Patent AT-E40110-T1: [Translated] CLEANING AGENTS CONTAINING POLYETHER CARBON ACID DERIVATIVES, THEIR PRODUCTION AND USE.

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a detergent containing one or more compounds having the formula RCONH(C₂H₄O)_nCH₂COOH and/or salts thereof, where R represents a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 5-21 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1-20, by amidating, ethoxylating and carboxy­methylating one or more fatty acids having the formula RCOOH and, if so desired, converting all or part of the ether carboxylic acid obtained to a salt thereof, characterised in that an oil or fat is started from and that this oil or fat is aminolysed in the presence of an alkali(ne earth) metal and the reaction mixture obtained is in the usual manner ethoxylayed, carboxymethylated and, if desired, converted in whole or in part to a salt.