Process for the preparation of alkali metal acetates

Abstract

To prepare a corrosion-inhibiting liquid de-icing agent based on alkali metal acetates, 30 to 50 percent strength by weight alkali metal hydroxide solution is introduced into a reaction container provided with a cooling device and a mixing device, and 85 to 100% strength acetic acid is metered into the reaction container until the ratio by weight of acetic acid to alkali metal hydroxide solution therein (0.30 to 0.45):1. A portion of this solution is transferred from the reaction container to a stirred dissolving tank and 0.03 to 1% by weight, relative to the batch, of benzotriazole and/or tolyltriazole and/or imidazole is dissolved therein. The resulting solution containing azole is introduced into the reaction container along with 0.01 to 0.2% by weight of phosphoric acid, relative to the batch. Acetic acid continues to be metered 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. Small amounts of alkali metal hydroxide solution or acetic acid are then introduced into the reaction container until the pH of the solution therein is 9.2 to 9.8. Finally, this solution is withdrawn from the reaction container as a liquid de-icing agent.