Preparation of alkanolamines

Abstract

Alkanolamine compositions are disclosed. The composition comprises an alkanolamine and hydroxylamine or hydrazine. Preferred alkanolamine includes diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof. The composition of the invention has significantly reduced discoloration.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
     
     
         17 . A method for stabilizing the color of an alkanolamine, said method comprising adding to the alkanolamine a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamine, hydrazine, and mixtures thereof in an amount within the range of 100 ppm to 1000 ppm based on the weight of the alkanolamine.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the alkanolamine is selected from the group consisting of diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the alkanolamine is triethanolamine.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising adding an alkali metal borohydride to the alkanolamine.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the alkanolamine has a purity greater than 95%.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the alkanolamine has a purity greater than 99%.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the alkanolamine has a purity greater than 99.5%.