Inventors:
Alan D. Strickland - Lake Jackson TX
Assignee:
The Dow Chemical Company - Midland MI
International Classification:
C07C 0000, B09B 300
Abstract:
Chelants represented by Formula 1b: ##STR1## are determined to be biodegradable when Distance A is from about 3. 8. times. 10. sup. -10 to about 4. 6. times. 10. sup. -10 m, Distance B is from about 5. 1. times. 10. sup. -10 to about 5. 9. times. 10. sup. -10 m, and Distance C is from about 4. 3 to about 6. 7. times. 10. sup. -10 m). Compounds meeting these criteria are referred to as compounds of Formula 2. In addition to methods of analysis and computer systems therefor, the invention includes a method of chelating a metal ion to form a chelate and biodegrading the chelate comprising step (a) contacting the metal ion with at least one compound of Formula 2 to form a chelate and (b) contacting the resultant chelate or chelant with microbes of the type specified in ASTM 2667-89, ISO 5815 or effective enzymes thereof under conditions and for a time sufficient for biodegradation wherein either (i) the chelate formed in step (a) is formed in a process of removing deposits, scale, or rust; cleaning or washing; controlling metal initiated or catalyzed oxidation or deterioration including spoilage, discoloration, or rancidification; textile treatment; paper making; stabilization of polymers or phosphates; or petroleum drilling, production or recovery; or (ii) the chelate formed in step (a) is before step (b) used as a redox catalyst, in a process of photographic bleaching, bleach-fixing or developing; in electroless deposition or plating; in removing acid or oxide gases including H. sub. 2 S, NO. sub. X, SO. sub. X, CO and CO. sub. 2 ; or in providing agricultural nutrients.