Preparation of hydrocarbon-soluble transition metal salts of organic carboxylic acids

Abstract

A process for preparing hydrocarbon-soluble transition metal salts of organic carboxylic acids having improved properties wherein the transition metal is one capable of having a multiplicity of oxidation states is described. The process comprises the steps of (a) providing at least one transition metal compound wherein the transition metal is at one of its higher positive oxidation states, (b) treating said transition metal compound with at least one inorganic reducing agent forming an intermediate containing the transition metal in a lower positive oxidation state, and (c) reacting said intermediate with at least one organic carboxylic acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms to form the transition metal salt of said carboxylic acid. The transition metal salts prepared in accordance with the process of the invention are useful in a variety of applications including resins, inks, paints, lubricants and fuels.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.