Alkanolamides

A modified monoethanolamide surfactant composition mixture having a predominant component of the formula

• 9
• Wherein:
• R is an optionally substituted or unsubstituted, branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical of 3-21 carbon atoms;
• B is CH3 or —CH2—CH3;
• and
• x has an average value of at least 1 representing the ratio of moles of alkylene oxide selected from propylene oxide, butylene oxide and mixtures of the same to moles of monoethanolamide compound sufficient to prepare a monoethanolamide composition mixture having a congealing temperature of 15° C.
• said modified monoethanolamide composition mixture being liquid at ambient temperature or lower, and being suitable to exhibit foam stabilization and viscosity building properties.

Cosmetic, personal care and household use compositions which comprise at least 0.1% by weight of a modified monoethanolamide surfactant composition mixture which is substantially a liquid at ambient temperature or lower having a predominant component of the formula

• 10
• Wherein:
• R is an optionally substituted or unsubstituted, branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical of 3-21 carbon atoms;
• B is CH3 or —CH2—CH3;
• and
• x is at least about 1.

Metal working and industrial use compositions which are in liquid form comprising at least 0.1% by weight of a modified monoethanolamide surfactant composition mixture which is substantially a liquid at ambient temperature or lower having a predominant component of the formula

• 11
• Wherein:
• R is an optionally substituted or unsubstituted, branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical of 3-21 carbon atoms;
• B is CH3 or —CH2—CH3;
• and
• x is at least about 1.