The present invention is directed to alkoxylated alcohol alkyl ethers. In some embodiments, these ethers include a very short chain ether end cap, such as a methyl or ethyl group. In some embodiments, the long chain fatty alcohol used is unsaturated and/or branched. In some embodiments, a compound of the invention includes: R1O&mdash(PO)n&mdashR2&emsp&emsp(Formula Xa) wherein P is a branched alkyl group having 3 carbons n is an integer ranging from 2 to 10 R1 is a branched or unsaturated hydrocarbon having 16 to 24 carbons which are substituted or unsubstituted and wherein R2 is a methyl group. In some embodiments, n is 3 and R1 is an isostearyl group.
