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Alkyl polyglycosides (APGs) are a class of non-ionic surfactants widely used in a variety of household and industrial applications. They are derived from sugars, usually glucose derivatives, and fatty alcohols. The raw materials for industrial manufacture are typically starch and fat, and the final products are typically complex mixtures of compounds with different sugars comprising the hydrophilic end and alkyl groups of variable length comprising the hydrophobic end. When derived from glucose, they are known as alkyl polyglucosides.
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Uses
APGs are used to enhance the formation of foams in detergents for dishwashing and for delicate fabrics. In addition to their favorable foaming properties, they are attractive because they are biodegradable.
Preparation
Alkyl glycosides are produced by combining a sugar such as glucose with a fatty alcohol in the presence of acid catalysts at elevated temperatures.