| abstract |
The instant invention relates to the use of water-soluble polymers comprising structural elements of formula (I) wherein each R is independently H or C1-5-alkyl; X is H, an alkaline or earth alkaline metal or a quaternary ammonium group; R1 is H or C1-18-alkyl; and R2 is C1-18-alkyl; and wherein the alkyl groups represented by R1 and R2 may carry a hydroxy or amino substituent; and, if desired, a minor proportion of structural elements of formula (II) wherein R, R1, R2 and X may have the meaning as above, and Alk is a C1-C5-alkylene chain, as additives for inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates in connection with hydrocarbon production and transportation. |