Process for preparation of stable aqueous solutions of zirconium chelates

摘要

Aqueous solutions of zirconium chelates are prepared by combining an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt with a solution of a zirconium compound. That preparation first involves formulating an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt through a stoichiometric reaction between an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids and a base. The stoichiometric reaction product consists of an approximately neutral solution of a corresponding alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt. The alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt is then added to a solution of a zirconium compound to produce a mildly acidic or basic solution of the corresponding zirconium alpha-hydroxycarboxylic chelate. Alternatively, the alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid salt may be pre-prepared and added in solid or liquid form to the zirconium compound before the zirconium compound is placed in solution so that the corresponding zirconium alpha-hydroxycarboxylic chelate is produced.