JP2025158032A - Cleaning composition - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a detergent composition that exhibits a fragrance similar to that of a floral blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol, while suppressing time-dependent discoloration and metal dissolution.SOLUTION: The detergent composition of the present disclosure comprises a floral blended fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal, and a quaternary ammonium salt.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning composition containing a floral fragrance agent containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal, and a quaternary ammonium salt.

Conventionally, various detergent compositions have been used to remove dirt adhering to hard surfaces such as toilet bowls and create a hygienic environment. For example, detergent compositions for flush toilets are designed to release detergent into flush water when placed in the hand basin, on the surface of the toilet bowl, or inside the water tank of a flush toilet.

In conventional cleaning compositions, tetraalkylammonium salts such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride and benzyldimethylalkylammonium salts such as benzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride and benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride are widely used as disinfectants to prevent microbial stains such as blackening. Various compositions have been investigated in an attempt to improve the performance of cleaning compositions containing disinfectants. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the detergency of a hard surface cleaning composition can be improved by using didecyldimethylammonium chloride in combination with a specific polyoxyethylene alkyl ether.

In addition, with the increasing demand for more comfortable living, detergent compositions often contain fragrances to add a pleasant fragrance to the space in which they are used. Among these fragrances, floral blended fragrances (fragrances that have a floral scent) are in line with consumer preferences and are therefore often used in detergent compositions.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-95718

Many conventional floral-based blended fragrances contain linalool to impart a lily of the valley scent. The inventors conducted extensive research into cleaning compositions containing conventional floral-based blended fragrances containing linalool and a quaternary ammonium salt as a disinfectant. They discovered that conventional cleaning compositions containing the floral-based blended fragrance and a quaternary ammonium salt suffer from issues such as discoloration (yellowing) over time and dissolving or discoloring metals (particularly SUS (Steel Use Stainless Steel)). Furthermore, they discovered that when the quaternary ammonium salt contains benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, or dialkyl (C8-22) dimethylammonium methyl sulfate, the cleaning composition discolors (yellowing) and metal dissolution or discoloration becomes more pronounced. Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention have discovered through further investigations that discoloration (yellowing) of the cleaning composition and dissolution or discoloration of metals are caused by ethyl maltol (a fragrance component with a sweet scent) contained in the floral blended fragrance. Discoloration (yellowing) of the cleaning composition and dissolution or discoloration of metals can be suppressed by reducing the content of ethyl maltol in the floral blended fragrance. However, reducing the content of ethyl maltol significantly changes the scent tone of the floral blended fragrance, making it impossible to obtain a floral blended fragrance with the desired scent tone.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning composition that has a fragrance similar to that of a floral blend fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol, and that can suppress discoloration over time and metal dissolution.

The inventors conducted extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems and discovered that by substituting 2,3-dihydrofarnesal for ethyl maltol in a floral fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol, it is possible to obtain a cleaning composition that has a similar fragrance note to the floral fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol and that can inhibit discoloration (yellowing) over time and metal dissolution. The present disclosure was completed through further research based on this finding.

That is, the present disclosure provides the inventions of the following aspects.
Item 1. A cleaning composition comprising a floral-based fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal, and a quaternary ammonium salt.
Item 2. The cleansing composition according to Item 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium salt includes at least one selected from the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and dialkyl (C8 to C22)dimethylammonium methyl sulfate.
Item 3. The cleaning composition according to Item 1 or 2, which is used to clean a toilet bowl of a flush toilet.
Item 4. A method for inhibiting discoloration of a cleaning composition containing a floral-based fragrance containing linalool and a quaternary ammonium salt, comprising:
The discoloration suppression method, wherein the floral blend fragrance is a floral blend fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal.
Item 5. A method for suppressing dissolution of metals contained in an object to be washed with a detergent composition containing a floral-based blended fragrance containing linalool and a quaternary ammonium salt, comprising:
The method for inhibiting dissolution of metals, wherein the floral blend fragrance is a floral blend fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal.

The cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains a floral blend fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal, which allows it to exhibit a fragrance similar to that of a floral blend fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol, and also inhibits discoloration (yellowing) that occurs over time, resulting in excellent color stability and allowing the cleaning composition to maintain a good appearance for an extended period of time. Furthermore, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains the floral blend fragrance, which inhibits the dissolution of various metals (e.g., SUS, steel, magnesium, silver, aluminum, zinc, etc.), thereby effectively inhibiting the deterioration of metals contained in the objects being cleaned.

1. Detergent Composition The detergent composition of the present disclosure is characterized by containing a floral-based blended fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal, and a quaternary ammonium salt. The detergent composition of the present disclosure is described in detail below.

[Floral blend fragrance]
The cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains a floral blended fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal. By incorporating 2,3-dihydrofarnesal instead of ethyl maltol in the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol, a cleaning composition can be obtained that has a similar fragrance note to the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol and that can inhibit discoloration (yellowing) over time and dissolution of metals (particularly SUS).

The floral blended fragrance used in the cleaning composition of the present disclosure may further contain fragrance components incorporated into conventional floral blended fragrances (e.g., natural fragrances; synthetic fragrances such as hydrocarbon-based fragrances, ether-based fragrances, ester-based fragrances, alcohol-based fragrances, aldehyde-based fragrances, and ketone-based fragrances) to the extent that they have a fragrance tone similar to that of a floral blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol. However, it is preferable that the floral blended fragrance does not contain ethyl maltol, which can cause discoloration of the cleaning composition and dissolution or tarnishing of metals. Furthermore, if the floral blended fragrance contains ethyl maltol, its content is preferably 0.01% by weight or less, more preferably 0.005% by weight or less, and even more preferably 0.001% by weight or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration of the cleaning composition and dissolution or tarnishing of metals.

In the floral-based blended fragrance, the linalool content can be set appropriately depending on the strength of the fragrance to be imparted, the dilution ratio at the time of use, etc., but in floral-based blended fragrances, it is usually 0.1 to 30% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 15% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 15% by weight.

In the floral-based blended fragrance, the content of 2,3-dihydrofarnesal can be set appropriately depending on the strength of the fragrance to be imparted, the dilution ratio at the time of use, etc., but in floral-based blended fragrances, it is usually 0.001 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 5% by weight, and more preferably 0.05 to 2% by weight.

In the cleaning composition of the present disclosure, the content of the floral blend fragrance may be set appropriately depending on the strength of the fragrance to be imparted, the dilution ratio at the time of use, etc., but is typically 1 to 20% by weight, preferably 3 to 18% by weight, and more preferably 5 to 15% by weight.

[Quaternary ammonium salts]
The cleaning agent composition of the present disclosure contains a quaternary ammonium salt as a disinfectant. The type of quaternary ammonium salt is not particularly limited, but examples include quaternary ammonium chloride, quaternary ammonium sulfate, quaternary ammonium bromide, and quaternary ammonium hydrogen sulfate. From the viewpoint of disinfecting effect, the type of quaternary ammonium salt is preferably a quaternary ammonium chloride or a quaternary ammonium sulfate, and more preferably a quaternary ammonium chloride. Examples of quaternary ammonium salts include benzalkonium chloride (a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides having 8 to 18 carbon atoms), cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, dequalinium chloride, dialkyl(C8 to 22)dimethylammonium chloride, alkyl(C8 to 22)trimethylammonium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, lauroylcholaminoformylmethylpyridinium chloride, dialkyl(C8 to 22)dimethylammonium methylsulfate, and alkyl(C8 to 22)trimethylammonium methylsulfate. The above-exemplified quaternary ammonium salts may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Discoloration of the detergent composition and dissolution or discoloration of metals are more likely to occur when the detergent composition contains benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, or dialkyl(C8 to C22)dimethylammonium methyl sulfate. Therefore, from the viewpoint of more effectively achieving the effects of the present disclosure, the quaternary ammonium salt to be blended preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and dialkyl(C8 to C22)dimethylammonium methyl sulfate, and more preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride and dialkyl(C8 to C22)dimethylammonium methyl sulfate. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of more effectively obtaining the effects of the present disclosure, the quaternary ammonium salt to be blended is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and dialkyl (having 8 to 22 carbon atoms) dimethylammonium methyl sulfate, and more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride and dialkyl (having 8 to 22 carbon atoms) dimethylammonium methyl sulfate.

In the cleaning composition of the present disclosure, the content of the quaternary ammonium salt may be set appropriately depending on the disinfecting effect to be imparted, the dilution ratio at the time of use, etc., but is, for example, 1 to 60% by weight, preferably 5 to 55% by weight, more preferably 10 to 50% by weight, even more preferably 15 to 45% by weight, and even more preferably 20 to 45% by weight.

[Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether]
The cleaning agent composition of the present disclosure may contain a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether as needed. When the cleaning agent composition of the present disclosure contains a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, the oral toxicity and skin irritation of the disinfectant can be reduced, thereby providing high safety. Furthermore, since the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether is a nonionic surfactant, it can also impart a cleaning effect.

Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether is a compound in which a polyoxyalkylene chain and an alkyl group are ether-bonded.

The polyoxyalkylene chain in the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether may be, for example, a polyoxyethylene chain, a polyoxypropylene chain, or a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene chain. The polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene chain may be one in which ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are randomly added, or one in which they are block-added.

From the viewpoint of providing even greater safety, the polyoxyalkylene chain in the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether is preferably a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene chain. The ratio of the number of moles of polyethylene oxide to the number of moles of polypropylene oxide added in the polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene chain is not particularly limited, but examples include a ratio of 1:0.3-15 (number of moles of polypropylene oxide added: number of moles of polyethylene oxide added), preferably 1:0.5-8, and more preferably 1:1-5.

The number of moles of alkylene oxide added to the polyoxyalkylene chain is, for example, 3 to 50, preferably 8 to 40, more preferably 10 to 30, and particularly preferably 15 to 25.

The alkyl group in the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether may be either linear or branched. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group may be, for example, 6 to 24, preferably 8 to 18, and more preferably 8 to 16.

Suitable examples of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers used in the present disclosure include compounds represented by the following general formula (1).
R ¹ -O-[(EO)n/(PO)m]-H (1)

In the general formula (1), R ¹ represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably 8 to 16 carbon atoms.

In general formula (1), EO represents an oxyethylene group, n represents the average number of moles of EO added, PO represents an oxypropylene group, and m represents the average number of moles of PO added. n is an integer from 0 to 50, preferably from 0 to 40, more preferably from 0 to 30, and even more preferably from 0 to 25; m is an integer from 0 to 50, preferably from 0 to 40, more preferably from 0 to 30, and even more preferably from 0 to 25; and n+m represents 3 to 50, preferably from 8 to 40, more preferably from 10 to 30, and even more preferably from 15 to 25. From the perspective of providing even greater safety, n and m in general formula (1) are particularly preferably n is 8 to 20, m is 1 to 8, and n+m is 12 to 24, and most preferably n is 13 to 19, m is 2 to 7, and n+m is 18 to 22.

In addition, in general formula (1), [(EO)n/(PO)m] represents random or block addition of EO and PO.

In the cleaning composition of the present disclosure, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers having one structure may be used alone, or polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers having two or more structures may be used in combination.

In the cleaning composition of the present disclosure, the content of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether may be set appropriately depending on the content of disinfectant, the dilution ratio at the time of use, etc., but is, for example, 10 to 60% by weight, preferably 15 to 55% by weight, and more preferably 20 to 50% by weight.

[Chelating agent]
The cleaning composition of the present disclosure may contain a chelating agent, if necessary. When the cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains a chelating agent, discoloration (yellowing) that occurs over time can be further suppressed.

The chelating agent is not particularly limited, but examples include aminocarboxylic acid chelating agents, phosphonic acid chelating agents, and polycarboxylic acid chelating agents. However, since the cleaning composition containing a phosphonic acid chelating agent tends to cause discoloration of metals (especially SUS), it is preferable that the cleaning composition does not contain a phosphonic acid chelating agent.

Examples of aminocarboxylic acid chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), dihydroxyethylglycine (DEG), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (HEDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA), aspartic acid diacetic acid (ASDA), ethylenediaminesuccinic acid (EDDS), hydroxyiminodisuccinic acid (HIDS), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), and salts thereof (alkali metal salts such as sodium salts).

Examples of phosphonic acid chelating agents include 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (NTMP), phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid (PBTC), ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonic acid (EDTMP), and salts thereof (alkali metal salts such as sodium salts).

Examples of polycarboxylic acid chelating agents include acetic acid, adipic acid, monochloroacetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, carboxymethylsuccinic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, glycolic acid, diglycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, carboxymethyltartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, gluconic acid, and salts thereof (alkali metal salts such as sodium salts).

Of the chelating agents listed above, from the viewpoint of more effectively suppressing discoloration (yellowing) that occurs over time, phosphonic acid chelating agents are preferred, and HEDP and its salts are more preferred.

In the cleaning composition of the present disclosure, the chelating agent may be used alone or in combination with two or more types.

In the cleaning composition of the present disclosure, the content of the chelating agent is, for example, 0.0001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.001 to 1% by weight, and more preferably 0.01 to 0.1% by weight.

[water]
When the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is in a liquid or gel form, it may contain water.

When water is contained in the cleaning composition of the present disclosure, the content is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 to 40% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 30% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 20% by weight.

[Other ingredients]
The detergent composition of the present disclosure may further contain additives, such as monohydric lower alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, surfactants (other than polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers), colorants (colored pigments, dyes), enzymes, disinfectants, deodorizers, emulsifying and solubilizing agents for oily components, extenders, solubility adjusters, bleaching agents, water repellents, hydrophilic agents, fillers, pH adjusters, thickeners, gelling agents, moldability improvers, buffers, opacifying agents, antifoaming agents, lubricants, and coating agents, as needed, within the scope of not impairing the effects of the present disclosure.

[form]
The form of the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended use, and examples thereof include liquid, solid (powder, tablet, etc.), semi-solid (paste, gel, etc.), aerosol, etc. Among these forms, liquid and semi-solid forms are preferred, and liquid form is more preferred.

[Item to be cleaned]
The target to be cleaned with the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, as long as it is one for which sterilization and stain removal are required, and examples thereof include hard surfaces that can come into contact with water, such as toilets (toilet bowls and toilet floors), bathrooms, kitchens, galleys, drainage pipes, water storage facilities (swimming pools, artificial ponds, etc.), etc. Among these, flush toilet bowls are prone to microbial stains such as blackening and are therefore targets for cleaning that require sterilization, and therefore the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is suitable as a cleaner for flush toilet bowls.

When the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is used to clean a flush toilet bowl, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure may be applied directly to the toilet bowl and used for cleaning, but it is preferable to dilute it with flush water and use it to clean the toilet bowl with the flush water when flushing the toilet. When the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is diluted with flush water for use in cleaning a flush toilet bowl, the dilution ratio is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, about 10,000 to 1,000,000 times, and preferably about 20,000 to 500,000 times.

When the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is diluted with flush water and used to clean a flush toilet bowl, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure may be any of a cleaning agent for on-tank flush toilets, a cleaning agent for in-tank flush toilets, a cleaning agent for the rim of a flush toilet, a cleaning agent used by adhering to the surface of a toilet bowl, etc.

An on-tank flush toilet cleaner is a cleaner that is placed above the hand-washing section of a flush toilet. When a container containing the cleaner composition comes into contact with flush water supplied to the hand-washing section, the cleaner composition flows out of the container, and the flush water with the cleaner composition dissolved in it is released into the toilet bowl, thereby cleaning the toilet bowl. When the cleaner composition of the present disclosure is used as an on-tank flush toilet cleaner, the cleaner composition of the present disclosure is preferably in liquid or solid form.

A flush toilet in-tank cleaner is a cleaner that is placed in the flush toilet's water tank and used. Upon contact with flush water in the water tank, the cleaner composition dissolves, and upon flushing, the flush water with the detergent composition dissolved in it is released into the toilet bowl, thereby cleaning the bowl. When the detergent composition of the present disclosure is used as an in-tank cleaner for a flush toilet, it is preferably in solid form.

A cleaning agent for flush toilet rims is attached to the rim of a flush toilet and cleans the toilet bowl when flush water released into the toilet bowl comes into contact with a container containing the cleaning composition, causing the cleaning composition to flow out of the container and releasing the flush water into the toilet bowl with the cleaning composition dissolved in it. When the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is used as a cleaning agent for flush toilet rims, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is preferably in liquid or solid form.

A cleaning agent used by adhering to the toilet surface is a cleaning agent that is installed in a state where it is adhered to the toilet surface, and when it comes into contact with flush water released into the toilet during flushing, the cleaning agent composition dissolves in the flush water, thereby cleaning the toilet. When the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is used as a cleaning agent by adhering to the toilet surface, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is preferably in a gel form in order to provide adhesion to the toilet surface.

Furthermore, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure can be inhibited from discoloring (yellowing) over time, which has the advantage that it can be stably maintained without impairing the appearance even when stored in a container with a transparent storage section (storage section for storing the cleaning composition) that allows the interior to be seen. Therefore, a suitable example of a container for storing the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is a container with a transparent storage section. Here, "transparent" includes both colorless transparent and colored transparent.

In addition, containers with a transparent blue storage section are considered unsuitable for storing cleaning compositions that tend to yellow over time, as the color change is easily noticeable when the cleaning composition stored in the storage section turns yellow. However, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure can suppress discoloration (yellowing) over time, so the appearance can be maintained stably even when stored in a container with a transparent blue storage section. Therefore, a suitable example of a container for storing the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is a container with a transparent blue storage section.

The material from which the container for holding the cleaning composition of the present disclosure is made is not particularly limited, but typically, a hard resin or metal can be used. From the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration (yellowing) over time, the container is preferably made from a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, or polypropylene, and more preferably polyethylene terephthalate.

2. Method for Inhibiting Discoloration The present disclosure provides a method for inhibiting discoloration of a cleaning composition containing a floral fragrance blend containing linalool and a quaternary ammonium salt, wherein the floral fragrance blend is a floral fragrance blend containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal.

3. Method for Inhibiting Metal Dissolution The present disclosure provides a method for inhibiting the dissolution of metals (e.g., stainless steel, iron, steel, magnesium, silver, aluminum, zinc, etc.) contained in objects to be cleaned with a detergent composition containing a floral blended fragrance containing linalool and a quaternary ammonium salt. The method is characterized in that the floral blended fragrance contains linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal.

The contents of linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal used in the method, the content of floral fragrance, the type and content of quaternary ammonium salt, the type and content of other ingredients that can be incorporated into the detergent composition, the form of the detergent composition, and the objects to be cleaned are as described above in the section "1. Detergent Composition."

The following examples illustrate the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

Test Example 1
<Fragrance evaluation of floral blended fragrances>
A floral blend fragrance containing linalool and each fragrance component constituting a floral note (2,3-dihydrofarnesal, hexenal, decenal, or 2-phenylethanol) was evaluated to determine whether it exhibits a fragrance note similar to that of a floral blend fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol, a fragrance component that exhibits a sweet scent.

(Evaluation method)
Fragrance Samples 1 to 5 shown in Table 1 were prepared. Each of the prepared fragrance samples 1 to 5 was filled into a sample bottle (screw tube No. 3). Scented paper was then inserted into the sample bottle to allow the fragrance to soak in. The scented paper soaked in the fragrance was then placed in a 1000 L stainless steel sensory box, and after 15 minutes, a sensory evaluation was performed.
Eight expert panelists evaluated the fragrance quality, floral impression, and preference of each fragrance sample. Each panelist rated the fragrance quality, floral impression, and preference in increments of 0.25.
Regarding the quality of the fragrance, the panelists rated it as "5" if they felt that the fragrance quality was the same as that of Fragrance Sample 1 (reference fragrance), and rated it as "1" if they felt that the fragrance quality had changed the most compared to Fragrance Sample 1.
Regarding the floral scent, the panelists rated the scent as "5" if they felt it had the same floral scent as Fragrance Sample 1 (reference fragrance), and rated it as "1" if they felt the floral scent had changed the most compared to Fragrance Sample 1.
Regarding preference, the panelists rated the fragrance sample as "0" if they perceived it to have the same preference as fragrance sample 1 (reference fragrance), rated it as a positive value with an upper limit of "+2" if they perceived it to have better preference than fragrance sample 1, and rated it as a negative value with a lower limit of "-2" if they perceived it to have worse preference than fragrance sample 1.
In the evaluation of fragrance samples 2 to 5, the minimum and maximum evaluation values were excluded, and the average of the remaining values was used as the evaluation value for each fragrance sample.
Fragrance samples 2 to 5 were then evaluated according to the following criteria to see whether they exhibited the same fragrance notes as fragrance sample 1 (reference fragrance).
Fragrance quality: If the fragrance quality value is 4.00 or higher, it is determined that the fragrance has the same fragrance quality as fragrance sample 1 (reference fragrance), and if the fragrance quality value is less than 4.00, it is determined that the fragrance has a different fragrance quality from fragrance sample 1 (reference fragrance).
Floral impression: If the floral impression value is 4.00 or higher, it is determined that the fragrance sample exhibits the same floral impression as fragrance sample 1 (reference fragrance), and if the floral impression value is less than 4.00, it is determined that the fragrance sample exhibits a different floral impression from fragrance sample 1 (reference fragrance).
Preference: If the preference value is within the range of ±0.50, it is determined that the preference is the same as that of fragrance sample 1 (reference fragrance), and if the preference value is outside the range of ±0.50, it is determined that the preference is different from that of fragrance sample 1 (reference fragrance).

(Evaluation results)
As shown in Table 1, the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal (Fragrance Sample 2) was judged to have the same fragrance quality, floral impression, and preference as the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol (Fragrance Sample 1, the reference fragrance). Therefore, it was found that the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal exhibits a similar fragrance note to the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol. However, the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and hexenal (Fragrance Sample 3), the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and decenal (Fragrance Sample 4), and the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and 2-phenylethanol (Fragrance Sample 5) were determined to differ from the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol (Fragrance Sample 1, the reference fragrance) in at least one of fragrance quality, floral impression, and preference. Thus, it was found that the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and hexenal, decenal, or 2-phenylethanol exhibits a different fragrance note from the floral blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol.

Test Example 2
Each of the cleaning compositions shown in Table 2 was prepared. Immediately after preparation, each cleaning composition was colorless and transparent. Details of each component shown in Table 2 are as follows.
Floral blend fragrance A contains 1.2% by weight of linalool and 0.12% by weight of 2,3-dihydrofarnesal.
Floral blended fragrance B contains 1.2% by weight of linalool and 0.36% by weight of ethyl maltol. The other fragrance ingredients contained in floral blended fragrance B are the same as the other fragrance ingredients contained in floral blended fragrance A.
The polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether A is a compound represented by the following general formula (1):
R ¹ -O-[(EO)n/(PO)m]-H (1)
[In general formula (1), ^R1 represents a branched alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms, EO represents an oxyethylene group, PO represents an oxypropylene group, n represents the average number of moles of EO added which is 15, m represents the average number of moles of PO added which is 5, and [(EO)n/(PO)m] represents random addition of EO and PO.]
Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether B is a compound represented by the above general formula (1), in which R ¹ is a linear alkyl group having 12 or 13 carbon atoms, n is in the range of 1 to 30, and m is in the range of 1 to 15, and is a random adduct of EO and PO.
Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether C is a compound represented by the above general formula (1), in which ^R1 is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, n is in the range of 5 to 30, and m is in the range of more than 0 but not more than 30, and is a random adduct of EO and PO.

The prepared cleaning compositions were evaluated as follows.
<Evaluation of discoloration of cleaning composition>
Immediately after preparation, 60 ml of each detergent composition was placed in a 75 ml polyethylene terephthalate container and stored at 60°C under light-shielded conditions for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of storage, the appearance of the detergent composition was observed, and the discoloration-inhibiting effect was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2.
(Criteria for determining discoloration prevention effect)
A: No yellowing was observed and there was no problem with the product.
B: A slight yellowing is observed, but this does not pose a problem for the product.
C: Obvious yellowing was observed and the product was unsuitable.
D: Significant yellowing was observed and the product was unsuitable.

<Evaluation of SUS reactivity>
20 g of each prepared cleaning composition was placed in a 70 ml glass container. A stainless steel specimen (SUS304, manufactured by Nippon Test Panel Co., Ltd., length 5 cm × width 1.25 cm) was then immersed about halfway lengthwise into the cleaning composition in the glass container and stored at 60°C for 6 hours. After 6 hours, the immersed portion of the stainless steel specimen was observed, and the SUS reactivity was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2.
(Evaluation criteria for SUS reactivity)
A: No change was observed in the immersed portion of the SUS piece.
B: Metal dissolved from the immersed part of the SUS piece, and the color of the detergent composition was slightly discolored.

<Evaluation of SUS discoloration>
20 g of each prepared cleaning composition was placed in a 70 ml glass container. A stainless steel piece (SUS304, manufactured by Nippon Test Panel Co., Ltd., length 5 cm × width 1.25 cm) was then immersed about halfway lengthwise into the cleaning composition in the glass container and stored at 60°C for 6 hours. After 6 hours, the stainless steel piece was removed, and the colors of the immersed and non-immersed portions were observed. The SUS discoloration was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2.
(Evaluation criteria for SUS discoloration)
A: No difference in color was observed between the immersed and non-immersed portions of the SUS specimen, and no discoloration was observed in the detergent composition.
B: A clear difference in color was observed between the immersed and non-immersed parts of the SUS piece, and discoloration was observed in the detergent composition.

The cleaning compositions of Examples 1 to 3 were found to have a fragrance similar to that of a floral-based blended fragrance containing linalool and ethyl maltol, and to be able to effectively inhibit discoloration of the composition over time and dissolution of SUS. In particular, the cleaning composition of Example 1 was able to effectively inhibit discoloration of the composition over time, as well as dissolution and discoloration of SUS. The cleaning compositions of Comparative Examples 1 to 6 contained a floral-based blended fragrance containing ethyl maltol and a quaternary ammonium salt disinfectant, and therefore caused significant yellowing of the composition and dissolution or discoloration of SUS.

Formulation Examples Each cleaning composition was prepared according to the formulation shown in Table 3. Each of the prepared cleaning compositions had the effect of inhibiting discoloration of the composition, and the effect of effectively inhibiting SUS reactivity and SUS discoloration, similar to Example 1 of Test Example 2. Furthermore, even when evaluation was performed using steel pieces, magnesium pieces, silver pieces, aluminum pieces, or zinc pieces instead of SUS pieces, each of the prepared cleaning compositions similarly had the effect of effectively inhibiting metal reactivity and metal discoloration.

Claims (5)

A cleaning composition containing a floral fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal, and a quaternary ammonium salt. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium salt comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and dialkyl (C8-C22)dimethylammonium methyl sulfate. The cleaning composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is used to clean a flush toilet bowl. A method for inhibiting discoloration of a cleaning composition containing a floral fragrance containing linalool and a quaternary ammonium salt, comprising:
The discoloration suppression method, wherein the floral blend fragrance is a floral blend fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal. A method for inhibiting dissolution of metals contained in an object to be washed with a detergent composition containing a floral-based blended fragrance containing linalool and a quaternary ammonium salt, comprising:
The method for inhibiting dissolution of metals, wherein the floral blend fragrance is a floral blend fragrance containing linalool and 2,3-dihydrofarnesal.