ABSTRACT
Alkyl glycosides or alkyl glucosides are unique nonionic surfactants. Alkyl glycosides are the acetal products from the reactions of alcohols and saccharides, which contain an aldehyde functionality. Alkyl glucosides are the products from the reactions of alcohols and, speci cally, the saccharide d-glucose or other glucose sources. The commercial production of alkyl glycosides is primarily the production of alkyl glucosides from a glucose source. This chapter discusses the raw materials, chemistry, process and technology, and research and development of alkyl glucosides.
