HYDROLYZING EPOXY RESINS IN ABSENCE OF SOLVENT AND IN PRESENCE OF OXALIC ACID AND A PHOSPHONIUM COMPOUND

摘要

This invention is directed to a process for hydrolyzing an epoxy resin by reacting said epoxy resin with water in the presence of a catalyst. This invention is characterized by conducting the reaction in the absence of a polyhydric phenol and substantial quantities of an organic solvent and in the presence of a catalytic quantity of a catalyst comprising (1) at least one dicarboxylic acid and (2) at least one phosphonium compound wherein the molar ratio of (1) to (2) is from 1:1 to 20:1. Hydrolyzed epoxy resins produced by the process of this invention are useful in coating compositions.