Monomers which contain a 4-thiazolidinone unit linked to a benzene nucleus and which contain a (meth)acrylate function are provided. A process for the synthesis of the monomers and the use thereof in the synthesis of polymers by the radical route is also provided.

Monomers which contain a 4-thiazolidinone unit linked to a benzene nucleus and which contain a (meth)acrylate function are provided. A process for the synthesis of the monomers and the use thereof in the synthesis of polymers by the radical route is also provided.

A surfactant component comprising a compound of formula (I): (I) wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.5 to C.sub.39 alkyl or alkenyl group and R.sup.2 is a group of formula (a) wherein one of W, X, Y and Z is a covalent bond and the remaining groups are independently selected from H, M, SO.sub.3M and a further group of formula R.sup.1CO provided at least one of W, X, Y and Z is SO.sub.3M; and each M is independently a hydrogen ion, an ammonium ion or a metal ion. ##STR00001##

A surfactant component comprising a compound of formula (I): (I) wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.5 to C.sub.39 alkyl or alkenyl group and R.sup.2 is a group of formula (a) wherein one of W, X, Y and Z is a covalent bond and the remaining groups are independently selected from H, M, SO.sub.3M and a further group of formula R.sup.1CO provided at least one of W, X, Y and Z is SO.sub.3M; and each M is independently a hydrogen ion, an ammonium ion or a metal ion. ##STR00001##

A compound of formula (I) wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.5 to C.sub.39 alkyl or alkenyl group and R.sup.2 is (c) wherein A is an anion. ##STR00001##

A compound of formula (I) wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.5 to C.sub.39 alkyl or alkenyl group and R.sup.2 is (c) wherein A is an anion. ##STR00001##