Alkali generating process

A process for generating an alkali, comprising reacting a complexing agent having the general formula:

• ##STR79## with a slightly water-soluble metal compound having the general formula:
• M.sub.n Y.sub.m (II)
• in the presence of water, wherein formula (I),
• C represents carbon;
• D.sup.- represents --CO.sub.2 --, --SO.sub.3 -- or --PO.sub.3.sup.2- ;
• B.sup.+ represents an alkali metal ion, a substituted or unsubstituted guanidinium ion, an amidinium ion or a quaternary ammonium ion;
• k is equal to 1 or 2, the value of k being selected so as to establish equilibrium between anions and cations in formula (I),
• E represents --S--, --O--, or --NR.sup.2 -- and adjoins the C atom in formula (I) wherein R.sup.2 represents H or various substituents or a direct bond to form a double bond between the N atom and the adjoining atom;
• Z represents a group of atoms necessary to complete a heterocyclic ring with C and E, wherein the heterocyclic ring may have a --D.sup.- B.sup.+.sub.k or another substituent attached thereto or form a fused ring and the heterocyclic ring formed by Z, C, and E is selected from the group consisting of a pyridine ring, quinoline ring, pyrazine ring, thiophene ring, furan ring and tetrahydrofuran ring;
• R.sup.1 represents H or various substituents or a direct bond to form a double bond between the C atom and the adjoining atom;
• and in formula (II),
• M represents a metal other than alkali metals;
• Y represents an oxide ion, a hydroxide ion, a carbonate ion, a silicate ion, a borate ion, or an aluminate ion;
• n and m represent integers selected so as to establish equilibrium between the valences of M and Y;
• and
• the compound of formula (II) may contain water of crystallization or form a double salt.