Process for the direct production of alkyl glycosides

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Surface-active alkyl glycosides, ie. the acetals of sugars and aliphatic alcohols, are produced by a direct acidcatalyzed reaction of the alcohol with the saccharide with elimination of water. Light coloured and alkali-stable akyl glucosides are produced by acetialization of higher aliphatic primary alcohols with glycoses, particularly glucose in the, presence of an acidic catalyst. The aliphatic alcohol is present in a molar acess in relation to the glycosis. Water of the reaction is rapidly removed under reduced pressure and elevated reaction temperatures. The catalystis neutralized with a base, excess alcohol is removed by distillation and conversion of the reaction product into an …