CATALYSTS AND STABILISERS
Heavy metal naphthenates (calcium naphthenate and manganese naphthenate) are effective catalysts in the oxidation of liquid paraffins for the production of alkyd resins, polyester resins, softeners and lubricants. The use of the naphthenates as catalysts in these oxidation reactions gives a higher yield of monobasic and dibasic acids without discolouration or resin formation. Calcium naphthenates produce mostly carboxylic acids and manganese naphthenates primarily hydroxyl acids.
Alkaline-earth metal naphthenates, in particular magnesium naphthenate, act as stabilisers in the production of vinyl resins.
Cobalt naphthenate and, less often, zinc naphthenate, are used as accelerators in the vulcanization of rubber.
Cobalt and zinc naphthenates are also used as paintdrier additives.