A wetting agent according to Formula (I): wherein R1 is selected from a branched alkyl group or linear alkyl group or a cycloaliphatic group or an aromatic group, each having 6 to 15 carbon atoms; R2 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R3 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R4 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R5 is selected from methyl or ethyl; x ranges from 0 to 5; y ranges from 0 to 10; z ranges from 1 to 10; with the proviso that when x ranges from 1 to 5, R2 is different from R3; and with the proviso that when x=0, R3 is different from R4. The wetting agent also imparts anti-foam properties to aqueous solutions while reducing surface tension.