Monoalkyl—dialkyl phosphate ester mixtures

Phosphate esters are prepared by the partial esterification of fatty alcohol with phosphorous oxychloride followed by hydrolysis (20). This method yields a product that is a mixture of monoalkyl, dialkyl, and trialkyl phosphates. 

The resulting product is a mixture of dialkyl and monoalkyl phosphate esters. These products also contain small amounts of condensed phosphates and phosphoric acid. Neutralization of the acids with bases like alkali hydroxides, ammonia, or amines produces water-soluble anionic surfactants and emulsifiers. 

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