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Abstract

A method is provided for modifying foam in an aqueous surfactant composition. The method comprises admixing with the aqueous surfactant composition a foam modifying amount of a composition of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is: (a) a branched or linear alkyl of 20 to 28 carbon atoms; or (b) ##STR2## wherein n is 9-16 and R.sub.1 is a branched or linear alkyl of 3 to 22 carbon atoms. Certain of these benzoate esters are novel, in particular: ##STR3## wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each, independently, an alkyl of 4 to 16 carbon atoms, and the total number of carbon atoms in R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is at least 12 carbon atoms. Preferably, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each C.sub.8 H.sub.17, i.e. octyldodecyl benzoate ester. Additional novel benzoate esters used as foam enhancers have the formula: ##STR4## wherein n is 12 to 16 and R.sub.1 is a branched or linear alkyl of 3 to 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred esters are when n is 14, R.sub.1 is C.sub.18 H.sub.37 and R.sub.1 is C.sub.4 H.sub.9. Also, additionally, preferred esters are where n is 9 and R.sub.1 is C.sub.16 H.sub.33.

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