Methods for the preparation of an n-bis-[2-(1,2-dicarboxy-ethoxy)-ethyl]amine derivative and products of the methods and their uses

Abstract

Methods for the preparation of an N-alkyl-N-bis-(2-( 1,2-dicarboxy-ethoxy)-ethyl)-amine derivative are described, products of the methods as well as uses of the products. The derivative is prepared by reacting an alkali or earth alkali metal salt of maleic acid with an N-substituted diethanolamine, the reaction taking place with the two ethanol groups of the diamine while the substituent group bound to the N atom remains unaffected, or alternatively by first reacting diethanolamine with an alkali or earth alkali metal salt of maleic acid to yield N-bis-(2-(1,2-dicarboxy-ethoxy)-ethyl)-amine, which is then reacted with a substitution reagent to obtain the final product. The derivative is useful as chelating agents, e.g., in the bleaching of chemical or mechanical pulp or in textile bleaches containing hydrogen peroxide or a peracid, or as a calcium binder in detergents and cleaning agents.