The present invention relates to modified colloidal silica particles covalently linked to at least one polyalkyleneoxy moiety having at least about 3 alkyleneoxy units. The invention also relates to an aqueous dispersion thereof, and a method of producing such modified silica particles. The invention further relates to use of the modified colloidal silica particles as emulsifiers for paper sizing agents, agriculturally active ingredients and asphalts, as well as dispersant for oil spills.