FIELD: chemistry.;SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to continuous single- and multi-step methods of producing ethoxylates which are used as surfactants. The continuous single-step method involves obtaining a mixture of non-phenolic C1-C26 alcohol and a double metal cyanide catalyst, continuously feeding ethylene oxide and said mixture into a reactor under conditions which are suitable for producing ethoxylate, continuously feeding an additional amount of ethylene oxide into the reactor and continuously extracting the desired ethoxylate. Molecular weight distribution of the desired ethoxylate is similar to molecular weight distribution of the desired ethoxylate produced by basic catalysis. Versions of the continuous multi-step method of producing ethoxylate, described in detail in corresponding claims, involve successive and continuous feeding of ethylene oxide and a mixture of non-phenolic C1-C26 alcohol and a double metal cyanide catalyst into continuous shell-type reactors.;EFFECT: continuous single- and multi-step methods of producing ethoxylates are disclosed.;34 cl, 3 tbl, 6 dwg, 7 ex
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