CA2254945A1 - Detergent composition - Google Patents

Abstract

A detergent composition comprising an enzyme, a non-AQA surfactant and an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) cationic surfactant.

Description

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 WO 97t43387 PCT/US97/08436 DETERGENT COMPOSITION
-Te-~hn ~l Field The present invention relates to a deL~ t composition comprising an enzyme, an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA~ cationic surfactant and a non-AQA
surfactant.
Ba-~k~ound to the Invention The formulation of laundry detergellls and other cleaning compositions presents a considerable challenge, since modern compositions are required to remove a variety of 15 soils and stains from diverse sub~l,ates. Thus, laundry d~t~lgel1ts, hard surface cleaners, shampoos and other personal cleansing compositions, hand dishwashing detelge,lts and detergent compositions suitable for use in automatic dishwashers all require the proper selection and combination of ingredients in order to functioneffectively. In general, such detergent compositions will contain one or more types of 20 surfactants which are designed to loosen and remove different types of soils and stains.
While a review of the literature would seem to in~lic~e that a wide selection ofsurf,~t~nt~ and surfactant combinations are available to the detergent manufacturer, the reality is that many such ingredients are speciality chemicals which are not suitable in low unit cost items such as home-use laundry detergents. The fact remains that most 25 such home-use products such as laundry detergents still mainly comprise one or more of the conventional ethoxylated nonionic and/or sulfated or sulfonated anionic surfactants, presumably due to economic considerations and the need to forrnulate compositions which function reasonably well with a variety of soils and stains and a variety of fabrics.
The quick and efficient removal of different types of soils and stains such as body soils, greasy/oily soils and certain food stains, can be problematic. Such soils comprise a mixture of triglycerides, lipids, complex polysaccharides, inorganic salts and proteinaceous matter all of which are, to some extent, composed of hydrophobic 35 moieties and are thus notoriously difficult to remove. Low levels of hydrophobic soils and residual stains often remain on the surface of the fabric after washing. Successive CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 washing and wearing coupled with limited hydrophobic soil removal in the wash culrnin~tes in a build up of residual soil and stain which further entraps particulate dirt leading to fabric yellowing. Eventually the fabric takes on a dingy appearance which is perceived as unwearable and discarded by the consumer.

The literature suggests that various nitrogen-cont~ining cationic surfactants would be useful in a variety of cleaning compositions. Such materials, typically in the form of amino-, amido-, or quaternary ammonium or imidazolinium compounds, are often designed for speciality use. For example, various amino and quaternary ammonium 10 surfactants have been suggested for use in shampoo compositions and are said to provide cosmetic benefits to hair. Other nitrogen-cont~ining surfactants are used in some laundry detergents to provide a fabric softening and anti-static benefit. For the most part, however, the cornmercial use of such materials has been limited by the difficulty encountered in the large scale manufacture of such compounds. An additional 15 limitation has been the potential precipitation of anionic active components of the detergent composition occasioned by their ionic interaction with cationic surfactants.
The aforementioned nonionic and anionic surfactants remain the major surfactant components in today's laundry compositions.

20 It has now been discovered that certain alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA)compounds can be used in various detergent compositions to boost detergency performance on a variety of soil and stain types, particularly the hydrophobic soil types, commonly encountered. Unexpectedly~ it has now been discovered that compositions cont~ining enzymes and an AQA surfactant deliver not only superior 25 cleaning and whiteness perforrnance versus products containing either technology alone, but also provide improved fabric care.

The AQA surfactants of the present invention provide substantial benefits to theforrnulator, over cationic surfactants previously known. For example~ the AQA
30 surfactants used herein provide marked improvement in cleaning of "everyday"
greasy/oily hydrophobic soils regularly encountered. Moreover, the AQA surfactants are compatible with anionic surfactants cornmonly used in detergent compositions such as alkyl sulfate and alkyl benzene sulfonate; incompatibility with anionic components of the detergent composition has cornmonly been the limiting factor in the use of cationic 35 surfactants to date. Low levels (as low as 3 ppm in the laundering liquor) of AQA
surfactants gives rise to the benefits described herein. AQA surfactants can be CA 022s494~ 1998-11-17 forn~ te~ over a broad pH range from 5 to 12. The AQA surfactants can be prepared as 30% (wt.) solutions which are pumpable~ and therefore easy to handle in a m:3n-lfacturing plant. AQA surfactants with degrees of ethoxylation above 5 are sometimes present in a liquid forrn and can therefore be provided as 100% neat S materials. In addition to their beneficial handling properties, the availability of AQA
surfart~nrs as highly col-ce-~tldted solutions provides a substantial economic advantage in transportation costs. The AQA surfactants are also compatible with various perfume ingredients, unlike some cationic surfactants known in the art.

10 One aspect of the present invention provides a means for enhancing the removal of greasy/oily soils by combining a lipase enzyme with an AQA surfactant. Greasy/oily soils are comprised of a mixture of materials, including triglycerides. On storage of soiled garments before washing, triglycerides in the soil are converted by bacterial action to fatty acids; lipase enzymes can be used to convert any rem~ining triglycerides 15 to fatty acids through-the-wash. Fatty acids in the soil interact with the hardness ion in the wash water (e.g. Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions) to forrn insoluble magnesium/calcium fatty acid salts or lime-soaps. Lime-soaps precipitate from the wash solution fo~ning a layer of lime-soap deposit on the fabric. Successive washing results in the build-up of lime-soap deposits which entrap particulate dirt, hinder soil removal and enhance retension 20 of soil residues on the fabric after the wash. A further problem exists in the degradation of the sheaths surrounding fibres of old/worn cotton fabrics or other cellulosic fabrics. The sheaths degrade to form gelatinous/amorphous cellulose "glues"
which entrap dirt. In addition, the glue acts as an ideal substrate for deposition/retention of greasy/oily hydrophobic body soils (e.g., on collars and25 pillowcases). Upon successive wearing/washing the build-up of residual soils, lime-soap deposits and dirt entrapped therein, leads to fabric yellowing. Eventually, the fabric becomes dingy and is perceived as unwearable, and are often discarded, by the consumer.

30 It has now been found that detergent compositions con~ining AQA surfactants and lipase enzyme deliver superior cleaning and whiteness performance vs. products con~ining either technology alone. It is believed that these benefits are the result of:
(1) AQA reducing lime-soap formation and thereby allowing lipase llnhin~ered access - to the soil; and (2) effective lifting off of fatty acids from the soil (by AQA) to ensure 35 maximum lipase activity (high levels of fatty acids in the soil inhibiting lipase action).

Surprisingly, it has now been found that detergent compositions cont~ining the AQA
surfactants and cellulytic enzymes (e.g., cellulases and/or endoglllcan~ces) deliver superior cleaning and whiteness performance vs. products cont~ining either ingredient alone. These benefits appear to be the result of the effective penetration of hydrophobic 5 body soils by the AQA surfactants. This, in turn, boosts access of the cellulytic enzymes which degrade the amorphous cellulose glue (which binds the soil on the fabric) around the fibres. As the glue dissolves, the entrapped dirt is released and whiteness is restored. In addition to cleaning benefits, the combined cellulytic/AQA
system also provides softness and fabric care benefits vs. either the cationic or enzyme 10 alone, by effective depilling and ungluing of worn fibres.

It has now further been discovered that detergent compositions cont:~ining a combination of the AQA surfactants herein and amylase enzymes delivers superior cleaning and whiteness performance vs. compositions cont~ining either technology15 alone. These benefits appear to be the result of improved degradation of the residual "glue" around the fibres (AQA facilitating irnproved amylase access to sensitive soil components through effective soil solubilization). As the glue dissolves, whiteness is restored and ellLlatJped particulate dirt is released/made accessible to the decolourizing action of other wash actives.
Ba~k~round Art U.S. Patent 5,441,541, issued August 15, 1995~ to A. Mehreteab and F. J. Loprest, relates to anionic/cationic surfactant mixtures. U K. 2,040.990. issued 3 Sept., 1980, 25 to A. P. Murphy, R.J.M. Smith and M. P. Brooks, relates to ethoxylated cationics in laundry detergents.

-CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 s SummarY of the Invention The present invention provides a composition comprising or prepared by combining an enzyme, a non-AQA surfactant and an effective amount of a alkoxylated quaternary5 arnmonium (AQA) cationic surfactant of the formula:
R~ /ApR
N\ X
*/ R3 wherein Rl is a linear, branched or substituted Cg-Clg alkyl, alkenyl. aryl, alkaryl, ether or glycityl ether moiety, R2 is a C1-C3 alkyl moiety, R3 and R4 can vary independently and are selected from hydrogen, methyl and ethyl, X is an anion, A is Cl-C4 alkoxy and 10 p is an integer in the range of from 2 to 30.

Detailed Des.l ;IJlion of the lnvention Enzymes 15 The compositions of the present invention include enzymes as essential components.
Enzymes can be included in the present detergent compositions for a variety of purposes~ including removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from substrates, for the prevention of refugee dye transfer in fabric laundering, and for fabric restoration. Suitable enzymes include proteases, amylases, lipases, 20 cellulases, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin. Preferred selections are influenced by factors such as pH-activity and/or stability optima, thermostability, and stability to active detelgellls, builders. In this respect bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred, such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases.
"Detersive enzyme", as used herein, means any enzyme having a cleaning, stain removing or otherwise beneficial effect in a laundry, hard surface cleaning or personal care detergent composition. Preferred detersive enzymes are hydrolases such as - proteases, amylases and lipases. Preferred enzymes for laundry purposes include, but 30 are not limited to, proteases, cellulases, lipases and peroxidases. Highly preferred for automatic dishwashing are amylases and/or proteases.

... . .

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Enzymes are normally incorporaled into detergent or detergent additive compositions at levels sufficient to provide a "cleaning-effective amount". The terrn "cleaning effective amount" refers to any amount capable of producing a cleaning, stain removal, soil removal, whitening, deodorizing, or freshness improving effect on substrates such as 5 fabrics, dishware. In practical terms for current commercial preparations, typical amounts are up to 5 mg by weight, more typically 0.01 mg to 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of the d~tergenl composition. Stated otherwise, the compositions herein will typically comprise from 0.001 % to 5%, preferably 0.01 %-1 % by weight of a cornrnercial enzyme preparation. Protease enzymes are usually present in such cornmercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide from 0.005 to 0.1 Anson units (AU) of activity per grarn of composition. For certain detergents, such as in automatic dishwashing, it may be desirable to increase the active enzyme content of the commercial preparation in order to minimi7e the total amount of non-catalytically active materials and thereby improve spotting/filming or other end-results. Higher active levels may also be desirable in highly concentrated detergent formulations.

Suitable examples of proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B. subtilis and B. licheniforrnis. One suitable protease is obtained from a strain of Bacillus, having maximum activity throughout the pH ran8e of 8-12, developed and sold as ESPERASEZ by Novo Industries A/S of Denrnark, hereinafter "Novo". The preparation of this enzyme and analo~ous enzymes is described in GB
1,243,784 to Novo. Other suitable proteases include ALCALASE~ and SAVINASE~
from Novo and MAXATASE~ from International Bio-Synthetics, Inc., The Netherlands; as well as Protease A as disclosed in EP 130.756 A, January 9, 1985 and Protease B as disclosed in EP 303,761 A, April 28, 1987 and EP 130,756 A, January 9, 1985. See also a high pH protease from Bacillus sp. NCIMB 40338 described in WO 9318140 A to Novo. Enzymatic detergents comprising protease, one or more other enzymes, and a reversible protease inhibitor are described in WO 9203529 A to Novo. Other preferred proteases include those of WO 9510591 A to Procter & Gamble . When desired, a protease having decreased adsorption and increased hydrolysis is available as described in WO 9507791 to Procter & Gamble. A recombinant trypsin-lilce protease for detergents suitable herein is described in WO 9425583 to Novo.

Amylases suitable herein, especially for, but not limited to automatic dishwashing purposes, include, for example. a-arnylases described in GB 1,296,839 to Novo;
RAPIDASE~, International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. and TERMAMYL~ Novo.

CA 022S494s 1998-11-17 FUNGAMYL~ from Novo is especially useful. Engineering of enzymes for improved stability, e.g., oxidative stability, is known. See~ for example J. Biological Chem., Vol. 260, No. 11, June 1985, pp. 6518-6521. Certain preferred embodiments of thepresent compositions can make use of amylases having improved stability in detergents such as automatic dishwashing types, especially improved oxidative stability as measured against a reference-point of TERMAMYL(~ in commercial use in 1993.
These preferred amylases herein share the characteristic of being "stability-enh~n~ed"
amylases, characterized, at a minimllrn, by a measurable improvement in one or more of: oxidative stability, e.g., to hydrogen peroxide/tetraacetylethylen~ mine in 10 buffered solution at pH 9-10; thermal stability, e.g., at common wash temperatures such as 60~C; or ~lk~line stability, e.g. ~ at a pH from 8 to 11, measured versus the above-identified reference-point amylase. Stability can be measured using any of the art-disclosed technical tests. See, for example, references disclosed in WO 9402597.
Stability-enh~nred amylases can be obtained from Novo or from Genencor 15 International. One class of highly preferred amylases herein have the commonality of being derived using site-directed mutagenesis from one or more of the Bacilll~s amylases, especially the Bacillus a-amylases, regardless of whether one, two or multiple amylase strains are the immediate precursors. Oxidative stability-enh~n~ed amylases vs. the above-identified reference amylase are preferred for use. especially in 20 bleaching, more preferably oxygen bleaching, as distinct from chlorine bleaching, detelgent compositions herein. Such preferred amylases include (a) an amylase according to the hereinbefore incorporated WO 9402597~ ~ovo, Feb. 3, 1994, as further illustrated by a mutant in which substitution is made. using alanine or threonine.
preferably threonine, of the methionine residue located in position 197 of the B25 lichenifortnis alpha-amylase, known as TERMAMYL(~, or the homologous positionvariation of a similar parent amylase, such as B. amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, or B.
stearothermophilus; ~b) stability-enh~nced amylases as described by Genencor International in a paper entitled "Oxidatively Resistant alpha-Amylases" presented at the 207th American Chemical Society National Meeting~ March 13-17 1994, by C.
30 Mitchinson. Therein it was noted that bleaches in automatic dishwashing detergents inactivate alpha-arnylases but that improved oxidative stability amylases have been made by Genencor from B. Iicheniformis NCIB8061. Methionine (Met) was identifiedas the most likely residue to be modified. Met was substituted. one at a time, in positions 8, 15, 197, 256, 304, 366 and 438 leading to specific mutants, particularly 35 important being M197L and M197T with the Ml97T variant being the most stable expressed variant. Stability was measured in CASCADE3 and SUNLIGHT(~); (c) CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 particularly preferred amylases herein include amylase variants having additional modification in the imm~liate parent as described in WO 9510603 A and are available from the assignee, Novo, as DURAMYL(g). Other particularly preferred oxidative stability enh~n~ed amylase include those described in WO 9418314 to Genencor International and WO 9402597 to Novo. Any other oxidative stability-enh~n~e~l amylase can be used, for example as derived by site-directed mutagenesis from known chimeric, hybrid or simple mutant parent forms of available amylases. Other preferred enzyme modifications are accessible. See WO 9509909 A to Novo.

10 Other amylase enzymes include those described in WO 95/26397 and in co-pending application by Novo Nordisk PCT/DK96/00056. Specific amylase enzymes for use in the detergent compositions of the present invention include a-amylases characterized by having a specific activity at least 25 % higher than the specific activity of Termamyl(~ at a temperature range of 25~C to 55~C and at a pH value in the range of 8 to 10, 15 measured by the Phadebas(~) a-amylase activity assay. (Such Phadebas~) a-amylase activity assay is described at pages 9-10, WO 95/26397.) Also included herein are a-amylases which are at least 80% homologous with the amino acid sequences shown in the SEQ ID listings in the references. These enzymes are preferably incorporated into laundry detergent compositions at a level from 0.00018% to 0.060% pure enzyme by20 weight of the total composition, more preferably from 0.00024% to 0.048% pure enzyme by weight of the total composition.

Cellulases usable herein include both bacterial and fungal types, preferably having a pH
optimum between 5 and 9.5. U.S. 4,435,307. Barbesgoard et al, March 6, 1984, 25 discloses suitable fungal cellulases from Humicola insolens or Humicola strain DSM1800 or a cellulase 212-producing fungus belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusk, Dolabella Auricula Solander. Suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A-2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275 and DE-OS-2.247.832. CAREZYME(~' and CELLUZYME~ (Novo~ are especially 30 useful. See also WO 9117243 to Novo.

Suitable lipase enzymes for detergent usage include those produced by microor~anisms of the Pseudomonas group, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154~ as disclosedin GB 1,372,034. See also lipases in Japanese Patent Application 53.20487, laid open 35 Feb. 24, 1978. This lipase is available from Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Nagoya.
Japan, under the trade name Lipase P "Amano," or "Amano-P." Other suitable CA 022s494s 1998-11-17 commercial lipases include Amano-CES, lipases ex Chromobacter viscosum, e.g.
Chromobacter viscosum var. Iipolyticum NRRLB 3673 from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata, Japarl; Chromobacter viscosum lipases from U.S. Biochemical Corp., U.S.A. and Disoynth Co., The Netherlands, and lipases ex Pseudomonas gladioli. LIPOLASE~) enzyme derived from Humicola lanuginosa and comrnercially available from Novo, see also EP 341,947, is a preferred lipase for use herein. Lipase and amylase variants stabilized against peroxidase enzymes are described in WO 9414951 A to Novo. Seealso WO 9205249 and RD 94359044.

10 In spite of the large number of publications on lipase enzymes, only the lipase derived from Humicola lanuginosa and produced in Aspergillus oryzae as host has so far found widespread application as additive for fabric washing products. It is available from Novo Nordisk under the tradename Lipolase~, as noted above. In order to optimize the stain removal performance of Lipolase, Novo Nordisk have made a number of variants.
15 As described in WO 92/05249, the D96L variant of the native Humicola lanuginosa lipase improves the lard stain removal efficiency by a factor 4.4 over the wild-type lipase (enzymes compared in an amount ranging from 0.075 to 2.5 mg protein per liter). Research Disclosure No. 35944 published on March 10, 1994, by Novo Nordisk discloses that the lipase variant (D96L) may be added in an amount corresponding to 20 0.001-100- mg (5-500,000 LU/liter) lipase variant per liter of wash liquor. The present invention provides the benefit of improved whiteness maintenance on fabrics using low levels of D96L variant in detergent compositions containing the AQA surfactants in the manner disclosed herein, especially when the D96L is used at levels in the range of 5 LU to 8500 LU per liter of wash solution.
Cutinase enzymes suitable for use herein are described in WO 8809367 A to Genencor.

Peroxidase enzymes may be used in combination with oxygen sources, e.g., percarbonate, perborate, hydrogen peroxide, etc., for "solution bleaching" or 30 prevention of transfer of dyes or pigments removed from substrates during the wash to other substrates present in the wash solution. Known peroxidases include horseradish peroxidase, ligninase, and haloperoxidases such as chloro- or bromo-peroxidase.
Peroxidase-cont~ining detergent compositions are disclosed in WO 89099813 A, October 19, 1989 to Novo and WO 8909813 A to Novo.

, CA 022~494~ 1998-ll-17 WO 97l43387 PCT/US97/08436 A range of enzyme materials and means for their incorporation into synthetic detergent compositions is also disclosed in WO 9307263 A and WO 9307260 A to Genencor International, WO 8908694 A to Novo, and U.S. 3,553,139, January 5, 1971 to McCarty et al. Enzymes are further disclosed in U.S. 4,101,457, Place et al, July 18, 19~8, and in U.S. 4,507,219, Hughes, March 26, 1985. Enzyme materials useful forliquid detergent formulations, and their incorporation into such formulations, are disclosed in U.S. 4,261,868~ Hora et al, April 14, 1981. Enzymes for use in detergents can be stabilised by various techniques. Enzyme stabilisation techniques are disclosed and exemplified in U.S. 3,600,319, August 17, 1971, Gedge et al, EP
199,405 and EP 200,586, October 29, 1986, Venegas. Enzyme stabilisation systems are also described, for example, in U.S. 3,519,570. A useful Bacillus, sp. AC13 giving proteases, xylanases and cellulases, is described in WO 9401532 A to Novo.

Alkoxylated Ouaternary Ammonium (AQA) Cationic Surfactant The second essential component of the present invention comprises an effective amount of an AQA surfactant of the formula:
R~ /ApR
N\ X
R2' R3 wherein R1 is a linear, branched or substituted alkyl~ alkenyl, aryl, alkaryl, ether or glycityl ether moiety con~ining from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 16 carbon atoms, most preferably from 8 to 14 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl groups cont~ining from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably methyl; R4 is selected from hydrogen (preferred), methyl and ethyl, X~ is an anion such as chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, sulfate to provide electrical neutrality; A is selected from C1-C4 alkoxy, especially ethoxy (i.e., -CH2CH2O-), propoxy, butoxy and mixtures thereof; and p is an integer from 2 to 30, preferably 2 to 15, more preferably 2 to 8, most preferably 2 to 4.

AQA compounds wherein the hydrocarbyl substituent R1 is Cg-C12 especially Cg-lo,erlhance the rate of dissolution of laundry granules, especially under cold water conditions, as compared with the higher chain length materials. Accordingly, the Cg-C12 AQA surfactants may be preferred by some formulators. The levels of the AQA

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 surfactants used to prepare finished laundry detergent compositions can range from 0.1% to 5%, typically from 0.45% to 2.5%, by weight.

The present invention employs an "effective amount" of the AQA surfactants to S improve the perforrnance of cleaning compositions which contain other adjunct ingredients. By an "effective amount" of the AQA surfactants and adjunct ingredients herein is meant an amount which is sufficient to improve, either directionally or signific~ntly at the 90% confidence level, the performance of the cleaning composition against at least some of the target soils and stains. Thus, in a composition whose 10 targets include certain food stains, the formulator will use sufficient AQA to at least directionally improve cleaning perforrnance against such stains. Likewise, in a composition whose targets include clay soil~ the forrnulator will use sufficient AQA to at least directionally irnprove cleaning performance against such soil. Importantly, in a fully-form~ te(l laundry detergent the AQA surfactants can be used at levels which 15 provide at least a directional improvement in cleaning performance over a wide variety of soils and stains, as will be seen from the data presented hereinafter.

As noted, the AQA surfactants are used herein in detergent compositions in combination with other detersive surfactants at levels which are effective for achieving 20 at least a directional improvement in cleaning perforrnance. In the context of a fabric laundry composition, such "usage levels" can vary depending not only on the type and severity of the soils and stains, but also on the wash water temperature, the volume of wash water and the type of washing m~chine.

25 For example, in a top-loading, vertical axis U.S.-type automatic washing machine using 45 to 83 liters of water in the wash bath, a wash cycle of 10 to 14 minlltec and a wash water temperature of 10~C to 50~C, it is preferred to include from 2 ppm to 50 ppm.
preferably from 5 ppm to 25 ppm, of the AQA surfactant in the wash liquor. On the basis of usage rates of from 50 ml to 150 ml per wash load, this translates into an in-30 product concentration (wt.) of the AQA surfactant of from 0.1% to 3.2%, preferably0.3% to 1.5%, for a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent. On the basis of usage rates of from 60 g to 95 g per wash load, for dense ("compact") granular laundry detergents (density above 650 g/l) this translates into an in-product concentration (wt.) of the AQA
surfactant of from 0.2% to 5.0%, preferably t'rom 0.5% to 2.5%. On the basis of usage rates of from 80g to 100g per load for spray-dried granules (i.e., "fluffy";

CA 022s494s l998-ll-l7 density below 650 g/l), this translates into an in-product concentration (wt.) of the AQA surfactant of from 0.1% to 3.5%, preferably from 0.3% to 1.5%.

For example, in a front-loading, horizontal-axis European-type automatic washingmachine using 8 to 15 liters of water in the wash bath, a wash cycle of 10 to 60minllte~ and a wash water temperature of 30~C to 95~C, it is plefell~d to include from 13 ppm to 900 ppm, preferably from 16 ppm to 390 ppm, of the AQA surfactant in the wash liquor. On the basis of usage rates of from 45 ml to 270 ml per wash load, this translates into an in-product concentration (wt.) of the AQA surfactant of from 0.4% to 2.64%, preferably 0.55% to 1.1%, for a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent. On the basis of usage rates of from 40 g to 210 g per wash load, for dense ("compact") granular laundry detergents (density above 650 g/l) this translates into an in-product concentration (wt.) of the AQA surfactant of from 0.5 % to 3.5 %, preferably from 0.7 % to l.S %. On the basis of usage rates of from 140 g to 400 g per load for spray-dried granules (i.e., "fluffy"; density below 650 g/l), this translates into an in-product concentration (wt.) of the AQA surfactant of from 0.13% to 1.8%, preferably from0.18% to 0.76% .

For example, in a top-loading, vertical-axis Japanese-type automatic washing machine using 26 to 52 liters of water in the wash bath, a wash cycle of 8 to lS minutes and a wash water temperature of 5~C to 25~C, it is preferred to include from 1.67 ppm to 66.67 ppm, preferably from 3 ppm to 6 ppm, of the AQA surfactant in the wash liquor.
On the basis of usage rates of from 20 ml to 30 ml per wash load, this translates into an in-product concentration (wt.) of the AQA surfactant of from 0.25 % to 10%, preferably 1.5% to 2%, for a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent. On the basis of usage rates of from 18 g to 35 g per wash load, for dense ("compact") granular laundry detergents (density above 650 g/l) this translates into an in-product concentration (wt.) of the AQA surfactant of from 0.25% to 10%, preferably from 0.5% to 1.0%. On thebasis of usage rates of from 30 g to 40 g per load for spray-dried granules (i.e., "fluffy"; density below 650 g/l), this translates into an in-product concentration (wt.) of the AQA surfactant of from 0.25% to 10%, preferably trom 0.5% to 1%.

As can be seen from the foregoing, the amount of AQA surfactant used in a machine-wash laundering context can vary, depending on the habits and practices of the user, the type of washing machine, and the like. In this context, however, one heretofore unappreciated advantage of the AQA surfactan~s is their ability to provide at least CA 022~494~ 1998-ll-17 W O 97/43387 PCT~US97/08436 directional improvements in performance over a spectrum of soils and stains even when used at relatively low levels with respect to the other surf~ct~nt~ (generally anionics or anionic/nonionic mixtures) in the finich~cl compositions. This is to be distinguished from other compositions of the art wherein various cationic surf~ct~ntc are used with 5 anionic surf~t~nt~ at or near stoichiometric levels. In general, in the practice of this invention, the weight ratio of AQA:anionic surfactant in laundry compositions is in the range from 1:70 to 1:2, preferably from 1:40 to 1:6, more preferably from 1:30 to 1:6, most preferably from 1:15 to 1:8. In laundry compositions which comprise both anionic and nonionic surfa~t~ntc, the weight ratio of AQA:mixed anionic/nonionic is in the range from 1:80 to 1:2, preferably 1:50 to 1:8.

Various other cleaning compositions which comprise an anionic surfactant, an optional nonionic surfactant and specialized surfactants such as betaines, sultaines, amine oxides, and the like, can also be form~ t~d using an effective amount of the AQAsurf~t~nt~ in the manner of this invention. Such compositions include, but are not limited to, hand dishwashing products (especially liquids or gels), hard surfacecleaners, shampoos, personal cleansing bars, laundry bars, and the like. Since the habits and practices of the users of such compositions show minim~l variation, it is satisfactory to include from 0.25 % to 5%, preferably from 0.45% to 2 %, by weight, of the AQA surfact~nt~ in such compositions. Again, as in the case of the granular and liquid laundry compositions, the weight ratio of the AQA surfactant to other surfactants present in such compositions is low, i.e., sub-stoichiometric in the case of anionics.
Preferably, such cleaning compositions comprise AQA/surfactant ratios as noted imm~di~tely above for m~l~hin.--use laundry compositions.
In contrast with other cationic surfact~nt~ known in the art, the alkoxylated cationics herein have sufficient solubility that they can be used in combination with mixed surfactant systems which are quite low in nonionic surfactants and which contain, for example, alkyl sulfate surfactants. This can be an irnportant consideration for formulators of detergent compositions of the type which are conventionally designed for use in top loading automatic washing machines, especially of the type used in North America as well as under Japanese usage conditions. Typically, such compositions will comprise an anionic surfactant:nonionic surfactant weight ratio in the range from 25:1 to 1:25, preferably 20:1 to 3:1. This can be contrasted with European-type formulas which typically will comprise anionic:nonionic ratios in the range of 10:1 to 1:1û, preferably 5:1 to 1:1.

. .

The preferred ethoxylated cationic surfactants herein can be synthesized using a variety of different reaction schemes (wherein "EO" represents -CH2CH20- units), as follows.

R OH + C H3NH2 H2/Cat/Heat I ,CH3 EXCESS H

,CH3 O BASE Cat, Rl N--(EO)n--H

R--N--(EO)n--H + CH3CI ~ R--Nl--(EO)n--H
CH3 Cl ,N--(EO).H + 2 ,C~ H- ~ ,N--(EO)2H
"DIGLYCOLAMINE"

RlBr + \N--(EO)2H HEAT, Rl N--(EO)2--H
CH3 C H3 Br ~N--(EO)H + n~ BASE CAT CH3~

CH3~N--(EO)n+ 1 H ~ Rl I--(EO) H

Cl--CH2CH~--OH + n~ ~ Cl--CH~CH~O[EO]n--H

N~CH3 + Cl--CH~CH~O[EO]n--H HEAT~ R~ l+ CH CH O[EO

An economical reaction scheme is as follows.

Rl OSO3~Na+ + 3'N--CH2CH2-OH HEAT~ R~ N--CH,CH2-OH + Na2SO~ + H20 R--N CH~CH,-OH + n~ HEAT I [E ]n Rl N--CH2CH~O[EOln--H + CH3Cl ~ Rl N--CH,CH O[EO]n--H
l H3 CH3 Cr For reaction Scheme 5, the following parameters summari~e the optional and preferred reaction conditions herein for step 1. Step 1 of the reaction is preferably conducted in an aqueous medium. Reaction temperatures are typically in the range of 100-230~C.
Reaction pressures are 50-1000 psig. A base, preferably sodium hydroxide, can beused to react with the HSO4- generated during the reaction. In another mode, an excess of the amine can be employed to also react with the acid. The mole ratio of amine to alkyl sulfate is typically from 10:1 to 1:1.5; preferably from 5:1 to 1:1.1;
more preferably from 2:1 to 1:1. In the product recovery step, the desired substituted 15 amine is simply allowed to separate as a distinct phase from the aqueous reaction medium in which it is insoluble. The product of step 1 is then ethoxylated and quaternized using standard reactions, as shown.

The following illustrates the foregoing for the convenience of the formulator~ but is not 20 intended to be limiting thereof.

CA 022s494s 1998-ll-17 WO 97/43387 PCTrUS97/08436 Preparation of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyldodecvlamine - To a glass autoclave liner is added 156.15 g of sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.5415 moles), 81.34 g of 2-(methylamino)ethanol (1.083 moles), 324.5 g of distilled H20, and 44.3 g of 50 wt. %
sodium hydroxide solution (0.5538 moles NaOH). The glass liner is sealed into 3 L, 5 stainless steel, rocking autoclave, purged twice with 260 psig nitrogen and then heated to 160-180~C under 700-800 psig nitrogen for 3 hours. The mixture is cooled to room temperature and the liquid contents of the glass liner are poured into a 1 L separatory funnel. The mixture is separated into a clear lower layer, turbid middle layer and clear upper layer. The clear upper layer is isolated and placed under full vacuum (<100 mm 10 Hg) at 60-65~C with mixing to remove any residual water. The clear liquid turns cloudy upon removing residual water as additional salts crystallizes out. The liquid is vacuum filtered to remove salts to again obtain a clear, colorless liquid. After a few days at room temperature, additional salts crystallize and settle out. The liquid is vacuum filtered to remove solids and again a clear, colorless liquid is obtained which 15 remains stable. The isolated clear, colorless liquid is the title product by NMR analysis and is >90% by GC analysis with a typical recovery of >90%. The amine is then ethoxylated in standard fashion. Quaternization with an alkyl halide to form the AQA
surfactants herein is routine.

20 According to the foregoing, the following are nonlimiting, specific illustrations of AQA
surfactants used herein. It is to be understood that the degree of alkoxylation noted herein for the AQA surfactants is reported as an average, following common practice for conventional ethoxylated nonionic surfactants. This is because the ethoxylation reactions typically yield mixtures of materials with differing degrees of ethoxylation.
25 Thus, it is not uncommon to report total EO values other than as whole numbers, e.g., "EO2.5", "EO3.5", and the like.

Desi~enation Rl g2 g3 Alkoxvlation AQA-2 C10-cl6 CH3 CH3 EO2 AQA-3 Cl2 CH3 CH3 EO2 CA 022~494~ 1998-ll-17 AQA-S Clo~C18 CH3 CH3 EO5-8 s AQA-7 C14-C16 CH3 C3H7 (EO/PrO)4 AQA-8 C12-C14 CH3 CH3 (PrO)3 AQA-10 Cg-Clg CH3 CH3 EO15 AQA-l 1 Clo C2H5 C2H5 EO3.5 AQA-12 Clo CH3 CH3 EO2.5 AQA-13 Clo CH3 CH3 EO3 .5 AQA-14 Clo C4Hg C4H9 EO30 AQA-16 Clo CH3 CH3 EO10 AQA-17 C12-C18 C3H9 C3H7 Bu4 AQA-l9 C8 CH3 CH3 iPr3 AQA-21 C12 CH3 CH3 EO3.5 AQA-22 C12 CH3 CH3 EO4.5 .. . . .

CA 022~494~ l998-ll-l7 Highly preferred AQA compound for use herein are of the formula R\ + /(C H~C H ,.O ).-s H
N \ X

wherein R1 is Cg-C1g hydrocarbyl and mixtures thereof, especially Cg-C14 alkyl, 5 preferably Cg, C1o and C12 alkyl, and X is any convenient anion to provide charge balance, preferably chloride or bromide.

As noted, compounds of the foregoing type include those wherein the ethoxy (CH2CH2O) units ~EO) are replaced by butoxy, isopropoxy [CH(CH3)CH2O] and 10 [CH2CH(CH3O] units (i-Pr) or n-propoxy units (Pr), or mixtures of EO and/or Pr and/or i-Pr units.

A highly preferred AQA compound for use in under built forrnulations are of the formula wherein p is an integer in the range of between 10 and 15. This compound is 15 particularly useful in laundry handwash detergent compositions.

Non-AOA Detersive Surfactants In addition to the AQA surfactant, the compositions of the present invention preferably 20 further comprise a non-AQA surfactant. Non-AQA surfactan~s may include essentially any anionic or nonionic surfactant.

Anionic Surfactant 25 Nonlimiting examples of anionic surfactants useful herein typically at levels from 1% to 55%, by weight, include the conventional C11-Clg alkyl benzene sulfonates ("LAS") and primary ("AS"), branched-chain and random C1o-C20 alkyl sulfates, the C1o-C1g secondary (2,3) al~yl sulfates of the formula CH3(CH2)X(CHOSO3 M+) CH3 and CH3 (CH2)y(CHOSO3~M+) CH2CH3 where x and (y + 1) are integers of at least 7 30 preferably at least 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate, the C l2-C1g alpha-sulfonated fatty acid esters, the C1o-C1g sulfated polyglycosides, the C1o-Clg alkyl alkoxy sulfates ("AEXS"; especially EO 1-7 ethoxy sulfates), and the Clo-C1g alkyl alkoxy carboxylates (especially the EO 1-5 ethoxycarboxylates). The C12-C1g betaines and sulfobetaines ("sultaines"), C1o-C1g amine oxides, can also be included in the overall compositions. C1o-C20 conventional soaps may also be used. If hi_h sudsing is desired, the branched-chain C1o-C16 soaps may be used. Other conventional useful surfactants are listed in standard texts.

Nonionic Surfactants Nonlimiting examples of nonionic surfactants useful herein typically at levels from 1%
to 55%, by weight include the alkoxylated alcohols (AE's) and alkyl phenols, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides (PFAA's), alkyl polyglycosides (APG's). C1o-C1g glycerol ethers.

More specifically, the con~en~tion products of primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols with from 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide (AE) are suitable for use as the nonionic surfactant in the present invention. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from 8 to 22 carbon atoms. Preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group con~ainin~ from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably from l0 tol8 carbon atoms, with from 1 tolO moles, preferably 2 to 7, most preferably 2 to 5, of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include: TergitolTM 15-S-9 (the condensation product of C11-C1s linearalcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide) and TergitolTM 24-L-6 NMW (the condensationproduct of C12-C14 primary alcohol with 6 moles ethylene oxide with a narrow molecular weight distribution), both marketed by Union Carbide Corporation;
NeodolTM 45-9 (the condensation product of C14-Cls linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), NeodolTM 23-3 (the condensation product of C12-C13 linear alcohol with 3 moles of ethylene oxide), NeodolTM 45-7 (the condensation product of C14-Cls linear alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide) and NeodolTM 45-5 (the condensation product of C14-C1s linear alcohol with 5 moles of ethylene oxide) marketed by Shell Chemical Company; KyroTM EOB (the condensation product of C13-C1s alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), marketed by The Procter ~ Gamble Company; and Genapol LA 030 or OSO (the condensation product of C12-Cl4 alcohol with 3 or 5 moles of ethylene oxide) marketed by Hoechst. The preferred range of HLB in these AE
nonionic surfactants is from 8-11 and most preferred from 8-10. Condensates withpropylene oxide and butylene oxides may also be used.

.. . . ...

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Another class of preferred nonionic surfactants for use herein are the polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants of the formula.
R2 fi--I --Z

wherein Rl is H, or C14 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl or a mixture thereof~ R2 is Cs 31 hydrocarbyl, and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an 10 alkoxylated derivative thereof. Preferably, R1 is methyl, R2 is a straight C11 1s alkyl or C1s 17 alkyl or alkenyl chain such as coconut alkyl or mixtures thereof, and Z is derived from a reducing sugar such as glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, in a reductive amination reaction. Typical examples include the C12-Clg and C12-C14 N-methylglucarnides. See U.S. 5,194,639 and 5,298,636. N-alkoxy polyhydroxy fatty 15 acid amides can also be used; see U.S. 5,489,393.

Also useful as the nonionic surfactant in the present invention are the alkylpolysaccharides such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,565,647, Llenado, issued January 21~ 1986, having a hydrophobic group cont~ining from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, 20 preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and a polysaccharide, e.g. a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group cont~ining from 1.3 to 10, preferably from 1.3 to 3, most preferably from 1.3 to 2.7 saccharide units. Any reducing saccharide conr~ining 5 or 6 carbon atoms can be used, e.g., glucose, galactose and galactosyl moieties can be substituted for the glucosyl moieties ~optionally the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-, 25 etc. positions thus giving a glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside). The intersaccharide bonds can be, e.g., between the one position of the additional saccharide units and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and/or 6- positions on the preceding saccharide units.

30 The preferred alkylpolyglycosides have the formula:

R20(CnH2nO)t(glYC~sYl)x wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkyl, 35 hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof in which the alkyl groups contain from 10 to CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 18, preferably from 12 to 14, carbon atoms; n is 2 or 3, preferably 2; t is from 0 to 10, preferably 0; and x is from 1.3 to 10, preferably from 1.3 to 3, most preferably from 1.3 to 2.7. The glycosyl is preferably derived from glucose. To prepare these compounds, the alcohol or alkylpolyethoxy alcohol is formed first and then reacted with 5 glucose, or a source of glucose, to form the glucoside (attachment at the 1-position).
The additional glycosyl units can then be attached between their 1-position and the precedin~ glycosyl units 2-, 3-, 4- and/or 6-position, preferably predominately the 2-position.

10 Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols are also suitable for use as the nonionic surfactant of the surfactant systems of the present invention, with the polyethylene oxide condensates being preferred. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group cont~ininP
from 6 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 14 carbon atoms, in either a straight-15 chain or branched-chain configuration with the alkylene oxide. In a preferredembodiment, the ethylene oxide is present in an amount e~ual to from 2 to 25 moles, more preferably from 3 tol5 moles, of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol.
Commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include IgepalTM C0-630, marketed by the GAF Corporation; and TritonTM X-45, X-114, X-100 and X-102, all 20 marketed by the Rohm & Haas Company. These surfactants are commonly referred to as alkylphenol alkoxylates (e.g., alkyl phenol ethoxylates).

The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol are also suitable for use as the 25 additional nonionic surfactant in the present invention. The hydrophobic portion of these compounds will preferably have a molecular wei~ht of from 1500 to 1800 andwill exhibit water insolubility. The addition of polyoxyethylene moieties to this hydrophobic portion tends to increase the water solubility of the molecule as a whole, and the li4uid character of the product is retained up to the point where the 30 polyoxyethylene content is 50% of the total wei~ht of the condensation product, which corresponds to condensation with up to 40 moles of ethylene oxide. Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the comrnercially-available PluronicTMsurfactants, marketed by BASF.

35 Also suitable for use as the nonionic surfactant of the nonionic surfactant system of the present invention, are the condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product CA 022=,494=, 1998-11-17 W 097/43387 PCT~US97/08436 resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. The hydrophobic moiety of these products consists of the reaction product of ethylene~i~min~ and excess propylene oxide, and generally has a molecular weight of from 2500 to 3000. Thishydrophobic moiety is condensed with ethylene oxide to the extent that the condensation product contains from 40% to 80% by weight of polyoxyethylene and has a molecular weight of from 5.000 to 11,000. Examples of this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the cornmercially available TetronicTM compounds, marketed by BASF.

10 Additional Cationic surfactants Suitable cationic surfactants are preferably water dispersible compound having surfactant properties comprising at least one ester (ie -COO-) linkage and at least one cationically charged group.
Other suitable cationic surfactants include the quaternary ammonium surfactants selected from mono C6-C16, preferably C6-C1o N-alkyl or alkenyl ammonium surfactants wherein the rem~ining N positions are substin~ted by methyl, hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl groups. Other suitable cationic ester surfactants. including choline 20 ester surfactants, have for example been disclosed in US Patents No.s 4228042, 4239660 and 4260529.

Optional Deter~ent Ingredients 25 The following illustrates various other optional ingredients which may be used in the compositions of this invention, but is not intended to be limiting thereof.

Enzvme Stabilizin~ System 30 The enzyme-containing compositions herein preferably also comprise from 0.001 % to 10%, preferably from 0.005% to 8%, most pret'erably trom 0.01 % to 6%, by weightof an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the detersive erlzyme. Such a system may be inherently provided by other formulation actives or be added separately, e.g., by the 35 formulator or by a manufacturer of detergent-ready enzymes. Such stabilizing systems can, for example, comprise calcium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chain CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 WO 97/43387 rCT/US97/08436 carboxylic acids, boronic acids, and mixtures thereof, and are designed to address different stabilization problems depending on the type and physical form of the detergent composition.

5 Stabilizing systems of certain cleaning compositions, for example automatic dishwashing compositions, may further comprise from 0 to 10%, preferably from 0.01% to 6% by weight, of chlorine bleach scavengers, added to prevent chlorine bleach species present in many water supplies from attacking and inactivating the enzymes, especially under ~Ik~line conditions. While chlorine levels in water may be small, typically in the range from 0.5 ppm to 1.75 ppm, the available chlorine in the total volume of water that comes in contact with the enzyme, for example during dish-or fabric-washing, can be relatively large; accordingly, enzyme stability to chlorine in-use is sometimes problematic. Since percarbonate has the ability to react with chlorine bleach the use of additional stabilizers against chlorine, may, most generally, not be 15 essential, though improved results may be obtainable from their use. Suitable chlorine scavenger anions are widely known and readily available, and, if used, can be salts cont;~ining ammonium cations with sulfite, bisulfite, thiosulfite, thiosulfate, iodide, etc.
Antioxidants such as carbamate~ ascorbate, etc., organic amines such as ethylenf~ min~tetracetic acid (EDTA) or alkali metal salt thereof, monoethanolamine 20 (MEA), and mixtures thereof can likewise be used. Likewise. special enzyme inhibition systems can be incorporated such that different enzymes have maximum compatibility. Other conventional scavengers such as bisulfate, nitrate, chloride, sources of hydrogen peroxide such as sodium perborate tetrahydrate, sodium perborate monohydrate and sodium percarbonate, as well as phosphate, condensed phosphate, 25 acetate, benzoate, citrate, formate, lactate, malate, tartrate, salicylate, etc., and mixtures thereof can be used if desired. In general, since the chlorine scavenger function can be performed by ingredients separately listed under better recognized functions, (e.g., hydrogen peroxide sources), there is no absolute requirement to add a separate chlorine scavenger unless a compound performing that function to the desired 30 extent is absent from an enzyme-conr~ining embodiment of the invention; even then, the scavenger is added only for optimum results. Moreover, the formulator will exercise a chemist's normal skill in avoiding the use of any enzyme scavenger or stabilizer which is majorly incompatible, as formulated. with other reactive ingredients. In relation to the use of ammonium salts, such salts can be simply admixed with the detergent 35 composition but are prone to adsorb water and/or liberate ammonia during storage.

CA 022s494s 1998-11-17 Accordingly. such materials, if present, are desirably protected in a particle such as that described in US 4,652,392, Baginski et al.

Bleach The compositions described herein may contain a bleach. When present, such bleaching agents will typically be at levels of from 1% to 30%, more typically from 5% to 20%, of the deter_ent composition, especially for fabric laundering.

In one preferred aspect the bleaching system contains a hydrogen peroxide source and a bleach catalyst. The production of the organic peroxyacid occurs by an in situreaction of the bleach activator with a source of hydrogen peroxide. Preferred sources of hydrogen peroxide include inorganic perhydrate bleaches. In an alternative preferred aspect a preforrned peracid is incorporated directly into the composition. Compositions conr~ining mixtures of a hydrogen peroxide source and bleach activator in combination with a preformed peracid are also envisaged Preferred peroxygen bleaches are perhydrate bleaches. The perhydrate bleach is normally incorporated in the form of the perhydrate salt, especially the sodium salt, at a level of from 1% to 40% by weight, more preferably from 2% to 30% by weight and most preferably from 5% to 25% by weight of the compositions.

Although the perhydrate bleach itself has some bleaching capability, a superior bleach exists in the peracid formed as a product of the reaction between the hydrogen peroxide released by the perhydrate and a bleach activator. Preformed peracids are also envisaged as a preferred peroxygen bleaching species.

Examples of suitable perhydrate salts include perborate, percarbonate, perphosphate, persulfate and persilicate salts. The preferred perhydrate salts are normally the alkali metal salts. The perhydrate salt may be included as the crystalline solid without additional protection. For certain perhydrate salts however, the preferred executions of such granular compositions utilize a coated forrn of the material which provides better storage stability for the perhydrate salt in the granular product.

Sodium perborate can be in the form of the monohydrate of nominal formula NaB02H20~ or the tetrahydrate NaB02H202.3H20.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Alkali metal percarbonates, particularly sodium percarbonate are preferred perhydrates for inclusion in compositions in accordance with the invention. Sodium percarbonate is an addition compound having a formula corresponding to 2Na2CO3.3H2O2, and is 5 available commercially as a crystalline solid. Sodium percarbonate, being a hydrogen peroxide addition compound tends on dissolution to release the hydrogen peroxide ~uite rapidly which can increase the tendency for localised high bleach concentrations to arise. The percarbonate is most preferably incorporated into such compositions in a coated forrn which provides in-product stability.
A suitable coating material providing in product stability comprises mixed salt of a water soluble alkali metal sulphate and carbonate. Such coatings together with coating processes have previously been described in GB-1,466,799. granted to Interox on 9th March 1977. The weight ratio of the mixed salt coating material to percarbonate lies in the range from 1: 200 to 1: 4, more preferably from 1: 99 to 1: 9, and most preferably from 1: 49 to 1: 19. Preferably, the mixed salt is of sodium sulphate and sodium carbonate which has the general forrnula Na2SO4.n.Na2CO3 wherein n is from 0.1 to 3, preferably n is from 0.3 to 1.0 and most preferably n is from 0.2 to 0.5.

20 Other coatings which contain silicate (alone or with borate salts or boric acids or other inorganics), waxes, oils, fatty soaps can also be used advantageously within the present invention.

A bleaching agent that can be used without restriction encompasses percarboxylic acid 25 bleaching agents and salts thereof. Suitable examples of this class of agents include magnesium monoperoxyphth~l~t~ hexahydrate, the magnesium salt of metachloro perbenzoic acid, 4-nonylamino-4-oxoperoxybutyric acid and diperoxydodecanedioic acid. Such bleaching agents are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,483,781, Hartman, issued November 20, 1984, U.S. Patent Application 740,446. Burns et al. filed June 3, 1985, 30 European Patent Application 0,133,354, Banks et al, published February 20, 1985, and U.S. Patent 4,412,934. Chung et al, issued November 1, 1983. Highly preferred bleaching agents also include 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid as described in U.S. Patent 4,634,551, issued January 6, 1987 to Burns et al.

35 Other suitable additional bleaching agents include photoactivated bleaching agents such as the sulfonated zinc and/or alllminnm phthalocyanines. See U.S. Patent 4,033,718, ~ . . .

CA 022s494s 1998-11-17 issued July 5, 1977 to Holcombe et al. If used. detergent compositions will typically contain from 0.025% to 1.25%, by weight, of such bleaches, especially sulfonate zinc phthalocyanine .

A preferred percarbonate bleach comprises dry particles having an average particle size in the range from 500 micrometers to 1,000 micrometers, not more than 10% by weight of said particles being smaller than 200 micrometers and not more than 10% by weight of said particles being larger than 1,250 micrometers. Optionally, the percarbonate can be coated with Bleaching agents other than oxygen bleaching agents 10 are also known in the art and can be utilized herein.

Potassium peroxymonopersulfate is another inorganic perhydrate salt of utility in the .
composltlons hereln.

15 Mixtures of bleaching agents can also be used.

Bleach Activator An optional component of the composition of the present invention is a bleach 20 activator. Bleach activators are typically present at levels of from 0.1 % to 60%, more typically from 0.5% to 40% of the bleaching composition comprising the bleachingagent-plus-bleach activator.

Peroxygen bleaching agents, the perborates, etc., are preferably combined with bleach 25 activators, which lead to the in situ production in aqueous solution (i.e.~ during the washing process) of the peroxy acid or peracid corresponding to the bleach activator.
Various nonlimiting examples of activators are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,915,854, issued April 10, 1990 to Mao et al, and U.S. Patent 4,412,934. The nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) and tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) 30 activators are typical, and mixtures thereof can also be used. See also U.S. 4,634,551 for other typical bleaches and activators useful herein.

Highly preferred amido-derived bleach activators are those of the formulae:

R1N(R5)C(o)R2C(o)L or RIC(o)N(R5)R2C(o)L

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 wherein R1 is an alkyl group cont~ining from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkylene cont~ining from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R5 is H or alkyl, aryl, or allcaryl cont~ining from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and L is any suitable leaving group. A leaving group is any ~roup that is displaced from the bleach activator as a consequence of the nucleophilic 5 attack on the bleach activator by the perhydrolysis anion. A preferred leaving group is phenyl sulfonate.

Preferred examples of bleach activators of the above formulae include (6-octanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-non~n~midocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-10 dec~n~mido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof as described in U.S.
Patent 4,634,551, incorporated herein by reference.

Another class of bleach activators comprises the benzoxazin-type activators disclosed by Hodge et al in U.S. Patent 4,966,723, issued October 30, 1990, incorporated herein 15 by reference. A highly preferred activator of the benzoxazin-type is:

~ "C~

Still another class of preferred bleach activators includes the acyl lactam activators, 20 especially acyl caprolactams and acyl valerolactams of the t'ormulae:

O Cl--C H2--C Hz R6--C--N~ ,CH2 CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 wherein R6 is H or an alkyl, aryl, alkoxyaryl, or alkaryl group cont~inin~ from 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Highly preferred lactam activators include benzoyl caprolactam, octanoyl caprolactam, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl caprolactam, nonanoyl caprolactam,decanoyl caprolactam, undecenoyl caprolactam, benzoyl valerolactam, octanoyl 5 valerolactam, decanoyl valerolactam, undecenoyl valerolactam, nonanoyl valerolactam, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl valerolactam and mixtures thereof. See also U.S. Patent 4,545,784, issued to Sanderson, October 8, 1985, incorporated herein by reference, which discloses acyl caprolactarns, including benzoyl caprolactam, adsorbed intosodium perborate.
Metal-Con~inin~ Bleach Catalyst The detergent compositions described herein may also comprise a metal-cont~ininP bleach catalyst. If present the catalysts are commonly present in extremely low levels in product.
15 Preferably the metal-conl~inin~ bleach catalyst is a transition metal cont~inin~ bleach catalyst, more preferably a m~n~n~se or cobalt-conr~ining bleach catalyst.

A suitable type of bleach catalyst is a catalyst comprising a heavy metal cation of defined bleach catalytic activity, such as copper, iron cations, an auxiliary metal cation having little 20 or no bleach catalytic activity, such as zinc or ahlminl~m cations, and a sequestrant having defined stability constants for the catalytic and auxiliary metal cations, particularly ethylene(li~min~tetraacetic acid, ethylen~di~min~tetra (methylenephosphonic acid) and water-soluble salts thereof. Such catalysts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. 4.430,243.

25 Preferred types of bleach catalysts include the manganese-based complexes disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,246,621 and U.S. Pat. 5,244,594. Preferred examples of these catalysts include MnIV2(u-O)3(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)2-(PF6)2, MnIII2(u-O)1(u-OAc)2(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)2-(C104)2, MnIV4(u-0)6(1,4,7-triazacyclononane)4-(ClO4)2, MnIIIMnIV4(u-O) 1 (u-OAc)2 (1,4,7-trimethyl- 1,4,7-30 triazacyclononane)2-(ClO4)3, and mixtures thereof. Others are described in European patent application publication no. 549,272. Other ligands suitable for use herein include 1,5,9-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane. 2-methyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, 2-methyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, 1,2,4,7-tetramethyl-1,4.7-triazacyclononane. and mixtures thereof.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 WO 97/43387 PCTIUS97tO8436 The bleach catalysts useful in the compositions herein may also be selected as appropriate for the present invention. For examples of suitable bleach catalysts see U.S. Pat.
4,246,612 and U.S. Pat. 5,227.084. See also U.S. Pat. 5,194,416 which teaches mononuclear manganese (IV) complexes such as Mn(1.4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-5 triazacyclononane)(OCH3)3 (PF6).

Still another type of bleach catalyst, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,114,606, is a water-soluble complex of m:~ng~n~se (III), and/or (IV) with a ligand which is a non-carboxylate polyhydroxy compound having at least three consecutive C-OH groups. Preferred ligands 10 include sorbitol, iditol, dulsitol, mannitol, xylithol, arabitol, adonitol, meso-erythritol, meso-inositol, lactose, and mixtures thereof.

U.S. Pat. 5.114,611 teaches a bleach catalyst comprising a complex of transition metals, including Mn, Co. Fe, or Cu, with an non-(macro)-cyclic ligand. Said ligands are of the 15 formula:

R1 -N=C-B-C=N-R4 wherein Rl, R2, R3, and R4 can each be selected from H, substituted alkyl and aryl 20 groups such that each R1-N=C-R2 and R3-C=N-R4 form a five or six-membered ring.
Said ring can further be substituted. B is a bridging group selected from O, S. CRSR6, NR7 and C = O, wherein R5, R6, and R7 can each be H, alkyl, or aryl groups, including substituted or unsubstituted groups. Preferred ligands include pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, imidazole, pyrazole, and triazole rings. Optionally, said rings may 25 be substituted with substituents such as alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, halide, and nitro. Particularly preferred is the ligand 2.2'-bispyridylamine. Preferred bleach catalysts include Co, Cu, Mn, Fe,-bispyridylmethane and -bispyridylamine complexe.s. Highly preferred catalysts include Co(2~2'-bispyridylamine)Cl2, Di(isothiocyanato)bispyridylamine-cobalt (II), trisdipyridylamine-cobalt(II) perchlorate, Co(2.2-bispyridylamine~2O2ClO4, (2,2'-30 bispyridylamine) copper(II) perchlorate, tris(di-2-pyridylamine) iron(II) perchlorate, and mixtures thereof.

Preferred examples include binuclear Mn complexes with tetra-N-dentate and bi-N-dentate ligands . including N4MnIII(u-0)2MnIVN4) + and [Bipy2MnIII(u-0)2MnIVbipy2] -(ClO~ )3.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 While the structures of the bleach-catalyzing m~ng~nf~e complexes of the present invention have not been elucidated, it may be specul~te~ that they comprise chelates or other hydrated coordination complexes which result from the interaction of the carboxyl and nitrogen atoms of the ligand with the m~ng~nPse cation. Likewise, the oxidation state of the manganese cation during the catalytic process is not known with certainty, and may be the (+II), (+III), (+IV) or (+V) valence state. Due to the ligands' possible six points of attachment to the m~n~n~se cation, it may be reasonably speculated that multi-nuclear species and/or "cage" structures may exist in the aqueous bleaching media. Whatever the form of the active Mn ligand species which actually exists~ it functions in an apparently 10 catalytic marmer to provide improved bleaching performances on stubborn stains such as tea, ketchup, coffee, wine and juice.

Other bleach catalysts are described, for example, in European patent application, publication no. 408,131 (cobalt complex catalysts), European patent applications, 15 publication nos. 384,503, and 306,089 (metallo-porphyrin catalysts), U.S. 4,728,455 (m~n~n.ose/multidentate ligand catalyst), U.S. 4.711,748 and European patent application, publication no. 224,952, (absorbed m~ng~nPse on aluminosilicate catalyst), U.S. 4,601,845 (aluminosilicate support with manganese and zinc or magnesium salt), U.S. 4,626,373 (m~ng~nPse/ligand catalyst), U.S. 4,119,557 (ferric complex catalyst), German Pat.
20 specification 2,054,019 (cobalt chelant catalyst) Canadian 866~191 (transition metal-cont~ining salts), U.S. 4,430,243 (chelants with manganese cations and non-catalytic metal cations), and U.S. 4,728,455 (m~n~nl~se gluconate catalysts).

Other preferred examples include cobalt (III) catalysts having the formula:

C~[(NH3)nM mB bT tQqPp~ Yy wherein cobalt is in the +3 oxidation state; n is an integer from 0 to 5 (preferably 4 or 5:
most preferably 5); M' represents a monodentate ligand; m is an integer from 0 to 5 30 (preferably 1 or 2; most preferably 1); B' represents a bidentate ligand; b is an integer from 0 to 2; T' represents a tridentate ligand; t is 0 or 1; Q is a tetradentate ligand; q is 0 or 1; P is a pentadentate ligand; p is 0 or 1; and n + m + 2b + 3t + 4q + Sp = 6; Y is one or more appropriately selected counteranions present in a number y, where y is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 2 to 3; most preferably 2 when Y is a -1 charged anion), to 35 obtain a charge-balanced salt, preferred Y are selected from the group consisting of chloride, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, citrate, acetate, carbonate, and combinations thereof; and CA 022~494~ 1998-ll-17 wherein further at least one of the coordination sites attached to the cobalt is labile under automatic dishwashing use conditions and the remaining coordination sites stabilize the cobalt under automatic dishwashing conditions such that the reduction potential for cobalt (III) to cobalt (II) under ;~lk~lin~ conditions is less than 0.4 volts (preferably less than 0.2 5 volts) versus a normal hydrogen electrode.

Preferred cobalt catalysts of this type have the formula:

[C~(NH3)n(M )m] Yy wherein n is an integer from 3 to 5 (preferably 4 or 5; most preferably 5); M' is a labile coordin~tin~ moiety, preferably selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, hydroxide, water. and (when m is greater than 1) combinations thereof; m is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 1 or 2; most preferably 1); m+n = 6; and Y is an appropriately 15 selected counteranion present in a number y, which is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 2 to 3; most preferably 2 when Y is a -1 charged anion), to obtain a charge-b~l~n~ed salt.

The preferred cobalt catalyst of this type useful herein are cobalt pent~minf~ chloride salts having the formula [Co(NH3)sCI] Yy, and especially [Co(NH3)sCl]C12.
More pret'erred are the present invention compositions which utilize cobalt (III) bleach catalysts having the formula:

[Co(NH3)n(M)m(B)b] Ty wherein cobalt is in the +3 oxidation state; n is 4 or 5 (preferably 5); M is one or more ligands coordinated to the cobalt by one site; m is 0, 1 or 2 (preferably 1); B is a ligand coordinated to the cobalt by two sites; b is 0 or I (preferably 0), and when b=0, then m+n = 6, and when b= 1, then m--0 and n=4; and T is one or more appropriately selected 30 counteranions present in a number y, where y is an integer to obtain a charge-b~ n~ed salt (preferably y is 1 to 3; most preferably 2 when T is a -1 charged anion); and wherein further said catalyst has a base hydrolysis rate constant of less than 0.23 M-l s-1 (25~C).

Preferred T are selected from the group consisting of chloride, iodide, I3-, formate, 35 nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, sulfite, citrate, acetate, carbonate, bromide, PF6-, BF4-, B(Ph)4-, phosphate, phosphite, silicate, tosylate, methanesulfonate, and combinations thereof.

.. ... .... .

Optionally, T can be protonated if more than one anionic group exists in T, e.g., HPo42-, HCO3-. H2PO4-, etc. Further, T may be selected from the group consisting of non-traditional inorganic anions such as anionic surfactants (e.g., linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), alkyl sulfates (AS), alkylethoxysulfonates (A~S), etc.) and/or anionic polymers (e.g., polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, etc.).

The M moieties include, but are not limited to, for example, F-, S04-2, NCS-, SCN-, S203-2, NH3, PO43~, and carboxylates (which preferably are mono-carboxylates, but more than one carboxylate may be present in the moiety as long as the binding to the cobalt 10 is by only one carboxylate per moiety, in which case the other carboxylate in the M moiety may be protonated or in its salt form). Optionally, M can be protonated if more than one anionic group exists in M (e.g., HPo42-, HCO3-, H2PO4-, HOC(O)CH2C(O)O-, etc.) Preferred M moieties are substituted and unsubstituted C1-C30 carboxylic acids having the forrnulas:
RC(O)O-wherein R is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C30 (preferably C1-C1g) unsubstituted and substituted alkyl, C6-C30 (preferably C6-Clg) 20 unsubstituted and substituted aryl, and C3-C30 (preferably Cs-C1g) unsubstituted and substituted heteroaryl, wherein substituents are selected from the group consisting of -NR'3, -NR'4+, -C(O)OR', -OR', -C(O)NR'2, wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C6 moieties. Such substituted R therefore include the moieties -(CH2)nOH and -(CH2)nNR'4+, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 16. preferably 25 from 2 to 10, and most preferably from 2 to 5.

Most preferred M are carboxylic acids having the formula above wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, straight or branched C4-C12 alkyl, and benzyl. Most preferred R is methyl. Preferred carboxylic acid M moieties 30 include formic, benzoic, octanoic, nonanoic, decanoic, dodecanoic, malonic, maleic, succinic, adipic, phthalic, 2-ethylhexanoic. naphthenoic, oleic, palmitic, triflate. tartrate, stearic, butyric, citric, acrylic, aspartic, fumaric, lauric, linoleic, lactic. malic, and especially acetic acid.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 The B moieties include carbonate, di- and higher carboxylates (e.g., oxalate, malonate, malic, succinate, maleate), picolinic acid, and alpha and beta amino acids (e.g., glycine, alanine, beta-alanine, phenyl~ nin.o).

Cobalt bleach catalysts useful herein are known, being described for example along with their base hydrolysis rates, in M. L. Tobe, "Base Hydrolysis of Transition-MetalComplexes", Adv. Inorg. Bioinor~. Mech., (1983), 2, pages 1-94. For example, Table 1 at page 17, provides the base hydrolysis rates (designated therein as koH) for cobalt pent~min~ catalysts complexed with oxalate (koH= 2.5 x 104 M-1 s-l (25~C)), NCS-10 (koH= 5.0 x 10-4 M-l s-1 (25~C)), formate (koH= 5.8 x 10-4 M~1 s-1 (25~C)), and acetate (koH= 9.6 x 10-4 M~1 s-1 (25~C)). The most preferred cobalt catalyst useful herein are cobalt pent:~mine acetate salts having the formula [Co(NH3)sOAc] l'y~ wherein OAc represents an acetate moiety. and especially cobalt pent~min~ acetate chloride, [Co(NH3)sOAc]C12; as well as [Co(NH3)sOAc~(OAc)2; [Co(NH3)sOAcl(PF6)2;
15 [Co(NH3)sOAc](SO4); [Co(NH3)sOAc](BF4)2; and [Co(NH3)sOAc3(NO3)2 (herein "PAC").

These cobalt catalysts are readily prepared by known procedures, such as taught for example in the Tobe article hereinbefore and the references cited therein, in U.S. Patent 20 4,810,410, to Diakun et al, issued March 7,1989, J. Chem. Ed. (1989), 66 (12), 1043-45;
The Synthesis and Characterization of Inorganic Compounds, W.L. Jolly (Prentice-Hall;
1970), pp. 461-3; Inor~. Chem., 18, 1497-1502 (1979); Inor~. Chem., 21, 2881-2885 (1982); Inor~. Chem., 18, 2023-2025 (1979); Inorg. Synthesis, 173-176 (1960); and Journal of Physical Chemistr~, 56, 22-25 (1952); as well as the synthesis examples 25 provided hereinafter.

These catalysts may be coprocessed with other components of the present compositions, so as to reduce the color impact if desired for the aesthetics of the product, or to be included in enzyme-cont~ining particles as, or the compositions may be manufactured to contain 30 catalyst"speckles".

Builders Detergent builders can optionally but preferably be included in the compositions herein, 35 for example to assist in controlling mineral. especially Ca andlor Mg, hardness in wash water or to assist in the removal of particulate soils from surfaces. Builders can CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 operate via a variety of mech~3ni~m.~ including forming soluble or insoluble complexes with hardness ions, by ion exchange, and by offering a surface more favorable to the precipitation of hardness ions than are the surfaces of articles to be cleaned. Builder level can vary widely depending upon end use and physical form of the composition.
Built detergents typically comprise at least 1% builder. Liquid forrnulations typically comprise 5% to 50%, more typically 5% to 35% of builder. Granular formulations typically comprise from 10% to 80%, more typically 15% to 50% builder by weight of the detergent composition. Lower or higher levels of builders are not excluded. For example, certain detergent additive or high-surfactant formulations can be unbuilt.
Suitable builders herein can be selected from the group consisting of phosphates and polyphosphates, especially the sodium salts; silicates including water-soluble and hydrous solid types and including those having chain-. Iayer-, or three-dimensional-structure as well as amorphous-solid or non-structured-liquid types; carbonates,15 bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates and carbonate minerals other than sodium carbonate or sesquicarbonate; aluminosilicates; organic mono-. di-, tri-, and tetracarboxylates especially water-soluble nonsurfactant carboxylates in acid, sodium, potassium or alkanolammonium salt form, as well as oligomeric or water-soluble low molecular weight polymer carboxylates including aliphatic and aromatic types; and phytic acid.
20 These may be complemented by borates, e.g., for pH-buffering purposes, or by sulfates, especially sodium sulfate and any other fillers or carriers which may be important to the engineering of stable surfactant and/or builder-cont~ining detergent compositions.

Builder mixtures, sometimes termed "builder systems" can be used and typically comprise two or more conventional builders, optionally complemented by chelants, pH-buffers or fillers, though these latter materials are generally accounted for separately when describing quantities of materials herein. In terms of relative quantities of surfactant and builder in the present detergents, preferred builder systems are typically forrnul~te~ at a weight ratio of surfactant to builder of from 60:1 to 1:80. Certain preferred laundry detergents have said ratio in the range 0.90:1.0 to 4.0:1.0, more preferably from 0.95:1.0 to 3.0:1Ø

P-cont~inin~ detergent builders often preferred where permitted by legislation include~
but are not limited to, the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of .

CA 022s494~ 1998-11-17 polyphosphates exempli~led by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, glassy polymeric meta-phosphates; and phosphonates.

Suitable silicate builders include alkali metal silicates, particularly those liquids and solids having a SiO2:Na2O ratio in the range 1.6:1 to 3.2:1, including, particularly for automatic dishwashing purposes, solid hydrous 2-ratio silicates marketed by PQ Corp.
under the tradename BRITESIL~, e.g., BRITESIL H20; and layered silicates, e.g., those described in U.S. 4,664,839, May 12, 1987, H. P. Rieck. NaSKS-6, sometimesabbreviated "SKS-6", is a crystalline layered aluminium-free ~-Na2SiOs morphology silicate marketed by Hoechst and is preferred especially in granular laundry compositions. See preparative methods in German DE-A-3,417,649 and DE-A-3,742,043. Other layered silicates, such as those having the general formula NaMSixO2x+ 1 -yH2O wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4,preferably 2, and y is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0, can also or alternately be used herein. Layered silicates from Hoechst also include NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7 and NaSKS-11, as the a, ~ and y layer-silicate forms. Other silicates may also be useful, such as magnesium silicate, which can serve as a crispening agent in granules, as a stabilising agent for bleaches, and as a component of suds control systems.

Also suitable for use herein are synthesized crystalline ion exchange materials or hydrates thereof having chain structure and a composition represented by the following general forrnula in an anhydride form: xM2O-ySiO2.zM'O wherein M is Na and/or K,M' is Ca and/or Mg; ylx is 0.5 to 2.0 and z/x is 0.005 to 1.0 as taught in U.S.
5,427,711, Sakaguchi et al, June 27, 1995.
Suitable carbonate builders include alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates as disclosed in Gerrnan Patent Application No. 2,321,001 published on November 15, 1973, although sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate~ andother carbonate minerals such as trona or any convenient multiple salts of sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate such as those having the composition 2Na2CO3.CaCO3 when anhydrous, and even calcium carbonates including calcite, aragonite and vaterite, especially forms having high surface areas relative to compact calcite may be usefill, for example as seeds or for use in synthetic detergent bars.

Aluminosilicate builders are especially useful in granular detergents, but can also be incorporated in liquids. pastes or gels. Suitable for the present purposes are those ~

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 having empirical formula: [MZ(Alo2)z(sio2)v] xH2O wherein z and v are integers of at least 6, the molar ratio of z to v is in the range from 1.0 to 0.S, and x is an integer from 15 to 264. Aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous, naturally-occurring or synthetically derived. An aluminosilicate production method is in U.S. 3,985,669, Krummel, et al, October 12, 1976. Preferred synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are available as Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite X and, to whatever extent this differs from Zeolite P, the so-called Zeolite MAP. Natural types, including clinoptilolite, may be used. Zeolite A has the formula:
Na12[(AlO2)12(SiO2)12] xH2O wherein x is from 20 to 30, especially 27. Dehydrated zeolites (x = 0 - 10) may also be used. Preferably~ the aluminosilicate has a particle size of 0.1-10 microns in ~i~meter Suitable organic detergent builders include polycarboxylate compounds~ includingwater-soluble nonsurfactant dicarboxylates and tricarboxylates. More typically builder polycarboxylates have a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates. Carboxylate builders can be formul~tçd in acid, partially neutral, neutral or overbased form. When in salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium. potassium, and lithium, or alkanolammonium salts are preferred. Polycarboxylate builders include the ether polycarboxylates, such as oxydisuccinate, see Berg, U.S. 3,128.287, April 7, 1964, and Lamberti et al, U.S. 3,635,830, January 18, 1972; "TMS/TDS" builders of U.S. 4,663,071, Bush et al, May 5, 1987; and other ether carboxylates including cyclic and alicyclic compounds, such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,923,679;
3,835,163; ~.158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903.

Other suitable builders are the ether hydroxypolycarboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether; 1, 3, 5-trihydroxy benzene-2, 4, 6-trisulphonic acid; carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid; the various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid; as well as mellitic acid, succinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.

Citrates, e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof are important carboxylate builders e.g., for heavy duty liquid detergents, due to availability from renewable resources and biodegradability. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions. especially in CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 combination with zeolite and/or layered silicates. Oxydisuccinates are also especially useful in such compositions and combinations.

Where permitted, and especially in the formulation of bars used for hand-laundering operations, alkali metal phosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium orthophosphate can be used. Phosphonate builders such as ethane-l-hydroxy-1.1-diphosphonate and other known phosphonates, e.g., those of U.S. 3,159,581; 3,213,030; 3,422,021; 3,400,148 and 3,422,137 can also be used and may have desirable ~nti.cc:~ling properties.
Certain detersive surfactants or their short-chain homologs also have a builder action.
For unambiguous formula accounting purposes, when they have surfactant capability, these materials are summed up as detersive surfactants. Preferred types for builder functionality are illustrated by: 3,3-dicarboxy4-oxa-1,6-hexanedioates and the related 15 compounds disclosed in U.S. 4,566,984, Bush, January 28, 1986. Succinic acid builders include the Cs-C20 alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and salts thereof.
Succinate builders also include: laurylsuccinate, myristylsuccinate, palmitylsuccinate, 2-dodecenylsuccinate (preferred), 2-pentadecenylsuccinate. Lauryl-succinates are described in European Patent Application 86200690.5/0,200,263, published November 20 S, 1986. Fatty acids, e.g., C12-C1g monocarboxylic acids, can also be incorporated into the compositions as surfactant/builder materials alone or in combination with the aforementioned builders, especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity. Other suitable polycarboxylates are disclosed in U.S.
4,144,226, Crutchfield et al, March 13, 1979 and in U.S. 3.308.067. Diehl, March 7, 25 1967. See also Diehl, U.S. 3,723,322.

Other types of inorganic builder materials which can be used have the forrnula (MX)i Cay (CO3)z wherein x and i are integers from 1 to 15~ y is an integer from 1 to 10, z is an integer from 2 to 25, Mi are cations, at least one of which is a water-soluble, and 30 the equation ~i = 1 ls(xi multiplied by the valence of Mi) + 2y = 2z is satisfied such that the formula has a neutral or "balanced" charge. These builders are referred to herein as "Mineral Builders". Waters of hydration or anions other than carbonate may be added provided that the overall charge is balanced or neutral. The charge or valence effects of such anions should be added to the right side of the above equation.
35 Preferably, there is present a water-soluble cation selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, water-soluble metals. hydrogen, boron, amrnonium, silicon~ and mixtures .. . .

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 thereof, more preferably, sodium, potassium~ hydrogen. Iithium. ammonium and mixtures thereof~ sodium and potassium being highly preferred. Nonlimiting exarnples of noncarbonate anions include those selected from the group consisting of chloride, sulfate, fluoride, oxygen, hydroxide, silicon dioxide, chromate, nitrate, borate and S mixtures thereof. Preferred builders of this type in their simplest forms are selected from the group consisting of Na2ca(co3)2~ K2Ca(C~3)2~ Na2Ca2(C~3)3~
NaKCa(C03)2, NaKCa2(C03)3, K2Ca2(C03)3, and combinations thereof. An especially preferred material for the builder described herein is Na2Ca(CO3)2 in any of its crystalline modifications. Suitable builders of the above-defined type are further 10 illustrated by, and include, the natural or synthetic forms of any one or combinations of the following minerals: Afghanite, Andersonite, AshcroftineY, Beyerite, Borcarite, Burbankite, Butschliite, Cancrinite, Carbocernaite, Carletonite, Davyne, DonnayiteY, Fairchildite, Ferrisurite, Fr~n7inite, Gaudefroyite, Gaylussite, Girvasite, Gregoryite, Jouravskite, KamphaugiteY, Kettnerite, Khanneshite. ~epersonniteGd, Liottite, 15 MckelveyiteY, Microsommite, Mroseite, Natrofairchildite, Nyerereite, ~emonditeCe, Sacrofanite, Schrockingerite, Shortite, Surite, Tunisite, Tuscanite, Tyrolite, Vishnevite, and Zemkorite. Preferred mineral forms include Nyererite~ Fairchildite and Shortite.

Polymeric Soil Release A~ent Known polymeric soil release agents, hereinafter "SRA" or "SRA's", can optionally be employed in the present detergent compositions. If utilized, SRA's will generally comprise from 0.01% to 10.0%, typically from 0.1% to 5%, preferably from 0.2% to3.0% by weight, of the composition.
Preferred SRA's typically have hydrophilic segments to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibers such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments to deposit upon hydrophobic fibers and remain adhered thereto through completion of washingand rinsing cycles thereby serving as an anchor for the hydrophilic segments. This can 30 enable stains occurring subsequent to treatment with SRA to be more easily cleaned in later washing procedures.

SRA's can include a variety of charged, e.g., anionic or even cationic (see U.S.4,956,447), as well as noncharged monomer units and structures may be linear, 35 branched or even star-shaped. They may include capping moieties which are especially effective in controlling molecular weight or altering the physical or surface-active ~, . ~

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 properties. Structures and charge distributions may be tailored for application to different flber or textile types and for varied detergent or detergent additive products.

Preferred SRA's include oligomeric terephlh~ e esters, typically prepared by processes involving at least one transesterification/oligomerization, often with a metal catalyst such as a titanium(IV) alkoxide. Such esters may be made using additional monomers capable of being incorporated into the ester structure through one, two, three, four or more positions, without of course forming a densely crosslinked overall structure.
Suitable SRA's include: a sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and allyl-derived sulfonated terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone, for example as described in U.S. 4~968,451, November 6, 1990 to J.J. Scheibel and 15 E.P. Gosselink: such ester oligomers can be prepared by (a) ethoxylating allyl alcohol, (b) reacting the product of (a) with dimethyl terephth~l~te ("DMT") and 1,2-propylene glycol ("PG") in a two-stage transesterification/ oligomerization procedure and (c) reacting the product of (b) with sodium metabisulflte in water; the nonionic end-capped 1,2-propylene/polyoxyethylene terephth~l~te polyesters of U.S. 4,711,730, December 20 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, for example those produced by transesterification/oligomerization of poly(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether, DMT, PG and poly(ethyleneglycol) ("PEG"); the partly- and fully- anionic-end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. 4,721.580, January 26, 1988 to Gosselink~ such as oligomers from ethylene glycol ("EG"), PG, DMT and Na-3~6-dioxa-8-hydroxyoctanesulfonate; the 25 nonionic-capped block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. 4,702,857, October 27, 1987 to Gosselink, for example produced from DMT, Me-capped PEG and EG
and/or PG, or a combination of DMT, EG and/or PG, Me-capped PEG and Na-dimethyl-5-sulfoisophth~l~te; and the anionic, especially sulfoaroyl, end-cappedterephth~l~te esters of U.S. 4,877,896, October 31, 1989 to Maldonado, Gosselink et 30 al, the latter being typical of SRA's useful in both laundry and fabric conditioning products, an example being an ester composition made from m-sulfobenzoic acid monosodium salt, PG and DMT optionally but preferably further comprising added PEG, e.g., PEG 3400.

35 SRA's also include simple copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephth~l~te with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephth;~late, see U.S.

CA 022~494~ 1998-ll-17 WO 97/43387 PCTrUS97/08436 3,959.230 to Hays~ May 25,1976 and U.S. 3,893,929 to Basadur, July 8, 1975;
cellulosic derivatives such as the hydroxyether cellulosic polymers available asMETHOCEL from Dow; and the C1-C4 alkylcelluloses and C4 hydroxyalkyl celluloses: see U.S. 4,000,093, December 28, 1976 to Nicol, et al. Suitable SRA's characterised by poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobe segments include graft copolymers of poly(vinyl ester), e.g., Cl-C6 vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate), grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones. See European Patent Application 0 219 048, published April 22, 1987 by Kud, et al. Comrnercially available examples include SOKA~AN
SRA's such as SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF, Germany. Other SRA's are polyesters with repeat units cont~inin~ 10-15% by weight of ethylene terephth~l~te together with 90-80% by weight of polyoxyethylene tereph~h~ , derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 300-5,000. Cornmercial examples include ZELCON 5126 from Dupont and MILEASE T from ICI.

Clay Soil Removal/Anti-redeposition A~ents The compositions of the present invention can also optionally contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and antiredeposition properties. Granular detergent compositions which contain these compounds typically contain from 0.01%
to 10.0% by weight of the water-soluble ethoxylates amines; liquid detergent compositions typically contain 0.01% to 5%.

The most preferred soil release and anti-redeposition agent is ethoxylated tetraethylene-pent~min~. Exemplary ethoxylated amines are further described in U.S. Patent 4,597,8g8, VanderMeer, issued July 1, 1986. Another group of preferred clay soilremoval-antiredeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed in EuropeanPatent Application 111,965, Oh and Gosselirlk, published June 27, lg84. Other clay soil removal/antiredeposition agents which can be used include the ethoxylated amine polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 111,984, Gosselink, published June 27,1984: the zwitterionic polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 112,592, Gosselink, published July 4, 1984; and the amine oxides disclosed in U.S. Patent4,548,744, Connor, issued October 22,1985. Other clay soil removal and/or anti redeposition agents known in the art can also be utilized in the compositions herein.
See U.S. Patent 4,891,160, VanderMeer~ issued January 2~ 1990 and WO 95/32272 published November 30, 1995. Another type of preferred antiredeposition agent CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 includes the carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) materials. These materials are well known in the art.

Polymeric Dispersin,e Agents s Polymeric dispersing agents can advantageously be utilized at levels from 0.1% to 7%, by weight, in the compositions herein, especially in the presence of zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Suitable polymeric dispersing agents include polymeric polycarboxylates and polyethylene glycols, although others known in the art can also be 10 used. It is believed, though it is not intended to be limited by theory, that polymeric dispersing agents enhance overall detergent builder performance, when used in combination with other builders (including lower molecular weight polycarboxylates) by crystal growth inhibition. particulate soil release peptization, and anti-redeposition.

15 Polymeric polycarboxylate materials can be prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in their acid form.
Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be polymerized to form suitable polymeric polycarboxylates include acrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid.
20 The presence in the polymeric polycarboxylates herein or monomeric segments, cont~ining no carboxylate radicals such as vinylmethyl ether, styrene, ethylene, etc. is suitable provided that such segments do not constitute more than 405'c by weight.

Particularly suitable polymeric polycarboxylates can be derived from acrylic acid.
25 Such acrylic acid-based polymers which are useful herein are the water-soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid. The average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from 4,000 to 7,000 and most preferably from 4,000 to 5,000. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include, for example, the alkali metal. ammonium and substituted amrnonium salts.
30 Soluble polymers of this type are known materials. Use of polyacrylates of this type in detergent compositions has been disclosed, for example, in Diehl, U.S. Patent 3,308,067, issued March 7, 1967.

Acrylic/maleic-based copolymers may also be used as a preferred component of the35 dispersing/anti-redeposition agent. Such materials include the water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid. The average molecular weight of such CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 copolymers in the acid form preferably ranges from 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from 7,000 to 65,000. The ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will generally range from 30: 1 to 1: 1, more preferably from 10: 1 to 2: 1. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid/maleic acid 5 copolymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble acrylate/maleate copolymers of this type are known materials which are described in European Patent Application No. 66915, published December15, 1982, as well as in EP 193,360, published September 3, 1986, which also describes such polymers comprising hydroxypropylacrylate. Still other useful dispersing agents 10 include the maleic/acrylic/vinyl alcohol terpolymers. Such materials are also disclosed in EP 193,360, including, for example, the 45/45/10 terpolymer of acrylic/maleic/vinyl alcohol.

Another polymeric material which can be included is polyethylene glycol (PEG~. PEG
15 can exhibit dispersing agent performance as well as act as a clay soil removal-antiredeposition agent. Typical molecular weight ranges for these purposes range from 500 to 100,000, preferably from 1,000 to 50.000, more preferably from 1,500 to 10,000.

20 Polyaspartate and polyglutamate dispersing agents may also be used, especially in conjunction with zeolite builders. Dispersing agents such as polyaspartate preferably have a molecular weight (avg.) of 10,000.

Bri~htener Any optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents known in the art can be incorporated at levels typically from 0.01 % to 1.2 %, by weight, into the detergent compositions herein. Commercial optical brighteners which may be useful in the present invention can be classified into subgroups. which include, but are not 30 n~cess~rily limited to, derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin. carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, diben~othiophene-5,5-dioxide. azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Examples of such bri hteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents", M.
Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley & Sons New York (1982).

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 wo 97/43387 PCT/USg7/08436 Specific examples of optical brighteners which are useful in the present compositions are those identified in U.S. Patent 4,790,856. issued to Wixon on December 13, 1988.
These brighteners include the PHORWHITE series of brighteners from Verona. Otherbrighteners disclosed in this reference include: Tinopal UNPA, Tinopal CBS and Tinopal SBM; available from Ciba-Geigy; Artic White CC and Artic White CWD, the 2-(4-styryl-phenyl)-2H-naptho[1,2-d]triazoles; 4,4'-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-stilbenes; 4,4'-bis(styryl)bisphenyls; and the aminocoumarins. Specific examples of these brighteners include 4-methyl-7-diethyl- amino coumarin; 1,2-bis(ben7imif~7~ 1-2-yl)ethylene; 1,3-diphenyl-pyrazolines; 2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene; 2-styryl-naptho[1,2-d]oxazole;
10 and 2-(stilben~-yl)-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazole. See also U.S. Patent 3,646,015, issued February 29, 1972 to Hamilton.

Dye Transfer Inhibitin~ A~ents 15 The compositions of the present invention may also include one or more materials effective for inhibiting the transfer of dyes from one fabric to another during the cleaning process. Generally, such dye transfer inhibiting agents include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylirnidazole, m~n~n~se phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof.
20 If used, these agents typically comprise from 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.01% to 5~, and more preferably from 0.05% to 2%.

More specifically, the polyamine N-oxide polymers preferred for use herein contain units having the following structural forrnula: R-AX-P; wherein P is a polymerizable 25 unit to which an N-O group can be attached or the N-O group can form part of the polymerizable unit or the N-O group can be attached to both units; A is one of the following structures: -NC(O)-, -C(O)O-, -S-, -O-, -N=; x is 0 or 1; and R is aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatics, aromatics, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or any combination thereof to which the nitrogen of the N-O group can be attached or the N-O group is part 30 of these groups. Preferred polyamine N-oxides are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrrolidine, piperidine and derivatives thereof.

The N-O group can be represented by the following general structures:

, . .. .

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 O O
(Rl)x--I--(R2)y; =N--(Rl)X
(R3)z wherein R1, R2, R3 are aliphatic, aromatic~ heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations thereof; x, y and z are 0 or 1; and the nitrogen of the N-O group can be 5 attached or form part of any of the aforementioned groups. The amine oxide unit of the polyamine N-oxides has a pKa < 10, preferably pKa < 7, more preferred pKa < 6.

Any polymer backbone can be used as long as the amine oxide polymer formed is water-soluble and has dye transfer inhibiting properties. Examples of suitable 10 polymeric backbones are polyvinyls, polyalkylenes, polyesters, polyethers, polyamide, polyimides, polyacrylates and mixtures thereof. These polymers include random orblock copolymers where one monomer type is an amine N-oxide and the other monomer type is an N-oxide. The arnine N-oxide polymers typically have a ratio of amine to the amine N-oxide of 10:1 to 1:1,000,000. However, the number of amine oxide groups 15 present in the polyamine oxide polymer can be varied by appropriate copolymerization or by an appropriate degree of N-oxidation. The polyamine oxides can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerization. Typically, the average molecular weight is within the range of 500 to 1,000~000; more preferred 1,000 to S00,000; most preferred 5,000 to 100,000. This preferred class of materials can be referred to as "PVNO".
The most preferred polyamine N-oxide useful in the detergent compositions herein is poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) which has an average molecular weight of 50,000 and an amine to amine N-oxide ratio of 1:4.

25 Copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers (referred to as a class as "PVPVI") are also preferred for use herein. Preferably the PVPVI has anaverage molecular weight range from 5,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000, and most preferably from 10,000 to 20,000. (The average molecular weight range is determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et al., Chemical 30 Analysis, Vol 113. "Modern Methods of Polymer Characterization", the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.) The PVPVI copolymers typically have a molar ratio of N-vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1:1 to 0.2:1, more CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 preferably from 0.8:1 to 0.3:1, most preferably from 0.6:1 to 0.4:1. These copolymers can be either linear or branched.

The present invention compositions also may employ a polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP") S having an average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 400,000, preferably from 5,000 to 200,000, and more preferably from 5,000 to 50,000. PVP's are known to persons skilled in the detergent field; see, for example, EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696,incorporated herein by reference. Compositions cont~ining PVP can also contain polyethylene glycol ("PEG") having an average molecular weight from 500 to lO0,000, preferably from 1,000 to 10,000. Preferably, the ratio of PEG to PVP on a ppm basis delivered in wash solutions is from 2:1 to 50:1, and more preferably from 3:1 to 10:1.

The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain from 0.005% to 5% by weight of certain types of hydrophilic optical brighteners which also provide a dye transfer inhibition action. If used, the compositions herein will preferably comprise from 0.01 % to 1 % by weight of such optical brighteners.

The hydrophilic optical brighten~rs useful in the present invention are those having the structural forrnula:

N O~N~C--C ~N~N
R2 SO3M SO3M R, wherein R1 is selected from anilino, N-2-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl; R2 is selected from N-2-hydroxyethyl. N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino, morphilino, chloro and amino; and M is a salt-forming cation such as sodium or potassium.

When in the above forrnula, Rl is anilino, R2 is N-2-hydroxyethyl and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4',-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid and disodium salt. This particular brightener species is comrnercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal-UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. Tinopal-UNPA-GX is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the detergent compositions herein.

. .

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 When in the above forrnula, R1 is anilino, R2 is N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-2-methylamino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)-s-triazine-2-yl)aminol2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid 5 disodium salt. This particular brightener species is comrnercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation.

When in the above formula, R1 is anilino, R2 is morphilino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-morphilino-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]2,2'-10 stilber~li.c~lfonic acid, sodium salt. This particular brightener species is commerciallymarketed under the tradename Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation.

The specific optical brightener species selected for use in the present invention provide especially effective dye transfer inhibition perforrnance benefits when used in 15 combination with the selected polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents hereinbefore described. The combination of such selected polymeric materials (e.g., PVNO and/or PVPVI) with such selected optical brighteners (e.g., Tinopal UNPA-GX~ Tinopal 5BM-GX and/or Tinopal AMS-GX) provides significantly better dye transfer inhibition in aqueous wash solutions than does either of these two detergent composition components 20 when used alone. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such brighteners work this way because they have high affinity for fabrics in the wash solution and therefore deposit relatively quick on these fabrics. The extent to which brighteners deposit on fabrics in the wash solution can be defined by a parameter called the"exhaustion coefficient". The exhaustion coefficient is in general as the ratio of a) the 25 brightener material deposited on fabric to b) the initial brightener concentration in the wash liquor. Brighteners with relatively high exhaustion coefficients are the most suitable for inhibiting dye transfer in the context of the present invention.

Of course, it will be appreciated that other~ conventional optical brightener types of 30 compounds can optionally be used in the present compositions to provide conventional fabric "brightness" benefits, rather than a true dye transfer inhibiting effect. Such usage is conventional and well-known to detergent forrnulations.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Chelatin~ A~ents The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain one or more iron and/or m~ngan~se chelating agents. Such chelating agents can be selected from the groupconsisting of amino carboxylates, amino phosphonates, polyfunctionally-substituted aro-matic chelating agents and mixtures therein, all as hereinafter defined. Withoutintending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the benefit of these materials is due in part to their exceptional ability to remove iron and m~n~An~se ions from washing solutions by formation of soluble chelates.
Amino carboxylates useful as optional chelating agents include ethylen~ minetetrace-tates, N-hydroxyethylethylenP~ min~triacetates, nitrilotriacetates, ethylen~ mine tetla~roplionates, triethylenetetr~min~hexacetates, diethylenetriaminepent~cet~tes, and ethanoldiglycines, alkali metal, amrnonium, and substituted ammonium salts therein and mixtures therein.

Amino phosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents in the compositions of the invention when at least low levels of total phosphorus are permitted in detergent compositions, and include ethylen~ minPtetrakis (methylenephosphonates) as DEQUEST. Preferred, these amino phosphonates to not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with more than 6 carbon atoms.

Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents are also useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Patent 3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et al. Preferred compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.

A preferred biodegradable chelator for use herein is ethylenP~ min~ disuccinate ("EDDS"), especially the [S,SI isomer as described in U.S. Patent 4,704,233, November 3, 1987, to Hartman and Perkins.

The compositions herein may also contain water-soluble methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA) salts (or acid form) as a chelant or co-builder useful with, for example,insoluble builders such as zeolites, layered silicates.

, . . .

CA 022S494s 1998-11-17 WO 97/43387 PCTrUS97/08436 If utilized, these chelating agents will generally comprise from 0.1% to 15 % by weight of the de~ergent compositions herein. More preferably, if utilized, the chelating agents will comprise from 0.1% to 3.0% by weight of such compositions.

S Suds Suppressors Compounds for reducing or suppressing the formation of suds can be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention. Suds suppression can be of particularimportance in the so-called "high concentration cleaning process" as described in U.S.
4,489,455 and 4,489,574 and in front-loading European-style washing m~hines.

A wide variety of materials may be used as suds suppressors, and suds suppressors are well known to those skilled in the art. See, for exampte, Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7, pages 430447 (John Wiley & Sons, 15 Inc., 1979). One category of suds suppressor of particular interest encompasses monocarboxylic fatty acid and soluble salts therein. See U.S. Patent 2,954,347, issued September 27,1960 to Wayne St. John. The monocarboxylic fatty acids and salts thereof used as suds suppressor typically have hydrocarbyl chains of 10 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Suitable salts include the alkali metal salts 20 such as sodium, potassium, and lithium salts, and ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.

The detergent compositions herein may also contain non-surfactant suds suppressors.
These include, for exarnple: high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffin, 25 fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols, aliphatic Clg-C40 ketones (e.g., stearone), etc. Other suds inhibitors include N-alkylated amino triazines such as tri- to hexa-alkylmelamines or di- to tetra-alkyl~ min~o chlortriazines formed as products of cyanuric chloride with two or three moles of a primary or secondary amine cont~ining 1 to 24 carbon atoms, propylene30 oxide, and monostearyl phosphates such as monostearyl alcohol phosphate ester and monostearyl di-alkali metal (e.g., K, Na, and Li) phosphates and phosphate esters. The hydrocarbons such as paraffin and haloparaffin can be utilized in liquid form. The liquid hydrocarbons will be liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and will have a pour point in the range of -40~C and 50~C, and a minimum boiling point 35 not less thanl 10~C (atmospheric pressure). It is also known to utilize waxy hydrocarbons, preferably having a melting point below 100~C. The hydrocarbons CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 constitute a preferred category of suds suppressor for detergent compositions.
Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are described. for example, in U.S. Patent 4,265,779, issued May 5, 1981 to Gandolfo et al. The hydrocarbons, thus, include aliphatic,alicyclic, aromatic, and heterocyclic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons having from 5 12 to 70 carbon atoms. The term "paraffin," as used in this suds suppressor discussion, is intended to include mixtures of true paraffins and cyclic hydrocarbons.

Another preferred category of non-surfactant suds suppressors comprises silicone suds suppressors. This category includes the use of polyorganosiloxane oils, such as 10 polydimethylsiloxane, dispersions or emulsions of polyorganosiloxane oils or resins, and combinations of polyorganosiloxane with silica particles wherein the polyorganosiloxane is chemisorbed or fused onto the silica. Silicone suds suppressors are well known in the art and are, for example, disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,265,779, issued May 5, 1981 to Gandolfo et al and European Patent Application No.
89307851.9, published February 7, 1990, by Starch, M. S.

Other silicone suds suppressors are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3.455,839 which relates to compositions and processes for defoaming aqueous solutions by incorporating therein small amounts of polydimethylsiloxane fluids.
Mixtures of silicone and sil~n~ed silica are described. for instance, in German Patent Application DOS 2,124,526. Silicone defoamers and suds controlling agents in granular detergent compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,933,672, Bartolotta et al, and in U.S. Patent 4,652,392, Baginski et al, issued March 24, 1987.
For any detergent compositions to be used in automatic laundry or dishwashing machines, suds should not form to the extent that they either overflow the washing machine or negatively affect the washing mechanism of the dishwasher. Suds suppressors, when utilized, are preferably present in a "suds suppressing amount. By 30 "suds suppressing amount" is meant that the formulator of the composition can select an amount of this suds controlling agent that will sufficiently control the suds to result in a low-sudsing laundry or dishwashing detergents for use in automatic laundry or dishwashing machines.

35 The compositions herein will generally comprise from 0% to 10% of suds suppressor.
When utilized as suds suppressors, monocarboxylic fatty acids, and salts therein, will CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 WO 97/43387 PCl'/US97/08436 be present typically in amounts up to 5 %, by weight~ of the detelgent composition.
Preferably, from 0.5% to 3% of fatty monocarboxylate suds suppressor is utilized.
Silicone suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts up to 2.0%, by weight, of the detergent composition, although higher amounts may be used. This upper limit is practical in nature, due primarily to concern with keeping costs minimi7~d and effectiveness of lower amounts for effectively controlling sudsing. Preferably from 0.01% to 1% of silicone suds suppressor is used, more preferably from 0.25% to 0.5 % . As used herein, these weight percentage values include any silica that may be utilized in combination with polyorganosiloxane, as well as any optional materials that may be utilized. Monostearyl phosphate suds suppressors are generally utilized in amounts ranging from 0.1% to 2%, by weight, of the composition. Hydrocarbon sudssuppressors are typically utilized in amounts ranging from 0.01% to 5.0%, although higher levels can be used. The alcohol suds suppressors are typically used at 0.2%-3%
by weight of the finished compositions.
Alkoxylated Polycarboxylates Alkoxylated polycarboxylates such as those prepared from polyacrylates are useful herein to provide additional grease removal performance. Such materials are described in WO 91/08281 and PCT 90/01815 at p. 4 et seq., incorporated herein by reference.
Chemically, these materials comprise polyacrylates having one ethoxy side-chain per every 7-8 acrylate units. The side-chains are of the formula -(CH2CH2O)m(CH2)nCH3 wherein m is 2-3 and n is 6-12. The side-chains are ester-linked to the polyacrylate "backbone" to provide a "comb" polymer type structure. The molecular weight can vary, but is typically in the range of 2000 to 50,000. Suchalkoxylated polycarboxylates can comprise from 0.05% to 10%, by weight, of the .
composltlons hereln.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Fabric Softeners Various through-the-wash fabric softeners, especially the impalpable smectite clays of U.S. Patent 4,062,647. Storm and Nirschl, issued December 13, 1977, as well as other softener clays known in the art, can optionally be used typically at levels of from 0.5%
to 10% by weight in the present compositions to provide fabric softener benefitsconcurrently with fabric cleaning. Clay softeners can be used in combination with amine and cationic softeners as disclosed, for example~ in U.S. Patent 4,375,416, Crisp et al, March 1, 1983 and U.S. Patent 4,291,071, Harris et al, issued September 22, Perfumes Perfumes and perfumery ingredients useful in the present compositions and processes 15 comprise a wide variety of natural and synthetic chemical ingredients, including, but not lirnited to, aldehydes, ketones, esters. Also included are various natural extracts and essences which can comprise complex mixtures of ingredients, such as orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsamic essence, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedar. Finished perfumes can comprise extremely complex mixtures of such 20 ingredients. Finished perfumes typically comprise from 0.01 % to 2%, by weight, of the detergent compositions herein, and individual perfumery ingredients can comprise from 0.0001 % to 90% of a finished perfume composition.

Non-limitin~ examples of perfume ingredients useful herein include: 7-acetyl-25 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,1,6,7-tetramethyl naphthalene; ionone methyl; ionone gamma methyl; methyl cedrylone; methyl dihydrojasmonate; methyl 1,6,10-trimethyl-2,5,9-cyclododecatrien-1-yl ketone; 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl tetralin; 4-acetyl-6-tert-butyl-1,1-dimethyl indane; para-hydroxy-phenyl-butanone; benzophenone; methyl beta-naphthyl ketone; 6-acetyl-1,1,2,3,3,5-hexamethyl indane; 5-acetyl-3-isopropyl-30 1,1,2,6-tetramethyl indane; l-do~lec~3n~l, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene-1 -carboxaldehyde; 7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl ocatanal; I 0-undecen- 1 -al; iso-hexenyl cyclohexyl carboxaldehyde; formyl tricyclodecane; condensation products of hydroxycitronellal and methyl anthranilate. condensation products of hydroxycitronellal and indol, condensation products of phenyl acetaldehyde and indol; 2-methyl-3-(para-35 tert-butylphenyl)-propionaldehyde; ethyl vanillin; heliotropin; hexyl cinnamic aldehyde;
amyl cinn~mic aldehyde; 2-methyl-2-(para-iso-propylphenyl)-propionaldehyde;

coumarin; decalactone gamma; cyclopent~(~ec~nolide; 16-hydroxy-9-hexadecenoic acid lactone; 1.3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-gamma-2-benzo-pyrane; beta-naphthol methyl ether; ambroxane; dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-naphtho[2,1b]furan; cedrol, 5-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)-3-methylpentan-2-ol; 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol; caryophyllene alcohol;
tricyclodecenyl propionate; tricyclodecenyl acetate; benzyl salicylate; cedryl acetate;
and para-(tert-butyl) cyclohexyl acetate.

Particularly preferred perfume materials are those that provide the largest odorimprovements in finished product compositions cont~ining cellulases. These perfumes include but are not limited to: hexyl cinn~mic aldehyde; 2-methyl-3-(para-tert-butylphenyl)-propionaldehyde; 7-acetyl-1~2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,1,6,7-tetramethyl naphthalene; benzyl salicylate; 7-acetyl-1,1,3.4,4,6-hexamethyl tetralin; para-tert-butyl cyclohexyl acetate; methyl dihydro jasmonate; beta-napthol methyl ether; methyl beta-naphthyl ketone; 2-methyl-2-(para-iso-propylphenyl)-propionaldehyde; 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyrane; dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,1b]furan; anisaldehyde; coumarin; cedrol; vanillin;
cyclopenr~lec~nolide; tricyclodecenyl acetate; and tricyclodecenyl propionate.

Other perfume materials include essential oils, resinoids, and resins from a variety of sources including, but not limited to: Peru balsam, Olibanum resinoid, styrax, labdanum resin, nutmeg, cassia oil, benzoin resin, coriander and lavandin. Still other perfume chemicals include phenyl ethyl alcohol, terpineol, linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, nerol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-cyclohexanol acetate, benzyl acetate, andeugenol. Carriers such as diethylphth~l~t~ can be used in the finished perfume compositions.

Other In~redients A wide variety of other ingredients useful in detergent compositions can be included in the compositions herein, including other active ingredients, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments, solvents for liquid formulations, solid fillers for bar compositions, etc. If high sudsing is desired, suds boosters such as the C1o-C16alkanolamides can be incorporated into the compositions, typically at 1%-10% levels.
The C1o-C14 monoethanol and diethanol amides illustrate a typical class of such suds boosters. Use of such suds boosters with high sudsing optional surfactants such as the CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 amine oxides, betaines and sultaines noted above is also advantageous. If desired, water-soluble magnesium and/or calcium salts such as MgCl2, MgSO4, CaCl2 CaSO4, can be added at levels of, typically, 0.1%-2%, to provide additional suds and toenhance grease removal performance.

Various detersive ingredients employed in the present compositions optionally can be further stabilized by absorbing said ingredients onto a porous hydrophobic substrate, then coating said substrate with a hydrophobic coating. Preferably, the detersive ingredient is admixed with a surfactant before being absorbed into the porous substrate.
10 In use, the detersive ingredient is released from the substrate into the aqueous washing liquor, where it performs its intended detersive function.

To illustrate this technique in more detail, a porous hydrophobic silica (trademark SIPERNAT D10, DeGussa) is admixed with a proteolytic enzyme solution cont~ining 3%-5% of C13 15 ethoxylated alcohol (EO 7) nonionic surfactant. Typically, the enzyme/surfactant solution is 2.5 X the weight of silica. The resulting powder is dispersed with stirring in silicone oil (various silicone oil viscosities in the range of 500-12,500 can be used). The resulting silicone oil dispersion is emulsified or otherwise added to the final detergent matrix. By this means, ingredients such as the 20 aforementioned enzymes, bleaches, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, photoactivators, dyes, fluorescers, fabric conditioners and hydrolyzable surfactants can be "protected"
for use in detergents, including liquid laundry detergent compositions.

Liquid detergent compositions can contain water and other solvents as carriers. Low 25 molecular weight primary or secondary alcohols exemplified by methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol are suitable. Monohydric alcohols are preferred for solubilizing surfactant, but polyols such as those containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and from 2 to 6 hydroxy groups (e.g., 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, glycerine, and 1 ,2-propanediol) can also be used. The compositions may contain from 5 % to 90%, 30 typically 10% to 50% of such carriers.

The detergent compositions herein will preferably be formulated such that, during use in aqueous cleaning operations, the wash water will have a pH of between 6.5 and 11, preferably between 7.5 and lO.5. Liquid dishwashing product formulations preferably have a pH between 6.8 and 9Ø Laundry products are typically at pH 9-11.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Techniques for controlling pH at recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis, acids, etc., and are well known to those skilled in the art.

Granules Manufacture s Adding the alkoxylated cationics of this invention into a crutcher mix, followed by conventional spray drying, helps remove any residual, potentially malodorous~ short-chain amine cont~min~ntC. In the event the formulator wishes to prepare an admixable particle conr~ining the alkoxylated cationics for use in. for example, a high density 10 granular detergent, it is plcfelled that the particle composition not be highly ~lk~lin~
Processes for p~ .aling high density (above 650 g/l) granules are described in U.S.
Patent 5,366,652. Such particles may be formulated to have an effective pH in-use of 9, or below, to avoid the odor of impurity amines. This can be achieved by adding a small amount of acidity source such as boric acid, citric acid, or the like, or an 15 al)plopliate pH buffer, to the particle. In an alternate mode, the prospective problems associated with amine malodors can be masked by use of perfume ingredients, as disclosed herein.

F,x~rnpl~s The following examples are illustrative of the present invention, but are not meant to limit or otherwise define its scope. All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are expressed as percent weight unless otherwise specified.

25 In the following examples, the abbreviated component identifications have the following me~nlngs:
LAS : Sodium linear C12 alkyl benzene sulfonate TAS : Sodium tallow alkyl sulfate C45AS : Sodium C 14-C 15 linear alkyl sulfate CxyEzS : Sodium C1x-Cly branched alkyl sulfate condensed with z moles of ethylene oxide C45E7 : A C14 15 predomin~ntly linear primary alcohol condensed with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 WO 97143387 PCT/US97/0~436 C25E3 : A C12 15 branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of 3 moles of ethylene oxide C25E5 : A C12 15 branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of 5 moles of ethylene oxide CocoEO2 : Rl.N+(CH3)(c2H4OH)2 with R1 = C12 ~

Soap : Sodium linear alkyl carboxylate derived from an80/20 mixture of tallow and coconut oils.
TFAA : C 16-C 18 alkyl N-methyl gl~lc~mi~l~
TPKFA : C12-C14 topped whole cut fatty acids STPP : Anhydrous sodium tripolyphosphate Zeolite A : Hydrated Sodium Aluminosilicate of formula Na12(A102SiO2)12. 27H20 having a primary particle size in the range from 0.1 to 10 micrometers NaSKS-6 : Crystalline layered silicate of formula ~ -Na2si2os Citric acid : Anhydrous citric acid Carbonate : Anhydrous sodium carbonate with a particle size between 200~1m and 900~m Bicarbonate : Anhydrous sodium bicarbonate with a particle size distribution between 400~1m and 1200~Lm Silicate : Amorphous Sodium Silicate (SiO2 :Na2O; 2.0 ratio) Sodium sulfate : Anhydrous sodium sulfate Citrate : Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate of activity 86.4%
with a particle size distribution between 42511m and 850 ~m MA/AA : Copolymer of 1 :4 maleic/acrylic acid, average molecular weight 70,000.
CMC : Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose Protease : Proteolytic enzyme of activity 4KNPU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename Savinase CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Alcalase : Proteolytic enzyme of activity 3AU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S
Cellulase : Cellulytic enzyme of activity 1000 CEVU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S under the S tradename Carezyme Amylase : Amylolytic enzyme of activity 60KNU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename Termamyl 60T
Lipase : Lipolytic enzyme of activity 100kLU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename Lipolase Endolase : Endoglunase enzyme of activity 3000 EVU/g sold by NOVO Industries A/S
PB4 : Sodium perborate tetrahydrate of nominal formula NaBo2.3H2o-H2o2 PB1 : Anhydrous sodium perborate bleach of nominal formula NaB~2 H2~2 Percarbonate : Sodium Percarbonate of nominal formula 2Na2C03 3H2~2 NOBS : Nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate in the forrn of the sodium salt.
TAED : Tetraacetylethylen~odi~mint~
NACA-OBS : (6 nonanamido caproyl) oxybenzene sulphonate DTPMP : Diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonate), marketed by Monsanto under the Trade name Dequest 2060 Co Catalyst : Pen~min~ acetate cobalt (III) salt Mn Catalyst : MnIV2(m-O)3(1,4~7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)2-(PF6)2as described in U.S.pat. nos 5 246 621 and 5 244 594 Photoactivated : Sulfonated Zinc Phthalocyanine encapsulated in bleach dextrin soluble polymer Brightener 1 : Disodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulphostyryl)biphenyl CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 wo 97/43387 Brightener 2 : Disodium 4,4'-bis(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1.3.5-triazin-2-yl)amino) stilbene-2:2'-disulfonate.
HEDP : I,1-hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid PVNO : Polyvinylpyridine N-oxide PVPVI : Copolymer of polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole SRA 1 : Sulfobenzoyl end capped esters with oxyethylene oxy and terephthaloyl backbone SRA 2 : Diethoxylated poly (I, 2 propylene terephth~l~te) short block polymer Silicone antifoam : Polydimethylsiloxane foam controller with siloxane-oxyalkylene copolymer as dispersing I5 agent with a ratio of said foam controller to said dispersing agent of 10:1 to 100:1.

In the following Examples all levels are quoted as % by weight of the composition.

E~AMPLE I

The following detergent formulations according to the present invention are prepared, where A and C are phosphorus-conr~ining detergent compositions and B is a zeolite-cont~ining detergent composition.
A _ C
Blown Powder STPP 24.0 - 24.0 Zeolite A - 24.0 C45AS 8.0 5.0 11.0 MA/AA 2.0 4.0 2.0 LAS 6.0 8.0 11.0 TAS 1. 5 - -AQA-1 1.5 I.0 2.0 Silicate 7.0 3.0 3.0 CMC 1.0 1.0 0.5 Brightener 2 0.2 0.2 0.2 ... .

CA 022~494~ l998-ll-l7 Soap 1.0 1.0 1.0 DTPMP 0.4 0.4 0.2 Spray On C45E7 2.5 2.5 2.0 C25E3 2.5 2.5 2.0 Silicone antifoam 0.3 0.3 0.3 Perfume 0.3 0.3 0.3 Dry additives Carbonate 6.0 13.0 15.0 PB4 18.0 18.0 10.0 PBl 4.0 4.0 o TAED 3.0 3.0 1.0 Photoactivated bleach 0.02 0.02 0.02 Protease 1.0 1.0 1.0 Lipase 0.4 0.4 0.4 Amylase 0.25 0.30 0.15 Dry mixed sodium sulfate 3.0 3.0 5.0 R~l~nre (Moisture &
Miscellaneous) To: 100.0 100.0 100.0 Density (g/litre) 630 670 670 *The AQA-1 (CocoMeEO2) surfactant of the Example may be replaced by an equivalent amount of any of surfactants AQA-2 through AQA-22 or other AQA
surf~rt~ntc herein.

EXAMPLE II

The following nil bleach-cont~ining detergent formulations are of particular use in washing colored clothing.
D _ F
Blown Powder Zeolite A 15.0 15.0 2.5 Sodium sulfate 0.0 5.0 1.0 LAS 2.0 2.0 AQA-1 1.0 1.0 1.5 MA/AA 4.0 4.0 Agglomerates C45AS g o LAS 6.0 5.0 2.0 TAS 3.0 2.0 Silicate 4 0 4 0 Zeolite A 10.0 15.0 13.0 CMC - - 0.5 MA/AA - - 2.0 Carbona~e 9.0 7.0 7 0 Spray On Perfume 0.3 0.3 0-5 C45E7 4.0 4.0 4.0 C25E3 2.0 2.0 2.0 Dry additives MA/AA - - 3.0 NaSKS-6 - - 12.0 Citrate 10.0 - 8.0 Bicarbonate 7 0 3.0 5.0 Carbonate 8.0 5.0 7.0 PVPVI/PV~O 0.5 0 5 0 5 Alcalase 0.5 0 3 0 9 Lipase 0.4 0.4 0.4 Amylase 0.6 0.6 0.6 Cellulase 0.6 0.6 0.6 Silicone antifoarn 5.0 5.0 5.0 Dry additives Sodium sulfate 0.0 9.0 0.0 Balance (Moisture &
Miscellaneous) To:100.0 100.0 100.0 Density (g/litre) 700 700 850 *The AQA-1 (CocoMeEO2) surfactant of the Example may be replaced by an equivalent amount of any of surfactants AQA-2 through AQA-22 or other AQA
surfactants herein.
EXAMPLE III

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 The following detergent formulations, according to the present invention are prepared:
G H
Blown Powder Zeolite A 30.0 22.0 6.0 Sodium sulfate 19.0 5 .0 7.0 MA/AA 3.0 3.0 6.0 LAS 13.0 11.0 21.0 C45AS 8.0 7.0 7.0 AQA-1 1.0 1.0 1.0 Silicate - 1.0 5.0 Soap - - 2.0 Brightener 1 0.2 0.2 0.2 Carbonate 8.0 16.0 20.0 DTPMP - 0.4 0.4 Spray On C45E7 1.0 1.0 1.0 Dry additives PVPVI/PVNO 0.5 0.5 0.5 Protease 1.0 1.0 1.0 Lipase 0.4 0.4 0 4 Amylase 0.1 0.1 0.1 Cellulase 0.1 0.1 0.1 NOBS - 6.1 4.5 PBl 1.0 5.0 6.0 Sodium sulfate - 6 .0 Ral~nre (Moisture & Miscellaneous) To: 100 100 100 *The AQA-l (CocoMeEO2) surfactant of the Example may be replaced by an 30 equivalent amount of any of surfactants AQA-2 through AQA-22 or other AQA
surfactants herein.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 EXAMPLE IV

The following high density and bleach-cont~ining detergent formulations, according to the present invention are prepared:
I K L
Blown Powder ZeoliteA 15.0 15.0 15.0 Sodium sulfate 0.0 5.0 0.0 AQA-1 1.0 1.5 1.5 DTPMP 0.4 0.4 0.4 CMC 0.4 0.4 0.4 MA/AA 4.0 2.0 2.0 Agglomerates LAS 5.0 5.0 5.0 TAS 2.0 2.0 1.0 Silicate 3.0 3.0 4.0 Zeolite A 8.0 8.0 8.0 Carbonate 8.0 8.0 4.0 Spray On Perfume 0.3 0.3 0.3 C45E7 2.0 2.0 2.0 C25E3 2.0 - -Dry additives Citrate 5.0 - 2.0 Bicarbonate - 3.0 Carbonate 8.0 15.0 10.0 TAED 6.0 2.0 5.0 PBl 13.0 7.0 10.0 Polyethylene oxide of MW 5 ,000,000 - - 0.2 Bentonite clay - - 10. 0 Protease 1.0 1.0 1.0 Lipase 0.4 0.4 0.4 Arnylase 0.6 0.6 0.6 Cellulase 0.6 0.6 0.6 CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Wo 97143387 PCT/US97/08436 Silicone antifoam 5.0 5.0 5.0 Dry additives Sodium sulfate 0.0 3.0 0.0 Balance (Moisture &
Miscellaneous) To:100.0 100.0 100.0 Density (g/litre) 850 850 850 *The AQA-1 (CocoMeEO2) surfactant of the Example may be replaced by an equivalent amount of any of surf~rt~ntc AQA-2 through AQA-22 or other AQA
surfactants herein.
EXAMPLE V

The following high density detergent formulations according to the present invention are prepared:
M N
Blown Powder Zeolite A 2.5 2.5 Sodium sulfate 1.0 1.0 AQA-1 1.5 1.5 Agglomerate C45AS 11.0 14.0 Zeolite A 15 .0 6.0 Carbonate 4.0 8.0 MA/AA 4.0 2.0 DTPMP 0.4 0.4 Spray On C25E5 5.0 5 0 Perfume 0 5 0 5 Dry Adds HEDP 0.5 0 3 SKS 6 13.0 10.0 Citrate 3.0 1.0 TAED 5.0 7.0 Percarbonate 15 .0 15 .0 SRA 1 0.3 0.3 Protease 1.4 1.4 .

CA 022~494~ 1998-ll-17 Lipase 0 4 0 4 Cellulase 0.6 0.6 Amylase 0. 6 0. 6 Silicone antifoam 5.0 5 0 Brightener 1 0.2 0.2 Brightener 2 0.2 R~l~n~e (Moisture &
Miscellaneous) To: 100 100 Density (g/litre) 850 850 *The AQA-1 (CocoMeEO2) surfactant of the Example may be replaced by an equivalent amount of any of surfactants AQA-2 through AQA-22 or other AQA
surfactants herein.

EXAMPLE VI

The following liquid detergent forrnulations, according to the present invention are prel)a,ed:
~ P Q B s LAS 10.0 13.0 9.0 2.0 15.0 C25AS 4.0 1.0 2.0 8.0 10.0 C25E3S 1.0 - - 3.0 C25E7 5.5 7.0 11.0 2.0 TFAA - - - 3.5 AQA-1 0.5 1.0 2.0 1.5 3.0 TPKFA 2.0 - 13.0 2.0 Rapeseed fatty acids - - - 5 .0 Citric acid 2.0 3.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 Dodecenyl/tetradecenyl succinic acid 12.0 10.0 - - 15.0 Oleic acid 4.0 2.0 1.0 - 1.0 Ethanol 4.0 4.0 7.0 2.0 7.0 1,2 Propanediol 4.0 4.0 2.0 7.0 6.0 Mono Ethanol Arnine - - - 5 .0 Tri Ethanol Arnine - - 8 NaOH up to pH 8.0 8.0 7.6 7.7 8.0 CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Ethoxylated tetraethylene pen~mine 0 5 0 5 0.2 DTPMP 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 2.0 SRA2 0.3 - 0.2 0.1 Protease 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.25 Alcalase - - - - 1.5 Lipase - 0.10 - 0.01 Amylase 0.25 0.25 0.6 0.5 0.25 Cellulase - - - 0.05 Endolase - - - 0.10 Boric acid 0.1 0.2 - 2.0 1.0 Na forrnate - - 1.0 Ca chloride - 0.015 - 0.01 Bentonite clay - - - - 4.0 Suspending clay SD3 - - - - 0.6 R~l~n~e (Moisture &
Miscellaneous) To: 100 100 100 100 100 *The AQA- 1 (CocoMeEO2) surfactant of the Example may be replaced by an equivalent amount of any of surfactants AQA-2 through AQA-22 or other AQA
surfactants herein.

The following Example IX further illustrates the invention herein with respect to laundry granules.
The manufacture of heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, especially those designed for fabric laundering, which comprise a non-aqueous carrier medium can be conducted in the manner disclosed in more detail hereinafter. In an alternate mode, such non-aqueous compositions can be prepared according to the disclosures of U.S. Patents 4,753,570; 4,767,558; 4,772,413; 4,889,652; 4,892,673; GB-A-2,158,838; GB-A-2,195,125; GB-A-2,195,649; U.S. 4,988,462; U.S. 5,266,233; EP-A-225,654 (6/16187); EP-A-510,762 (10/28/92); EP-A-540,089 (5/5/93); EP-A-540,090 (5/5/93);
U.S. 4.615,820; EP-A-565,017 (10/13/93); EP-A-030,096 (6/10/81), incorporated herein by reference. Such compositions can contain various particulate detersiveingredients (e.g., bleaching agents, as disclosed hereinabove) stably suspended therein.
Such non-aqueous compositions thus comprise a LIQUID PHASE and, optionally but CA 022=,494=, 1998-11-17 W O 97/43387 PCTrUS97/08436 preferably, a SOLID PHASE, all as described in more detail hereinaRer and in thecited references. The AQA surfactants are incorporated in the compositions at the levels and in the manner described hereinabove for the manufacture of other laundry detergent compositions.

LIQUID PHASE
The liquid phase will generally comprise from 35% to 99% by weight of the detergent compositions herein. More preferably, the liquid phase will comprise from 50% to95% by weight of the compositions. Most preferably, the liquid phase will comprise 10 from 45% to 75% by weight of the compositions herein. The liquid phase of thedetergent compositions herein essentially contains relatively high concentrations of a certain type anionic surfactant combined with a certain type of nonaqueous, liquid diluent.

15 (A) Essential Anionic Surfactant The anionic surfactant essentially utilized as an essential component of the nonaqueous liquid phase is one selected from the alkali metal salts of al'Kylbenzene sulfonic acids in which the alkyl group contains from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, in straight chain or branched chain configuration. (See U.S. Patents 2,220,099 and 2,477,383, 20 incorporated herein by reference.) Especially preferred are the sodium and potassium linear straight chain alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) in which the average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is from 11 to 14. Sodium C11-C14 LAS is especially preferred.

25 The alkylbenzene sulfonate anionic surfactant will be dissolved in the nonaqueous liquid diluent which makes up the second essential component of the nonaqueous phase. To form the structured liquid phase required for suitable phase stability and acceptable rheology, the alkylbenzene sulfonate anionic surfactant is generally present to the extent of from 30% to 65% by weight of the liquid phase. More preferably, the alkylbenzene 30 sulfonate anionic surfactant will comprise from 35 % to 50 % by weight of thenonaqueous liquid phase of the compositions herein. Utilization of this anionic surfactant in these concentrations corresponds to an anionic surfactant concentration in the total composition of from 15% to 60% by weight, more preferably from 20% to 40% by weight, of the composition.
(B) Nonaqueous Liquid Diluent CA 022~494~ 1998-ll-17 W O 97/43387 PCT~US97/08436 To form the liquid phase of the detergent compositions, the hereinbefore described alkylbenzene sulfonate anionic surfactant is combined with a nonaqueous liquid diluent which contains two essential components. These two components are a liquid alcohol alkoxylate material and a nonaqueous, low-polarity organic solvent.
5 i) Alcohol Alkoxylates One essential component of the liquid diluent used to form the compositions herein comprises an alkoxylated fatty alcohol material. Such materials are themselves also nonionic surfact~ntc. Such materials correspond to the general formula:
Rl(CmH2mO)noH
wherein R1 is a C8 - C16 alkyl group, m is from 2 to 4, and n ranges from 2 to 12.
Preferably R1 is an alkyl group, which may be primary or secondary, that contains from 9 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably from 10 to 14 carbon atoms. Preferably also the alkoxylated fatty alcohols will be ethoxylated materials that contain from 2 to 12 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule, more preferably from 3 to 10 ethylene oxide 15 moieties per molecule.

The alkoxylated fatty alcohol component of the liquid diluent will frequently have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (H~B) which ranges from 3 to 17. More preferably, the HLB of this material will range from 6 to 15, most preferably from 8 to 15.
Examples of fatty alcohol alkoxylates useful as one of the essential components of the nonaqueous liquid diluent in the compositions herein will include those which are made from alcohols of 12 to 15 carbon atoms and which contain 7 moles of ethylene oxide.
Such materials have been co~ .ercially marketed under the trade names Neodol 25-7 25 and Neodol 23-6.5 by Shell ChPrnir~l Company. Other useful Neodols include Neodol 1-5, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol averaging 11 carbon atoms in its alkyl chain with 5 moles of ethylene oxide; Neodol 23-9, an ethoxylated primary C12 - C13 alcohol having 9 moles of ethylene oxide and Neodol 91-10, an ethoxylated Cg - C11 primary alcohol having 10 moles of ethylene oxide. Alcohol ethoxylates of this type have also been marketed by Shell Chemical Company under the Dobanol tradename. Dobanol 91-5 is an ethoxylated Cg-C11 fatty alcohol with an average of 5 moles ethylene oxide and Dobanol 25-7 iS an ethoxylated C12-C1s fatty alcohol with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of fatty alcohol.

Other examples of suitable ethoxylated alcohols include Tergitol 15-S-7 and Tergitol 15-S-9 both of which are linear secondary alcohol ethoxylates that have been , CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 commercially marketed by Union Carbide Corporation. The forrner is a mixed ethoxylation product of C11 to C1s linear secondary alkanol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide and the latter is a similar product but with 9 moles of ethylene oxide being reacted.

Other types of alcohol ethoxylates useful in the present compositions are highermolecular weight nonionics, such as Neodol 45-11, which are similar ethylene oxide condensation products of higher fatty alcohols, with the higher fatty alcohol being of 14-15 carbon atoms and the number of ethylene oxide groups per mole being 11. Such 10 products have also been commercially marketed by Shell Chemical Company.

The alcohol alkoxylate component which is essentially utilized as part of the liquid diluent in the nonaqueous compositions herein will generally be present to the extent of from 1% to 60% of the liquid phase composition. More preferably, the alcohol 15 alkoxylate component will comprise 5% to 40% of the liquid phase. Most preferably, the essentially utilized alcohol alkoxylate component will comprise from 5% to 30% of the detergent composition liquid phase. Utilization of alcohol alkoxylate in these concentrations in the liquid phase corresponds to an alcohol alkoxylate concentration in the total composition of from 1% to 60% by weight, more preferably from 2% to 40%
20 by weight, and most preferably from 5 % to 25 % by weight, of the composition.

ii) Nonaqueous Low-Polarity Or~anic Solvent A second essential component of the liquid diluent which forms part of the liquid phase of the detergent compositions herein comprises nonaqueous, low-polarity organic 25 solvent(s). The term "solvent" is used herein to connote the non-surface active carrier or diluent portion of the liquid phase of the composition. While some of the essential and/or optional col.lponellt~ of the compositions herein may actually dissolve in the "solvent"-cont~ining liquid phase, other components will be present as particulate material dispersed within the "solvent"-containing liquid phase. Thus the term 30 "solvent" is not meant to require that the solvent material be capable of actually dissolving all of the detergent composition components added thereto.

The nonaqueous organic materials which are employed as solvents herein are thosewhich are liquids of low polarity . For purposes of this invention, " low-polarity "
35 liquids are those which have little, if any, tendency to dissolve one of the preferred types of particulate material used in the compositions herein, i.e., the peroxygen CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 bleaching agents, sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate. Thus relatively polarsolvents such as ethanol should not be utilized. Suitable types of low-polarity solvents useful in the nonaqueous liquid detergent compositions herein do include non-vicinal C4-Cg alkylene glycols, alkylene glycol mono lower alkyl ethers, lower molecular5 weight polyethylene glycols, lower molecular weight methyl esters and amides.

A preferred type of nonaqueous, low-polarity solvent for use in the compositions herein comprises the non-vicinal C4-Cg branched or straight chain alkylene glycols. Materials of this type include hexylene glycol (4-methyl-2,4-pentanediol), 1,6-hexanediol, 1,3-10 butylene glycol and 1,4-butylene glycol. Hexylene glycol is the most preferred.

Another preferred type of nonaqueous. Iow-polarity solvent for use herein comprises the mono-, di-, tri-, or tetra- C2-C3 alkylene glycol mono C2-C6 alkyl ethers. The specific examples of such compounds include diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 15 tetraethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, anddipropylene glycol monobutyl ether. Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether and dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether are especially preferred. Compounds of the type have been commercially marketed under the tradenames Dowanol, Carbitol, and Cellosolve.
Another preferred type of nonaqueous, low-polarity organic solvent useful hereincomprises the lower molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEGs). Such materials are those having molecular weights of at least 150. PEGs of molecular weight rangingfrom 200 to 600 are most preferred.
Yet another plefell~d type of non-polar, nonaqueous solvent comprises lower molecular weight methyl esters. Such materials are those of the general formula: R1-C(O)-OCH3 wherein R1 ranges from 1 to 18. Examples of suitable lower molecular weight methyl esters include methyl acetate, methyl propionate, methyl octanoate, and methyl 30 dodecanoate.

The nonaqueous, low-polarity organic solvent(s) employed should, of course, be compatible and non-reactive with other composition components, e.g., bleach and/or activators, used in the liquid dt:telgellt compositions herein. Such a solvent component 35 will generally be utilized in an amount of from 1% to ~0% by weight of the liquid phase. More preferably, the nonaqueous. Iow-polarity organic solvent will comprise CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 from 10% to 60% by weight of the liquid phase, most preferably from 20% to 50% by weight. of the liquid phase of the composition. Utilization of this organic solvent in these concentrations in the liquid phase corresponds to a solvent concentration in the total composition of from 1% to 50% by weight, more preferably from 5% to 40% by5 weight, and most preferably from 10% to 30% by weight, of the composition.

iii) Alcohol Alkoxylate To Solvent Ratio The ratio of alcohol alkoxylate to organic solvent within the liquid diluent can be used to vary the rheological properties of the detergent compositions eventually formed.
10 Generally, the weight ratio of alcohol alkoxylate to organic solvent will range from 50:1 to 1:50. More preferably, this ratio will range from 3:1 to 1:3.

iv) Liquid Diluent Concentration As with the concentration of the alkylbenzene sulfonate anionic surfactant mixture, the 15 amount of total liquid diluent in the nonaqueous liquid phase herein will be determined by the type and amounts of other composition components and by the desired composition properties. Generally, the liquid diluent will comprise from 35% to 70%
of the nonaqueous liquid phase of the compositions herein. More preferably, the liquid diluent will comprise from 50% to 65% of the nonaqueous liquid phase. This 20 corresponds to a nonaqueous liquid diluent concentration in the total composition of from 15% to 70% by weight, more preferably from 20% to 50% by weight, of the composition.

SOLID PHASE
25 The nonaqueous d~L~lgelll compositions herein also essentially comprise from 1~ to 65% by weight, more preferably from 5% to 50% by weight, of a solid phase of particulate material which is dispersed and suspended within the liquid phase.
Generally such particulate material will range in size from 0.1 to 1500 microns. More preferably such material will range in size from 5 to 200 microns.
The particulate material utilized herein can comprise one or more types of detergent composition components which in particulate form are substantially insoluble in the nonaqueous liquid phase of the composition. The types of particulate materials which can be utilized are described in detail as follows:
COMPOSITION PREPARATION AND USE

.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 The nonaqueous liquid detergent compositions herein can be prepared by combining the essential and optional components thereof in any convenient order and by mixing, e.g., agitating, the resulting component combination to form the phase stable compositions herein. In a typical process for preparing such compositions, essential and certain 5 preferred optional components will be combined in a particular order and under certain conditions.

In the first step of such a typical preparation process, an admixture of the alkylbenzene sulfonate anionic surfactant and the two essential components of the nonaqueous diluent 10 is formed by heating a combination of these materials to a temperature from 30~C to 100~C .

In a second process step, the heated admixture formed as hereinbefore described is m~int~inP(l under shear agitation at a temperature from 40~C to 100~C for a period of 15 from 2 minutes to 20 hours. Optionally, a vacuum can be applied to the admixture at this point. This second process step serves to completely dissolve the anionic surfactant in the nonaqueous liquid phase.

In a third process step, this liquid phase combination of materials is cooled to a 20 temperature of from 0~C to 35~C. This cooling step serves to form a structured, surfactant-cont~ining liquid base into which the particulate material of the detergent compositions herein can be added and dispersed.

Particulate material is added in a fourth process step by combining the particulate 25 material with the liquid base which is m~int~in~d under conditions of shear agitation.
When more than one type of particulate material is to be added, it is preferred that a certain order of addition be observed. For example, while shear agitation is m~int~ined, essentially all of any optional surfactants in solid particulate form can be added in the form of particles ranging in size from 0.2 to 1,000 microns. After addition of any 30 optional surfactant particles, particles of substantially all of an organic builder, e.g., citrate and/or fatty acid, and/or an alkalinity source, e.g., sodium carbonate, can be added while contin~ing to m~int~in this admixture of composition components under shear agitation. Other solid form optional ingredients can then be added to the composition at this point. Agitation of the mixture is continued, and if necessary, can 35 be increased at this point to form a uniform dispersion of insoluble solid phase partic~ tes within the liquid phase.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 After some or all of the foregoing solid materials have been added to this agitated mixture, the particles of the highly preferred peroxygen bleaching agent can be added to the composition, again while the mixture is m~intain~d under shear agitation. ByS adding the peroxygen bleaching agent material last, or after all or most of the other components, and especially after alkalinity source particles, have been added, desirable stabilit,v benefits for the peroxygen bleach can be realized. If enzyme prills are incorporated~ they are preferably added to the nonaqueous liquid matrix last.

10 As a final process step, after addition of all of the particulate material, agitation of the mixture is continued for a period of time sufficient to form compositions having the requisite viscosity and phase stability characteristics. Frequently this will involve agitation for a period of from 1 to 30 minutes.

15 As a variation of the composition ple~alation procedure hereinbefore described, one or more of the solid components may be added to the agitated mixture as a slurry ofparticles premixed with a minor portion of one or more of the liquid components. Thus a premix of a small fraction of the alcohol alkoxylate and/or nonaqueous, low-polarity solvent with particles of the organic builder material and/or the particles of the 20 inorganic alkalinity source and/or particles of a bleach activator may be separately forrned and added as a slurry to the agitated mixture of composition components.Addition of such slurry premixes should precede addition of peroxygen bleaching agent and/or enzyme particles which may themselves be part of a premix slurry formed in analogous fashion.
The compositions of this invention, prepared as hereinbefore described, can be used to form aqueous washing solutions for use in the laundering and bleaching of fabrics.
Generally, an effective amount of such compositions is added to water, preferably in a conventional fabric laundering automatic washing machine, to form such aqueous 30 laundering/bleaching solutions. The aqueous washing/bleaching solution so formed is then contacted, preferably under agitation, with the fabrics to be laundered andbleached therewith.

An effective amount of the liquid detergent compositions herein added to water to form 35 aqueous laundering/bleaching solutions can comprise amounts sufficient to forrn from 500 to 7,000 ppm of composition in aqueous solution. More preferably, from ~00 to CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 3,000 ppm of the detergent compositions herein will be provided in aqueous washing/bleaching solution.

EXAMPLE VII

A non-limiting example of a bleach-cont~inin~ nonaqueous liquid laundry detergent is prepared having the composition as set forth in Table I.
Table I
Component Wt. %Ran~e (~ wt.) 10Liquid Phase Na C12 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) 25.3 18-35 C12 14, EO5 alcohol ethoxylate 13.6 10-20 Hexylene glycol 27.3 20-30 Perfume 0.4 0-1.0 AQA-l* 2.0 1-3.0 Solids Protease enzyme 0.4 0-1.0 Na3 Citrate, anhydrous 4.3 3-6 Sodium perborate 3.4 2-7 Sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) 8.0 2-12 Sodium carbonate 13.9 5-20 Diethyl triamine pen~retic acid (DTPA) 0.9 0-1.5 Brightener 0.4 0-0.6 Suds Suppressor 0.1 0-0.3 Minors Ral~nre ----*CocoMeEO2. AQA-1 may be replaced by AQA surfactants 2-22 or other AQA
surfactants herein.

The composition is prepared by mixing the AQA and LAS, then the hexylene glycol and alcohol ethoxylate, together at 54~C (130~F) for 1/2 hour. This mixture is then cooled to 29~C (8S~F) whereupon the rem:~ining components are added. The resulting composition is then stirred at 29~C (85~F) for another 1/2 hour.

The resulting composition is a stable anhydrous heavy duty liquid laundry detergent which provides excellent stain and soil removal performance when used in normal fabric laundering operations.

CA 022~494~ 1998-ll-17 The following Examples A and B further illustrate the invention herein with respect to a laundry bar.
EXAMPLE VIIl In~redient % (wt.) Ran~e (% wt.) A B
C12-C18 Sulfate 15.75 13.50 0-25 LAS 6.75 --- 0-25 Na2Co3 15.00 3.00 1-20 DTPP1 0.70 0.70 0.2-1.0 Bentonite clay --- 10.0 0-20 Sokolan CP 52 0.40 1.00 0-2.5 AQA-13 2.0 0.5 0.15-3.0 TSPP 5.00 0 0-10 ST PP 5.00 15.00 0-25 Zeolite 1.25 1.25 0-15 Sodium laurate --- 9.00 0-15 SRA-l 0.30 0.30 0-1.0 Protease enzyme --- 0.12 0-0.6 Amylase enzyme 0.12 --- 0-0.6 Lipase enzyme --- 0.10 0-0.6 Cellulase enzyme --- 0.15 0-0.3 ------Balance4---------1Sodium diethylenetriamine penta (phosphonate) 25 2Sokolan CP-S is maleic-acrylic copolymer 3AQA-1 may be replaced by an equivalent amount of AQA surfactants AQA2 through AQA-22 or other AQA surfactants herein.
4Ral~n~e comprises water (2% to 8%, including water of hydration), sodium sulfate, calcium carbonate, and other minor ingredients.

EXAMPLE IX

The following hand wash detergent forrnulations, according to the present invention, are prepared by mixing the ingredients together in the percentage weight amounts as 35 indicated below.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 W O 97/43387 PCTrUS97/08436 A B C D
LAS 15.0 12.0 15.0 12.0 T F A A 1.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 C 25 E5 4.0 2.0 4.0 2.0 AQA-9* 2.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 ST PP 25.0 25.0 15.0 15.0 MA/AA 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 CMC 0.4 0.4 0 4 0 4 DTPMP 1.0 1.6 1.6 1.6 Carbonate 2.0 2.0 5.0 5.0 Bicarbonate - - 2.0 2.0 Silicate 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 Protease 1.0 - 1.0 1.0 Amylase 0.4 0.4 0.4 Lipase 0.12 0.12 - 0.12 Photoactivated bleach 0.3 0.3 0 3 0.3 Sulfate 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 PB1 4.0 5.4 4.0 2.3 NOBS 2.6 3.1 2.5 1.7 SRA 1 0.3 0.3 0.7 0.3 Brightener 1 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Ral~n~e misc./water 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 to 100 AQA-9*; May be replaced by any AQA surfactant described herein. Preferred AQA
surfactants for use in this example are those with from 10 to 15 ethoxy groups; for 5 example AQA-10, AQA-16.

The foregoing Examples illustrate the present invention as it relates to fabric laundering compositions, whereas the following Examples are intended to illustrate other types of 10 cleaning compositions according to this invention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Modern, high performance hand dishwashing compositions can contain ingredients which are designed to provide specific in-use product attributes such as grease cutting ability, high sudsing, n il~nf~ss and skin feel benefits. Such ingredients for use with the AQA surfactants herein include, for example, amine oxide surfactants, betaine and/or 5 sultaine surfactants, alkyl sulfate and alkyl ethoxy sulfate surfactants, liquid carriers, especially water and water/propylene glycol mixtures, natural oils such lemon oil. In addition, preferred liquid and/or gel hand dishwashing compositions may also contain calcium ions, magnesium ions, or mixtures of calciurn/magnesium ions, which afford additional grease cutting perforrnance advantages especially when used in combination 10 with detersive mixtures comprising the AQA surfactant herein in combination with, for example, amine oxide, alkyl sulfates and alkyl ethoxy sulfates. Magnesium or calcium or mixed Mg/Ca ion sources typically comprise from 0.01% to 4~, preferably from 0.02% to 2%, by weight, of such compositions. Various water-soluble sources of these ions include, for example, sulfate, chloride and acetate salts. Moreover, these 15 compositions may also contain nonionic surf~rt~ntc, especially those of the polyhydroxy fatty acid amide and alkyl polyglucaside classes. Preferred are the C12-C14 (coconut alkyl) members of these classes. An especially plefelled nonionic surfactant for use in hand dishwashing liquids is C12-C14 N-methylgh~c~mirle. Preferred amine oxides include C12-C14 dimethylamine oxide. The alkyl sulfates and alkyl ethoxy sulfates are 20 as described hereinabove. Usage levels for such surfactants in dishwashing liquids is typically in the range from 3% to 50% of the finished composition. The formulation of dishwashing liquid compositions has been described in more detail in various patent publications including U.S. 5,378,409, U.S. S,376,310 and U.S. 5.417,893, incorporated herein by ref~,.cnce.
Modern a~-~om:ltic dishwashing detergents can contain bleac~ling agents such as hypochlorite sources; perborate, percarbonate or persulfate bleaches; enzymes such as proteases, lipases and amylases, or mixtures thereof; rinse-aids, especially nonionic surfactants; builders, including zeolite and phosphate builders; low-sudsing detersive 30 surfactants, especially ethylene oxide/propylene oxide condensates. Such compositions are typically in the form of granules or gels. If used in gel form, various gelling agents known in the literature can be employed.

The following Example further illustrates the invention herein with respect to a hand 35 dishwashing liquid.
EXAMPLE X

CA 022~494~ l998-ll-l7 In~redient ~ (wt.) Ran~e (% wt.) AQA-1 * 2.0 0.15-3 Ammonium C12 13 alkyl sulfate 7.0 2-35 C12-C14 ethoxy(1) sulfate 20.5 5 35 Coconut amine oxide 2.6 2-5 Betaine/Tetronic 704~190.87-0.1O 0-2 (mix) Alcohol Ethoxylate C8E11 5-0 2-10 Ammonium xyiene sulfonate 4.0 1-6 Ethanol 4.0 0 7 10 Ammonium citrate 0.06 0-1 .0 Magnesium chloride 3.3 04.0 Calcium chloride 2.5 0~.0 Ammonium sulfate 0.08 04.0 Hydrogen peroxide 200 ppm 0-300 ppm 15 Perfume 0.18 0-0.5 Maxatase~ protease 0.50 0-1.0 Water and minors Ral~nee *May be replaced by AQA-2 - AQA-22 or other AQA surfactants herein.
**Cocoalkyl betaine.

The following Examples A and B further illustrate the invention herein with respect to a granular phosphate-cont~ining automatic dishwashing detergent.
EXAMPLE XI
% by weight of active material INGREDIENTS _ B
STPP (anhydrous)1 31 26 Sodium Carbonate 22 32 Silicate (% Si~2) 9 7 Surfactant (nonionic) 3 1.5 NaDCC Bleach2 2 --AQA-1* 0.5 1.0 Sodium Perborate -- 5 TAED -- 1.5 Savinase (Au/g) -- 0 04 CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Termamyl (Amu/g) 425 Sulfate 25 25 Perfume/Minors to 100% to 100%
1Sodium tripolyphosphate 2Sodium dichlorocyanurate *The AQA-1 surfactant can be replaced by AQA-2 through AQA-22.

EXAMPLE XII

10 The following Examples further illustrate the invention herein with respect to a liquid-gel automatic dishwashing or other detergent with increased levels of stain removal benefits.
% by weight of active material INGREDIENTS A _ C D E F G
Citric acid 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 16.5 10 10 Na2CO3/K2C03 -- -- 25 2S 25 15 15 AQA-1* 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.7 Dispersant (480N) 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 HEDP/SS-EDDS 2 2 0-2 2 2 1.5 1.5 Benzoyl Peroxide 8 8 8 8 8 1.5 1.5 Butylated Hydroxy 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Toluene (BHT) Surfactant 2.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Boric Acid -- 4 4 4 4 4 4 Sorbitol -- 6 6 6 6 6 6 Savinase 24L -- -- 0.2 0.53 -- 0.53 --Slurried Savinase -- -- -- -- 0.53 -- 0 53 Maxamyl/Terrnamy 0.54 -- 0.31 1.0 1.0 -- --Slurried Termamyl -- 0.54 -- -- 0.31 0.31 Water Balance *The AQA- 1 (CocoMeEO2) surfactant of the Example may be replaced by an equivalent amount of any of surfactants AQA-2 through AQA-22 or other AQA
surfactants herein.

CA 022~494~ 1998-11-17 Various gelling agents such as CMC and clays, can be used in the compositions toprovide varying degrees of viscosity or rigidity, according to the desires of the formulator.

EXAMPLE XIII

The following illustrates mixtures of AQA surfactants which can be substituted for the AQA surfactants listed in any of the foregoing Examples. As disclosed hereinabove, such mixtures can be used to provide a spectrum of performance benefits and/or to 10 provide cleaning compositions which are useful over a wide variety of usage conditions. Preferably, the AQA surfactants in such mixtures differ by at least 1.5, preferably 2.5-20, total EO units. Ratio ranges (wt.) for such mixtures are typically 10:1-1:10. Non-limiting examples of such mixtures are as follows.

15Components Ratio (wt.) AQA-1 + AQA-S 1:1 AQA-1 + AQA-10 1:1 AQA-1 + AQA-15 1:2 AQA-1 + AQA-5 20+ AQA-20 1:1:1 AQA-2 + AQA-5 3:1 AQA-5 + AQA-15 1.5:1 AQA-1 + AQA-20 1:3 Mixtures of the AQA surf~ct~n~c herein with the corresponding cationic surfactants which contain only a single ethoxylated chain can also be used. Thus, for example, mixtures of ethoxylated cationic surfactants of the formula R1N+CH3[EO]X[EO]yX~
and R1N+(CH3)2[EO]zX-, wherein Rl and X are as disclosed above and wherein one of the cationics has (x+y) or z in the range 1-5 preferably 1-2 and the other has (x+y) or z in the range 3-100, preferably 10-20, most preferably 14-16, can be used herein.
Such compositions advamageously provide improved detergency performance (especially in a fabric laundering context) over a broader range of water hardness than do the cationic surfactants herein used individually. It has now been discovered that shorter EO cationics (e.g.~ EO2) improve the cleaning performance of anionic surfactants in soft water, whereas higher EO cationics (e.g., EO15) act to improve hardness tolerance of anionic surfactants, thereby improving the cleaning performance of anionic surfactants in hard water. Conventional wisdom in the detergency art suggests that builders can optirnize the performance "window" of anionic surfactants.
Until now, however, broadening the window to encompass essentially all conditions of water hardness has been impossible to achieve.

Claims (24)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A detergent composition comprising, or prepared by combining an enzyme, a non-AQA surfactant and an effective amount of a alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) cationic surfactant of the formula:

wherein R1 is a linear, branched or substituted C8-C18 alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkaryl, ether or glycityl ether moiety, R2 is a C1-C3 alkyl moiety, R3 and R4 can vary independently and are selected from hydrogen, methyl and ethyl, X is an anion, A is C1-C4 alkoxy and p is an integer in the range of from 2 to 30.

2. A composition according to Claim 1 wherein the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of lipase.

3. A composition according to either of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the enzyme is a protease.

4. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the enzyme is a cellulase.

5. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the enzyme is a endoglucanase.

6. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the enzyme is an amylase.

7. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the enzyme is a peroxidase.

8. A composition according to either of Claims 1 or 7 additionally comprising anenzyme stabilising compound.

9. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 8 which is prepared by mixing the non-AQA surfactant and the AQA surfactant.

10. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the non-AQA surfactant is an anionic surfactant.

11. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 10 wherein the ratio of bis-AQA to non-AQA surfactant is from 1:15 to 1:8.

12. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 11 wherein in said AQA cationic surfactant, R1 is C8-C18 alkyl, R2 is methyl. A is an ethoxy or propoxy group and p ia an ineger from 2 to 8.

13. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 12 wherein in said AQA cationic surfactant, R1 is C8-C18 alkyl, R2 is methyl, A is an ethoxy or propoxy group and p is an integer from 2 to 4.

14. A composition according to any of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the formula of the AQA
cationic surfactant is such that p is an integer in the range of from 10 to 15.

15. A detergent composition according to any of Claims 1 to 14 comprising two ormore AQA surfactants, or a mixture of a AQA surfactant and a mono-ethoxylated cationic surfactant.

16. A detergent composition according to any of Claims 1 to 15 comprising two ormore non-AQA surfactants and a mixture of two or more AQA surfactants.

17. A detergent compositon according to any of Claims 1 to 16 which is substantially free of a bleach ingredient.

18. A composition according to any of claims 1 to 17 in a granular, bar, aqueous liquid or non-aqueous liquid, or tablet form.

19. A method for removing soils and stains by contacting said soils and stains with a detergent composition, or aqueous medium comprising said detergent composition according to any of Claims 1 to 18.

20. A method according to Claim 19 for removing enzyme-sensitive soils or greasy/oily soils from fabrics.

21. A method according to any of Claims 19 or 20 which is conducted in an automactic machine.

22. A method according to any of Claims 19 to 11 which is conducted by hand.

23. A method for enhancing the deposition or substantivity of perfumes or perfume ingredients onto fabrics or other surfaces, comprising contacting said surfaces with a perfume or perfume ingredient in the presence of a AQA surfactant.

24. A method according to Claim 23 which is conducted using a perfume or perfumeingredient in combination with a detergent composition comprising a AQA .