Method for Loading a Monomer to a Bulk Container

Abstract

This application is directed to a method for minimizing oxidative discoloration of a chemical compound such as a monomer during shipping, storing, and/or aging.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method for off-loading an air-sensitive monomer susceptible to discoloration from a bulk shipping container, comprising:
 (a) providing a positive pressure of an inert gas to the interior of the bulk shipping container;   (b) adjusting the temperature of the bulk shipping container to maintain the flowability of the monomer; and   (c) transferring the monomer to a receiving container under a positive pressure of the non-oxidative gas.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the monomer comprises 2,6-xylenol 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the 2,6-xylenol is off-loaded from the bulk shipping container to the receiving container at a temperature that is greater than the melting temperature of 2,6-xylenol. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the 2,6-xylenol is off-loaded at a temperature of from about 50-90° C. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein a positive pressure of the non-oxidative gas is maintained in the shipping container during loading. 
     
     
         28 . A container with an interior that is pressurized with a non-oxidative gas that contains a monomer susceptible to oxidative discoloration and an optional antioxidant. 
     
     
         29 . The container of  claim 28 , wherein the non-oxidative gas is selected from the group consisting of argon, neon, and nitrogen, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         30 . The container of  claim 28 , wherein the inert gas is nitrogen. 
     
     
         31 . The container of  claim 28 , wherein the positive pressure in the interior is 5-20 psig nitrogen. 
     
     
         32 . The container of  claim 28 , further comprising a pressure gauge and an oxygen gas (O 2 ) detector. 
     
     
         33 . The container of  claim 28 , further comprising a pressure gauge and an oxygen gas (O 2 ) detector. 
     
     
         34 . The container of  claim 28 , wherein the monomer comprises 2,6-xylenol. 
     
     
         35 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A method for off-loading an air-sensitive monomer susceptible to discoloration from a bulk shipping container, comprising:
 (a) maintaining a positive pressure of an inert gas to the interior of the bulk shipping container;   (b) adjusting the temperature of the bulk shipping container to melt the monomer; and   (c) transferring the melted monomer to a receiving container under a positive pressure of the non-oxidative gas.