Characteristics of Internally Buffered N-Methylol Reagents and Their Reactions with Cotton

Two t-amino-N-methylol reagents, 2(diethylamino)ethyl N,N-di(hydroxymethvl)carl)amate and dimethyloldi ethylaminopropyltriazone, were prepared, and their reactivities in finishing of cotton fabrics were characterized. Auto- catalysis was shown by these reagents when they were applied as hydrochlorides to cotton fabric and given a conventional pad-dry-cure; however, full development of resilience was not realized unless the pH of the reagent solution was lowered to 1.0. The sluggish reactions of the t-amino-N-methylol reagents are discussed; the stronger-than-normal catalysis that was required counterbalanced potential protective effects from the t-amino groups to lessen acid degradation during finishing reactions.