| abstract |
Oil wells are treated with latent acids containing a sulfonyl moiety, wherein the latent acid is capable of providing an active acid after injection into an oil well. The latent acids are converted to active acids, such as mineral acids or strong organic acids, in the oil well, with resultant dissolution of acid-soluble minerals that impede oil or gas flow. RYSO2X is an exemplary latent acid, where: R is C(1 )-C(30) hydrocaryl alone, or appended to an oligomeric or polymeric chain, or substituted; X is halogen; and Y is O, S, Se, or NR or a direct bond. M is a Group IVA metal, a Group IVB metal, a Group IB metal, or a Group HB metal. Other exemplary latent acids include amine functionality. |