Hydrogen peroxide oxidation of tertiary amines

Oxides of tertiary amines, such as dimethyldodecylamine oxide, are known to be useful as detergents and foam stabilizers, and are now in commerical use. The results of an investigation leading to the selection of optimum conditions for producing these compounds are reported. A variety of hydrogen peroxide‐derived systems for amine oxidation were investigated. These included hydrogen peroxide in water and in nonaqueous solvents, and peroxy acids under various reaction conditions. Reductometric, acidimetric, and gas chromatographic procedures were used for analysis of reaction mixtures. The preferred reaction uses hydrogen peroxide as oxidant and water as the reaction medium. The product of this reaction is a 30舑40% solution of the amine oxide. Other factors affecting the rate and extent of conversion, such as amine purity, are discussed.