Patent ID: 6136994
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: C01P,C09C

Abstract:
A method for preparing a hydrophobic clay comprising(A) contacting an aqueous suspension of a clay with an organosilicon compound in the presence of an acid and a water-miscible solvent, thereby rendering the clay hydrophobic, wherein the organosilicon compound is selected from (I) organosilanes of formula R.sup.1.sub.a SiX.sub.4-a where each R.sup.1 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and substituted hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, each X is independently selected from a group consisting of halogen and alkoxy radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and a=1, 2, or 3, and (ii) organosiloxanes comprising units of formula R.sup.2.sub.n SiO.sub.(4-n)/2 wherein each R.sup.2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, and hydrocarbon radical, and n is 2 or 3, and(B) contacting the suspension of clay of step (A) with a water-immiscible solvent to effect separation of hydrophobic clay from the suspension.