Synthesis of some symmetrical aldehyde glycol monoether acetals

Forty-two acetals of seven aldehydes and the mono-methyl, ethyl and n-butyl ethers of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol were prepared, and their physical constants determined. An in vitro test was used to determine their hydrolysis in a slightly acidic medium, considered to be similar to the natural acidity of the human skin. It was shown that regeneration of the parent aldehydes proceeded with sufficient rapidity to warrant in vivo tests of these acetals in cosmetic formulas.