Process for preparation of stable aqueous solutions of zirconium chelates

Abstract

The present invention comprises reacting ammonium, sodium or potassium hydroxide or water soluble amines or amine derivatives with alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid to prepare a neutral solution of the corresponding alpha-hydroxy carboxylic salt in a stoichiometric reaction. The alkali metal, ammonium, amine or amine derivative, alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid salt is then added to solutions of zirconium which may be zirconium oxychloride, zirconium hydroxy chloride, zirconium acetate and the like, ammonia, water soluble amines or amine derivatives, diisopropylamine or a mixture of two or more of these bases, as well as soluble carbonates and/or bicarbonates of ammonium and alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, while mixing the solutions. The procedure produces a mildly acidic or basic solution of the zirconium alpha-hydroxy carboxylic chelate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.