Process for the preparation of alkali metal acetates

A process for the preparation of a corrosion-inhibiting liquid de-icing agent based on alkali metal acetates as well as phosphoric acid and an inhibitor selected from the group consisting of benzotriazole, tolyltriazole and imidazole, which comprises initially introducing a 30 to 50 percent by weight strength alkali metal hydroxide solution into a reaction container provided with a cooling device and a mixing device;

• metering 85 to 100% strength acetic acid into the reaction container until the ratio by weight of acetic acid to alkali metal hydroxide solution therein is (0.20 to 0.45):1;
• transferring a portion of this solution from the reaction container into a stirred dissolving tank and dissolving therein 0.03 to 1% by weight, relative to the batch of an inhibitor selected from the group consisting of benzotriazole, tolytriazole and imidazole;
• introducing the solution containing azole and 0.01 to 0.2% by weight, relative to the batch, of phosphoric acid into the reaction container;
• continuing to meter acetic acid into the reaction container until the density of the solution in the reaction container is 1.07 to 1.39 g/cm.sup.3 at 20.degree. C.;
• introducing small amounts of alkali metal hydroxide solution or acetic acid into the reaction container until the pH of the solution therein is 9.2 to 9.8 and finally withdrawing this solution from the reaction container as a liquid de-icing agent.