Alkenyl succinic anhydrides - useful as washing agent builders

Abstract

Abstract Alkenylsuccinic acid anhydrides are made by reacting an olefin with maleic anhydride in the presence of 0.01-3 wt.% (on total reaction components) of a phosphorus-containing sequestering agent (I) or orthophosphoric acid and 0.01-3 wt.% (on total reaction components) of a hydroxy-aromatic antioxidant. Pref. a 10-20C olefin is reacted with maleic anhydride in a ratio of about 2:1 molar at about 200 degrees C, in the presence of ca. 0.1 wt.% of a sequestering agent such as ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid and 0.1 wt.% of an antioxidant such as 2,6-di-tert. butyl-4-methylphenol. Process gives higher ratio of alkenylsuccinic anhydride:polymer in the product and also reduces formation of coloured by-products. Products are esp. useful as buildrs in washing agents for textiles.

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