A New Creaseproof Finish for Wool Using 2-Iminothiorane Hydrochloride and Its Reaction Mechanism

For the purpose of developing wool fabrics with good wrinkle recovery, we have studied the reaction mechanism of a new wool processed with 2-iminothiorane hydro chloride (2-IT). With 2-IT, a number of new disulfide (-SS-) groups are introduced into wool fabrics. We investigate the reactivity of 2-IT and L-phenylalanine (Phe) as the model compound of wool by adsorption chromatography. Also, we analyze the bond structure of the product obtained from the reaction of 2-IT and Phe by 1 H-NMR and SIMS. As a result, we confirm that 2-IT reacts with the amino group of Phe, and the -SH group finally replaces the amino group. Furthermore, the sulfur (S) content and wrinkle recovery clearly increase with increasing content of 2-IT, as revealed by x-ray fluorometry. The result of increasing the number of -SS- groups in the wool fabrics is that wrinkle recovery and setting ability improve.