Polyacetals, preparation thereof and use thereof in detergents

Abstract

Polyacetals useful as detergent additives contain units of the formula ##STR1## where R is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl or COOM, M is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl or an alkali metal, ammonium or alkanolamine group, and m is from 0 to 9, have K values (determined by the method of H. Fikentscher on the sodium salt in 1% strength by weight aqueous solution at 25.degree. C. and pH 7) of at least 8.5, and are prepared by polymerizing compounds of the formula ##STR2## where R is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl or COOM, M is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl or an alkali metal, ammonium or alkanolamine group, R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, and m is from 0 to 9, in the presence of initiators and optionally comonomers with or without hydrolysis of the ester groups.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.