NEW MATERIAL: A compd. represented by formula I [wherein R1 and R2 are each H, -(CH2)a-COOX (wherein a is 1-3, X is H, an alkali metal cation or ammonium), R is 8-22C alkyl or 8-22C alkenyl; m, n, z and z1 are each 0-30, x and y are 1-49 and x+y+z+z1+m+n is 2-160].

EXAMPLE: Dodecaethoxynonyl catechol represented by formula II (x+y=12).

USE: A surfactant and a self-metal ion sealing surfactant.

PROCESS: 1 mol of a compd. represented by formula III, (x+y+z+z1) mol of ethylene oxide and (m+n) mol of propylene oxide are reacted and the reaction product is carboxylated by 1-2 mol of Hal-(CH2)2-COOH(Hal is Cl or Br) to obtain the compd. represented by formula I.