Surfactants of formula (I) ##STR00001## wherein each R is independently hydrogen or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group; A is independently hydrogen or --C(O)--O--B; R.sub.o is a linear, branched or cyclic aliphatic group, or combination thereof, having from about 2 to about 100 carbon atoms, interrupted or substituted by 1 to about 50 hydrophilic groups, said hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, amino, ether and mixtures thereof; wherein specific ratios of and bonding of hydrophilic groups to carbon atoms is required; each B is independently of specific formulae containing perfluoroalkyl and --S(CH.sub.2).sub.t--, and m, d, n, and t are 0 or integers with specific limitations.