abstract |
A composition and a process for producing the composition are provided. The composition comprises repeat units derived from 1,3-propanediol; an organic acid, preferably a dicarboxylic acid, its salt, its ester, or combinations of two or more thereof; a polyether diol; and a sulfonated comonomer. The polyether diol can be present in the composition in the range of from about 10 to about 80 weight %. The process comprises contacting 1,3-propanediol with the organic acid, the polyether diol, and the sulfonated comonomer. The sulfonated comonomer can have the formula of (R'OC(O))2A(R)zS(O)2OM in which each R' can be the same or different and is each independently hydrogen, a C1 to C4 alkyl group, or a C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl group; each R is independently a C1 to C4 alkyl group; A is an alkylene or arylene group; z is a number of from 0 to 2; and M is hydrogen, alkali metal ion, alkaline earth metal ion, quaternary ammonium, or ammonium ion. |