Method of decolorizing mixtures of T-butyl alkylphenols with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)oxazolidine

摘要

A method of eliminating color-causing impurities in mixtures of t-butyl alkylphenols by treatment with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)oxazolidine at 90 DEG C. and at atmospheric pressure is described. These phenols are used as peroxide inhibitors in polyoxyalkylene glycols for polyurethane foams. Discoloration of the polyol occurs if the phenol mixture is not treated with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)oxazolidine. The t-butyl alkylphenol mixture is derived from an alkylphenol made over an acid catalyst.