Hydrophobically-modified polycarboxylates and process for their preparation

摘要

This invention provides interpolymers comprising repeating units of the structure: <IMAGE> wherein m is a mole fraction from 0.70 to 0.95; n is a mole fraction from 0.05 to 0.30; A is derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer; B is derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer and B is not A; and C is: <IMAGE> wherein X is -H, <IMAGE> or a combination thereof, R1 is -H, -CH3, or -(CH2)q-CH3, or a combination thereof, and q is 1-5; R2 is: <IMAGE> or R3, or a combination thereof, and R3 is C8-C18 linear or branched alkyl chain; the interpolymer being prepared by polymerizing the monomers in a solvent system in which the monomers and interpolymer are soluble. Also provided is a polymerization process for preparing hydrophobically-modified polycarboxylate builders which are compatible with liquid detergent formulations.