The invention relates to the compounds of formula (I), in which R1 and R2 represent a linear, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein the sum of the carbon atoms of the groups R1 and R2 is from 2 to 7; A represents a chain of one or a plurality of units of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide and mixtures thereof; and n is an integer between 1 and 100 inclusive. The invention also relates to mineral or organic salts thereof; the use of the compounds of formula (I) and/or of one of the salts thereof as a surfactant, a wetting agent, a detergent, an emulsifying agent, a dispersant, a corrosion inhibitor, and the like; and to compositions comprising at least one compound of formula (I) and/or of one of the salts thereof.