B a m o n A. Mulh.olla.nd d i s c u s s e s properties and potential u s e s of t h e
ALKYL BORIC ACIDS . . . R - B COH ^g "of special interest are their bacteriostatic, fungistatic and surface-active properties. They've been patented as gasoline additives, polymer components, stabilizers for aromatic amines" Q · Mr. Mulholland, are these materials bacteriostatic or fungistatic? A». Both. Screening tests show that Nonyl Boric Acid completely inhibits growth of three bacteria and three molds in dilutions as high as 1:25,000 and has some effect even at 1:1,000,000. Dodecyl Boric Àcid is active against four of t h e s e common microorganisms. Q:. Can polymers be made from the Alkyl Boric Acids? A— Polymers prepared from alkyl chloro silanes and Alkyl Boric Acids have been patented. Other copolymers should be possible. C£- Are tnese materials stable at high temperatures? A— The Alkyl Boric Acids tend to lose water and form cyclic anhydrides known as boroxins. These oil-soluble trialkyl boroxins bave been suggested as components o f oil addit i v e s for s t a b i l i z a t i o n against oxidation and polymerization. Q - How about the present and future availability of the Alkyl Boric Acids? A - At present, Nonyl and Dodecyl Boric Acids are obtainable in research quantities, with production of larger quantities a t Callery 's Lawrence, Kansas Plant to follow.
Ramon A . Mulholland, B.S., M.S., Indiana University Manager, Marketing, Callery Chemical C o m p a n y
Q. Can other Alkyl Boric Acids be made? A . Various Alkyl Boric Acids can be made with ferent alkyl, cyclic, and functional groups. If expect that a particular compound might have right properties for your product or process, would like to hear from you.
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Q. Are the Alkyl Boric Acids like the silicones in any way? A . THey appear t o be like the silane diols i n apparently bonding t o glass surfaces. For instance, the glassware in which the bacteriological tests were made had to be carefully cleaned t o permit further testing. Q. Are these materials stable t o hydrolysis? A . Nonyl and Dodecyl Boric Acids appear to be quite stable to either acid solutions or alkaline aqueous solutions. Q. What industries might use these acids? A . In the manufacture of paper for control of slime organisms. In paint, leathers, and polymers to minimize bacterial damage. In the oil industry as petroleum additives, and many others.
"Write or phone for specific information on the Λ Iky I Boric A cids Phone: FOrest 4-1130
TWJC: Perrysville,
Pa. 117
CHEMICAL· PITTSBURGH
37
MARCH
COMPANY PENNSYLVANIA
IO.
1958
C&EN
37
