Compositions containing surfactant compounds according to formula (I)
ROCH2CH(OH)CR1R2ZCR1R2CH(OH)CH2OR, (I)
wherein Z is S, SO, or SO2, can have a range of equilibrium and/or
dynamic surface tensions and a range of foaming performance attributes, depending
upon the particular values of Z, R, R1, and R2. The compounds
of formula (I) may be prepared by a process that includes reaction of a sulfide
source such as a metal sulfide or bisulfide with an alkyl glycidyl ether.