. A preferred species of the surfactant is a poly(hy­ droxyalkanecarboxylic acid) having the strong acid group attached, either directly or through a linking group, to a terminal hydroxy or carboxylic acid group.

Description: Surfactant This specification describes an invention relating to a compound having utility as a surfactant, to a composition of a solid or an organic liquid and the surfactant, to a dispersion of a solid in an organic liquid containing the surfactant and to an aqueous emulsion containing the surfactant. The Surfactant According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound comprising a carboxylic acid ester or amide carrying a terminal acid group selected from carboxymethyl, sulphate, sulphonate, phosphate and phosphonate, hereinafter referred to as the "acid group". The carboxylic acid ester or amide is preferably an oligo- or poly-ester comprising from 2 to 100 units of one or more hydroxycarboxylic acid monomers. The term carboxymethyl, that is a group of the formula -CH2COO COO , does not include a carboxymethyl group in which the CH2 group is directly attached to a carbon atom of an unsubstituted hydrocarbon chain containing two or more carbon atoms. A preferred compound in accordance with the present invention conforms to the general formula: A -(O - B - CO)m- D I wherein A and D are are groups one of which is or carries the acid group as hereinbefore defined and the other is a convenient terminal group which does not render the compound hydrophilic, B is a hydrocarbon group and m is from 1 to 100. In the compound of Formula I, when D carries the acid group, A is preferably the residue (AÚ-CO-) of an esterifiable carboxylic acid of the formula AÚ-COOH, in which AÚ is H, a hydrocarbon or a substituted hydrocarbon. Although A1 is conveniently an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or polycycloalkyl group containing up to 50, more preferably up to 35, carbon atoms, it can be any convenient monovalent group. In this case D is preferably a polj;valent, more preferably di- or tri-valent, bridging group linking the acid group to the ester chain, AlCO(O-B-CO)E-, e.g. a group such 2 as D defined below.- Where D has a valency greater than 2 it may link two or more acid groups to -single ester or two or more esters chain to a single acid group. Where the acid group has more than one valency it may be linked to two or more esters through two bridging groups. In the compound of Formula I, when A carries the acid group, D is preferably the residue of an alcohol, a thiol or a primary or secondary amine, D -XH, in which D is an aliphatic or alicyclic group of similar character to A1, and X is O, S or NR in which R is R, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or phenyl, in which the alkyl and alkenyl groups contain up to 20 carbon atoms and the cycloalkyl groups from 4 to 8 carbon atoms. In this case A is preferably the acid group itself and where this has more than one valency it may be linked to two or more polyester chains, although A may also be a polyvalent linking group, like D above, linking the acid group to the polyester chain. The hydrocarbon group represented by B, which is preferably an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or polycycloalkyl group, preferably contains up to 50, more preferably from 3 to 24, carbon atoms, with at least 3 carbon atoms directly between the - 0 - and - CO - groups. Optional substitutents for A D and B include halo, especially chloro, hydroxy, amino, alkoxy and other non-ionic species in so far as they do not make the ester/amide chain hydrophilic in character. it is preferred that m is from 2 to 75, more preferably 3 to 30, so that the compound of Formula I is an oligo- or poly-ester. Where m = 1 it is preferred that the group represented by A or D which is remote from the acid group contains at least 6 carbon atoms and that the surfactant contains at least 12 carbon atoms and more preferably at least 20 carbon atoms. A first preferred species of the first aspect of the present invention, particularly suitable for use as a surfactant in compositions comprising an oil phase and an aqueous phase, is a compound which comprises. a hydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component covalently bonded together, wherein the hydrophobic component is the residue of an oligomeric or polymeric monocarboxylic acid of the formula: EMI3.1 in which A2 is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon group; B1 is hydrogen or a monovalent C1 to C24 hydrocarbon group; B2 is a divalent C1 to C24 hydrocarbon group; n is zero or 1; and p is zero or an integer up to 100, preferably 2 to 20, and wherein the hydrophilic component contains an anionic grouping selected from phosphate, phosphonate, sulphate, sulphonate and carboxymethyl, i.e. the acid group. The acid group in the first preferred species may be in the free acid form or as a salt thereof with a base, for example, ammonia, organic bases such as amines and aminoalcohols, and inorganic bases. The term "oil phase" and "oil" used in respect of the first species and compositions based thereon refers to water-immiscible, preferably non-polar, liquids in general. It is not limited to, though embracing, naturally occurring oils such as hydrocarbons and fatty acid esters. Where¯the surfactant of Formula II is designed for use in compositions, particularly oil-water emulsions, containing non-polar organic liquids the compound of Formula II is preferably oil-soluble, that is the oil phase of the composition should be better than a theta solvent for the compound. The significance of the expression "theta solvent" is discussed in "Polymer Handbook" (Ed. Brandrup & BR< Immergut, Interscience, 1966) at pages IV 163-166. Briefly, this definition implies that in a solution of a polymer in a solvent, a solvent which is better than a theta solvent for the polymer, the polymer exists in a non-self-associated condition. The definition is usually satisfied by any liquid which would normally be described as a "good" solvent for the polymer. Considerable variation in the composition of the compound of Formula I, particularly in respect of the nature of the groups A2, B1 and B2, is possible, whilst meeting the requirement that the compound should be oil-soluble in the above sense. Generally speaking, the more the oil phase of the composition tends towards a fully aliphatic character, the longer will the hydrocarbon chains of these groups need to be. A second preferred species of the of the first aspect of the present invention is a compound conforming to the formula: 3 3 2 iii [A - CO -(O - B - CO) m D 3k- L M wherein A3-CO is the residue of an esterifiable carboxylic acid of the formula, A -COOH; B is selected from alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene, polycycloalkylene and halo derivatives thereof; D is a bridging group of the formula - X - G - Y - wherein X is 0, S or NR and Y is 0, NR or a direct link, in which each R independently is as hereinbefore defined or, where X and Y are both NR, the two groups, R, may form a single alkylene or alkenylene group linking the two nitrogens to which they are attached, and G is alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene or arylene; L is phosphonate, sulphonate or methylenecarboxylate; H is a cation; ; k is 1 or 2; and m is as hereinbefore defined. A third preferred species of the first aspect of the present invention is a compound conforming to the formula: 1 3 [D - X -(CO - B - 0)m1k L M IV wherein D1 is an aliphatic or alicyclic group and B3, L, M, X, m and k are as hereinbefore defined. The residue of the esterifiable carboxylic acid represented by A CO in Formula III may be any convenient terminal hydrophobic group for the ester chain, -(O-B - CO)m, although is preferably an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or polycycloalkyl group containing up to 50 carbon atoms and more preferably from 1. to 35 carbon atoms. The optional substituents are preferably selected from hydroxy, amino, halogen and alkoxy provided A3 retains its hydrophobic character. The aliphatic or alicyclic group represented by D1 in Formula IV is preferably an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or polycycloalkyl group containing up to 35 carbon atoms, the optional substituents being preferably selected from halogen, tertiary amino and alkoxy. The alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene and polycycloalkylene groups represented by B3 preferably contain from 3 to 35 carbon atoms, more preferably from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, with at least 3 and more preferably at least 5 carbon atoms between the - 0 and - CO - groups, and are preferably¯-unsubstituted. The alkylene and alkenylene groups represented by G preferably contain up to 10 carbon atoms and more preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. The cycloalkylene group represented by G preferably contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms and especially preferably is 1,4-cyclohexylene. The arylene group represented by G is preferably monocyclic and especially 1,4-phenylene. The alkyl and alkenyl groups represented by R may contain up tv 25 carbon atoms and preferably contain up to 5 carbon atoms. where two groups, R, form a single group this preferably contains up to 10 carbon atoms. In the compound of Formula III in which Y is 0 the acid group, L, is attached to the ester/amide chain through an oxygen atom so that phosphonate and 0 form phosphate and sulphonate and 0 form sulphate. Similarly, where Y is NR, phosphonate and NR form phosphorimide and sulphonate and NR form sulponamide. The cation represented by H is preferably H+, a metal ion, an ammonium ion or a substituted ammonium ion and examples of suitable cations are Na+, K+, Ca2+, NH4+, N(CH3)4+ and NH(CH3)4+. Specific examples of the bridging group represented by D are - NHC2H4 -, - OC2H4 -, - OC2H40 -, - OC2H4NH -, -NH(CH2)NH -, , wherein n is from 2 to 5, piperazin-1,4-ylene and phen-1,4-ylene- diamino. Examples of the groups represented by A1, Aê and A3 are methyl, ethyl, CH3(CH2)4 s CH3(CH2)10 -, CH3(CH2)14 -, CH3(CH2)16 -' HO(CH2)5-, CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7-, CH3(CH2)28-, CH3(CH2)5CH(OH)(CH2)10-, CH3(CH2)4CH=CH(CH2)7-, CH3(CH2)5CH(OH)CH2CH=CH(CH2)7 - and CH3OCH2 - and the residue of abietic acid l.e. the radical derived from abietic acid by removal of the carboxyl group Examples of the group represented by D are methyl, ethyl, CH3(CH2)9-, CH3(CH2)11-, CH3(CH2)15-, CH3(CH2)17-, CH(CH2)29-, CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7-, CH3OCH2-, CH3(CH2)4CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)7- and the residue of abietyl alcohol, i.e the radical derived from abietyl alcohol by removal of the OH group. Examples of the groups represented by B and B3 are: EMI6.1 and - (CH2)5 -. Examples of the groups represented by B1 are H, C6H13, C8 H- and C9H19 and by Bê are - CH-(CH2)10-, -CH-(CH2)8-, -CH-(CH2)7-, and -CH-CH2CH=CH(CH2)7-. Compositions containing the Surfactant The compounds of the first aspect of the invention, hereinafter referred to as "surfactants" are particularly useful for enhancing the dispersibility of solids in organic media and for stabilising water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions. (i) First Composition According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition of a solid and a surfactant according to the first aspect of the invention. The surfactant for use in the first composition is preferably a compound in accordance with Formula III or Formula IV. The composition of the second aspect, hereinafter referred to as the "first composition", may comprise an intimate mixture of the two components but preferably comprises a coating of the surfactant on finely divided primary particles of the solid which preferably have a mean diameter below 10 microns and more preferably below 5 microns. The composition may be dry, in which case the primary particles may be aggregated, or it may be in the form of a dispersion of the solid in an organic medium, preferably one which is a liquid, or is at least plastic, under normal ambient conditions. The solid may be any material which it is desired to stabilise in a finely divided state in an organic medium. Examples of suitable solids are pigments for solvent inks and paints; pigments and fillers for plastics materials; dyestuffs, optical brightening agents and textile auxiliaries for solvent dyebaths, inks. and other solvent application systems; magnetic solids, especially magnetic metals or alloys and magnetic oxides, for use in the production of magnetic tapes and discs, solids for oil-based and invert-emulsion drilling muds, dirt and soil particles in dry cleaning fluids and biocides, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals which are applied as dispersions in organic media. The first composition, whether dry or in the form of a dispersion may contain other ingredients, such as resins, binders, fluidising agents, anti-sedimentation agents, plasticisers and preservatives. A preferred solid is a pigment from any of the recognised classes of pigments described, for example, in the Third Edition of the Colours Index (1971) and subsequent revisions of, and supplements thereto, under the chapter headed "Pigments". Examples 6f inorganic pigments are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Prussian blue, cadmium sulphide, iron oxides, vermillion, ultramarine and the chrome pigments5 including chromates, molybdates and mixed chromates and sulphates of lead, zinc, barium, calcium, and mixtures and modifications thereof which are commercially available as greenish-yellow to red pigments under the names primrose, lemon, middle, orange, scarlet and red chromes. Examples of organic pigments are those from the azo, disazo, condensed azo, thioindigo, indanthrone, isoindanthrone, anthraquinone, anthanthrone, isodibenzanthrone, triphendiosazine, phthalocyanine, especially copper phthalocyanine and its nuclear halogenated derivatives, and quinacridone series and also lakes of acid, basic and mordant dyes. Carbon black, although strictly inorganic5 behaves more like an organic pigment in non-aqueous dispersions. Preferred organic pigments are phthalocyanines, and especially copper phthalocyanines, monoazos, disazos, indanthrones, anthanthrones, quinacridones and carbon blacks. where the solid is a pigment the first composition is compatible with the fluidising agents disclosed in UK Patent Specifications Nos 1508576 and 2108143. The fluidising.agent described in UK 1508576 is a substituted ammonium salt of a coloured acid wherein there are from 19 to 60 carbon atoms in at least 3 chains attached to the N atom of the substituted ammonium ion. The fluidising agent described in UK 2108143 is a water-insoluble disazo compound comprising a central divalent group free from acidic and other ionic substituents linked, through azo groups, to two monovalent end groups, one end group being free from acidic and other ionic substituents and the other carrying a single substituted ammonium salt group. Such fluidising agents are useful for enhancing the fluidity of the dispersion form of the first composition. Examples of magnetic solids include gamma-Fe203, cobÅalt-doped gamma-Fe203, magnetize, Cr02, Ferrites and particulate iron, cobalt and nickel, and alloys thereof. Examples of agrochemicals include the fungicides flutriafen, carbendazim, chlorothalonil and mancozeb. The organic medium may be any organic medium in which it is desired to disperse the solid and with which the surfactant is compatible and at least partially soluble. It is preferably liquid, or at least plastic, at normal ambient temperatures. Examples of suitable media are hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as aliphatic petroleum fractions, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, benzene, toluene, xylene and chlorobenzene, alcohols such as n-butanol, ethers such a di-alkylethers and tetrahydrofuran, ketones such as methyl-ethyl-ketone, methyl-i-butyl ketone and cyclohexanone and esters such as butyl acetate and 2-ethoxyethyl acetate. Mixtures of these liquids may be used and, in general, the organic liquid or mixture is selected to meet the requirements of the end-use to which the composition will be put. The first composition may be prepared by mixing the components or the surfactant may be added to the solid during the preparation of the latter, preferably during tha later or finishing stages of preparation. The first composition may also be prepared by subjecting a mixture of the solid, the surfactant, preferably in the organic medium to a grinding operation sufficient to reduce the particle size of the solid to below 10 microns. If the composition includes a liquid organic medium, this may be subsequently removed, e.g. by evaporation, if the composition is required in a dry form. The first composition preferably contains from 1% to 100% by weight of the dispersing agent, based on the weight of the solid, but more preferably contains from 1% to 30%, on the same basis. In the dispersion form, the first composition preferably contains from 10% to 90% by weight of the solid the precise quantity depending on the nature of the solid and the relative densities of the solid and liquid. For example, dispersions of organic pigments preferably contain from 15Z to 60X-by weight of pigment whereas dispersions of an inorganic pigments preferably contain from 40% to 90: of the pigment, based on the total weight of the composition. (ii) Second and Third Compositions According to a third aspect of-the present invention there is provided a composition of a surfactant, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and a water-;mmiscible organic liquid, hereinafter referred to as the "second composition". The second composition may comprise the organic liquid and the surfactant alone or it may be converted to a third composition comprising a water-inoil or oil-in-water emulsion of the organic liquid and an aqueous medium stabilised with the surfactant. Such an emulsion forms a fourth aspect of the present invention. Water-immiscible organic liquids which may be satisfactorily emulsified in water with the aid of these surfactants include fatty glycerides, mineral oils, hydrocarbon fuel oils and other liquid hydrocarbons, synthetic lubricants such as the tetra-pelargonate ester of pentaerythritol, bitumens, waxes and polyolefins such as poly(isobutylene). The resulting emulsions are useful, inter alia as hydraulic fluids, cutting oils and other metal-working fluids. A preferred surfactant for use in the second composition is a compound in accordance with Formula II. In producing the emulsions, it is generally preferred to add the surfactant to the oil phase before the latter is contacted with the aqueous phase. in cases where it is desired to neutralise the free acidic groups in the surfactant, the base may be introduced before, during or after the blending of the surfactant with the oil phase. The surfactants of the invention, especially those of Formula II, are advantageous in that they can tolerate water phases which are high in dissolved inorganic content, for example naturally hard waters or brines containing up to saturation levels of salts such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride or-calcium chloride. Those surfactants in which the anionic grouping is derived from phosphoric acid have particularly good tolerance towards the presence of polyvalent cations such as Ca 2+ A further advantage is that the surfactants do not lose their efficacy at higher temperatures; they perform satisfactorily at temperatures of up to 100 C or higher. The proportion of surfactantwhich is required in a particular oil/water system may vary widely according to the nature of the two phases, but in most instances it will lie in the range 0.1% to 25% by weight, based on the disperse phase of the emulsion. Preparation of Surfactants The surfactants of the first aspect of the invention may be prepared by reaction between a polyester having a terminal carboxylic acid and/or hydroxy group and a compound having group reactive therewith and carrying a terminal acid group. Alternatively the polyester may be reacted directly with a precursor of the acid group or with a bifunctional compound which is subsequently reacted with a precursor of the acid group. Preferred polyesters are those derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids or lactones, such as 12-hydroxystearic acid and E-caprolactone. in the above processes, a monomeric precursor of the polyester may be used in place of the prepared polyester, whereby the polyester is formed in situ and directly converted into the surfactant. Suitable precursors of the polyester are hydroxycarboxylic acids and lactones. Suitable compounds containing the acid group are alpha-amino- or alpha-hydroxy-alkane carboxylic acids, such as glycine and glycollic acid and amino- and hydroxy-organic sulphonie or posphonic acids, such as aminoethane sulphonic acid, suitable precursors of the acid group are phosphorus pentoxide and sulphonyl chloride and suitable bifunctional compounds, which can form a linking group between the polyester and the acid group, are polyamines, polyols and hydroxyamines. (i) Surfactant of First Preferred Species The oil-soluble monocarboxylic acid of Formula II, the residue of which forms the hydrophobic component of the first preferred-species of the first aspect of the invention, maybe prepared by the interesterification of one or more monohydroxy monocarboxylic acids together with a monocarboxylic acid free from hydroxyl groups which acts as a chain terminator. The hydrocarbon chains Aê, B1 and Bê may be linear or branched. Aê is preferably an alkyl group containing up to 25 carbon atoms, for example a straight-chain C17H35-group derived from stearic acid. B1 is preferably a straight-chain alkyl group, and Bê is preferably a straight-chain alkylene group; for example, the unit containing B and B2 may be derived from 12-hydroxy-stearic acid. The hydroxyl group in the monohydroxymonocarboxylic acid, and the carboxyl group in either carboxylic acid, may be primary, secondary or tertiary in character. Suitable hydroxycarboxylic acids for use in the first stage include glycollic acid, lactic acid, hydracrylic acid, 6-hydroxycaproic acid, ricinoleic acid and, more especially 12-hydroxystearic acid. The non-hydroxylic carboxylic acid which acts as a chain terminator, and hence as a means of regulating the molecular weight of the complex monocarboxylic acid, may be, for example, acetic acid, propionic acid, caproic acid, stearic acid or an acid derived from a naturally occurring oil, such as tall oil fatty acid. Commercial quantities of 12-bydroxystearic acid normally contain up to 15% of stearic acid, and other non-hydroxy acids as impurities and can conveniently be used without further admixture to produce a polymer of molecular weight about 1500-2000. where the non-hydroxylic monocarboxylic acid is separately introduced, the proportion which is required in order to produce a polymer or oligomer of a given molecular weight can be determined either by simple experiment or by calculation. The interesterification of the monohydroxymonocarboxylic acid and the non-hydroxylic monocarboxylic acid may be effected by heating the starting materials in a suitable hydrocarbon solvent such as toluene or xylene, which is able to form an azeotrope with the water produced in the esterification reaction The reaction is preferably carried out in an inert atmosphere, e.g. of nitrogen, at a temperature of up to 2500C, conveniently at the refluxing temperature of the solvent. where the hydroxyl group is secondary or tertiary the temperature employed should not be so high as to lead to dehydration of the acid molecule. Catalysts for the esterification, such as-p-toluene sulphuric acid, zinc acetate, zirconium naphthenate or tetrabutyl titanate, may be included, with the object of either increasing the rate of reaction at a given temperature or of reducing the temperature required for a given rate of reaction. The hydrophobic component mentioned above may conveniently be linked to the hydrophilic component by reacting the compound of Formula II with one or more appropriate co-reactants capable of reacting with the free carboxyl group therein. The carboxyl group reacts readily with compounds containing, for example, hydroxyl or amino groups and therefore one way in which the surfactants of the invention may be made is by reacting the compound of Formula II with a compound which has in the molecule at least one hydroxyl or amino group and also at least one acid group. Examples of such compounds, where the acid group present in the hydrophilic component of the surfactant is a carboxyl group, include amino-acids such as glycine and short-chain hydroxy acids such as glycollic acid or lactic acid. Another way in which the surfactants may be produced is by an indirect, two-stage process in which the compound of Formula II is reacted with a linking compound containing at least one reaction group such as a hydroxyl or-amino group and at least one other reactive group, and the intermediate product so obtained is then reacted with a compound containing the acid group and a group capable of combining with the other reactive group in the linking compound. Suitable linking compounds include polyols, polyamines and hydroxyamines, as examples of which there may be mentioned- ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, ethylene diamine, trimethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, diethylene triamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. Hydroxyamines are appropriate linking compounds since, because of the difference in reactivity of the hydroxyl and amino groups, it is easier to avoid the formation of double-ended or oligomeric intermediate products. Suitable compounds containing the acid group and another reactive group, with which the intermediate products are then reacted, include strong inorganic acids such as phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, chlorosulphonic acid and-sulphamic acid, and organic acids such as alkyl- and aryl-phosphonic acids, alkyl- and aryl- sulphonic acids and monochloracetic acid. In preparing the surfactant from the compound of Formula II the reaction of the latter with the compound containing the acid group (in the direct route) or with the linking compound (in the indirect route) is carried out under conditions which are appropriate for the reactants involved. Thus, in the case where the compound of Formula IT is reacted directly with a functional acid such as glycine or glycollic acid the reactants may be heated together at a temperature in the range 180 -260 C, if desired in the presence of a solvent such as xylene and optionally also in the presence of a catalyst such as zirconium octoate or tetrabutyl titanate, until the acid value of the mixture has fallen to the appropriate level. The reactants are used in approximately stoichiometric proportions with respect to the carboxyl group in the compound of Formula II and the hydroxyl or amino group in the compound bearing the acid group. Similar conditions apply, in the case of the indirect route, to the reaction between the compound of Formula IT and the linking compound, except that only one reactive group in the latter is taken into account in order to ensure that the intermediate product still contains at least-one-grouping available for subsequent reaction with the compound bearing the acid group. where the linking compound is a hydroxyamine, a reaction temperature in the range 150-200 C may suffice. Here again, an inert solvent or diluent and/or a catalyst may be present if desired In the second stage of the indirect route, the intermediate product is reacted with the compound containing the acid group at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient for completion of the reaction as indicated by the attainment of a substantially constant acid value of the reaction mixture. Where the compound containing the acid group is a polybasic acid such as phosphoric acid or sulphuric acid, it is preferred that only one of the ionisable hydrogen atoms therein is reacted and that no attempt is made to remove water of reaction; it is found that reaction for about 3 hours at a temperature in the range 40-700C is usually adequate, more stringent conditions introducing the risk of dehydration of the product, especially where sulphuric acid is used. These complications do not arise in the case of monochloracetic acid, but the reaction proceeds more slowly and rather more forcing conditions may be required. In general, the compound containing the acid group is used in an approximately stoichiometric amount with respect to the available reactive groups in the intermediate product (taking into account the above-mentioned preference in the case of a polybasic acid), but a lower or higher amount than,this may be used if desired. The final products of the preparative procedures outlined above are all acidic in character and may, if desired, be stored and used as surfactants in that form. They may, however, alternatively be neutralised with ammonia, organic bases such as amines or aminoalcohols, or inorganic bases before storage or use. (ii) Surfactant of Formula III The surfactant of Formula III, in which Y is a direct link, may be prepared by reaction of a polyester having a terminal carboxylic acid group with an amino- or hydroxy-organic sulphonate or phosphonate, and preferably an amino- or hydroxy-alkyl sulphonate or phosphonate. The surfactant of Formula III, in which t is NR or oxygen, can be prepared by reaction of the same polyester with a diol, a diamine or with an aminoalcohol and subsequently reacting the intermediate formed in the first stage with a phosphating agent, such as phosphorus pentoxide, or a sulphating agent, such as chlpro- sulphuric acid. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound according to Formula III, wherein Y is a direct link, which comprises reacting a polyester of the formula A3 - CO -(O - B? - CO)m OH V with a compound of the formula: (H - X - G)k - L M VI wherein , B3, X, G, L, X, k and m have the same meanings as in Formula III. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound according to Formula III in which Y is O or NR which comprises reacting a polyester of Formula V with a compound of the formula: H - X - C - - H VII and subsequently with a sulphating or phosphating agent. In a modification of the processes forming the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention the compound of Formula VI or Formula VII is added to the precursors of the polyester of Formula V, i.e. a mixture of the compounds A3-COOR and HO-B3-COOR or the lactone of HO-B3-COOH, under polymerising conditions, whereby the polyester of Formula V is formed in situ and is converted directly into the compound of Formula III. (iii) Surfactant of Formula IV The surfactant of Formula IV may be prepared by polymerising a hydroxycarboxylic acid or lactone in the presence of a monohydric alcohol, or a primary or secondary mono-amine, to form a polyester having a terminal hydroxy group and reaction of the hydroxyterminated polyester with a phosphating, such as phosphorus pentoxide or a sulphating agent, such a chlorosulphonic acid. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound according to Formula IV which comprises polymerising a hydroxycarboxylic acid of the formula: HOOC-B3-OH VIII or a lactone thereof, in the presence of a monohydric alcohol of the formula, D1OH or a primary or secondary amine of the formula D1NH2 or D RNH, and reacting the product with a phosphating or sulphating agent, wherein B3, D1 and R are as hereinbefore defined. Examples of the Invention The invention is further illustrated by the following examples in which all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated. Intermediate 1 this is poly(l2-hydroxystearic acid) having an acid value of 35mg.KOX/g prepared by the process for "Polyester A" in UK Patent Specification No 1,373,660. Intermediate 2 A mixture of 3206g of -ricinoleic acid and 6g of tetrabutyl titanate was stirred at 170-1750C under a stream of inert gas. The acid value of the reaction mixture was determined at intervals and after 17 hours, when the acid value was 34 mg.KOH/g, reaction was stopped by cooling the reaction mixture to room temperature. The product is hereinafter called Intermediate 2. Intermediate 3 A mixture of 500g of E-caprolactone, 67g of dodecanol and O.lg of tetrabutyl titanate was stirred at 160-180tC under a stream of nitrogen for 19 hours. The reaction mass was then discharged and allowed to solidify to a waxy solid, hereinafter referred to as Intermediate 3. Intermediate 4 :Uhis was prepared in the same manner as Intermediate 3 except that the quantity of dodecanol was reduced to 32.6g and the reaction time was reduced to 6 hours. The waxy product is hereinaftDr referred to as Intermediate 4. Intermediate 5 This was prepared in the same manner as Intermediate 3 except th t the quantity of dodecanol was reduced to 16.0g and the reaction ime was reduced to 6 hours. The waxy product is hereinafter referred to as Intermediate 5. Intermediate 6 t mixture of 2968.8g of commercial 12-hydroxystearic acid and 325.5i of xylene was charged to a round-bottom flask fitted with a stirrer and a Dean and Stark separator With an atmosphere of nitrogen being maintained throughout, the mixture was heated with stirring to reflux temperature (180-190 C) and kept at that temperature for about 1 hour, with the addition of more xylene if necessary to ensure removal of water of condensation. With the -source of heat temporarily removed, there was then added, into the middle of the reaction mixture by means of a pipette, 5.61g of tetrabuty titanate and heating under reflux was resumed until the acid value of the mixture had fallen to the range 30-36mg KOH/g. The product had a solids content of 90.1% and is hereinafter referred to as Intermediate 6. Intermediate 7 This was prepared in the same manner as Intermediate 3 except that the quantities of E-caprolactone and dodecanol used were 250g and Sig respectively. The waxy product is hereinafter referred to as Intermediate 7. Intermediate 8 This was prepared in the same manner as Intermediate 3 except that the quantities of E-caprolactone and dodecanol used were 250g and 9Qg respectively The soft waxy product¯is hereinafter referred to as Intermediate 8. Intermediate 9 This was prepared in the same manner as Intermediate 3 except that the quantities of E-caprolactone and dodecanol used were 122.6g and lOOg respectively. The very soft waxy product is hereinafter referred to as Intermediate 9. Intermediate 10 A mixture of 153g of E-caprolactone, 87g of n-octanol and O.lg of tetrabutyl titanate was stirred at 160-1800C under a stream of nitrogen for 10 hours. The reaction mass was then discharged, and is hereinafter referred to as Intermediate 10. Intermediate 11 A mixture of 355g of E-caprolactone, 50g of dodecylamine and O.lg of tetrabutyl titanate was stirred at 170-180"C under a stream of nitrogen for 8 hours. The reaction mass was then discharged, and is hereinafter referred to as Intermediate 11. Fluidising Agent 1 This is the product described as Agent B in UK 1,508,576. Example 1 Solution A was prepared by mixing 26.4g of a 48.6% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and 100g of water, and then dissolving 39g of aminoethane sulphuric acid in the mixture. Solution B was prepared mixing 500g of Intermediate 1 and 43g toluene until the mixture was homogeneous. Solution B was transferred to a flask equipped with a gas inlet tube and a Dean and Stark water separator. Solution A was added to the flask over 5 minutes while the contents were stirred rapidly. Stirring was continued while heating was applied, and initially all the water was removed in the Dean and Stark separator. Toluene was then distilled off until the temperature of the reaction mass rose to 180 C. The reaction mass was then stirred at 180-1900C for 5 hours under a stream of inert gas, after which the reaction was stopped by cooling the reaction mixture to room temperature. The reaction product, hereinafter called Surfactant 1; had an acid value of 7.4mg.KOR/g. Example 2 This preparation was carried out in exactly the same way as Example 1, except that Solution A was prepared from 2.5g of a 48.6 w/w % aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, 25g of water and 3.8g of aminoethane sulphonic acid, and Solution B was prepared from 50g of Intermediate 2 and 21.7g of toluene. The final stage of the reaction was carried out at 18O0C for 5¸ hours. The reaction product, hereinafter called Surfactant 2 had an acid value of 5.9mg.KOHlg. Example 3 Solution A was prepared by mixing 7.58g of a 46.6% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and 19.9g of water then dissolving 12.5g of aminoethane sulphonic acid in the mixture. Solution B was prepared by mixing 136.8g of E-caprolactone and 21.7g toluene until the mixture was homogeneous. Solution B was transferred to a flask equipped with a gas inlet tube and a Dean and Stark water separator. Solution A was added to the flask over 5 minutes while the contents were stirred rapidly. Stirring was continued while heating was applied, and initially all the water was removed in the Dean and Stark separator. At this stage some solid was deposited on the sides of the flask. Toluene was then distilled off until the temperature of the reaction mass rose to 1800C, and during this period the solid re-dissolved giving a homogeneous reaction mass. The mass was then stirred for 7 hours at 170-I900C under a stream of inert gas, after which the reaction was stopped by cooling the reaction mixture to room temperature. Infra-red spectroscopy showed that almost no unreacted E-caprolactone was then present. The reaction product was a waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 3. Example4 317g of Intermediate 3 was stirred at 60-65"C and 10g of phosphorus pentoxide was then added gradually over 30 minutes. The temperature was then raised to 90 C, and the reaction mass stirred for a further 16 hours at this temperature. It was then discharged and allowed to solidify to give a waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 4. Example 5 The process of Example 4 was repeated except that the 317g of Intermediate 3was replaced by 317g of Intermediate 4 and the quantity of phosphorus pentoxide was reduced to 5g. The product was a waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 5. Example 6 The process of Example 4 was repeated except that the 317g of Intermediate 3 were replaced by 317g of Intermediate 5 and the quantity of phosphorus pentoxide was reduced to 2.5g. The product was a waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 6. Example 7 115g of Intermediate 3 were stirred at 60CC and 8.83g of chlorosulphonic acid added gradually over 10 minutes. The mixture was then stirred for 16 hours at 65-75"C when the acid value was 45mg.KOH/g. The reactionvmass was then discharged and allowed to solidify to a waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 7. Example 8 A blend of 390g of Intermediate 6 and 13.37g of monoethanolamine was heated with stirring in a round-bottom flask at 1500C under an atmosphere of nitrogen for a period of 6 hours, water of reaction being removed via a Dean and Stark separator. At the end of this period 29.5g of 83% phosphoric acid was added and stirring was continued at 40"C for 3 hours, without removal of water--of reaction. The final product was a 98.1% solids solution of anionic surfactant having an acid value of 58.6mg KOHlg, hereinafter called Surfactant 8. Example 9 The procedure of Example 8 was repeated, but using the following reactants in place of those used in Example 8, 381.lg of poly(l2-hydroxystearic acid), 22.5g of diethanolamine and 58.9g of 83% phosphoric acid.. The product was a 96.45 solids solution of anionic surfactant having an acid value of 88.8mg KOK/g hereinafter referred to as Surfactant 9. Example 10 The procedure of Example 9 was repeated, but replacing the 83% phosphoric acid by 47.2g of 98Z sulphuric acid and employing a reaction temperature of 70 C it the second stage. The product -was a 96.3% solids solution of anionic surfactant having an acid value-of I49.Smg KOH/g, hereinafter referred to as Surfactant 10. Example 11 A blend of 300g of poly(l2-hydroxystearic acid) and 12,9g of glycine was heated with stirring at 200 C under an atmosphere of nitrogen for a period of 6 hours, water of reaction being removed via a Dean and Stark separator. The product was a 90.4% solids solution of anionic surfactant having an acid value of 21.6mg KOH/g, hereinafter called Surfactant 11. Example 12 A blend of 300g of poly(l2-hydroxystearic acid) and 15.8g of glycerol was heated under an atmosphere of nitrogen for a period of 6 hours, water of reaction being removed as in Example 11. There was then added 20.8g of 83% phosphoric acid and heating was continued at 700C for 3 hours without removal of water of reaction. The product was a 92.3% solids solution of anionic surfactant of acid value 53.lmg KOH/g, hereinafter referred to as Surfactant 12. Example 13 A blend of 300g of poly(l2-hydroxystearic acid) and 20.9g of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane was heated with stirring for 6 hours at 1900C under an atmosphere of nitrogen, water of redaction being removed as in Example 11. There was then added 67.8g of 83% phosphoric-acid and heating was continued ate70 C for 3 hours without removal of water of reaction. The product was a 92.2% solids solution of anionic surfactant having an acid value of 130.8mg KOH/g, hereinafter referred to as Surfactant 13. Example 14 A blend of 300g of poly(l2-hydroxystearic acid) and 13.1g of glycollic acid was heated with stirring at 215 C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 6 hours, with removal of water of reaction. The product was a 95.7% solids solution of anionic surfactant of acid valve 29.2mg KOH/g, hereinafter referred to as Surfactant 14. Example 15 The process of Example 4 was repeated except that- 105g of Intermediate 3 and 5g- of phosphorus pentoxide were used. -The product was a waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 15. Example 16 The process of Example 4 was repeated except that 317g of Intermediate 3 were replaced by 211g of Intermediate 7. The product was a waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 16. Example 17 The process of Example 4 was repeated except that the 317g of Intermediate 3 were replaced by 148g of Intermediate 8. The product was a waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 17. Example 18 The process of Example 4 was repeated except that the 317g of Intermediate 3 were replaced by 100g of Intermediate 9, and the quantity of phosphorus pentoxide was increased to 11.5g. The product was a soft waxy solid, hereinafter called Surfactant 18. Example 19 75.6g of Intermediate 10 were stirred at room temperature and lOg of phosphorus pentoxide were added gradually over 30 minutes. The temperature was then raised to gOOC, and the reaction mass stirred for a further 16 hours at this temperature. It was then discharged and t-he product, a very viscous liquid ishereinafter called Surfactant 19. Example 20 106g of Intermediate 11 were stirred at 50-55"G and 5g of phosphorus pentoxide were added gradually over 45 -minutes. The temperature was then raised to 900C, and the reaction mass stirred for a further 4 hours at this temperature. It was then discharged and the product, a waxy solid, is hereinafter called Surfactant 20. Examples 21 to 44 The 24 dispersions, having the formulations described in Table 1 were prepared by ball-milling the ingredients for 16 hours. All the dispersions were fluid and de-flocculated, with pigment part-icles having a mean diameter below 5 microns. Table 1 Example Pigment & amount Surfactant Organic liquid & Amount & Amount 21 Red 57:2 4.0 1 0.20g SBP3 5.80g 22 Red 57:2 4.0g 1 0.20g Toluene 5.80g 23 Yellow 34 7.5g I 0.37g Xylene 2.31g 24 White 6 7.0g 2 0.35g SBP3 2.65g 25 Yellow 34 7.0g 2 0.35g SBP3 2.65g 26 Red 57:2 3.0g 2 O.9Qg SBP3 6.10g 27 Yellow 34 7.0g 3 0.35g NIBK 2.65g 28 White 6 7.0g 3 0.35g 2-EOEA 2.65g 29 Blue 15: :3 2.5g I 0.50g SBP3 7.00g 30 Red 168 4.0g 1 0.40g SBP3 5.60g 31 White 6 7.0g 4 0.35g 2-EOEA 2.65g 32 Yellow 42 7.0g 4 0.35g MIBK 2.65g 33 White 6 5.0g 15 0.25g TCE 4.75g 34 White 6 7.0g 15 0.35g PA 2.65g 35 Red 101 6.0g 5 0.3g BA 3.7g 36 White 6 5.0g 6 0.35g PA 4.65g 37 White 6 6.0g 7 0.3g BA 3.7g 38 Red 104 6.0g 16 0.3g MOPA 3.7g 39 White 6 6.0g 17 0.3g BA 3.7g 40 White 6 6.0g 18 0.3g BA 3.7g 41 White 6 6.0g 19 0.3g BA 3.7g 42 White 6 6.0g 20 0.3g BA 3.7g 43 White 6 6.0g 15 0.3g CH 3.7g 44 White 6 5.0g 1 0.25g TCE 4.75g Abbreviations in Table 1 SBP3 petroleum fraction boiling between 100 and 1200C. MIBK methyl-iso-butyl ketone. 2-EOEA 2-ethoxyethyl acetate. MOPA l-methoxy-2-propyl acetate. TCE trichloroethylene. PA -n-propyl acetate. BA n-butyl acetate. CH cyclohexanone. Example 45 A dispersion was prepared according to the method of Example 21 using the following ingredients: Pigment Blue 15:3 3.0g Fluidising Agent 1 0.6g Surfactant 1 0.3g SBP3 6.lg The dispersion was fluid and deflocculated with pigment particles having a mean diameter below 5 microns. Examples 46 to 49 Four dispersions having the general formulation: Dispersed Solid 80g Surfactant 1 4g EXSOL D 200/240 116g were prepared by bead milling the ingredients for 30 minutes with 1 mm glass beads using the solids listed in Table 2. All the dispersions were fluid and deflocculated with particles having mean diameters below 5 microns. EXSOL D 200/240 is a mixed aliphatic naphthenic solvent available from Exxon Corporation and EXSOL is a trade mark. Table 2 Example Dispersed Solid 46 flutriafen 47 --Carbendazim 48 Chlorothalonil 49 Mancozeb Example 50 A mixture of 2.0g of Surfactant 8 and 178.0g of diesel oil was heated to 500C and stirred until it became homogeneous. To this solution was added 20.0g of demineralised water whilst the total material was being passed through a "Silverson" mixer running at slow speed. when the addition of the aqueous phase was complete, emulsification was continued at full speed for 3 minutes. The 10/90 water-in-oil emulsion thus obtained was of good stability, showing no more than slight oil separation and no water break after storage at room temperatere for 24 hours. Example 51 A water-in-oil emulsion was prepared as described in Example 50 using Surfactant 9 in place of Surfactant 8. The resulting emulsion was of similar stability to that of Example 50. Example 52 A water-in-oil emulsion was prepared as described in Example 50, except that, after dissolution of the product in the diesel oil and prior to emulsification, there was added -to the aqueous phase 0.03g of 0.880 sp.gr. aqueous ammonium, bringing the pH of that phase to 7.0. The resulting emulsion was of similar stability to that of Example 50. Example 53 A mixture of I.0g of Surfactant 11 and 4.Og of ISOPAR L (an essentially iso-paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction : ISOPAR is a Registered Trade Mark) was heated to 700C and stirred until the mixture became homogeneous. This solution was then added slowly to 95.0g of demineralised water whilst the total material was being passed through a "Silverson" mixer running at low speed. The mixer was''then switched to full speed and isopropylaminoethanol was added to the emulsion until the pH of the latter was brought to 9.2. Emulsification was then continued at high speed for 3 minutes. The resulting emulsion had good stability, showing only slight creaming at the surface after storage at room temperature for 24 hours. Example 54 Surfactant 12 was used to make an oil-in-water emulsion as described in Example 53, except that diesel oil was used in place of ISOPAR L and the pH of the oil phase after addition of isopropylaminoethanol was 9.7. The resulting emulsion had good stability, showing only slight creaming at the surface after storage at room temperature for 72 hours. Example 55 Surfactant 13 was used to make an oil-in-water emulsion as described in Example 54, except that the pH of the oil phase after addition of isopropylaminoethanol was 8.7. The resulting emulsion had similar stability to that of Example 54. Example 56 A mixture of 1.15g of Surfactant 14 and 4.0g of paraffinic mineral oil was heated to 70"C and stirred until the mixture was homogeneous. This oil phase was then emulsified into 95g of demineralised water as described in Example 53, the pH of the oil phase after addition-of isoprozylaminoethanol being 9-. 7. The resulting emulsion was of similar stability to that of Example 54. Example 57 The 90.4% solids solution of Surfactant 11 was used to prepare a 10/90 water-in-oil emulsion according to the procedure described in Example 50. The resulting emulsion had similar stability to that of Example 50. Example 58 A water-in-oil emulsion was prepared as described in Example 50, but replacing the Surfactant 8 by Surfactant 10, replacing the demineralised water by 20.0g of 20% aqueous calcium chloride solution, and reducing the amount of diesel oil to 176.0g. The resulting emulsion showed similar stability to that of Example 50. Example 59 A water-in-oil emulsion was prepared as described in Example 50 using Surfactant 8, but replacing the demineralised water by 20.0g of a 20X aqueous calcium chloride solution and adding thereto, prior to emulsification, 0.05g of 0.880 sp.gr. aqueous ammonia. The resulting emulsion had similar stability to that of Example 50. Examples 60 to 63 Mixtures of magnetic material, Surfactant 4, resin and solvent, as indicated in Table 3, were premixed using a high-speed stirrer and then subjected to a high energy ball-milling for the time shown in Table 3. Dispersions suitable for use in the manufacture or magnetic media were obtained in this way. The magnetic materials used were as follows: Type A A gamma-Fe203 with a surface area of 18.5m2/g, an oil absorption of 41mI/100g and a particle length of 0.4 microns. This is typical of magnetic iron oxides used in audio tapes. Type B A cobalt-doped gamma-Fe2O3 with a surface of 23mê/g, an oil absorption of 41g/100g and a particle length of 0.35 microns. This material which was supplied by Bayer UK Ltd. under the product name MAYEERROX AC 5 120M (BAYFERROX is a trade mark) is typical of magnetic iron oxides used in high-bias audio tapes and in video cassette tapes. Type C A stabilised magnetite with a surface area of 19m21g, an oil absorption of 40g/lOOg, and a particle length of 0.45 microns. This material was supplied by Bayer UK Ltd., under the product name BAYFERROX AC 5110M. Type D A chromium dioxide magnetic material of the type used in computer tapes and video cassette tapes. The resin was a hydroxylated vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate copolymer obtained from Union Carbide under the trade mark UCAR VAGH. In the following tables the following abbreviations are used THF is tetrahydrofuran. MEK is methyl ethylketone. Table 3 Example Magnetic Amount of Solvent(s) Amount High energy Number material Surfactant and Amount of resin milling time & Amount 4 (g) (g) (minutes) (g) (g) 60 Type A 0.8 THF 9.3 0.6 60 20.0 MEK 9.3 61 -Type B 0.8 TRF 9.3 0.6 60 20.0 MEK 9.3 62 Type C 0.8 TRF 9.3 0.6 60 20.0 MEK 9.3 63 Type D 0.8 THF-- 9.3- 0.6 60 20.0 MEK 9.3 Examples 60A to 63A Each dispersion prepared in Examples 60 to 63 was let down to a lacquer with a 20% w/w solution of a polyurethane (PU) resin in tetrahydrofuran. Typically, the let down was carried out in three stages with approximately equal quantities of PU resin solution each time. Each mixture was subjected to a 5 minute high-energy ball milling after each stage of the let down. The resultant lacquer was then further let down with solvent and the mixture subjected to a further 5 minutes high-energy ball milling. Table 4 identifies the dispersions, the weights of PU resin solution and of solvent used in the let down; the let down solvent was a 1:1 mixture of tetrahydrofuran and methylethylketone. The PU resin used was obtained from B.F.Goodrich Inc. under the name ESTANE 5701-F1 (ESTANE is a trade mark). Table 4 Example Dispersion Amount of Amount of solvent or CE used 20% PU resin used (g) Number solution (g) 60A Ex.6O 22 14.92 61A Ex.61 22 14.92 62A Ex.62 22 14.92 63A Ex.63 22 14.92 Magnetos tatic Evaluations Each lacquer was discharged from the ball-mill and used to coat to roll of 12 micron thick biaxially-oriented polyester film. The coating was carried out using a mechanised wire-wound K-bar (Meyer Bar) draw-down system. The K-bar was calibrated to leave a wet film of thickness 50 microns. The machine was modified so that a powerful permanent magnet mounted about 1.5 cm above the polyester film followed the motion of the K-bar. In this way a strong magnetic field passed across the wet-film before any appreciable solvent evaporation had taken place. The film was then allowed to dry by solvent evaporation. Samples of coated films were then evaluated by conventional techniques on a vibrating-sample magnetometer. Table 5 reports the magnetic parameters of coated films determined by this evaluation technique. The magnetic parameters determined were coercivity (in Oersteds), squareness (Br/Bs) and Magnetic Orientation Ratio (OR). Coercivity and squareness are parallel to the direction of travel of the magnet over the film. Table 5 Example Coercivity Squareness Orientation Number (Oersteds) (Br/Bs) Ratio 60A 426 0.79 2.30 61A 678 0.76 1.82 62A 450 0.58 1.08 63A 765 0.63 1.33

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A compound comprising a carboxylic acid ester or amide carrying a terminal acid group selected from carboxymethyl, sulphate, sulphonate, phosphate and phosphonate, provided that the methyl radical of the carboxymethyl group is not directly attached to a carbon atom of an unsubstituted hydrocarbon chain containing two or more carbon atoms. 2. A compound according to Claim 1 of the general formula: A -(O - B - CO) - D m wherein one of the groups represented by A and D is, or carries, the acid group and the other is any convenient terminal group which does not render the compound hydrophilic, B is a divalent hydrocarbon group and m is from 1 to 100. 3. A compound according to Claim 2 wherein A is the residue, A1-CO-, of a carboxylic acid, A1COOH, in which A1 is H, a hydrocarbon group or a substituted hydrocarbon group. 4. A compound according to Claim 3 wherein D is a polyvalent bridging group linking at least one acid group to at least one ester chain of the formula: A1CO-(O-B-CO)m-. 5. A compound according to Claim 4 wherein D is of the formula -X-G-Ywherein X is O or NR, Y is O or NR or a direct link; each R independently is E, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or phenyl, or where X and Y are both NR, the two groups, R, may form a single alkylene or alkenylene group linking the two nitrogen atoms to which they are attached; and G is alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene or arylene. 6. A compound according to Claim 2 wherein A is the acid group and D is the residue, D1 -X-, of an alcohol, thiol, or primary or secondary amine, D1-XH, in which D1 is an aliphatic or alicyclic group and X is oxygen, sulphur or NR, in which R has the same meaning as in Claim 5. 7. A compound comprising a hydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component covalently bonded together, wherein the hyrophobic component is the residue of an oligomeric or polymeric monocarboxylic acid of the formula: EMI33.1 in which A2 is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon group; B1 is hydrogen or a monovalent C1 to C24 hydrocarbon group; B2 is a divalent C1 to C24 hydrocarbon group; n is zero or 1; and p is zero or an integer up to 100, and wherein the hydrophilic component contains an acid group selected from phosphate, phosphonate, sulphate, sulphonate and carboxymethyl. 8. A compound of the formula: [A3 - CO -(O - B3 - CO) m D2 1k L M III wherein A CO is the residue of an esterfiable carboxylic acid of the formula, A -COOH; B is selected from alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene, polycycloalkylene and halo derivatives thereof; D2 is a bridging group of the formula - X - G - Y - wherein X is O or NR and Y is 0, NR or a direct link, in which each R independently is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, phenyl or, where X and Y are both NR, the two groups, R, may form a single alkylene or alkenylene group linking the two nitrogens to which they are attached and G is alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene or arylene; L is phosphonate, sulphonate or carboxymethyl; M is a cation; k is I or 2; ; and m is from 1 to 100. 9. A compound of the formula: [D - X -(CO - B3 - O) Ik- L M IV wherein DI is an aliphatic or alicyclic group and B3, L, M, X, m and k have the same meanings as in Claim 8. 10. A composition of a solid and a surfactant according to any one of Claims I to 9. 11. A composition according to Claim 10 wherein the surfactant is present, at least in part, as a coating on finely divided particles of the solid. 12. A composition according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the solid is dispersed in an organic medium. 13. A composition-comprising an emulsion of an aqueous medium and a water-immiscible organic liquid containing a stabilising quantity of a surfactant according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

Inventors: BAKER, ALAN STUART, CAMPBELL, FREDERICK, SCHOFIELD, JOHN DAVID
Applicants: IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES PLC
Application year: 1985
Main classification: B01F17
IPC codes: C07C233, C07C67, C08G63, C07C231, C07C301, C07C307, C07F9, C07C69, B01F17, C07C327, C09D17, C07C305, C09D175, C10L1, C07C325, C09B67, C09D7