PURPOSE: To obtain an amine oxide with a low nitrosamine content by reacting a tertiary amine with aqueous hydrogen peroxide in the presence of titanium metal.
CONSTITUTION: A tertiary amine is reacted with aqueous hydrogen peroxide while in contact with titanium metal at a temperature of 10-100°C for 1-24 hours to give the objective product. Addition of carbon dioxide to the reaction mixture gives an amine oxide which has a lower content of nitrosamine or is substantially nitrosamine-free. The amount of hydrogen peroxide employed is 1-5 moles per mole of the tertiary amine. Titanium metal is employed in such an amount that the titanium surface of 5-500 cm2 per liter of reaction liquid volume is given and carbon dioxide is employed in an amount from 0.005 wt.% up to the solubility limit in the tertiary amine.