FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to stabilized choline hydroxide solutions and the methods for preparing such stabilized solutions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Choline hydroxide is a strong base which has applications in the production of other choline salts, for example, by neutralization with an appropriate acid or in applications where a strong base containing very low levels of inorganic ions is needed. For instance, a choline base, such as choline hydroxide, is important in applications, such as in

manufacturing electronics.

Choline hydroxide is an unstable molecule, however, and the degradation of choline base occurs readily with the formation of undesired byproducts {e.g. , trimethylamine and enal polymers). For instance, the degradation of choline base may occur by a process oftentimes referred to as Hofmann elimination. In Hofmann elimination, a basic molecule abstracts a proton from a carbon atom beta to a carbon atom bearing a good leaving group. The residual negative charge left at the beta position after proton abstraction forms a double bond with the alpha carbon bearing the leaving group and, in the process of forming the double bond, ejects the leaving group. In the case of choline hydroxide, the hydroxide counteranion abstracts a proton from the hydroxymethylene group carbon atom followed by ejection of the adjacent trimethylamine group. Thus, the products of Hofmann elimination from choline base are trimethylamine and acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde takes part in subsequent sequential aldol condensations, catalyzed by the presence of ample strong base, to yield conjugated polyunsaturated enal polymers with high color. In addition, the trimethylamine byproduct is highly volatile and has a strong odor.

Therefore, the formation of undesired byproducts, such as enal polymers and trimethylamine, for example, can result in negative consequences, such as the rapid development of heavy/dark color, the formation of precipitates from the choline base solution, volatility, a strong smell, etc. Thus, degradation reactions deteriorate the quality of the choline hydroxide solutions and make them useless for most applications.

Choline base stabilizers generally are designed to deal with acetaldehyde that is liberated during the Hofmann elimination reaction. The fast "scavenging" {e.g. , reduction) of acetaldehyde removes the raw material necessary for the sequential aldol condensations which produce colored polymers. Thus, chemicals that react readily, reduce and/or disruptively copolymerize with acetaldehyde, such as formaldehyde, hydroxylamine, and semicarbazide, have been found to be good stabilizers for choline hydroxide. Formaldehyde hydroxylamine, and semicarbazide have limited utility, however, due to toxicity issues. Additionally, sulfites have been used as a means of stabilizing choline base and related quaternary hydroxyethylammonium hydroxide compounds, for example. Sulfites are generally required at high concentration, however, to be effective. Additionally, borohydrides and aluminohydrides can reduce acetaldehyde to the corresponding alcohol {i.e. , ethanol) and can reduce conjugated enal polymers to the corresponding alcohol with some reduction of the conjugated polyene function also occurring. There is a safety risk, however, associated with the use of hydride reducing agents, such as borohydride, in aqueous solution because hydrogen gas may evolve, for example, upon neutralization of aqueous choline hydroxide solutions in final applications wherein another choline salt is being produced. Thus, there remains a need for an effective stabilizer for choline hydroxide solutions to minimize or eliminate degradation reactions and the formation of undesired byproducts, without toxic effects or safety risks and where the stabilizer can be effective even when added in small amounts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention include methods for the stabilization of aqueous choline hydroxide solutions and stabilized choline hydroxide solutions, which includes the selection of an effective stabilizer or stabilizers in small amounts e.g. , less than about 5000 ppm by weight of the total solution) that reduce or eliminate degradation and/or decomposition reactions and the formation of undesired byproducts without toxic effects or safety risks. Additionally, it was discovered that although a significant amount of the degradation of choline hydroxide may occur via the process designated as Hofmann elimination, it is probably not the only degradation process occurring. The degradation of choline base may also be accelerated by other agents, such as oxygen, which are not known to be important in Hofmann elimination. Amongst the other degradation processes which are likely to be occurring, oxidation is believed to be particularly significant.

Additionally, the concentration of choline hydroxide in the solutions may influence the amount degradation (e.g. , color formation) where a higher concentration of choline hydroxide may lead to more rapid and darker development of color.

The present invention provides for stabilized aqueous choline hydroxide solutions (even at higher concentrations of choline hydroxide), which have a low and stable color (e.g. , substantially clear) after synthesis and for a period of at least one to several months in storage at room temperature. According to one aspect of the invention, the choline hydroxide solution is stabilized using a dithionite salt (e.g., sodium dithionite) as a sole stabilizer or, alternatively, in combination with small amounts of dialkyihydroxylamine or other stabilizers. According to another aspect of the invention, the choline hydroxide solution is stabilized using a dialkyihydroxylamine (e.g. , Ν,Ν-diethylhydroxylamine) as the sole stabilizer or, alternatively, in combination with small amounts of a dithionite salt or other stabilizers. The stabilizers used herein are effective at low levels (e.g., 0.1% or lower) and may reduce the degradation reactions associated with one or both of the Hofmann elimination and the other degradation processes, such as oxidation, autoxidation, and the like. According to one aspect of the invention, a method for the stabilization of an aqueous choline hydroxide solution includes adding a stabilizer of a dithionite salt or a dialkylhydroxylamine to the aqueous choline hydroxide solution after the aqueous choline hydroxide solution is formed. Optionally, a first stabilizer of a dithionite salt or a

dialkylhydroxylamine may be added to an aqueous solution containing reactants that will produce an aqueous choline hydroxide solution.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for the stabilization of an aqueous choline hydroxide solution includes adding a first stabilizer of a dithionite salt or a dialkylhydroxylamine to an aqueous solution containing reactants that will produce an aqueous choline hydroxide solution; and after the aqueous choline hydroxide solution is formed, adding a second stabilizer of a dithionite salt or a dialkylhydroxylamine to the aqueous choline hydroxide solution.

According to another aspect of the invention, the stabilized choline hydroxide solution may include choline hydroxide, water, and a dithionite salt and/or a

dialkylhydroxylamine as a stabilizer present in an amount of about 100 ppm to about 2000 ppm by weight of the stabilized choline hydroxide solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention include methods of stabilizing choline base solutions and the resulting stabilized choline solutions. As used herein, the terms "stabilizing" and "stabilized" are intended to encompass a choline hydroxide solution that undergoes minimal or no degradation reactions that would otherwise deteriorate the quality of the choline hydroxide solutions. In other words, there is reduced or no development of heavy/dark color, formation of precipitates, volatility, a strong smell, etc. Instead, the stabilized choline solution may maintain a clear or slightly off-color (e.g. , APHA of less than 500) appearance for an extended period of time (e.g., at least one week, at least one month, at least three months, etc.) at room temperature (e.g., about 20-25°C) under standard conditions. Additionally, the stabilized choline solution may also maintain a clear or slightly off-color (e.g., APHA of less than 500) appearance even if subjected to elevated

temperatures (e.g. , up to 60°C).

According to one embodiment of the invention, a stabilized choline hydroxide solution comprises choline hydroxide; water; and a stabilizer comprising a dithionite salt or a dialkylhydroxylamine, wherein the stabilizer is present in an amount of about 100 ppm to about 2000 ppm by weight of the stabilized choline hydroxide solution.

As used herein and in the claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional unrecited elements, compositional components, or method steps. Accordingly, the terms "comprising" and "including" encompass the more restrictive terms "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of." Unless specified otherwise, all values provided herein include up to and including the endpoints given, and the values of the constituents or components of the compositions are expressed in weight percent or % by weight of each ingredient in the composition. Additionally, each compound used herein may be discussed interchangeably with respect to its chemical formula, chemical name, abbreviation, etc.

Choline Hydroxide Solutions

The stabilized choline hydroxide solution is a solution, which includes a choline base, such as choline hydroxide. Choline, also known as choline base, is a colorless liquid and a strong organic base. Chemically, it is trimethyl(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium hydroxide and can be represented by the formula : [(CH ₃ ) ₃ NCH ₂ CH ₂ OH] ⁺ OH ^" .

Choline hydroxide, also known as (2-hydroxyethyl) trimethyl-ammonium hydroxide, is an organic base suitable for many uses. For example, aqueous solutions of choline base are useful in connection with electronic applications, such as positive photoresist developing agents, stripping photoresists, anisotropic etching agents, and washing agents for silicon wafers.

The stabilized choline hydroxide solution may be in any suitable form. In one embodiment, the choline hydroxide is an aqueous choline solution, which includes a choline base and water. The preferred aqueous medium is water although other aqueous solvents including polar aprotic solvents may also be suitable. The water may be of any suitable type, e.g. , distilled, deionized, treated, etc. Preferably, the water is in pure form with little to no impurities. The type and amount of aqueous medium is not especially limited, but may be employed in amounts sufficient to achieve a homogenous solution.

The solution may comprise any suitable concentration of choline hydroxide. The concentration of choline hydroxide in the solution may be high (for example, on the order of about 30 to about 60 weight %, about 40 to about 50 weight % choline hydroxide, or about 45 weight % choline hydroxide) based on the total amount of the aqueous choline hydroxide solution.

The aqueous choline hydroxide solution may be prepared using any suitable reactants and reaction mechanisms known by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the choline hydroxide solution may be prepared by the reaction of trimethylamine (TMA) with ethylene oxide (EO) and one equivalent of water in an aqueous solvent. The solvent is preferably pure water. A substantial excess of water may be necessary to dissipate the heat generated by the strongly exothermic reaction. Other reactants, solvents, catalysts, etc. may also be added with the primary reactants as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, any pre-treatments, such as pre-treating the water with trimethylamine in the case where the stabilizer hydrolyzes at a neutral or acid pH, may also be performed as needed. Dithionite Salt Stabilizeris)

According to one embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer for the stabilized choline hydroxide solution comprises at least one dithionite salt. Dithionite is an inorganic dimer sulfur oxide with both sulfur atoms in the +3 oxidation state as follows:

The dithionite salt may include alkali metal dithionite salts, such as sodium dithionite, potassium dithionite, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the dithionite salt is a water soluble dithionite salt, such as sodium dithionite.

The dithionite salt may be obtained in any suitable form (e.g., powder, aqueous). The dithionite salt may be added as a solid, a solution, or in any form convenient for use in the process of choline hydroxide manufacture. For example, sodium dithionite is readily available as a white crystalline powder, and may also be available or readily formed into aqueous (dilute) form. Sodium dithionite may hydrolyze, disproportionate and/or generally decompose to other sulfur species in an aqueous medium, with the exact nature of ultimate products depending on the pH, temperature, and the presence of catalysts. The

decomposition of dithionite may ultimately lead to the formation of some sulfite byproduct, but the efficacy of sodium dithionite in the prevention of color formation of the aqueous choline hydroxide solutions is far in excess of that caused by any byproduct sulfite that may form.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dithionite salt stabilizer is the sole stabilizer used to stabilize the choline solution. As used herein, "sole" stabilizer is intended to mean that only that ingredient is intended to stabilize the choline solution by minimizing or eliminating degradation reactions (e.g. , Hofmann elimination, oxidation, etc.) that lead to color change. Thus, in this embodiment, the dithionite salt or an aqueous dithionite salt acts as the only stabilizer or is effective as the sole stabilizer in the aqueous choline hydroxide solutions.

The dithionite salt may effectively stabilize the choline hydroxide solution in small amounts (e.g., less than 5000 ppm). For example, from 100 ppm (0.01% wt/wt) to 2 g/l or 2000 ppm (0.2% wt/wt) of sodium dithionite or a molar equivalent amount of an alternative dithionite salt may be added to an aqueous solution of choline base for the purpose of preventing color formation and preserving the overall quality of the product. The dithionite may be added at any suitable time, for example, in one portion during the production of the choline base and in a second portion after the choline base has been manufactured.

In another embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer comprises dithionite salts, such as sodium dithionite, as the primary stabilizer {e.g., at least 50 % by weight of the stabilizer is at least one dithionite salt), with lesser amounts of additional stabilizers. The dithionite salt acts as the primary stabilizer in preventing color formation and preserving the overall quality of the product. The dithionite salt acts as the primary stabilizer by including at least a ratio of 1 : 1 or at least 2: 1 dithionite salt to additional stabilizer. In other words, the ratio of dithionite salt to additional stabilizer may range from about 1 : 1 to 10: 1 or about 2: 1 to 4: 1 dithionite salt to additional stabilizer, for example.

The additional stabilizers may include, but are not limited to, amines, sulfites, hydroquinones, hydrides, carboxylic acids, piperazines, etc. In one embodiment, the additional stabilizer comprises dialkylhydroxylamines {e.g., ΙΜ,ΙΜ-diethylhydroxylamine). In another embodiment, the additional stabilizer comprises ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), methoxyhydroquinone (MEHQ), tetramethylpiperazine-N-oxide (TEMPO), diethylenetriamine (DETA), benzaldehyde, sodium sulfite, boric acid, tetraethylenetriamine (TETA), sodium borohydride, butylated hydroxyanisole, sodium metabisulfite, ascorbic acid, thiourea, and mixtures thereof.

For example, the stabilizer may comprise aqueous dithionite salts, such as sodium dithionite, as the primary stabilizer, with lesser amounts of additional stabilizer, such as aqueous Ν,Ν-dialkylhydroxylamines. For example, from 100 ppm (0.01% wt/wt) to 2000 ppm (0.2% wt/wt) of sodium dithionite or a molar equivalent amount of an alternative dithionite salt and about 100 ppm to 2000 ppm of Ν,Ν-dialkylhydroxylamine {e.g., N,N- diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA)) may be added to an aqueous solution of choline base for the purpose of preventing color formation and preserving the overall quality of the product. The use of from about 50 ppm (0.005% wt/wt) to 1 g/l or 1000 ppm (0.1% wt/wt) of sodium dithionite combined with 50 ppm to 1 g/l or 1000 ppm of DEHA may be particularly suitable. The use of equal molar amounts of alternative dithionite salts and/or equal molar amounts of another aqueous soluble N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine can be substituted for sodium dithionite and/or DEHA as would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Without wishing to be bound to theory, the addition of dithionite alone and/or dithionite plus an additional stabilizer, such as Ν,Ν-dialkylhydroxylamine, has been found to counteract all or almost all of the alkalinity driven and/or oxidation driven color formation reactions occurring during the preparation of and storage thereafter of choline hydroxide. Thus, the dithionite stabilizer alone or in combination with an additional stabilizer may minimize, slow, or eliminate the Hofmann elimination, oxidation, and/or autoxidation reactions.

Dialkylhydroxylamine Stabilizer(s ^' )

According to one embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer for the stabilized choline hydroxide solution comprises at least one dialkylhydroxylamine, such as N,N- dialkylhydroxylamine. The dialkylhydroxylamine may be of the following formula:

X ₁ X2NOH where and X ₂ independently represent an alkyl group. The alkyl groups may include any linear or branched chain alkyl groups comprising one or more carbon atoms. For example, the alkyl groups may include 1 to 10 carbon atoms (e.g. , methyl, ethyl, propyl, etc.).

Suitable dialkylhydroxylamines may include, but are not limited to, diethylhydroxylamine, di-isopropylhydroxylamine, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the

dialkylhydroxylamine comprises N,N-diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA).The

dialkylhydroxylamine may be obtained and added to the choline solution in any suitable form (e.g., aqueous). For example, diethylhydroxylamine may be in anhydrous or aqueous (dilute) form and may be manufactured by the reaction of a triethylamine and peroxide, followed by Cope Elimination, purification and distillation.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dialkylhydroxylamine stabilizer is the sole stabilizer used to stabilize the choline solution. As noted above, "sole" stabilizer is intended to mean that only that ingredient is intended to stabilize the choline solution by minimizing or eliminating degradation reactions (e.g., Hofmann elimination, oxidation, decomposition, etc.) that lead to color change. Thus, in this embodiment, the dialkylhydroxylamine acts as the only stabilizer or is effective as the sole stabilizer in the aqueous choline hydroxide solutions.

The dialkylhydroxylamine may effectively stabilize the choline hydroxide solution in small amounts (e.g. , less than 5000 ppm). For example, from 100 ppm (0.01% wt/wt) to 2 g/l or 2000 ppm (0.2% wt/wt) of ΙΜ,Ν-diethylhydroxylamine or a molar equivalent amount of an alternative dialkylhydroxylamine may be added to an aqueous solution of choline base for the purpose of preventing color formation and preserving the overall quality of the product. The dialkylhydroxylamine may be added at any suitable time, for example, in one portion during the production of the choline base and in a second portion after the choline base has been manufactured.

In another embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer comprises

dialkylhydroxylamine, such as Ν,Ν-diethylhydroxylamine, as the primary stabilizer (e.g. , at least 50 % by weight of the stabilizer is at least one dialkylhydroxylamine), with lesser amounts of additional stabilizers. The dialkylhydroxylamine acts as the primary stabilizer in preventing color formation and preserving the overall quality of the product. The dialkylhydroxylamine acts as the primary stabilizer by including at least a ratio of 1 : 1 or at least 2: 1 dialkylhydroxylamine to additional stabilizer. In other words, the ratio of dialkylhydroxylamine to additional stabilizer may range from about 1 : 1 to 10: 1 or about 2: 1 to 4: 1 dialkylhydroxylamine to additional stabilizer, for example.

The additional stabilizers may include, but are not limited to, dithionites, amines, sulfites, hydroquinones, hydrides, carboxylic acids, piperazines, etc. In one embodiment, the additional stabilizer comprises dithionite salts (e.g. , sodium dithionite). In another embodiment, the additional stabilizer comprises ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), methoxyhydroquinone (MEHQ), tetramethylpiperazine-N-oxide (TEMPO), diethylenetriamine (DETA), benzaldehyde, sodium sulfite, boric acid, tetraethylenetriamine (TETA), sodium borohydride, butylated hydroxyanisole, sodium metabisulfite, ascorbic acid, thiourea, and mixtures thereof.

For example, the stabilizer may comprise dialkylhydroxylamine, such as aqueous Ν,Ν-dialkylhydroxylamines, as the primary stabilizer, with lesser amounts of additional stabilizer, such as sodium dithionite. For example, from 100 ppm (0.01% wt/wt) to 2000 ppm (0.2% wt/wt) of l\l,N-diethylhydroxylamine or a molar equivalent amount of an alternative Ν,Ν-diethylhydroxylamine and about 100 ppm to 2000 ppm of dithionite salt {e.g., sodium dithionite) may be added to an aqueous solution of choline base for the purpose of preventing color formation and preserving the overall quality of the product. The use of from about 50 ppm (0.005% wt/wt) to 1 g/l or 1000 ppm (0.1% wt/wt) of DEHA combined with 50 ppm to 1 g/l or 1000 ppm of sodium dithionite may be particularly suitable. The use of equal molar amounts of alternative dithionite salts and/or equal molar amounts of another aqueous soluble N,N-dia Iky I hydroxy la mine can be substituted for sodium dithionite and/or DEHA as would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Without wishing to be bound to theory, the addition of dialkylhydroxylamine alone and/or dialkylhydroxylamine plus an additional stabilizer, such as dithionite, has been found to minimize or eliminate the degradation reactions, which lead to color formation occurring during the preparation of and storage thereafter of choline hydroxide. Thus, the dialkylhydroxylamine stabilizer alone or in combination with an additional stabilizer may minimize, slow, or eliminate the Hofmann elimination, oxidation, and/or autoxidation reactions.

Stabilized Choline Hydroxide Solutions

As described herein, the choline hydroxide solution is stabilized with a sole stabilizer or combination of stabilizers to provide for minimal or no development of heavy/dark color. Additionally, the formation of precipitates is also reduced or eliminated. It was discovered that a major influence on choline base stability may be exposure to air (e.g. , oxygen) during storage. Without wishing to be bound to a particular theory, oxygen may enhance the rate of Hofmann elimination and/or it may drive a parallel oxidative degradation pathway. Thus, stable, clear color and reduced precipitation may be due, at least in part, to minimization of the Hofmann elimination reaction in addition to minimization of oxidation, autoxidation, and/or other degradation reactions.

The concentration of choline hydroxide in the solutions may influence the amount of degradation {e.g. , color formation). For example, choline hydroxide solutions having a low concentration of choline hydroxide {e.g. , on the order of about 10-15% choline hydroxide) may hardly develop any color over time (e.g. , for weeks or even months). On the other hand, solutions comprising a high concentration of choline hydroxide (e.g., about 45% choline hydroxide in the solution) can develop dark color very quickly (e.g. , on the order of about one day). Thus, the stabilizers described herein may be effective at both low and high concentrations of choline hydroxide. For example, the stabilizers may be effective for solutions containing concentrations of choline hydroxide at 45% choline hydroxide or greater, 40% choline hydroxide or greater, 25% choline hydroxide or greater, 10% choline hydroxide or greater, etc., based on the total amount of stabilized aqueous choline hydroxide solution. In one embodiment, the solution comprises 40-50% by weight choline hydroxide, based on the total amount of stabilized choline hydroxide solution.

The stabilized choline solutions described herein may maintain a clear or slightly off- color (e.g. , APHA of less than 500) appearance for an extended period of time. The color of the stabilized choline solution may be evaluated by measuring the American Public Health Association (APHA) color, for example, following appropriate American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) procedures (see e.g., ASTM D1209). APHA measurements, expressed herein, were taken using a calibrated Lovibond PFX195 Tintometer with a 5 cm pathlength quartz cell. The APHA color value represents a scale ranging from a low, transparent/light to a high, opaque/dark sample. A value less than 20 is indicative of a clear or water-white sample. A value less than 100 is indicative of a clear or slightly off- color appearance sample. A value less than 500 is indicative of a clear to amber sample. A value greater than 500 is indicative of amber to an opaque dark color. Thus, a lower value establishes a more clear/lighter sample whereas a higher value designates a more opaque/darker sample. As the darkness and opaqueness represents the presence of degradation reactions and associated byproducts of the choline base, a lower value is desired. In one embodiment of the invention, the stabilized choline hydroxide solution has an APHA color value of 500 or less, 300 or less, 100 or less, 50 or less, or 20 or less when stored and measured at room temperature.

The stabilized choline solution also has a suitable shelf life. In other words, the choline solution remains stable for an extended period of time, for example, on the order of at least one week, at least one month, at least three months, at least six months, at least one year, at room temperature (e.g. , about 20-25°C) and under standard conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the choline solution remains stable and has an APHA of 100 or less for up to 6 months. Additionally, the stabilized choline solution may also maintain a clear or slightly off-color [e.g. , APHA of less than 500) appearance even at elevated

temperatures (e.g., up to 60°C) for limited durations.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stabilized choline hydroxide solution has an APHA color value of 300 or less (e.g. , 100 or less) at room temperature for a duration of at least 6 months after manufacture of the stabilized choline hydroxide solution.

Methods of Stabilization

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for the stabilization of an aqueous choline hydroxide solution includes adding a stabilizer of a dithionite salt or a dialkylhydroxylamine to the aqueous choline hydroxide solution after the aqueous choline hydroxide solution is formed. Optionally, a first stabilizer of a dithionite salt or a diaikyihydroxylamine may be added to an aqueous solution containing reactants that will produce an aqueous choline hydroxide solution.

For example, after the aqueous choline hydroxide solution is completely formed, a stabilizer comprising a dithionite salt or a diaikyihydroxylamine may be added to the aqueous choline hydroxide solution. The stabilizer may be added at any time after formation of the choline hydroxide solution. For example, the stabilizer may be added as soon as the reaction is complete or some period of time later (e.g. , ten minutes later, one hour later, or one day later).

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for the stabilization of an aqueous choline hydroxide solution comprises adding a first stabilizer comprising a dithionite salt or a diaikyihydroxylamine to an aqueous solution containing reactants that will produce an aqueous choline hydroxide solution; and after the aqueous choline hydroxide solution is formed, adding a second stabilizer comprising a dithionite salt or a diaikyihydroxylamine to the aqueous choline hydroxide solution.

For example, an aqueous choline hydroxide solution may be stabilized by first adding a first stabilizer comprising a dithionite salt or a diaikyihydroxylamine to an aqueous solution containing reactants that will produce an aqueous choline hydroxide solution. In other words, the first stabilizer may be added at any time during the formation of the choline hydroxide. This may include an addition of the stabilizer when the reactants {e.g. , trimethylamine (TMA) with ethylene oxide (EO)) are added to the reactor. Additionally, the first stabilizer may be added, for example, incrementally while the reaction is taking place to produce the choline hydroxide solution. Thus, some portion of the stabilizer {i.e. , the first stabilizer) is added to the reactants or reaction mixture before or during the reaction to produce the choline solution. The stabilizer(s) can be added at any point when most convenient.

A suitable amount of the first stabilizer is added prior to complete formation of the choline hydroxide solution. For example, about 50 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 800 ppm, or about 200 ppm to about 500 ppm of the first stabilizer, by weight of the total solution, is added to the hydroxide solution. In one embodiment, about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm of the first stabilizer, by weight of the solution, is added to the aqueous solution.

The reaction may be carried out in any suitable apparatus, such as a batch reactor, a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), or in a plug flow reactor, for example. In batch mode, the ethylene oxide may be fed, for example, at a controlled rate into an aqueous solution of trimethylamine with adjustment of the addition rate so that the temperature remains below an upper set point. In CSTR mode, the ethylene oxide and aqueous solution of trimethylamine may be fed into the top of a reactor containing an aqueous solution with an excess of trimethylamine while a continuous stream of product may be taken from the bottom of the reactor with distillation and recycle of the excess trimethylamine from the product stream. In plug flow mode, the ethylene oxide, trimethylamine, and water may be pumped into a tubular reactor at a rate that creates turbulent flow and sufficient mixing of the reactants but at the same time is slow enough relative to the specific reactor configuration to ensure that the reaction temperature does not exceed an upper set point. Oftentimes, the temperature is monitored as a function of the distance along the reactor path for the purpose of controlling the rate of reactant(s) addition.

Second, after the aqueous choline hydroxide solution is formed, a second stabilizer comprising a dithionite salt or a dialkylhydroxyiannine may be added to the aqueous choline hydroxide solution. The second stabilizer may be added at any time after formation of the choline hydroxide solution. For example, the second stabilizer may be added as soon as the reaction is complete or some period of time later (e.g. , ten minutes later, one hour later, or one day later).

The first and second stabilizers may be the same or different. The first stabilizer may be a dithionite salt (e.g. , sodium dithionite) and/or a dialkylhydroxyiannine (e.g., N,N- diethylhydroxylamine) . The first stabilizer may be a single stabilizer or may include additional stabilizer(s) (e.g. , ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), methoxyhydroquinone (MEHQ), tetramethylpiperazine-N-oxide (TEMPO), diethylenetriamine (DETA),

benzaldehyde, sodium sulfite, boric acid, tetraethylenetriamine (TETA), sodium

borohydride, butylated hydroxyanisole, sodium metabisulfite, ascorbic acid, thiourea, and mixtures thereof) . Similarly, the second stabilizer may be a dithionite salt (e.g. , sodium dithionite) and/or a dialkylhydroxyiannine (e.g., Ν,Ν-diethylhydroxylamine). The second stabilizer may be a single stabilizer or may include additional stabilizer(s) as described herein. For example, the first stabilizer may be a sole addition of sodium dithionite and the second stabilizer may also be a sole addition of sodium dithionite. Alternatively, the first stabilizer may be a sole addition of sodium dithionite and the second stabilizer may be a combination of sodium dithionite and N,N-diethylhydroxylamine.

A suitable amount of the second stabilizer is added after formation of the choline hydroxide solution. For example, about 50 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 800 ppm, or about 200 ppm to about 500 ppm of the second stabilizer, by weight of the total choline solution, is added to the choline hydroxide solution once formed. In one embodiment, about 200 ppm to about 1000 ppm of the second stabilizer, by weight of the solution, is added to the aqueous choline hydroxide solution.

In one embodiment, 20% of the dithionite is added during manufacture and 80% of the dithionite is added after the choline base is manufactured . For the case of dithionite, the relative amount of dithionite added may vary, for example, from greater than 0% during manufacture with 100% after manufacture to 50% during manufacture with 50% after manufacture.

In another embodiment of the invention, a greater amount of the second stabilizer is added relative to the a mount of the first stabilizer added . In other words, more second stabilizer is added after formation of the choline solution than before or during

manufacture. For example, a ratio of the first stabilizer to the second stabilizer may range from about 1 : 1 to about 1 : 10 or about 1 : 1 to about 1 :4 first to second stabilizer. It will be recognized to one of ordinary skill in the art that if the first and second stabilizers are the same, a total amount of the sole stabilizer may be divided as appropriate between pre- and post- additions (e.g. , some amount of the sole stabilizer is the "first" stabilizer and some amount of the sole stabilizer is the "second" stabilizer). For instance, if the stabilizer consists of an alkali metal dithionite salt {e.g. , sodium dithionite) as the sole stabilizer, additions may be made before and after manufacture of the choline hydroxide.

By adding a stabilizer or stabilizers consistent with the invention, before, during, and/or after formation of the aqueous choline hydroxide solution, a stable choline hydroxide solution may be formed with a low APHA color evidencing little or no degradation of the choline hydroxide solution. Additionally, these stabilized choline hydroxide solutions remain stabilized for durations necessary for a good shelf life.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 : Preparation of Choline Hydroxide Solution

Water (330 g) and stabilizer (as provided in the tables) were added to a 1L stainless steel batch reactor (pre-addition). In cases where the stabilizer hydrolyzes at neutral/acid pH, the water was pretreated with some trimethylamine (TMA) in order to increase the pH. The reactor was closed and the gas phase in the reactor was replaced with nitrogen by flushing three times. Gaseous trimethylamine (TMA, 117 g) was bubbled into the reaction mixture and then the total pressure was increased to 10 bar with nitrogen. The mixture was stirred and heated to 30°C. Ethylene oxide (EO, 88 g) was pumped slowly into the reactor at such a rate that the temperature remained below 35°C (concentration of free EO in the gas phase below « 10% for safety reasons). After all the EO was pumped into the reactor, the reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 1 h at 30°C. The reaction mixture was cooled and degassed with nitrogen until the residual TMA level was reduced to below 100 ppm. The resulting solution theoretically contains a concentration of 45% choline hydroxide. The product was, if applicable, treated with an additional portion of stabilizer (post-addition) and then stored under nitrogen in a cool dark place. The color was evaluated on a periodic basis.

APHA measurements were made by use of a calibrated Lovibond PFX195 Tintometer with a 5 cm pathlength quartz cell. Example 2: Choline Base Color Stabilizers and Comparative Examples

Table 1 below refers to aqueous choline base solutions prepared as described above. The choline base solutions were blanketed with nitrogen and stored at elevated

temperature (60°C). Color was judged by visual assessment through a 4 cm path length on a scale of 0 through 4 with 0 being clear and water-white (APHA < 20); 1 being clear and slightly off-color appearance (APHA < 100) ; 2 being clear and amber (APHA < 500) ; 3 being almost opaque and dark amber (APHA > 500, but amber color discernible); 4 being opaque and dark (APHA > 500, sample appears to black). The abbreviations are as follows: DEHA = diethylhydroxylamine; EDTA = ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; MEHQ = methoxyhydroquinone; TEMPO = tetramethylpiperazine-IM-oxide; and DETA =

diethylenetriamine.

Table 1

The use of no stabilizer (none) results in deep color at very short time intervals. The use of alternative stabilizers is markedly less effective. The stabilizing effect of added dithionite especially with a pre- and post- addition is clearly seen even at elevated temperatures (60°C).

Example 3 : Post-Addition Choline Base Color Stabilizers

Table 2 below refers to aqueous choline base solutions prepared as described above in Example 1 but without in-process stabilizer added. The stabilizer was added at the end [i.e. , only post-addition). APHA Color

Stabilizer 22°C 60°C

0 Hours

16 Hours 2 Hours

DEHA (1000 ppm) 252 440 >500 sodium dithionite (1000 ppm) 252 390 440 sodium borohydride/ butylated >500

252 485

hydroxyanisole (500 ppm each)

sodium metabisulfite (1000 ppm) 252 440 >500

Ascorbic Acid (1000 ppm) 252 >500 >500

Thiourea (1000 ppm) 252 >500 >500

No Stabilizer 252 >500 >500

Table 2

Example 4: Efficacy of Stabilizers at Different Temperatures

Table 3 provides aqueous choline base solutions prepared as described in Example 1 above at room temperature (T = 20°C) and an elevated storage temperature (T = 60°C).

Table 3

The stabilizing effect of dithionite with pre- and post- additions is clearly seen.

Example 5: Efficacy of Different Stabilizers Pre- and/or Post-Treatment

Table 4 provides aqueous choline base solutions prepared as described in Example 1 above with different and varying amounts of pre- and post- stabilizers.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.