DE60320521T2 - Use of tertiary aminoalkylamide catalysts to improve the physical properties of polyurethane foams - Google Patents

Description

Reference to related applications

These Registration is a partial continuation Application No. 10/338184, filed January 6, 2003.

Background of the invention

The The invention relates to the use of tertiary aminoalkylamides as catalysts in the production of polyurethane foams.

The invention relates to catalysts of a tertiary aminoalkylamide for the production of polyurethane foams. Polyurethane foams are well known and used in the automotive, construction and other industries. Such foams are made by the reaction of a polyisocyanate with a polyol in the presence of various additives. One such additive is a chlorofluorocarbon (FCK) propellant which vaporizes as a result of the reaction exotherm and causes the polymerizing mass to foam. The discovery that FCKs are destroying the ozone layer in the stratosphere has led to a demand to reduce their use. The production of water-blown foams, in which the blowing is carried out by generated by the reaction of water with the polyisocyanate carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) is therefore becoming increasingly important. Tertiary amine catalysts are typically used to promote blowing (the reaction of water with polyisocyanate to produce CO ₂ ) and gelling (the reaction of polyol with isocyanate).

The ability of tertiary amine catalysts to selectively accelerate either agitation or gelling is an important consideration in choosing a catalyst to make a particular polyurethane foam. If a catalyst accelerates the blowing reaction too much, much of the CO _{2 will} form before a sufficient reaction of isocyanate with polyol has occurred. Then the CO ₂ bubbles out of the formulation and the foam collapses. This will produce a poor quality foam. In contrast, when the catalyst accelerates the gelation reaction too much, a substantial portion of the CO _{2 is} not formed until after a significant degree of polymerization has occurred. Again, a poor quality foam is formed, this time characterized by high density, broken or poorly defined cells, and other undesirable features.

catalysts from a tertiary Amines generally have a bad, even foul smell, and many of them They are volatile because of their low molecular weight. The Release of the tertiary amine while The foam processing can be significant problems in terms of safety and toxicity and the release of residual amine from customers Products are generally undesirable.

Amine catalysts containing an amine functionality derived from carboxylic acids with long chain alkyl groups (C "_6" or higher) and fatty acids have increased molecular weight, hydrogen-bonding ability, and reduced volatility as compared to related structures lacking this functionality. In addition, they smell less. In addition, catalysts that have amide functionality chemically combine with the polyurethane polymer during the reaction and are not released from the finished product. Catalyst structures embodying this concept typically develop low to moderate activity and accelerate both propellant (water isocyanate) and gelling (polyol isocyanate) reactions to varying extents.

US-A-4,242,467 discloses the use of morpholino and piperazino substituted ureas as catalysts for the production of polyurethane foams.

US-A-4,644,017 discloses the use of certain diffusion stable aminoalkyl ureas having tertiary amino groups in the preparation of a polyisocyanate addition product that does not discolor or alter the constitution of the surrounding materials. Specifically taught are Catalyst A and Catalyst D which are reaction products of dimethylaminopropylamine and urea.

US-A-4,007,140 discloses the use of N, N'-bis (3-dimethylaminopropyl) urea as a low-odor catalyst for the preparation of polyurethanes. The use of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -formamide as a catalyst for the production of polyurethane foams is also described.

US-A-4,012,445 discloses the use of β-aminocarbonyl compounds as catalysts for the production of polyurethane foams. In these catalysts, the β-amino moiety is present as a dialkylamino or N-morpholino or heterocyclic N, N'-piperazinocene, and the carbonyl portion is present as an amino or ester group.

US-A-4,735,970 discloses a process for the preparation of cellular polyurethanes using specific amine CO ₂ adducts and homogeneous mixtures of these adducts. The use of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -formamide is also described as a catalyst for the preparation of polyurethane foams.

US-A-5,200,434 discloses the use of amide derivatives of alkylene oxide polyethers and their use in polyurethane foam formulations.

US-A-5,302,303 . 5,374,486 and 5,124,367 disclose the use of fatty amidoamines as a component necessary for the stabilization of flame retardant isocyanate compositions. The durability of isocyanate-reactive compositions is often compromised by the addition of flame retardants, especially those based on phosphorus, zinc, antimony and aluminum. The use of fatty amino amides improves the storage stability of these isocyanate mixtures.

EP-B1-0 730 619 discloses the use of fatty amide salts prepared by reacting 2 moles of tallelic acid with 1 mole of dimethylaminopropylamine in the preparation of water-blown polyurethane foams.

Short summary of invention

in der A CH oder N bedeutet,
R¹ Wasserstoff oder

bedeutet;
n eine ganze Zahl von 1 bis 3 ist,
R² und R³ jeweils Wasserstoff oder eine lineare oder verzweigte C₁-C₆-Alkylgruppe bedeuten;
R⁴ und R⁵ jeweils eine lineare oder verzweigte C₁-C₆-Alkylgruppe bedeuten, wenn A N bedeutet, oder R⁴ und R⁵ zusammen eine C₂-C₅-Alkylengruppe bedeuten, wenn A N bedeutet; oder R⁴ und R⁵ zusammen eine C₂-C₅-Alkylengruppe, die NR⁷ enthält, sein können, wenn A CH oder N bedeutet, wobei R⁷ aus der aus Wasserstoff, einer linearen oder verzweigten C₁-C₄-Alkylgruppe und

bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt wird; und
R⁶ eine lineare oder verzweigte C₅-C₃₅-Alkyl-, Alkenyl- oder Arylgruppe bedeutet.The invention relates to a process for producing a polyurethane foam, which comprises reacting an organic polyisocyanate and a polyol in the presence of water as blowing agent, a cell stabilizer, a gelling catalyst and a tertiary amide amide catalyst composition of the formula I.

in which A denotes CH or N,
R ^{1 is} hydrogen or

means;
n is an integer from 1 to 3,
R ² and R ^{3 are} each hydrogen or a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group;
R ⁴ and R ⁵ each represent a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group when AN is, or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together represent a C ₂ -C ₅ alkylene group when AN is; or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together may be a C ₂ -C ₅ alkylene group containing NR ⁷ when A is CH or N, wherein R ^{7 is selected} from the group consisting of hydrogen, a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl group and

existing group is selected; and
R ^{6 represents} a linear or branched C ₅ -C ₃₅ -alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group.

The This invention provides a reactive catalyst composition for production of water-blown elastic polyurethane foams for Available. The reactive catalysts can have reactive N-H groups from an amide functionality that make it possible to that the catalyst reacts in the polyurethane matrix, so that its release from the finished product is avoided.

The Use of these catalysts together with gelling or raising acting co-catalysts improves the physical properties and makes sure that the foam is easier to process. As gelling catalysts improve these amide catalysts together with an uplifting effect Co-catalysts the circulation of air through the foam. A improved air circulation means improved porosity and openness of the foam, which is an indication of its improved dimensional stability is. Improve as gelling catalysts - d. H. reduce - this Amide catalysts together with uplifting co-catalysts also the power to crush of the foam is required. A reduced force for crushing means that the foam is easier to compress, which is an important advantage to minimize foam shrinkage during processing. As an up-acting catalyst improve these amide catalysts along with gelling co-catalysts the load capacity properties of the foam. That such high molecular weight compounds a good catalytic activity develop in the production of a polyurethane is surprising because the state of the art indicates that they are at the time of mixing react and early be incorporated in the polyurethane matrix in the polymer matrix have to, so that their mobility limited is.

A another embodiment The invention provides the catalysts of the invention as having different acids blocked available, to delayed catalysts To give effect. Of such acid-blocked catalysts one expects them except the compositions of the invention own benefits a delayed Developing effect in elastic molded and rigid polyurethane foams of Can be an advantage.

Detailed description the invention

The invention provides a process for producing polyurethane foams using a reactive catalyst composition comprising a tertiary aminoalkylamide. The amide is derived from a carboxylic acid of the type R ⁶ -CO ₂ H in which R ^{6 is} a linear or branched C ₅ -C ₃₅ alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group. These reactive catalyst compositions are typically used in the presence of a gelation catalyst of a mono- and / or bis (tert-aminoalkyl) urea. The catalysts may contain reactive NH groups from an amide functionality that allow the catalyst to react with and be immobilized in the polyurethane matrix to produce polyurethane foams that have no amine odor or no amine emissions.

The Method of the invention is more fully described in the co-pending patent applications titled "Tertiary Amino Alkyl Amide Catalysts Derived From Long Chain Alkyl and Fatty Carboxylic Acids "and" Tertiary Amino Alkyl Amide Catalysts For Improving The Physical Properties Of Polyurethane Foams ", filed by the Applicant concurrently with this patent application and to the assignee assigned to this application. These applications are herewith incorporated by reference into the present application.

The reactive catalyst composition according to the invention can be represented by three components: the proportion of tertiary amine, the amide portion and the long-chain alkyl portion (R ⁶ ). The tertiary amine content catalyses the production of polyurethane foams. The amide moiety provides functionality that allows the catalyst to react into the polyurethane matrix such that the resulting polyurethane foams do not develop amine odor and amine emissions. The long-chain alkyl portion enables the catalyst to accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and water so that the polymerizing mass is distended to a sufficient degree to provide a polyurethane foam having optimum physical properties.

Example 7 shows that conventional dialkylaminoamides in which the amide portion is derived from a simple carboxylic acid such as formic acid or acetic acid do not perform as well as their long chain alkyl chain or fatty acid counterparts. Aminoamide catalysts such as N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -formamide or N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -acetamide alone do not provide any of the current industry standard (DABCO ^® BLV catalyst) corresponding performance. The limited performance of these compounds are well known in the art, and similar limitations are expected in related structures. Compounds such as N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -2-ethylhexamide or N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -lauramide would be expected to behave like N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -formamide and N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -acetamide , with the additional restriction that they have higher molecular weights, which typically result in high use levels.

In Example 8, N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -2-ethylhexamide (DMAPA-2-ethylhexamide) and N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -lauramide (DMAPA-lauramide) were compared to the industrial standards. The results showed that DMAPA-2-ethylhexamide, unlike DMAPA-acetamide and DMAPA-formamide, can give a stable foam whose rate of asphyxiation is comparable to the industry standard. Increasing the amount of catalyst used in the formulation affects the time to complete absorption; this is a clear contrast to formamide and acetamide. The results show that DMAPA lauramide can give stable foams with a rate of rise which is almost identical to the industry standard. The data also shows that DMAPA-lauramide can not act alone as the sole amine catalyst, but requires the presence of an additional catalyst, such as TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 degrees.

In Example 9, DMAPA-2-ethyl hexamide and DMAPA-cocoamide together with a gelling catalyst (DABCO ^® NE1060 catalyst) used in the absence of the blowing catalyst TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 degrees. The speed with which these foams went was compared to the industry standard. The results show that the blowing catalyst TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 can be replaced by a combination of the catalysts DABCO ^® NE1060 and DMAPA-amide to give a profile of the rate of rise, which is very similar to the industry standards. The finding that compounds such as DMAPA-cocoamide and DMAPA-2-ethyl hexamide used as blowing catalysts and TEXACAT ^® can replace ZF-10 catalyst is most surprising, because the prior art teaches that blowing catalysts typically compounds such as bis-dimethylaminoethyl ether, or related Structures are. Therefore, there is no example in the art which teaches the use of tertiary amine compounds having large alkyl or fatty groups as catalysts for accelerating the reaction between water and isocyanate.

Surprisingly, presented in this disclosure examples clearly demonstrate that long-chain alkyl chains and fatty acid derivatives perform better than their counterparts with low molecular weight, because the profiles of the rate of rise in most cases, about the current volatile industry standard (DABCO ^® BLV catalyst) can be placed. The Me ₂ N component in N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -formamide and in N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -acetamide appears to be catalytically less active than the Me ₂ N component in, for example, N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) - -lauramide. In addition, the catalyst usage remained modest, although the molecular weights of the fatty acid catalysts are much higher than those of the standards. Although the higher activity of the catalyst compositions of this invention may explain their modest use, the reason for this improved activity is not obvious and not yet fully understood. In addition, the benefit is not limited to equal kinetic rate but also includes a systematic improvement in the quality of the foams as evidence of their airflow values. This can be seen quite clearly in Example 11, where the physical properties are better when a DABCO ^® NE1060 catalyst in combination with DMAPA cocamide compared to similar amounts of DABCO ^® NE1060 catalyst in the presence of TEXACAT ^® ZF 10 catalyst is used.

The catalyst compositions of the invention catalyze the reaction between an isocyanate functionality and a active hydrogen-containing compound, d. H. an alcohol, a polyol, an amine or water. The catalyst compositions also catalyze the urethane reaction (gelling reaction) of polyol hydroxyl groups with isocyanate to produce polyurethanes, as well as the raising ones Reaction of water with isocyanate to produce carbon dioxide for production foamed Release polyurethanes.

The Elastic polyurethane foam products are made using all prepared in the art known organic polyisocyanates, including z. Hexamethylene discarnate, phenylene discarnate, toluene discarnate (TDI) and 4,4'-diphenylmethane disiscamate (MDI). Particularly suitable are the 2,4- and 2,6-TDI's individually or together in the form of their commercial Mixtures. Other suitable isocyanates are mixtures of diisocyanates, which are known in the trade as "raw MDI" and marketed by Dow Chemicals as PAPI. They contain about 60% 4,4'-diphenylmethane disiscamate together with other isomeric and analogous higher polyisocyanates. Also suitable are "prepolymers" of these polyisocyanates, the partially already reacted mixture of a polyisocyanate and a polyether or polyester polyol.

illustrative examples for suitable Polyols as a component of the polyurethane composition are the polyalkylene ethers and polyester polyols. The polyalkylene ether polyols include the poly (alkylene oxide) polymers such as poly (ethylene oxide) and poly (propylene oxide) polymers and copolymers with terminal Hydroxyl groups derived from polyvalent compounds, including diols and triplets are derived; z. Ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, diethylene glycol, Dipropylene glycol, pentaerythritol, glycerol, diglycerol, trimethylolpropane and similar Low molecular weight polyols.

at the implementation This invention can be a single high molecular weight polyether polyol be used. Also a mixture of high polyether polyols Molecular weight such as mixtures of di- and trifunctional materials and / or different molecular weight or different Materials in the chemical composition can be used.

useful Polyester polyols include those obtained by reacting a dicarboxylic acid with a surplus a diol, e.g. B. adipic acid with ethylene glycol or butanediol, or the reaction of a lactone with a surplus a diol such as caprolactone with propylene glycol.

Next the polyester or polyether polyols contain the masterbatches or premix compositions frequently a polymer polyol. Polymer polyols are used in polyurethane foams, about their consistency to improve against deformation, d. h., to the load capacity of the To increase foam. Currently, two different types of polymer polyols are used, to improve resilience. The first, as graft polyol type described consists of a triol in which the vinyl monomers graft copolymerized. Styrene and acrylonitrile are the usual ones Monomers of choice. The second type, a polyurea-modified one Polyol, is a polyol that is one of a reaction of a diamine containing TDI formed polyurea dispersion. Because TDI in surplus Part of the TDI can be used with both the polyol and also react with the polyurea. This second type of polymer polyol has a variant called PIPA polyol, which is in situ due to polymerization is produced by TDI and alkanolamine in the polyol. Depending on the load capacity properties can Polymer polyols account for 20 to 80% of the polyol content of the masterbatch.

Further typical agents that are used in the polyurethane foam formulations include chain extenders such as ethylene glycol and butanediol; Crosslinking agents such as diethanolamine, Diisopropanolamine triethanolamine and tripropanolamine; propellant such as water, FCKs, CFCs, HFCs, pentane and the like; and cell stabilizer like silicone surfactants.

A general formulation for a flexible polyurethane foam containing a gelling and blowing catalyst according to the invention would contain the following components in parts by weight: polyol 20-100 polymer polyol 80-0 silicone 1-2,5 propellant 2-4.5 crosslinking agent 0.5-2 catalyst 0.25-2 isocyanate 70-115

in der A CH oder N bedeutet,
R¹ Wasserstoff oder

bedeutet;
n eine ganze Zahl von 1 bis 3 ist,
R² und R³ jeweils Wasserstoff oder eine linear oder verzweigte C₁-C₆-Alkylgruppe bedeuten;
R⁴ und R⁵ jeweils eine lineare oder verzweigte C₁-C₆-Alkylgruppe bedeuten, wenn A N bedeutet, oder R⁴ und R⁵ zusammen eine C₂-C₅-Alkylengruppe bedeuten, wenn A N bedeutet; oder R⁴ und R⁵ zusammen eine C₂-C₅-Alkylengruppe, die NR⁷ enthält, sein können, wenn A CH oder N bedeutet, wobei R⁷ aus der aus Wasserstoff, einer linearen oder verzweigten C₁-C₄-Alkylgruppe und

bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt wird; und
R⁶ eine lineare oder verzweigte C₅-C₃₅-Alkyl-, Alkenyl- oder Arylgruppe bedeutet.The catalyst composition comprises a tertiary aminamide composition of the formula I.

in which A denotes CH or N,
R ^{1 is} hydrogen or

means;
n is an integer from 1 to 3,
R ² and R ^{3 are} each hydrogen or a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group;
R ⁴ and R ⁵ each represent a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group when AN is, or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together represent a C ₂ -C ₅ alkylene group when AN is; or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together may be a C ₂ -C ₅ alkylene group containing NR ⁷ when A is CH or N, wherein R ^{7 is selected} from the group consisting of hydrogen, a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl group and

existing group is selected; and
R ^{6 represents} a linear or branched C ₅ -C ₃₅ -alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group.

Preferably, R ¹ , R ² and R ^{3 are} each hydrogen and R ⁴ and R ⁵ are each methyl when AN is. R ⁴ and R ⁵ together may be -CH ₂ CH ₂ N (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ - when A is CH.

illustrative examples for from higher Alkyl and fatty acids derived dialkylamino acids are the N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) amides, the N- (2-dimethylaminoethyl) amides, the N-methyl-3-aminoethylpyrrolidinamides, the 4,10-diaza-4,10,10-trimethyl-7-oxa-undecaaminamides and all Dimethylamino or dialkylaminoalkyl or alkyl substituted Amides derived from 2-ethylhexane, coconut oil, Tallölfett-, Capron, heptyl, capryl, pelargon, caprine, hendecan, lauric, Tridecane, myristic, pentadecane, palmitic, margarine, stearic, oleic, linoleic, Linolenic, ricinoleic, nonadecane, arachidin, heneicosan, heel, Tricosane, lignocerin, pentacosan, cerotin, heptacosan, montan, Nonacosan, melissa, hentriacontan, dotriacontan, tritriacontan, Tetracontan, Hexatriacontansäure or their aliphatic or aromatic substituted derivatives such as 9-phenylstearic and 10-phenylstearic and related structures.

The preferred amides are N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) amides. The preferred ones acids are made of the consisting of 2-ethylhexane, coconut oil, and tall oil fatty acid Group selected.

The Amides are prepared by reacting a carboxylic acid and the corresponding tertiary Alkylamine in the appropriate molar ratios at elevated temperatures from 80 to 300 ° C, preferably 100 to 200 ° C produced, whereby water is driven off. The amides can be as known in the art be further purified by distillation or chromatography.

The Amides can depending on the desired Processing advantages together with a gelling catalyst like a tertiary Amine or a suitable transition metal catalyst and / or a blowing catalyst.

Examples of suitable gelling catalysts of a tertiary amine include diazabicyclooctane (triethylenediamine), which is sold commercially as DABCO 33LV catalyst ^® from Air Products & Chemicals Inc., quinuclidine and substituted quinuclidines, substituted pyrrolidines and pyrrolizidines. Examples of suitable blowing catalysts of a tertiary amine, but are not limited to, bis-dimethylaminoethyl ether, which is BL11 catalyst by Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. sold commercially as DABCO ^®, pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and related compositions, higher permethylated polyamines, 2- [N- (Dimethylaminoethoxyethyl) -N-methylamino] ethanol and related structures, alkoxylated polyamines, imidazole boron compositions and aminopropyl bis (aminoethyl) ether compositions.

In another embodiment of the invention, the reactive catalysts of the invention may be blocked with various acids to produce delayed action catalysts. It is believed that such acid-blocked catalysts have a delayed action in addition to the advantages inherent in the composition of the present invention, which may be advantageous in elastic molded and rigid polyurethane foams. The acid-blocked catalysts are obtained by reacting the catalyst composition as well known in the art with carboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acids, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, gluconic acid, N- (2-hydroxyethyl) -iminodiacetic acid and the like. The resulting salts are not catalytically active and thus activate the polyurethane / blowing reaction only when the temperature is high enough for dissociation of the salts to begin. Acid-blocked catalysts of the invention find their main application in molded elastic and rigid foams in which a delay in the onset of the reaction is desired. This delay causes the viscosity to gradually increase so that the mold can be properly filled while keeping the overall molding time as short as possible to maintain maximum productivity.

A catalytically effective amount of the catalyst composition containing the Arid and the gelling or imparting catalyst comprises can be used in the polyurethane formulation. More specifically, suitable Amounts of catalyst composition in the range of about 0.01 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts of polyol (pphp) in the polyurethane formulation, preferably 0.05 to 2 pphb are used.

The Catalyst composition can be used in combination with other tertiary amines, organotin or carboxylaturethane catalysts as in the urethane technique known to be used or include these.

Even though the invention has been described as useful for producing elastic polyurethane foams, It can also be used to make semi-rigid and rigid polyurethane foams become. Rigid polyurethane foams differ from elastic polyurethane foams the presence of higher ones Isocyanurate amounts in the rigid foam. Used in elastic foams typically polymer polyol as part of the total polyol content in the foam composition together with conventional triols with a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 4,000 to 5,000 and a hydroxyl number (OH #) of 28 to 35. In contrast, used for rigid polyurethane foam compositions, polyol of 500 to 1000 Mw with 3 to 8 hydroxyl functionalities and an OH # of 160 to 700. Rigid foams can also in the isocyanate index (NCO index) of the foam composition from the elastic foams differ. Rigid foam compositions typically use an NCO index of 100 to 300 while elastic foam compositions typically require an NCO index of 70 to 115.

A general formulation for a rigid polyurethane foam containing the catalyst composition of the invention would contain the following components in parts by weight: polyol 100 silicone 1-3 propellant 0-50 water 0-8 catalyst 0.5-15 isocyanate 80-300

to Production of foams for lamination purposes (Insulating) and for industrial applications the NCO index is typically 100 to 300; for the production of open-celled Foam is the NCO index typically 100 to 120, and the foam usually becomes only distended with water.

Semi-resilient shaped foams have been used in many automotive applications. The main applications are dashboards and interior moldings. A typical semi-elastic foam formulation containing the catalyst composition of the invention comprises the following components in parts by weight: SPECFLEX NC 630 polyol 80.0 SPECFLEX NC 710 copolymer 20.0 crosslinking agent 1.5 water 2.2 catalyst 0.5-10 Black dye 0.3 adhesion promoters 2.0 cell opener 1.0 Polymeric MDI, index 105

The both major components are the base polyol and the copolymer polyol (CPP). The base polyol is used in amounts between 70 and 100%. The molecular weight of the base polyols is in the range of 4,500 up to 6,000 for triplets and 2,000 to 4,000 for diols. polyether polyols with ethylene oxide protecting groups most polyester polyols have replaced as base polyol. The primary hydroxyl content is mostly greater than 75%, and the range of protecting groups is typically 10 to 20%. The other main component is CPPs in amounts of 0 to 20%. be used. The base polyol and CPP are crosslinked mixed with low molecular weight to build hardness and removal to accelerate out of the mold. The amount of crosslinking agent varies depending on the required hardness of the finished part. The Quantities of water are chosen that densities of the free-rising foam reaches from 3 to 6 pounds become. In semi-elastic foams also become cell openers used to reduce the internal foam pressure during the cure cycle and therefore to reduce the voids and "vertices" created when depressurized. It can yes after quality the vinyl skin agent can be added to improve adhesion for the adhesion between the polyurethane foam and the vinyl skin to improve. The use of the catalyst composition according to the invention can the discoloration reduce the vinyl skin that is typically found in conventional Amine catalysts observed because the N-H group of the amine functionality with the Isocyanate can react to form a covalent bond with the polyurethane polymer enter into.

The Invention is further illustrated by the following examples. These are for explanation only, but not to the limit the preparation of the compounds and compositions of the invention.

example 1

Synthesis of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) acetamide (DMAPA-acetamide)

In a 500 ml 3-necked round-bottomed flask equipped with a Teflon-coated magnetic stir bar and equipped with a pressure-equalizing dropping funnel, was added 83.8 g of 3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA). Excess acetic acid (210 g) was slowly added to the reaction mixture while the Temperature monitored with a thermocouple. At the end of the addition, the liquid became five hours to to the reflux heated and the progress of the reaction monitored by GC. Excess acetic acid was removed by distillation to 118 g of N, N-dimethylaminopropylaminoacetamide as a pale yellow liquid too win.

Example 2

Synthesis of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -formamide (DMAPA-formamide)

In a 500 ml 3-necked round-bottomed flask equipped with a Teflon-coated magnetic stir bar and Equipped with a pressure equalizing dropping funnel, was added 80 g of DMAPA. Excess formic acid (160 g) was added slowly to the reaction mixture while stirring monitored the temperature with a thermocouple. At the end of the encore became the liquid two hours to reflux heated and the progress of the reaction monitored by GC. The product was distilled under reduced pressure to 93.4 g N, N-dimethylaminopropylaminoformamide as a clear and colorless liquid to win.

Example 3

Synthesis of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -2-ethylhexamide (DMAPA-2-ethyl hexamide)

In a 500 ml 3-necked round-bottomed flask equipped with a Teflon-coated magnetic stir bar and equipped with a pressure equalizing dropping funnel, was added 100 g of DMAPA. The addition of 2-ethylhexanoic acid (120 g) was monitored with a thermocouple. At the end of the encore became the liquid until the reflux heated and the progress of the reaction monitored by GC. At the end of the reaction was excess DMAPA Removed under reduced pressure to 190 g of 3- (N, N-dimethylamino) -1- (2-ethylhexanoyl) propionamide as a clear yellow liquid to win.

Example 4

Synthesis of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) lauramide (DMAPA-lauramide)

In a 500 ml 3-necked round-bottomed flask equipped with a Teflon-coated magnetic stir bar and equipped with a pressure equalizing dropping funnel, was added 88 g of DMAPA. lauric acid (100 g) was added slowly to the reaction mixture while stirring monitored the temperature with a thermocouple. At the end of the encore became the liquid until the reflux heated and water removed as the reaction progresses. As soon as When the reaction was complete, excess DMAPA was released under reduced pressure 141 g of 3- (N, N-dimethylamino) -1- (lauroyl) -propionamide to win as a yellow solid. A 52% solution in DPG (dipropylene glycol) was used as a catalyst.

Example 5

Synthesis of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) cocoamide (DMAPA-cocoamide)

In a 500 ml 3-necked round-bottomed flask equipped with a Teflon-coated magnetic stir bar and equipped with a pressure equalizing dropping funnel, was added 88 g of DMAPA. Coconut oil fatty acid (100 g) was added slowly to the reaction mixture while stirring monitored the temperature with a thermocouple, and at the end of the Addition was the liquid until the reflux heated. Water was removed at regular intervals, while the reaction progressed. Once completed, the excess DMAPA was released removed under reduced pressure to give 147 g amide product as pale yellow liquid to win, which slowly became firm when standing.

Example 6

Synthesis of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) tallowamide (DMAPA-TOFA)

In a 500 ml 3-necked round-bottomed flask equipped with a Teflon-coated magnetic stir bar and equipped with a pressure equalizing dropping funnel, was added 26 g of DMAPA. Tall oil fatty acid (61 g) was added slowly to the reaction mixture while stirring monitored the temperature with a thermocouple, and at the end of the Addition was the liquid until the reflux heated. Water was removed under reduced pressure at regular intervals, while the reaction progressed. Once completed, the excess DMAPA became removed under reduced pressure to give 74 g of amide product as amber liquid to win.

Example 7

Speed at which foams rise: DMAPA formamide and DMAPA acetamide compared to the industry standard

• ^1),2) im Handel erhältliche Polyole
• ³⁾ handelsübliches Silikontensid von Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.;
• ⁴⁾ Vernetzungsmittel
• ⁵⁾ DABCO 33-LV^® Katalysator ist ein handelsüblicher Katalysator von Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (33%ige Lösung von Triethylendiamin in Dipropylenglycol);
• ⁶⁾ DABCO^® BL-11 Katalysator ist ein handelsüblicher Katalysator von Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (70%ige Lösung von bis-Dimethylaminoethylether in Dipropylenglycol)

In this example, polyurethane foams were prepared in a conventional manner. The polyurethane formulation was composed in parts by weight as follows: component parts Arcol E848 ^{® 1)} 50,00 Arcol E851 ^{® 2)} 50,00 water 2.34 DABCO ^® DC 5043 ³⁾ 0.75 DEOA-LF ⁴⁾ 1.76 DABCO 33-LV ^®5) 0.25 DABCO ^® BL-11 ⁶⁾ 0.10 TDI 30,25 index 100

• ^{1), 2)} commercially available polyols
• ³⁾ commercial silicone surfactant from Air Products & Chemicals, Inc .;
• ⁴⁾ Crosslinking agent
• ⁵⁾ DABCO 33- ^LV® catalyst is a commercial catalyst from Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (33% solution of triethylenediamine in dipropylene glycol);
• ⁶⁾ DABCO ^® BL-11 catalyst is a commercially available catalyst from Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (70% solution of bis-dimethylaminoethyl ether in dipropylene glycol)

For each the foam produced, the catalyst became 158 g of the above Premix in a 951 ml paper cup (32 oz.) And place the Formulation for 10 seconds at 6,000 rpm with one on the ceiling attached agitator mixed with a mixing paddle of 5.1 cm (2 inches) diameter. It was enough TDI 80 was added to make a 100 index foam [Index = (Mole NCO / mole of active hydrogen) × 100]. Then the wording became 6 seconds at 6,000 rpm. mixed vigorously with the same stirrer. One left the 951 32 ml. paper cup through a hole in the bottom of a 3804 ml paper cup (128 oz.) On a stand fall. The hole was dimensioned to be the edge of the 951 ml paper cup (32 oz.). The total volume of the foam container was 4,755 ml (160 oz.). The foams approaching at the end of the foaming process to this volume. The maximum height of the foam was recorded.

• ¹⁾ DABCO^® NE 1060 Katalysator ist ein handelsüblicher Katalysator von Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. Der Katalysator ist eine 75%ige Dipropylenglycollösung von N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-harnstoff (87%) und N,N'-bis-(3-Dimethylamino)-harnstoff (13%);
• ²⁾ TEXACAT^® ZF-10 Katalysator ist ein handelsüblicher Katalysator auf der Basis von 2-[N-(Dimethylaminoethoxyethyl)-N-methylamino]ethanol.

The following data provides a comparison of a combination of DMAPA-acetamide and TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 catalyst with the industry standard (DABCO 33-LV ^® and DABCO ^® BL-11 catalyst) as well as with standard non-volatile catalysts which are available on the market ( NE1060 and TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 catalyst): Gelling catalyst DABCO 33- ^LV® Propellant catalyst DABCO ^® BL-11 Gelling catalyst ^DABCO® NE 1060 ¹⁾ Blowing catalyst TEXCAT ^® ZF-10 ²⁾ DMAPA-acetamide Start time (sec.) Time in cup 1 (sec.) Stranggel Complete absorption 0.25 0.1 7.6 17.6 60.5 123.8 0.56 0.16 7.4 14.8 56.6 106.5 0.16 0.43 8.1 19.9 65.8 collapse 0.16 0.52 8.0 18.4 collapse collapse

• ¹⁾ DABCO ^® NE1060 catalyst is a commercially available catalyst from Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. The catalyst is a 75% Dipropylenglycollösung of N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -urea (87%) and N, N'-bis- ( 3-dimethylamino) urea (13%);
• ²⁾ TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 catalyst is a commercial catalyst based on 2- [N- (dimethylaminoethoxyethyl) -N-methylamino] ethanol.

Thus it came with the use of DMAPA-acetamide as the gelling catalyst in place of DABCO ^® 33-LV or DABCO ^® NE1060 catalyst to a premature collapse of the foam. A test of this The formulation suggested that this collapse is probably due to the poor gelling effect of DMAPA-acetamide. In another experiment, DMAPA-formamide was tested by a similar method; the data is summarized in the following table. Gelling catalyst DABCO 33- ^LV® Propellant catalyst DABCO ^® BL-11 Gelling catalyst DABCO ^® NE 1060 Propellant catalyst TEXCAT ^® ZF-10 DMAPA-formamide Start time (sec.) Time in cup 1 (sec.) Stranggel Complete absorption 0.25 0.1 7.6 17.6 60.5 123.8 0.56 0.16 7.4 14.8 56.6 106.5 0.16 0.39 8.8 31.9 89.3 180+ 0.16 0.50 12.5 31.3 88.8 180+ 0.16 1.00 10.3 32.3 79.5 172.3 0.16 1.25 9.5 31.4 73.9 collapse

The Results show that the foams obtained were of very poor quality and even collapsed in one case. The extremely slow rising The foam shows up in how much time to complete passed - in some cases even more than 180 seconds. The poor catalytic power could even by using big ones Amounts of catalyst can not be compensated.

Example 8

Speed at which foams rise: DMAPA-2-ethylhexamide and DMAPA-lauramide compared to the industry standard

In this example, DMAPA-2-ethylhexamide and DMAPA-lauramide were compared to the industrial standards described in the previous example. The data obtained can be summarized in the following tables. Gelling catalyst DABCO 33- ^LV® Propellant catalyst DABCO ^® BL-11 Gelling catalyst DABCO ^® NE 1060 Propellant catalyst TEXCAT ^® ZF-10 DMAPA-2-ethylhexamide Start time (sec.) Time in cup 1 (sec.) Stranggel Complete absorption 0.25 0.1 7.6 17.6 60.5 123.8 0.56 0.16 7.4 14.8 56.6 106.5 0.16 0.50 8.8 20.5 64.6 177.2 0.16 0.62 7.7 17.9 60.6 131.8 0.16 0.75 7.7 18.4 59.9 127.3 0.16 0.87 7.5 17.6 60.7 129.0 0.16 1.00 7.6 16.2 62.0 126.7

The results obtained clearly show that DMAPA-2-ethylhexamide, unlike DMAPA-acetamide and DMAPA-formamide, can give a stable foam with a growth rate comparable to that of the industry standard. It is evident that the increase in the amount of catalyst used in the formulation affects the time to complete soaking. This is in marked contrast to the foams made with formamide and acetamide. Gelling catalyst DABCO 33- ^LV® Propellant catalyst DABCO ^® BL-11 Gelling catalyst DABCO ^® NE 1060 Propellant catalyst TEXCAT ^® ZF-10 DMAPA-lauramide Start time (sec.) Time in cup 1 (sec.) Stranggel Complete absorption 0.25 0.1 7.6 17.6 60.5 123.8 0.56 0.16 7.4 14.8 56.6 106.5 0.16 1.31 7.3 17.8 58.2 135.4 0.16 1.63 7.5 16.9 54.5 119.9 0.16 1.95 7.1 15.7 55.4 113.2 0.16 2.34 6.8 15.1 57.6 121.6 1.63 10.2 30.0 78.5 180+ 1.96 8.40 27.0 74.8 180+ 2.30 8.40 25.1 68.2 180+ 2.80 8.8 22.2 66.3 180+

The results show that also DMAPA-lauramide can give stable foams with a break-up time comparable to the industry standard. The data also show that DMAPA-lauramide not work as the only amine catalyst but needs the presence of a blowing catalyst such as TEXACAT ^® ZF-10th

Example 9

Rate Of Rise Of Foams: DMAPA-amides and alkyl-substituted ureas without the TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 blowing catalyst

In this example, DMAPA-2-ethyl hexamide and DMAPA-cocoamide used together with the DABCO ^® NE1060 catalyst, but without the TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 blowing catalyst. The rate of rise of these foams was compared to the industrial standards described in the preceding examples. The data obtained are summarized below: DMAPA-2-ethylhexamide Gelling catalyst DABCO 33- ^LV® Propellant catalyst DABCO ^® BL-11 Gelling catalyst DABCO ^® NE 1060 Propellant catalyst TEXCAT ^® ZF-10 DMAPA-2-ethylhexamide Start time (sec.) Time in cup 1 (sec.) Stranggel Complete absorption 0.25 0.1 7.6 17.6 60.5 123.8 0.56 0.16 7.4 14.8 56.6 106.5 0.70 0.20 8.8 18.8 61.3 127.0 0.90 0.24 7.9 17.6 60.7 113.6 0.70 0.40 8.9 19.6 61.2 146.7 DMAPA cocamide Gelling catalyst DABCO 33- ^LV® Propellant catalyst DABCO ^® BL-11 Gelling catalyst DABCO ^® NE 1060 Propellant catalyst TEXCAT ^® ZF-10 DMAPA.-cocamide Start time (sec.) Time in cup 1 (sec.) Stranggel Full-time rising 0.25 0.1 7.6 17.6 60.5 123.8 0.56 0.16 7.4 14.8 56.6 106.5 0.90 0.30 8.1 16.5 60.6 104.7 0.70 0.50 8.7 17.9 61.4 128.4 0.56 0.64 8.3 19.3 60.7 136.3

The results show that the blowing catalyst TEXACAT ^® can be IF 10 is replaced by a combination of catalysts DABCO ^® NE1060 and DMAPA-amide to obtain a near coming to the standards of the profile of rise. In other words, DMAPA cocoamide and DMAPA-2-ethyl hexamide can act as blowing catalysts and replace ZF-10.

Example 10

Physical properties of car upholstery, which were prepared with a DMAPA cocoamide propellant catalyst

In this example, car upholstery were produced in 1060 gelling using DMAPA cocamide as the main propellant and DABCO ^® NE. The foams were prepared in a heated test block mold at 71 ° C (160 ° F). In all cases, the foam reactivity was compared to the extrusion time, which measures the progress of the reaction and gives an indication of the extent of cure.

The crushing force results were obtained by means of a mechanical device equipped with a 543,6 kg (1000 lb) capacity pressure transducer mounted between a 322,6 cm ² (50 square inch ⁾ circular plate and the drive shaft was. The Dayton engine specifications, Model 42528, include 1/6 horsepower (124.3 J / s) with F / LU / min of 1,800 and a 6.63 x 104 Nm (5.63 in-lb) F / L torque ). The actual pressure appears on a digital display. The foam pad is compressed to 50% of its original thickness and the force required for compression in whole pounds (Newton). A cycle lasts for a total of 24 seconds, and the actual crushing of the foam occurs within 7 to 8 seconds. This device mimics the ASTM D-3574 indentation test and provides a numerical value for the initial hardness or softness of the foam one minute after removal from the mold. Gelling catalyst DABCO 33- ^LV® Propellant catalyst DABCO ^® BL-11 Gelling catalyst DABCO ^® NE 1060 Propellant catalyst TEXCAT ^® ZF-10 DMAPA cocamide Padding density (kg / m ³ ) Force required for crushing (lbf) 0.25 0.1 144.6 0.56 0.16 181.9 0.70 0.50 48.6 146.8 0.60 0.60 48.6 145.0 0.50 0.70 48.0 137.2

The use of DMAPA-cocoamide as a blowing agent instead of TEXACAT ^® ZF-10 catalyst has the distinct advantage that the measured values for the force required to crush strength are significantly lower than the values obtained with ZF-tenth Therefore, DMAPA amides derived from higher alkyl or fatty acids can not only act as blowing agents and replace the conventional catalysts such as ZF-10, but also improve some physical properties such as the force required to crush.

Example 11

Physical properties of car upholstery, which were prepared with a DMAPA cocoamide propellant catalyst

In this example, other physical properties were measured to determine the additional benefits of this reactive catalyst composition. Car pads were made as above; the physical properties are listed below. catalyst combination Gelling catalyst DABCO 33- ^LV® Propellant catalyst DABCO ^® BL-11 Gelling catalyst DABCO ^® NE 1060 Propellant catalyst TEXCAT ^® ZF-10 DMAPA cocamide A 0.25 0.10 B 0.56 0.16 C 0.70 0.50 D 0.60 0.60 e 0.50 0.70 Physical Properties catalyst Tearing (lbf) Tensile strength (psi) Density (lb / cu ft) % Elongation at break Air volume (SCFM) A 1.78 ± 0.18 27.7 ± 3.60 2.83 ± 0.11 92.6 ± 8.2 2.97 ± 0.68 B 1.63 ± 0.20 27.7 ± 2.93 2.73 ± 0.03 97.1 ± 6.7 2.57 ± 1.36 C 1.56 ± 0.35 26.5 ± 2.28 2.75 ± 0.05 95.4 ± 5.9 2.60 ± 1.23 D 1.58 ± 0.32 26.2 ± 1.80 2.72 ± 0.06 97.5 ± 6.7 2.58 ± 0.91 e 1.67 ± 0.27 28.4 ± 4.04 2.78 ± 0.08 95.0 ± 10.9 2.94 ± 1.57

The above table shows that increasing and partly replaced by something DMAPA cocoamide was during the transition from C to E of the DABCO ^® NE1060 catalyst. These changes resulted in the physical properties of the foam approaching industry standard A throughout. This shows that the physical properties of foams can be improved and systematically altered until they resemble foams produced with volatile catalysts, which are now industry standards.

Other physical properties showed a similar trend and are summarized in the following table: catalyst Wet aging 50% compression set 50% compression set Japanese moisture curing Hysteresis% A 9.00 ± 0.63 5.77 ± 0.73 16.8 ± 3.4 21.94 B 12.27 ± 0.79 7.76 ± 0.61 21.2 ± 2.9 20.85 C 12.50 ± 0.61 7.89 ± 0.81 16.9 ± 1.9 20.89 D 12.48 ± 1.12 7.70 ± 1.14 14.9 ± 1.9 21,02 e 11.97 ± 0.45 7.96 ± 0.61 15.2 ± 1.8 21.10

Claims (14)

A process for producing a polyurethane foam, which comprises reacting an organic polyisocyanate and a polyol in the presence of water as a blowing agent, a cell stabilizer, a gelling catalyst and a tertiary aminamide catalyst composition of the formula I

in which A is CH or N, R ^{1 is} hydrogen or

means; n is an integer from 1 to 3, R ² and R ^{3 are} each hydrogen or a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group; R ⁴ and R ⁵ each represent a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group when AN is, or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together represent a C ₂ -C ₅ alkylene group when AN is; or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together may be a C ₂ -C ₅ alkylene group containing NR ⁷ when A is CH or N, wherein R ^{7 is selected} from the group consisting of hydrogen, a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl group and

existing group is selected; and R ^{6 represents} a linear or branched C ₅ -C ₃₅ alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group. The process of claim 1 wherein R ¹ , R ² and R ^{3 are} each hydrogen. The method of claim 1, wherein R ⁴ and R ⁵ each represent a methyl group when AN is. The process of claim 1 wherein R ⁴ and R ⁵ together are -CH ₂ CH ₂ N (CH ₃ ) CH ₂ - when A is CH. The method of claim 1, wherein n is 2 or 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst composition from a tertiary Aminamide is an N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) amide derived from an acid, selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexane, coconut oil, Tallölfett-, Capron, Heptyl, Capryl, Pelargon, Caprine, Hendecan, Laurine, Tridecan, Myristic, pentadecane, palmitic, margarine, stearic, olein, Linoleic, Linolenic, Ricinol, Nonadecan, Arachidin, Heneicosan, Behen, Tricosan, Lignocerin, Pentacosan, Cerotin, Heptacosan, Montan, nonacosan, melissa, hentriacontan, dotriacontan, tritriacontan, Tetracontane, hexatriacontane, 9-phenylstearin and 10-phenylstearic acid. The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst composition from a tertiary Aminamide is an N- (2-dimethylaminoethyl) amide derived from a Acid, selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexane, coconut oil, Tallölfett-, Capron, heptyl, capryl, pelargon, caprine, hendecan, lauric, Tridecane, myristic, pentadecane, palmitic, margarine, stearic, Olein, linoleic, linolenic, ricinoleic, nonadecanic, arachidic, heneicosan, Behen, Tricosan, Lignocerin, Pentacosan, Cerotin, Heptacosan, Montan, nonacosan, melissa, hentriacontan, dotriacontan, tritriacontan, Tetracontane, hexatriacontane, 9-phenylstearin and 10-phenylstearic acid. The process of claim 1 wherein the tertiary amine amide catalyst composition is an N-methyl-3-aminoethyl pyrrolidineamide derived from an acid selected from the group best from 2-ethylhexane, coconut oil, tall oil, capro, heptyl, capryl, pelargon, caprine, hendecane, lauric, tridecane, myristic, pentadecane, palmitic, margarine, stearin , Olein, linoleic, linolenic, ricinoleic, nonadecan, arachidic, heneicosan, beehive, tricosan, lignocerin, pentaco-san, cerotin, heptacosan, montan, nonacosan, melissa , Hentriacontan, Dotriacontan, Tritriacontan, Tetracontan, Hexatriacontan, 9-Phenylstearin and 10-Phenylstearic Acid. The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst composition from a tertiary Aminamide is 4,10-diaza-4,10,10-trimethyl-7-oxa-undecaaminamide, derived from an acid, selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexane, coconut oil, Tallölfett-, Capron, heptyl, capryl, pelargon, caprine, hendecan, lauric, Tridecane, myristic, pentadecane, palmitic, margarine, stearic, Olein, linoleic, linolenic, ricinoleic, nonadecanic, arachidic, heneicosan, Behen, Tricosan, Lignocerin, Pentacosan, Cerotin, Heptacosan, Montan, nonacosan, melissa, hentriacontan, dotriacontan, tritriacontan, Tetracontane, hexatriacontane, 9-phenylstearin and 10-phenylstearic acid. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the acid is selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexane, coconut oil fatty, and tall oil fatty acids. The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst composition from a tertiary Aminamide N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) -2-ethylhexamide, N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) cocoamide or N- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) tallowamide. The method of claim 1, wherein the gelling catalyst is a mono- and / or bis (tert-aminoalkyl) urea selected from the group consisting of diazabicyclooctane (triethylenediamine), Quinuclidine, substituted quinuclidines, substituted pyrrolidines and substituted pyrrolizidines. A process according to claim 1 which comprises reacting the following components in parts by weight: polyol 20-100 polymer polyol 80-0 silicone 1-2,5 propellant 2-4.5 crosslinking agent 0.5-2 catalyst 0.25-2 isocyanate 70-115 Use of a tertiary aminamide catalyst composition of the formula I

in which A is CH or N, R ^{1 is} hydrogen or

means; n is an integer from 1 to 3, R ² and R ^{3 are} each hydrogen or a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group; R ⁴ and R ⁵ each represent a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group when AN is, or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together represent a C ₂ -C ₅ alkylene group when AN is; or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together may be a C ₂ -C ₅ alkylene group containing NR ⁷ when A is CH or N, wherein R ^{7 is selected} from the group consisting of hydrogen, a linear or branched C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl group and

existing group is selected; and R ^{6 represents} a linear or branched C ₅ -C ₃₅ alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group to facilitate the reaction between water and isocyanate to scavenge the foam while maintaining the physical properties of the foam and controls in one process for producing a polyurethane foam, which comprises reacting an organic polyisocyanate and a polyol in the presence of water as a blowing agent, a cell stabilizer, a gelling catalyst and the catalyst composition.