Stabilized epsilon caprolactam composition and method for preparing same
AssigneeM&T Chemicals Inc.
InventorsJean W. Bouchoux, William A. Larkin
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Abstract
Hexaorgano distannanes of the general formula R.sub.3 Sn-SnR.sub.3 significantly reduce or eliminate the discoloration which occurs when mixtures containing an alkali metal salt of a lactam are stored under an inert atmosphere for extended periods of time at temperatures between ambient and 100.degree.C. R in the foregoing formula represents a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing between 1 and 20 carbon atoms.
Claims6
An improved composition containing 1) an alkali metal salt of .epsilon.-caprolactam wherein said alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, and 2) a stabilizer to inhibit discoloration of said composition, wherein the improvement resides in the presence, as said stabilizer, of a hexaorgano distannane of the formula R.sub.3.sup.2 SnSnR.sub. 3.sup.2 in an amount between SnSnR.sub. and 100 percent, based on the weight of said alkali metal salt, wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each represent an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, inclusive.
A method for preventing or inhibiting the development of discoloration in compositions containing an alkali metal salt of .epsilon.-caprolactam, said method consisting of incorporating into said composition between 0.5 and 100 percent, based on the weight of said alkali metal salt, of a hexaorgano distannane of the general formula R.sub.3.sup.2 SnSnR.sub.3.sup.3 wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each represent an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, inclusive.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.