WO1997034984A1

WO1997034984A1 - Detergent compositions containing diaminoalkyl disulphosuccinated sequestrants

Info

Publication number: WO1997034984A1
Application number: PCT/EP1997/001065
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eddie Nelson Gutierrez; Robert Charles Vermeer; Shang-Ren Wu
Original assignee: Unilever NV
Current assignee: Unilever NV
Priority date: 1996-03-21
Filing date: 1997-03-03
Publication date: 1997-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 1998-09-21
Also published as: AU1880397A

Abstract

Detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen bleach compounds, containing a surfactant, builder and from about 0.1 % to about 50 % by weight diaminoalkyl di(sulfosuccinate) (DDSS) or salts thereof are disclosed. These compositions provide enhanced removal of organic stains, particularly on polyphenolic stains such as black currant juice, morello juice, blueberry juice, red wine, tomato, strawberry, peach, mango, tea and coffee. Improvement was also demonstrated on certain non-polyphenolic stains such as blood, grass, carbon black/olive oil and spinach.

Description

DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING DIAMINOALKYL DISULPHOSUCCINATED SEQUESTRANTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved laundry detergent compositions. Specifically, it relates to laundry detergent compositions, substantially free of peroxygen bleach compounds, containing diaminoalkyl disulfosuccinates (DDSS) or its salts, which assist in the removal of food, beverage, and certain other organic stains from fabrics during the laundry process. DDSS can be used as a

replacement for all or part of the phosphonate chelants currently used in many existing laundry products, thereby yielding detergent formulations having reduced phosphorus content.

Recently, in some geographical areas, there has been a growing concern regarding the use of phosphorus-containing compounds in laundry detergent compositions because of some evidence that links such compounds to the eutrophication of lakes and streams. While it is not clear whether or not this link is really significant, some governmental bodies have begun to restrict the phosphorus content of detergent compositions, necessitating the formulation of laundry

detergents containing chelants less effective than the conventionally-used phosphonates or polyphosphonates. These requirements have complicated the formulation of effective and appropriately priced laundry detergent compositions. It would, therefore, be highly desirable to be able to

formulate detergent compositions substantially free of peroxygen bleach compounds which contain reduced levels of phosphorous-containing components, but which still exhibit excellent cleaning and stain removal performance. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide novel laundry detergent compositions which exhibit improved stain and soil removal characteristics. It is another object of the present invention to provide novel laundry detergent compositions substantially free of peroxygen bleach compounds which still exhibit excellent cleaning and stain removal performance. It is a final object of the present invention to provide novel laundry detergent compositions which contain diamino alkyl di (sulfosuccinate) (DDSS), a nil-phosphorous chelant.

These and other objects of the invention will be more readily apparent in the description that follows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of aminopolycarboxylates as laundry detergent additives is generally disclosed in the art. For example, the prior art described laundry detergent compositions which include nitrilotriacetates (NTA), ethylenediamine- tetraacetates (EDTA) , diethylenetriaminepentaacetates (DTPA), and hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriaacetates (HEDTA), triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid (TTHA) and

ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS).

U.S. Patent No. 4,560,492, discloses laundry detergent compositions containing an aluminosilicate or organic detergency builder and from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of HEDTA. The list of suitable organic detergency builders disclosed includes aminopolycarboxylates such as NTA, EDTA, and DTPA.

U.S. Patent No. 4,397,776, discloses liquid laundry detergent compositions having a pH between 9 and 13, containing alpha-amme oxide surfactants and from about 0.01% to about 25% by weight of a heavy-metal chelating agent. The preferred chelating agents include aminopolycarboxylates such as NTA, EDTA, DTPA, and HEDTA.

U.S. Patent No. 3,920,564 discloses softener/ detergent formulations containing surfactants, quaternary ammonium or diamine fabric softeners, and a builder salt selected from aminopolycarboxylates and/or sodium citrate. Examples of suitable aminopolycarboxylates include NTA, EDTA, and HEDTA.

U.S. Patent No. 3,151,084, discloses

alkylbenzenesulfonate-containmg detergent compositions in which solubility is said to be improved by the addition of a mixture of EDTA and a solubilizmg agent selected from salts of N,N-dι (2-hydroxyethyl) glycine, iminodiacetic acid, NTA, and HEDTA.

U.S. Patent No. 3,957,775 discloses methods of preparing monoammoalkyl sulfosuccmates and monoaminoalkyl

sulfosuccmates.

U.S. Patent No. 4,704,233 discloses detergent compositions containing ethylenediamme N-N' disuccinic acid (EDDS) and salts.

U.S. Patent No. 5,472,642 discloses diaminoethyl

di (sulfosuccinate) compounds useful as builders, along with a method of preparation and detergent compositions comprising them. This patent, however, fails to recognize the unique stain removal properties of DDSS. Furthermore, this

reference discloses detergent compositions which include peroxygen bleaching agents which are useful in removing stain from the fabric by bleaching action. The compositions of the present invention are substantially free of peroxygen bleaching agents and exhibit excellent stain removal

characteristics without bleaching action. Accordingly, none of the above patents or applications disclose the improved compositions of the present invention or recognize the unique fabric stain removal properties of DDSS in the context of laundry detergent compositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The compositions of this invention are laundry detergents comprising:

(a) from about 1% to about 75% by weight of a detergent surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, ampholytic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof;

(b) from about 5% to about 80% by weight of a primary detergency builder;

(c) from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight, preferably 0.2% to about 25% by weight, of DDSS, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof; and

(d) the remainder is water and additional optional detersive ingredients.

The DDSS compounds of the present invention are of the general formula:

wherein M is alkali or alkaline earth metal but preferably sodium; and wherein R₁ is optionally present as CHOH or CH₂ and R₂ is H. When R₁ is not present, the chain is simply an

ethylenediamine group connecting two sulfosuccinate groups and R₂ is methyl or hydrogen. Preferably, R₁ is not present and R₂ is hydrogen so that the two sulfosuccinate groups are connected by an

ethylenediamine bridge. The compounds which may be included in the above general formula are the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts (preferably sodium salts) of

ethylenediamine di(sulfosuccinate), 1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinate), 1,2-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinate), 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinate) and the like.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved novel laundry detergent compositions containing a nil-phosphorus chelant, DDSS which possess improved stain removal characteristics and is substantially free of peroxygen bleaching agents.

This and other objects as well as additional advantages will appear as the description proceeds. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The essential and less essential components of the present invention are described in detail below.

All percentages are % by weight unless stated otherwise.

The Detergent Surfactant: The amount of detergent surfactant included in the detergent compositions of the present invention can vary from about 1% to about 75% by weight of the composition depending upon the particular surfactant(ss ) used, the type of

composition to be formulated (e.g., granular, liquid, etc.) and the effects desired. Preferably, the detergent

surfactant(s) comprises from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the composition. The detergent surfactant can be

nonionic, anionic, ampholytic, zwitterionic, or cationic. Mixtures of these surfactants can also be used.

A. Nonionic surfactants;

Suitable nonionic surfactants are generally disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, Laughlin et al., issued December 30, 1975, at column 13, line 14 through column 16, line 6, incorporated herein by reference. Classes of useful nonionic surfactants include: 1. The polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to 12 carbon atoms in either a straight chain or branched chain configuration with ethylene oxide, the ethylene oxide being present in an amount equal to from about 5 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol. Examples of compounds of this type include nonyl phenol condensed with about 9.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol; dodecyl phenol condensed with about 12 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol, dinonyl phenol condensed with about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol; and dnsooctyl phenol condensed with about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol. Commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include Igepal CO-630, marketed by the GAF Corporation; and Triton X-45, X-114, X-100, and X-102, all marketed by the Rohm & Haas Company.

2. The condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms with from about 4 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of such ethoxylated alcohols include the condensation product of myristyl alcohol with about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol; and the condensation product of coconut alcohol (a mixture of fatty alcohols with alkyl chains varying in length from 10 to 14 carbon atoms) with about 9 moles of ethylene oxide. Examples of

commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include Tergitol 15-S-9 (the condensation product of C₁₁-C₁₅ linear alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), marketed by Union Carbide Corporation; Neodol 45-9 (the condensation product of C₁₄-C₁₅ linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide, Neodol 23-6.5 (the condensation product of C₁₂-C₁₃ linear alcohol with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide), Neodol 45-7 (the condensation product of C₁₄-C₁₅ linear alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide), and Neodol 45-4 (the condensation product of C₁₄-C₁₅ linear alcohol with 4 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by Shell Chemical Company. 3. The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol. The hydrophobic portion of these compounds has a molecular weight of from about 1500 to about 1800 and exhibits 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 liquid character of the product is retained up to the point where the polyoxyethylene content is about 50% of the total weight of the condensation product, which corresponds to condensation with up to about 40 moles of ethylene oxide. Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the commercially available Pluronic surfactants, marketed by Wyandotte Chemical Corporation.

4. The condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. The hydrophobic moiety of these products consists of the reaction product of ethylenediamine and excess propylene oxide, and generally has a molecular weight of from about 2500 to about 3000. This hydrophobic moiety is condensed with ethylene oxide to the extent that the

condensation product contains from about 40% to about 80% by weight of polyoxyethylene and has a molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 11,000. Examples of this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the commercially available Tetronic compounds, marketed by Wyandotte Chemical Corporation. 5. Semi-polar nonionic surfactants which include water- soluble amine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms;

water-soluble phosphine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl moieties of from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Preferred semi-polar nonionic detergent surfactants are the amine oxide surfactants having the formula:

wherein R³ is an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or alkyl phenyl group or mixtures thereof containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; R⁴ is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing from about 2 to about 3 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof; x is from 0 to about 3; and each R⁵ is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms or a polyethylene oxide group containing from about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. R⁵ groups can be attached to each other, e.g., through an oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure. Preferred amine oxide surfactants are C₁₀-C₁₈

alkyldimethylamine oxides and C₈-C₁₂

alkoxyethyldihydroxyethylamine oxides.

6. Alkylpolysaccharides disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,565,647, Llenado, issued January 21, 1986, having a hydrophobic group containing from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group containing from about 1 ½ to about 10, preferably from about 1 ½ to about 3, most preferably from about 1.6 to about 2.7 saccharide units. Any reducing saccharide containing 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-, 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.

Optionally, and less desirably, there can be a

polyalkylene oxide chain joining the hydrophobic moiety and the polysaccharide moiety. The preferred alkyleneoxide is ethylene oxide. Typical hydrophobic groups include alkyl groups, either saturated or unsaturated, branched or

unbranched containing from about 8 to about 18, preferably from about 10 to about 16, carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl group is a straight chain saturated alkyl group. The alkyl group can contain up to 3 hydroxy groups and/or the polyalkyleneoxide chain can contain up to about 10,

preferably less than 5, alkyleneoxide moieties. Suitable alkyl polysaccharides are octyl, nonyldecyl, undecyldodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, and octadecyl, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexaglucosides, galactosides, lactosides, glucoses, fructosides, fructoses and/or galactoses. Suitable mixtures include coconut alkyl, di-, tri-, tetra-, and penta-glucosides and tallow alkyl tetra-, penta-, and hexaglycosides. The preferred

alkylpolyglycosides have the formula:

R²O(C_nH_{2 n}O) _t(glycosyl) _x wherein R² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof in which the alkyl groups contain from about 10 to about 18, preferably from about 12 to about 14, carbon atoms; n is 2 or 3, preferably 2; t is from 0 to about 10, preferably 0; and x is from about 1½ to about 10, preferably from about 1½. to about 3, most preferably from about 1.6 to about 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 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 preceding glycosyl units 2-, 3-, 4- and/or 6-position, preferably predominately the 2-position. 7. The fatty acid amide surfactants having the formula:

wherein R⁶ is an alkyl group containing from about 7 to about 21 (preferably from about 9 to about 17) carbon atoms and each, R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl, and — (C₂H₄O) _xH where x varies from about 1 to about 3.

Preferred amides are C₈-C₂₀ ammonia amides,

monoethanolamides, diethanolamides, and isopropanolamides. 8. The polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants (alkyl glycamides) having the formula:

wherein: R¹ is H, C₁-C₄ hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2- hydroxypropyl, or a mixture thereof, preferably C₁-C₄ alkyl, more preferably C₁ or C₂ alkyl, most preferably C₁ alkyl (i.e., methyl); and R² is a C₅-C₃₁ hydrocarbyl, preferably straight chain C₇-C₁₉ alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight chain C₉-C₁₇ alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably straight chain C₁₁-C₁₅ alkyl or alkenyl, or mixtures thereof; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyl groups directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative (preferably

ethoxylated or propoxylated) thereof. Z preferably will be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction; more preferably Z will be a glycityl. Suitable reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, galactose, mannose, and xylose. As for raw materials, high dextrose corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and high maltose corn syrup can be utilized as well as the individual sugars listed above. These corn syrups may yield a mixture of sugar components for Z. It should be understood that it is by no means intended to exclude other suitable raw

materials. Z preferably will be selected from the group consisting of -CH₂-(CHOH) _n-CH₂OH, -CH(CH₂OH)-(CHOH) _n-1- CH₂OH, -CH₂-(CHOH) ₂(CHOR') (CHOH)-CH₂OH, and alkoxylated derivatives thereof, where n is an integer from 3 to 5, (inclusive) and R' is H or a cyclic or aliphatic

monosaccharide. Most preferred are glycityls wherein n is 4, particularly -CH₂-(CHOH) ₄-CH₂OH.

In the above formula R' can be, for example, N-methyl, N- ethyl, N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl, or N-2-hydroxypropyl.

R²-CO-N< can be, for example, cocamide, stearamide, oleamide, lauramide, myristamide, capricamide, palmitamide, tallowamide, etc. Z can be 1-deoxyglucityl, 2-deoxyfructityl, 1- deoxymaltityl, 1-deoxylactityl, 1-deoxygalactityl, 1- deoxymannityl, 1-deoxymaltotriotityl, etc. 9. The N-alkoxy and N-aryloxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants (alkyl glycamides) having the formula:

wherein R is C₇-C₂₁ hydrocarbyl, preferably C₉-C₁₇ hydrocarbyl, including straight-chain (preferred), branched- chain alkyl and alkenyl, as well as substituted alkyl and alkenyl, e.g., 12-hydroxy oleic, or mixtures thereof; R¹ is C₂-C₈ hydrocarbyl including straight-chain, branched-chain and cyclic (including aryl), and is preferably C₂-C₄ alkylene, i.e., -CH₂CH₂-, -CH ₂CH₂CH₂- and -CH₂(CH₂) ₂CH₂-; and R² is C₁-C₈ straight-chain, branched-chain and cyclic hydrocarbyl including aryl and oxy-hydrocarbyl, and is preferably C₁-C₄ alkyl or phenyl; and Z is a

polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 2 (in the case of glyceraldehyde) or at least 3 hydroxyls (in the case of other reducing sugars) directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative (preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated) thereof. Z

preferably will be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction; more preferably Z is a glycityl moiety. Suitable reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, galactose, mannose, and xylose, as well as glyceraldehyde. As for raw materials, high dextrose corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and high maltose corn syrup can be utilized as well as the individual sugars listed above. These corn syrups may yield a mix of sugar components for Z. It should be understood that it is by no means intended to exclude other suitable raw materials.

Z preferably will be selected from the group consisting of - CH₂-(CHOH) _n-CH₂OH, -CH(CH₂OH)-(CHOH) _n-1-CH₂OH, -CH₂- (CHOH) ₂(CHOR')(CHOH)-CH₂OH, where n is an integer from 1 to 5, inclusive, and R' is H or a cyclic mono- or

polysaccharide, and alkoxylated derivatives thereof. Most preferred are glycityls wherein n is 4, particularly -CH₂- (CHOH) ₄-CH₂OH.

In compounds of the above formula, nonlimiting examples of the amine substituents group -R¹O-R² can be, for example: 2-methoxyethyl-, 3-methoxy-propyl-, 4-methoxybutyl-, 5- methoxypentyl-, 6-methoxyhexyl-, 2-ethoxy-ethyl-,

3-ethoxypropyl-, 2-methoxyproρyl, methoxybenzyl-,

2-isopropoxyethyl-, 3-isopro-poxypropyl-, 2-(t-butoxy)ethyl-, 3-(t-butoxy)propyl-, 2-(isobutoxy)ethyl-, 3-(iso- butoxy)propyl-, 3-butoxypropyl, 2-butoxyethyl,

2-phenoxyethyl-, methoxycyclo-hexyl-,

methoxycyclohexylmethyl-, tetrahydrofurfuryl-,

tetrahydropyranyl-oxyethyl-, 3-[2-methoxyethoxy]propyl-,2-[2-methoxyethoxy]ethyl-, 3-[3-methoxypro-poxyl-propyl-, 2-[3-methoxypro-poxy]ethyl-, 3-

[methoxypolyethyleneoxy]propyl-, 3-[4-methoxybutoxy]propyl-, 3-[2-methoxyisopropoxy]propyl-, CH₃O-CH₂CH(CH₃)- and

CH₃-OCH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂-O-(CH₂) ₃-.

R-CO-N< can be, for example, cocamide, stearamide, oleamide, lauramide, myristamide, capricamide, palmitamide, tallowamide, ricinolamide, etc. Z can be 1-deoxyglucityl, 2-deoxyfructityl, 1- deoxymaltityl, 1-deoxylactityl, 1-deoxygalactityl, 1- deoxymannityl, 1-deoxymaltotriotityl, etc.

10. The aldonamides and aldobionamides disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,296,588; 5,336,765; 5,386,018; 5,389,279;

5,401,426 and 5,401,839 as well as WO 94/12511 which are all incorporated herein by reference.

Aldobionamides are defined as the amide of an aldobionic acid (or aldobionolactone) and an aldobionic acid is a sugar substance (e.g., any cyclic sugar comprising at least two saccharide units ) wherein the aldehyde group (generally found at the C₁ position of the sugar) has been replaced by a carboxylic acid, which upon drying cyclizes to an

aldonolactone. An aldobionamide may be based on compounds comprising two saccharide units (e.g., lactobionamides or maltobionamides, etc.) or they may be based on compounds comprising more than two saccharide units (e.g., maltotrionamides), as long as the terminal sugar in the polysaccharide has an aldehyde group. By definition an aldobionamide must have at least two saccharide units and cannot be linear. Disaccharide

compounds such as lactobionamides or maltobionamides are preferred compounds. Other examples of aldobionamides

(disaccharides) which may be used include cellobionamides, melibionamides and gentiobionamides.

A specific examples of an aldobionamide which may be used for purposes of the invention is the disaccharide

lactobionamide set forth below:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical (e.g., alkyl groups and alkene groups which groups may contain heteroatoms such as N, O or S or alkoxylated alkyl chains such as ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl groups, preferably an alkyl group having 6 to 24, preferably 8 to 18 carbons; an aromatic radical (including substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups and arenes); a cycloaliphatic radical; an amino acid ester, ether amines and mixtures thereof. It should be noted that R₁ and R₂ cannot be hydrogen at the same time.

S. Anionic surfactants:

Anionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention are generally disclosed in U.S. Patent No.

3,929,678, Laughlin et al., issued December 30, 1975, at column 23, line 58 through column 29, line 23, incorporated herein by reference. Classes of useful anionic surfactants include :

1. Ordinary alkali metal soaps, such as the sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkylolammonium salts of higher fatty acids containing from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms. Preferred alkali metal soaps are sodium laurate, sodium cocoate, sodium stearate, sodium oleate and potassium palmitate as well as fatty alcohol ether methylcarboxylates and their salts.

2. Water-soluble salts, preferably the alkali metal, ammonium and alkylolammonium salts, of organic sulfuric reaction products having in their molecular structure an alkyl group containing from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms and a sulfonic acid or sulfuric acid ester group. (Included in the term "alkyl" is the alkyl portion of acyl groups).

Examples of this group of anionic surfactants are the sodium and potassium alkyl sulfates, especially those obtained by sulfating the higher alcohol (C₈-C₁₈ carbon atoms) such as those produced by reducing the glycerides of tallow or coconut oil; and the sodium and potassium alkylbenzene sulfonates in which the alkyl group contains from about 9 to about 15 carbon atoms, in straight chain or branched chain configuration, e.g., those of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 2,220,099, Guenther et al., issued November 5, 1940, and U.S. Patent No. 2,477,383, Lewis, issued December 26, 1946. Especially useful are linear straight chain alkylbenzene sulfonates in which the average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is from about 11 to about 13, abbreviated as C₁₁-C₁₃ LAS.

Another group of preferred anionic surfactants of this type are the alkyl polyalkoxylate sulfates, particularly those in which the alkyl group contains from about 8 to about 22, preferably from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms, and wherein the polyalkoxylate chain contains from about 1 to about 15 ethoxylate and/or propoxylate moieties, preferably from about 1 to about 3 ethoxylate moieties. These anionic detergent surfactants are particularly desirable for

formulating heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent compositions.

Other anionic surfactants of this type include sodium alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, especially those ethers of higher alcohols derived from tallow and coconut oil; sodium coconut oil fatty acid monoglyceride sulfonates and sulfates; sodium or potassium salts of alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates containing from about 1 to about 10 units of ethylene oxide per molecule and wherein the alkyl groups contain from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms; and sodium or potassium salts of alkyl ethylene oxide ether sulfates containing about 1 to about 15 units of ethylene oxide per molecule and wherein the alkyl group contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms.

Also included are water-soluble salts of esters of alpha sulfonated fatty acids containing from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms in the fatty acid group and from about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms in the ester group; water-soluble salts of 2-acyloxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids containing from about 2 to about 9 carbon atoms in the acyl group and from about 9 to about 23 carbon atoms in the alkane moiety; water-soluble salts of olefin sulfonates containing from about 12 to about 24 carbon atoms; and beta alkyloxy alkane sulfonates

containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms in the alkane moiety as well as primary alkane sulfonates, secondary alkane sulfonates, α-sulfo fatty acid esters, sulfosuccinic acid alkyl esters, acylaminoalkane sulfonates (Taurides),

sarcosinates and sulfated alkyl glycamides.

Particularly preferred surfactants for use herein include alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates and mixtures thereof. Mixtures of these anionic surfactants with a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of C₁₀-C₂₀ alcohols ethoxylated with an average of from about 4 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol are particularly preferred.

3. Anionic phosphate surfactants such as the alkyl phosphates and alkyl ether phosphates.

4. N-alkyl substituted succinamates.

C. Ampholytic Surfactants:

Ampholytic surfactants can be broadly described as aliphatic derivatives of secondary or tertiary amines, or aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphatic radical can be straight or branched chain and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains an anionic water- solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate or sulfate. See U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, Laughlin et al., issued December 30, 1975, column 19, line 38 through column 22, line 48, incorporated herein by reference, for examples of ampholytic surfactants useful herein. D. Zwitterionic SurfactantsL

Zwitterionic surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sultonium compounds. See U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, Laughlin et al., issued December 30, 1975, column 19, line 38 through column 22, line 48, incorporated herein by reference, for examples of zwitterionic surfactants useful herein.

E. cationic Surfactants:

Cationic surfactants can also be included in detergent compositions of the present invention. Cationic surfactants comprise a wide variety of compounds characterized by one or more organic hydrophobic groups in the cation and generally by a quaternary nitrogen associated with an acid radical. Pentavalent nitrogen ring compounds are also considered quaternary nitrogen compounds. Suitable anions are halides, methyl sulfate and hydroxide. Tertiary amines can have characteristics similar to cationic surfactants at washing solutions pH values less than about 8.5.

Suitable cationic surfactants include the quaternary ammonium surfactants having the formula:

[R²(OR³) _y][R⁴(OR³) _y] ₂R⁵N⁺X- wherein R² is an alkyl or alkyl benzyl group having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain; each R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of

-CH₂CH₂- , - CH₂CH (CH₃)- , - CH₂CH (CH-OH)- , and — CH ₂CH ₂CH ₂-, each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, ring structures formed by joining the two R⁴ groups,

- CH₂CHOHCHOHCOR⁶CHOHCH₂OH wherein R⁶ is any hexose or hexose polymer having a molecular weight less than about

1000, and hydrogen when y is not 0; R⁵ is the same as R⁴ or is an alkyl chain wherein the total number of carbon atoms of R² plus R⁵ is not more than about 18, each y is from 0 to about 10 and the sum of the y values is from 0 to about 15; and X is any compatible anion.

Preferred examples of the above compounds are the alkyl quaternary ammonium surfactants, especially the monolong chain alkyl surfactants described in the above formula when R⁵ is selected from the same groups as R⁴. The most

preferred quaternary ammonium surfactants are the chloride, bromide, and methylsulfate C₈-C₁₆ alkyl trimethylammonium salts, C₈-C₁₆ alkyl di (hydroxy-ethyl)methylammonium salts, the C₈-C₁₆ alkyloxypropyltrimethylammonium salts. Of the above, decyl trimethylammonium methylsulfate, lauryl

trimethylammonium chloride, myristyl trimethylammonium bromide and coconut trimethylammonium chloride and

methylsulfate are particularly preferred. A more complete disclosure of cationic surfactants useful herein can be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,228,044, Cambre, issued October 14, 1980, incorporated herein by reference.

Detergent Builders:

Detergent compositions of the present invention contain inorganic and/or organic detergent builders to assist in mineral hardness control. These builders comprise from about 5% to about 80% by weight of the compositions. Built liquid formulations preferably comprise from about 7% to about 30% by weight of detergent builder, while built granular

formulations preferably comprise from about 10% to about 50% by weight of detergent builder.

Suitable detergent builders include crystalline

alummosilicate ion exchange materials having the formula:

Na_y[(AlO₂) _z(SiO₂)]xH₂O wherein z and y are at least about 6, the mole ratio of z to y is from about 1.0 to about 0.5; and x is from about 10 to about 264. Amorphous hydrated alummosilicate materials useful herein have the empirical formula

M_y(zAlO₂ySiO₂) wherein M is sodium, potassium, ammonium, or substituted ammonium, z is from about 0.5 to about 2; and y is 1; this material having a magnesium ion exchange capacity of at least about 50 milligram equivalents of CaCO₃ hardness per gram of anhydrous alummosilicate.

The aluminosilicate ion exchange builder materials are in hydrated form and contain from about 10% to about 28% of water by weight if crystalline, and potentially even higher amounts of water if amorphous. Highly preferred crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials contain from about 18% to about 22% water in their crystal matrix. The preferred crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are further characterized by a particle size diameter of from about 0.1 micron to about 10 microns. Amorphous materials are often smaller, e.g., down to less than about 0.01 micron.

More preferred ion exchange materials have a particle size diameter of from about 0.2 micron to about 4 microns. The term "particle size diameter" represents the average particle size diameter of a given ion exchange material as determined by conventional analytical techniques such as, for example, microscopic determination utilizing a scanning electron microscope. The crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are usually further characterized by their calcium ion exchange capacity, which is at least about 200 mg.

equivalent of CaCO₃ water hardness/g of aluminosilicate, calculated on an anhydrous basis, and which generally is in the range of from about 300 mg eq/g to about 352 mg eq/g.

The aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are still further characterized by their calcium ion exchange rate which is at least about 2 grains Ca++/gallon/minute/gram/gallon of aluminosilicate (anhydrous basis), and generally lies within the range of from about 2 grains/gallon/minute/gram/gallon to about 6/grains/gallon/minute/gram/ gallon, based on calcium ion hardness. Optimum aluminosilicates for builder purposes exhibit a calcium ion exchange rate of at least about 4 grains/galIon/ minute/gram/galIon.

The amorphous aluminosilicate ion exchange materials usually have a Mg++ exchange capacity of at least about 50 mg eq CaCo₃/g (12mg Mg++/g) and a Mg++ exchange rate of at least about 1 grain/gallon/minute/gram/gallon. Amorphous materials do not exhibit an observable diffraction pattern when examined by Cu radiation (1.54 Angstrom Units).

Useful aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are

commercially available. These aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally- occurring aluminosilicates or synthetically derived. A method for producing aluminosilicate ion exchange materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,985,669, Krummel et al., issued October 12, 1976, incorporated herein by reference. Preferred synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials useful herein are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), and Zeolite X. In an especially preferred embodiment, the crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange material has the formula:

Na₁₂[(AlO₂) ₁₂(SiO₂) ₁₂]xH₂O wherein x is from about 20 to about 30, especially about

27.

Other detergency builders useful in the present invention include the alkali metal silicates, alkali metal carbonates, phosphates, polyphosphates, phosphonates, polyphosphonic acids, C_10-18 alkyl monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, alkali metal ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof and mixtures thereof. Preferred are the alkali metal, especially sodium, salts of the above.

Specific examples of inorganic phosphate builders are sodium and potassium tripolyphosphate, pyrophosphate, polymeric metaphate having a degree of polymerization of from about 6 to about 21, and orthophosphate. Examples of polyphosphonate builders are the sodium and potassium salts of ethylene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, the sodium and potassium salts of ethane 1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid and the sodium and potassium salts of ethane 1,1,2-triphosphonic acid. Other suitable phosphorus builder compounds are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,159,571, Diehl, issued

December 1,1964; U.S. Patent No. 3,213,030, Diehl, issued October 19, 1965; U.S. Patent No. 3,400,148, Quimby, issued September 3, 1968; U.S. Patent No. 3,400,176, Quimby, issued September 3, 1968; U.S. Patent No. 3,422,021, Roy, issued January 14, 1969; and U.S. Patent No. 3,422,137, Quimby, issued September 3, 1968; all herein incorporated by

reference. However, while suitable for use in compositions of the invention, one of the advantages of the present invention is that effective detergent compositions can be formulated using minimum levels or in the complete absence of phosphonates and phosphates.

The DDSS sequestrants will provide improved stain and soil removal benefits in the presence and absence of phosphonate and/or phosphate builders or chelants. Examples of nonphosphorus, inorganic builders are sodium and potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, tetraborate decahydrate, and silicate having a mole ratio of SiO₂ to alkali metal oxide of from about 0.5 to about 4.0, preferably from about 1.0 to about 2.4.

Useful water-soluble, nonphosphorus organic builders include the various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium polyacetates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyhydroxysulfonates. Examples of polyacetate and

polycarboxylate builders are the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, and citric acid. For purposes of defining the invention, the organic detergent builder component which may be used herein does not comprise diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinate) (DDSS) or salts thereof.

Highly preferred polycarboxylate builders are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,308,067, Diehl, issued March 7, 1967, incorporated herein by reference. Such materials include the water-soluble salts of homo- and copolymers of aliphatic carboxylic acids such as maleic acid, itaconic acid,

mesaconic acid, fumaric acid, aconitic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid.

Other builders include the carboxylated carbohydrates disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,723,322, Diehl, issued March 28, 1973, incorporated by reference herein.

A class of useful phosphorus-free detergent builder materials have been found to be ether polycarboxylates. A number of ether polycarboxylates have been disclosed for use as detergent builders. Examples of useful ether

polycarboxylates include oxydisuccinate, as disclosed in

Berg, U.S. Patent No, 3,128,287, issued April 7, 1964, and Lamberti et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,635,830, issued January 18, 1972, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A specific type of ether polycarboxylates useful as builders in the present invention are those having the general formula:

wherein A is H or OH ; B is H or

and X is H or a salt-forming cation. For example, if in the above general formula A and B are both H, then the compound is oxydisuccinic acid and its water-soluble salts. If A is OH and B is H, then the compound is tartrate monosuccinic acid (TMS) and its water soluble salts. If A is H and B is

then the compound is tartrate disuccinic acid (TDS) and its water-soluble salts. Mixtures of these builders are

especially preferred for use herein. Particularly preferred are mixtures of TMS and TDS in a weight ratio of TMS to TDS of from about 97:3 to about 20:80.

Suitable ether polycarboxylates also include cyclic compounds, particularly alicyclic compounds, sμch as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,923,679; 3,835,163;

4,158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903, all of which are

incorporated herein by reference. Other useful detergency builders include the ether

hydroxypolycarboxylates represented by the structure:

wherein M is hydrogen or a cation wherein the resultant salt is water soluble, preferably an alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium cation, n is from about 2 to about 15 (preferably n is from about 2 to about 10, more preferably n averages from about 2 to about 4) and each R is the same or different and selected from hydrogen, C_1-4 alkyl or C_1-4 substituted alkyl (preferably R is hydrogen).

Also suitable in the detergent compositions of the present invention are the 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa-1,6-hexanedioates and the related compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,566,984, Bush, issued January 28, 1986, incorporated herein by

reference. Other useful builders include the C₅-C₂₀ alkyl succinic acids and salts thereof. A particularly preferred compound of this type is dodecenylsuccinic acid.

Useful builders also include sodium and potassium

carboxymethyloxy-malonate, carboxymethyloxysuccinate, cis- cyclohexanehexacarboxylate, cis-cyclopentanetetracarboxylate, phloroglucinol trisulfonate, water soluble poly-acrylates (having molecular weights of from about 2,000 to about

200,000, for example), and the copolymers of maleic anhydride with vinyl methyl ether or ethylene.

Other suitable polycarboxylates are the polyacetal carboxylates disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,144,226, Crutchfield et al., issued March 13, 1979, incorporated herein by reference. These polyacetal carboxylates can be prepared by bringing together, under polymerization

conditions, an ester of glyoxylic acid and a polymerization initiator. The resulting polyacetal carboxylate ester is then attached to chemically stable end groups to stabilize the polyacetal carboxylate against rapid depolymerization in alkaline solution, converted to the corresponding salt, and added to a surfactant.

Especially useful detergency builders include the C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic (fatty) acids and salts thereof. These fatty acids can be derived from animal and vegetable fats and oils, such as tallow, coconut oil and palm oil. Suitable saturated fatty acids can also be synthetically prepared

(e.g., via the oxidation of petroleum or by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide via the Fisher-Tropsch process).

Particularly preferred C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids are saturated coconut fatty acids, palm kernel fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

Other useful detergency builder materials are the "seeded builder" compositions disclosed in Belgian Patent No.

798,836, published October 29, 1973, incorporated herein by reference. Specific examples of such seeded builder mixtures are 3:1 wt. mixtures of sodium carbonate and calcium

carbonate having 5 micron particle diameter; 2.7:1 wt.

mixtures of sodium sesquicarbonate and calcium carbonate having a particle diameter of 0.5 microns; 20:1 wt. mixtures of sodium sesquicarbonate and calcium hydroxide having a particle diameter of

0.01 micron; and a 3:3:1 wt. mixture of sodium carbonate, sodium aluminate and calcium oxide having a particle diameter of 5 microns. Diaminoalkyl Di ( sulfosuccinates);

Preparation of Diaminoalkyl Di (sulfosuccinates)

Sulfur trioxide reacts with maleic anhydride to afford sulfomaleic anhydride (SMA) according to the following reaction scheme:

Because of the presence of the sulfonic acid group, SMA is a much more reactive electrophile than maleic anhydride and will therefore react rapidly with nucleophiles (such as amines, diamines and the like) under aqueous Michael

conditions. Diamine derivatives such as ethylenediamine, 1,3- propylenediamine, 1,2-propylenediamine, 2-hydroxy-1,3- propylenediamine and the like add rapidly to either the sodium or calcium salts of SMA.

The following reaction scheme illustrates the production ethylenediamine di (sulfosuccinate).

Ethylenediamine di (sulfosuccinate) (EDDSS) has eight ligands for binding which make this material a good builder.

Amino based sulfosuccinates are produced by reacting either an amine or amine carboxylate((s) with the sulfomaleate at pHs of about 9-12 at about 25-30°C. Either calcium or sodium salts or mixtures of both can be employed, however, it is more convenient to use the sodium salt because the amine builders appear to complex calcium strongly, which build detergent systems. The method of the invention produces a mixture of (RS), (SR), (RR), (SS), optical isomers. This is due to the presence of four asymmetric carbon atoms.

Also, it is known that the biodegradation of certain amino polycarboxylates appears to be optical isomer specific, with the (SS) isomer degrading most rapidly and extensively followed by the (SR), (RS) isomers and the (RR) isomer.

Without being bound by theory, it is generally believed that the (SS) isomer of EDDSS degrades most quickly and readily. It is preferred that the compositions of the invention comprise the (SS) isomer of DDSS.

Essential Processing Steps for Preparing Dlaminoalkyl

Di (sulfosuccinates)

The DDSS sequestrants of the invention may be prepared by the following process:

(i) React sulfur trioxide with maleic anhydride at a mole ratio of about 1.1:1 to about 1.3:1 at a temperature of about 60°C to about 80°C to form the sulfomaleic anhydride (SMA). (ii) Optionally, add water and ice to SMA to produce sulfomaleate and reduce the pH to about 1 at a temperature of about 25°C to about 30°C in the absence of alkali or alkaline earth metal. The double bond of the resulting sulfomaleic acid should be retained.

(iii) Add the diamino moiety (such as ethylenediamine, 1,3-proρylene-diamine, 1,2-propylenediamine, 2-hydroxy-1,3- propylenediamine and the like) to the sulfomaleic acid or SMA together with the alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxides or mixtures thereof to about pH 11. The temperature is maintained at about 20°C to about 50°C, preferably from about 25°C to about 35°C with agitation for about 2 to about 5 hours. (iv) Optionally recover the DDSS sequestrant by vacuum distillation.

In general, the process involves running the reaction at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to form the final product while maintaining the above parameters. The alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide which are employed in the process of the invention are selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, lithium, barium, strontium, magnesium, calcium hydroxide and the like, or mixtures thereof. The most preferred alkali metal hydroxide for use in this invention is sodium hydroxide.

The formation of the DDSS salt of the present invention is conducted at high concentration in aqueous media to afford efficacy and high throughput. The amount of water present may vary from about 55% to about 95% by weight of the reaction mixture and is preferably sufficient to permit the reaction to proceed effectively. Desirably, the reactants of the starting mixture for the process are combined in water using physical agitation. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide or mixtures thereof are mixed with an aqueous mixture of the alkyldiamine and sulfomaleate derivative(s) with rapid agitation. The reaction is

conducted at atmospheric pressure.

The reaction temperature for the process is preferably at room temperature which is usually about 25°C or cooler. The reaction temperature is maintained for at least 2 hours and preferably no longer than about 5 hours at temperatures ranging from about 20°C to about 50°C. The aqueous reaction product typically contains a mixture of DDSS, alkyldiamine and sulfomaleate.

The reaction products obtained by the process of the invention contain the alkali or alkaline earth metal or mixture of salts of DDSS and may be worked up and further purified by methods known in the art.

At any stage after the DDSS salt formation, the reaction product can be concentrated by removal of water to the desired extent. Water removal can, for example, involve complete drying of the reaction product mixture, e.g., by spray drying, so that the DDSS salt is recovered in solid or granular form for powdered detergent applications. The sodium salt of DDSS can be obtained in the form of aqueous liquid which may be utilized directly for the preparation of liquid detergent compositions or liquid laundry additive products of the various types. The compositions of the invention contain, as an essential component, from about 0.1% to about 50%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 25%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 15%, of diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinate) (DDSS) or the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof. Preferred DDSS compounds for granular detergent compositions are the free acid and the corresponding sodium salt forms as well as mixtures thereof. Examples of such preferred sodium salts of DDSS include NaDDSS, Na ₂DDSS, Na ₃DDSS, Na ₄ DDSS, Na ₅ DDSS, Na ₆ DDSS, wherein Na is sodium. Preferred DDSS compounds for liquid detergent compositions are the free acid and the corresponding substituted ammonium or potassium salt forms thereof. Examples of such preferred salts of DDSS include (MEA) DDSS, (MEA) ₂DDSS, (MEA) ₃DDSS, (MEA) ₄DDSS, (MEA) ₅DDSS, (MEA) ₆DDSS, (TEA)DDSS, (TEA) ₂DDSS, (TEA) ₃DDSS, (TEA) ₄DDSS, (TEA) ₅DDSS, (TEA) JDDSS, (DEA) ₄DDSS, (K) ₄DDSS and the like, wherein MEA is monoethanolamine, DEA is diethanolamine, TEA is triethanolamine and K is potassium. The chelant/sequestrant, DDSS, possess excellent stain removal characteristics, especially on polyphenolic stains such as tea, coffee, blueberry, morello juice, strawberry and the like. DDSS was found to provide stain removal

performance equivalent to, or superior to . . . 1, 2 and 3 nitrogen containing polycarboxylates such as NTA, EDTA and DETPA which are currently used in many existing laundry products. By using DDSS as a replacement for such chelants, it is now possible to formulate novel detergent compositions which contain reduced levels of phosphorous-containing components while still exhibiting excellent cleaning and stain removal characteristics.

optional Detergent Ingredients;

The compositions herein can optionally include one or more additional detersive materials or other ingredients for assisting or enhancing cleaning performance, treatment of the substrate to be cleaned, or to modify the aesthetics of the detergent composition (e.g., perfumes, colorants, dyes, etc.). The following are illustrative examples of such materials.

Enzymes - Enzymes can be included in the formulations herein for a wide variety of fabric laundering purposes, including removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains, for examples, and for the

prevention of refugee dye transfer, and for fabric

restoration. The enzymes to be incorporated include

proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, and peroxidases, as well as mixtures thereof. Other types of enzymes may also be included. They may be of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin.

However, their choice is governed by several factors such as pH-activity and/or stability optima, thermostability, stability versus active detergents, builders and so on. In this respect bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred, such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases.

Enzymes are normally incorporated at levels sufficient to provide up to about 5mg by weight, more typically about 0.01 mg to about 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of the

composition. Stated otherwise, the compositions herein will typically comprise from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably 0.01% - 1%, by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation.

Protease enzymes are usually present in such commercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide from 0.005 to 0.1 Anson units (AU) of activity per gram of composition.

Suitable examples of proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B.subtilis and

B . licheniforms. Another suitable protease is obtained from a strain of Bacillus, having maximum activity throughout the pH range of 8-12, developed and sold by Novo Industries A/S under the registered trade name ESPERASE. The preparation of this enzyme and analogous enzymes is described in British Patent Specification No. 1,243,784 of Novo. Proteolytic enzymes suitable for removing protein-based stains that are commercially available include those sold under the

tradenames ALCALASE and SAVINASE by Novo Industries A/S

(Denmark) and MAXATASE by International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. (The Netherlands). Other proteases include Protease A (See European Patent Application No. 130 756 published January 9, 1985) and Protease B (See European Patent Application Serial No. 87303761.8 filed April 28, 1987, and European Patent Application No. 130 756, Bott et al., published January 9, 1985). Amylases include, for example, a-amylases described in

British Patent Specification No. 1,296,839 (Novo), RAPIDASE, Internation Bio-Synthetics, Inc. and TERMAMYL, Novo

Industries. The cellulases usable in the present invention include both bacterial or fungal cellulase. Preferably, they will have a pH optimum of between 5 and 9.5. Suitable cellulases are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al., issued March 6, 1984, which discloses fungal cellulase produced from Humicola insolens and 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. Suitable lipase enzymes for detergent usage include those produced by microorganisms of the Pseudomonas group, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, as disclosed in British Patent 1,372,034. See also lipases in Japanese Patent

Application 53-20487, laid open to public inspection on

February 24, 1978. This lipase is available from Amano

Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, under the tradename Lipase P "Amano", hereinafter referred to as "Amano-P".

Other commercial lipases include Amano-CES, lipases ex

Chromobacter viscosum, e.g., Chromobacter viscosum var, lipolyticum NRRLB 3673, commercially available from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata, Japan; and further Chromobacter viscosum lipases from U.S. Biochemical Corp., USA and Disoynth Co., The

Netherlands, and lipases ex Pseudomonas gladioli. The

LIPOLASE enzyme derived from Humicola lanuginosa and

commercially available from Novo (See also EPO 341,947) is a preferred lipase for use herein.

Peroxidase enzymes are used in combination with oxygen sources, e.g., percarbonate, perborate, persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, etc. They are used for "solution bleaching", i.e., to prevent transfer of dyes or pigments removed from

substrates during wash operations to other substrates in the wash solution. Peroxidase enzymes are known in the art, and include, for examples, horseradish peroxidase, ligninase, and haloperoxidase such as chloro- and bromoperoxidase.

Peroxidase-containing detergent compositions are disclosed, for example, in PCT International Application WO 89/099813, published October 19, 1989 by O. Kirk, assigned to Novo Industries A/S.

A wide range of enzyme materials and means for their incorporation into synthetic detergent granules are also disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,553,139, issued January 5, 1971, to McCarty et al. Enzymes are further disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,101,457, Place et al., issued July 18, 1978, and in U.S. Patent No. 4,507,219, Hughes, issued March 26, 1985, both. Enzyme materials useful for detergent formulations, and their incorporation into such formulations, are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,261,868, Hora et al., issued April 14, 1981. Enzymes for use in detergents can be stabilized by various techniques. Enzyme stabilization techniques are disclosed and exemplified in U.S. Patent No. 4,261,868 issued April 14, 1981, to Horn et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,600,319 issued August 17, 1971 to Gedge et al., and European Patent Application No. 0 199 405, Application

No. 86200586.6, published October 29, 1986, Venegas. Enzyme stabilization systems are also described for example, in U.S. Patents 4,261,868; 3,600,319 and 3,519,570.

Enzvme Stabilizers - The enzymes employed herein can be stabilized by the presence of water-soluble sources of calcium and/or magnesium ions in the finished compositions which provide such ions to the enzymes. (Calcium ions are generally somewhat more effective than magnesium ions and are preferred herein if only one type of cation is being used). Additional stability can be provided by the presence of various other art-disclosed stabilizers, especially borate species: See Severson, U.S. 4,537,706, cited above. Typical detergents, especially liquids, will comprise from about 1 to about 30, preferably from about 2 to about 20, more

preferably from about 5 to about 15, and most preferably from about 8 to about 12, millimoles of calcium ion per kilo of finished composition. This can vary somewhat, depending on the amount of enzyme present and its response to the calcium or magnesium ions. The level of calcium or magnesium ions should be selected so that there is always some minimum level available for the enzyme, after allowing for complexation with builders, fatty acids, etc., in the composition. Any water-soluble calcium or magnesium salt can be used as the source of calcium or magnesium ions, including, but not limited to, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, calcium malate, calcium maleate, calcium hydroxide, calcium formate, and calcium acetate, and the corresponding magnesium salts. A small amount of calcium ion, generally from about 0.05 to about 0.4 millimoles per kilo, is often also present in the composition due to calcium in the enzyme slurry and formula water. In granular detergent compositions, the formulation may include a sufficient quantity of a water-soluble calcium ion source to provide such amounts in the laundry liquor. In the alternative, natural water hardness may suffice.

It is to be understood that the foregoing levels of calcium and/or magnesium ions are sufficient to provide enzyme stability. More calcium and/or magnesium ions can be added to the compositions to provide an additional measure of grease removal performance. Accordingly, the compositions herein may comprise from about 0.05% to about 2% by weight of a water-soluble source of calcium or magnesium ions, or both. The amount can vary, of course, with the amount and type of enzyme employed in the composition.

The compositions herein may also optionally, but

preferably, contain various additional stabilizers,

especially borate-type stabilizers. Typically, such

stabilizers will be used at levels in the compositions from about 0.25% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.75% to about 3%, by weight of boric acid or other borate compound capable of forming boric acid in the composition (calculated on the basis of boric acid). Boric acid is preferred, although other compounds such as boric oxide, borax and other alkali metal borates (e.g., sodium ortho-, meta- and pyroborate, and sodium pentaborate) are suitable. Substituted boric acids (e.g., phenylboronic acid, butane boronic acid, and p-bromo phenylboronic acid) can also be used in place of boric acid. Polymeric Soil Release Agent - Any polymeric soil release agent known to those skilled in the art can optionally be employed in the compositions and processes of this invention. Polymeric soil release agents are characterized by having both 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 washing and rinsing cycles and, thus, serve as an anchor for the

hydrophilic segments. This can enable stains occurring subsequent to treatment with the soil release agent to be more easily cleaned in later washing procedures.

The polymeric soil release agents useful herein especially include those soil release agents having: (a) one or more nonionic hydrophile components consisting essentially of (i) polyoxyethylene segments with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (ii) oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene segments with a degree of polymerization of from 2 to 10, wherein said hydrophile segments does not encompass any oxypropylene unit unless it is bonded to adjacent moieties at each end by ether linkages, or (iii) a mixture of oxyalkylene units comprising oxyethylene and from 1 to about 30 oxypropylene units wherein said mixture contains a sufficient amount of oxyethylene units such that the hydrophile component has hydrophilicity great enough to increase the hydrophilicity of conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces upon deposit of the soil release agent on such surface, said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at least about 25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially for such components having about 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least about 50%

oxyethylene units; or (b) one or more hydrophobe components comprising (i) C₃ oxyalkylene terephthalate segments, wherein, if said hydrophobe components also comprise

oxyethylene terephthalate, the ratio of oxyethylene

terephthalate: C₃ oxyalkylene terephthalate units is about 2:1 or lower, (ii) C₄-C₆ alkylene or oxy C₄-C₆ alkylene segments, or mixtures therein, (iii) poly (vinyl ester) segments, preferably poly(vinyl acetate), having a degree of polymerization of at least 2 or (iv) C₁-C₄ alkyl ether or C₄ hydroxyalkyl ether substituents, or mixtures therein, wherein said substituents are present in the form of C₁-C₄ alkyl ether or C₄ hydroxyalkyl ether cellulose derivatives, or mixture therein, and such cellulose derivatives are

amphophilic, whereby they have a sufficient level of C₁-C₄ alkyl ether and/or C₄ hydroxyalkyl ether units to deposit upon conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces and retain a sufficient level of hydroxyls, once adhered to such conventional synthetic fiber surface, to increase fiber surface hydrophilicity, or a combination of (a) and (b). Typically, the polyoxyethylene segments of (a) (i) will have a degree of polymerization of from 2 to about 200, although higher levels can be used, preferably from 3 to about 150, more preferably from 6 to about 100. Suitable oxy C₄-C₆ alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps of polymeric soil release agents such as MO₃S(CH₂) _nOCH₂CH₂O-, where M is sodium and n is an integer from 4-6, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,721,580, issued January 26, 1988, to Gosselink. Polymeric soil release agents useful in the present invention also include cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic polymers, copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate, and the like. Such agents are commercially available and include hydroxyethers of cellulose such as METHOCEL (Dow).

Cellulosic soil release agents for use herein also include those selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkyl and C₄ hydroxyalkyl cellulose; See U.S. Patent No. 4,000,093, issued December 28, 1976, to Nicol et al. Soil release agents characterized by poly (vinyl ester) hydrophobe segments include graft copolymers of poly (vinyl ester), e.g., C₁-C₆ vinyl esters, preferably poly (vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as polyethylene oxide backbones. See European Patent

Application No. 0 219 048 published April 22, 1987 by Kud et al. Commercially available soil release agents of this kind include the SOKALAN type of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (West Germany).

One type of soil release agent is a copolymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate. The molecular weight of this polymeric soil release agent is in the range of from about 25,000 to about 55,000. See U.S. Patent No. 3,959,230 to

Hays, issued May 25, 1976, and U.S. Patent No. 3,893,929 to Basadur issued July 8, 1975.

Another polymeric soil release agent is a polyester with repeat units of ethylene terephthalate units containing 10- 15% by weight of ethylene terephthalate units together with 90-80% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate units, derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 300-5,000. Examples of this polymer include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from Dupont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). See also, U.S. Patent No. 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.

Another polymeric soil release agent is a sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and

oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone. These soil release agents are described fully in U.S. Patent No. 4,968,451, issued November 6, 1990 to J. J. Scheibel and E. P. Gosselink. Other suitable polymeric soil release agents include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Patent No. 4,711,730 issued

December 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al., the anionic end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Patent No. 4,721,580, issued

January 26, 1988 to Gosselink, and the block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. Patent No. 4,702,857, issued

October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.

Still other polymeric soil release agents also include the soil release agents of U.S. Patent No. 4,877,896, issued October 31, 1989 to Maldonado et al., which discloses anionic, especially sulfoaroyl, end-capped terephthalate esters. If utilized, soil release agents will generally comprise from about 0.01% to about 10.0% by weight, of the detergent compositions herein, typically from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 3.0%. Co-chelating Agents - The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain one or more iron and/or manganese co-chelating agents. Such chelating agents can be selected from the group consisting of amino carboxylates, amino phosphonates, polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents and mixtures therein, all as hereinafter defined.

Without intending 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 manganese ions from washing solutions by formation of soluble chelates.

Amino carboxylates useful as optional chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetates. N- hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilo-triacetates, ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexa- acetates, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates,

ethylenediaminedisuccinate, and ethanoldiglycines, alkali metal, ammonium, 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 ethylenediaminetetrakis

(methylenephosphonates), nitrilotris (methylenephosphonates) and diethylene-triaminepentakis (methylenephosphonates) as DEQUEST. Preferably, these amino phosphonates do not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with more than about 6 carbon atoms.

Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents are also useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Patent No. 3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et al. Preferred compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfo- benzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.

If utilized, these chelating agents will generally

comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the detergent compositions herein. More preferably, if utilized, the chelating agents will comprise from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of such composition.

Clav Soil Removal/Anti-redeposition Agents - The

compositions of the present invention can also optionally contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and anti-redeposition properties. Granular detergent compositions which contain these compounds typically contain from about 0.01% to about 10.0% by weight of the water- soluble ethoxylated amines.

The most preferred soil release and anti-redeposition agent is ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine. Exemplary ethoxylated amines are further described in U.S. Patent No. 4,597,898, VanderMeer, issued July 1, 1986. Another group of preferred clay soil removal/antiredeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed in European Patent Application 111 965, Oh and Gosselink, published June 27, 1984. 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. Patent No. 4,548,744, Connor, issued October 22, 1985. Other clay soil removal and/or antiredeposition agents known in the art can also be utilized in the compositions herein. Another type of preferred antiredeposition agent includes the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) materials. These materials are well known in the art. Polymeric Dispersing Agents - Polymeric dispersing agents can advantageously be utilized at levels from about 0.1% to about 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 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.

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. The presence in the polymeric polycarboxylates herein of monomeric segments, containing no carboxylate radicals such as vinylmethyl ether, styrene, ethylene, etc., is suitable provided that such segments do not constitute more than about 40% by weight. Particularly suitable polymeric polycarboxylates can be derived from acrylic acid. 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 about 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from about 4,000 to 7,000 and most preferably from about 4,000 to 5,000. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. 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 No. 3,308,067, issued March 7, 1967.

Acrylic/maleic-based copolymers may also be used as a preferred component of the 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 copolymers in the acid form

preferably ranges from about 2,000 to 100,000, more

preferably from about 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from about 7,000 to 65,000. The ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will generally range from about 30:1 to about 1:1, more preferably from about 10:1 to 2:1. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid/maleic acid

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. 66 915, published December 15, 1982.

Another polymeric material which can be included is polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG 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 about 500 to about

100,000, preferably from about 1,000 to about 50,000, more preferably from about 1,500 to about 10,000.

Polyaspartate and polyglutamate dispersing agents may also be used, especially in conjunction with zeolite builders. Brightener - Any optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents known in the art can be incorporated at levels typically from about 0.05% to about 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 necessarily limited to, derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzo-thiphene- 5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents", M. Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982).

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. Other brighteners disclosed in this reference include: Tinopal UNPA, Tinopal CBS and Tinopal 5BM;

available from Ciba-Geigy; Arctic White CC and Artie White

CWD, available from Hilton-Davis, located in Italy; the 2-(4- styrylphenyl)-2H-naphthol[1,2-d]triazoles; 4,4'-bis'(1,2,3- triazol-2-yl) stilbenes; 4,4'- bis(styryl) bisphenyls; and the aminocoumarins. Specific examples of these brighteners include 4-methyl-7-diethylaminocoumarin;

1,2-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)-ethylene; 1,3-diphenylphrazolines; 2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl) thiophene; 2-styryl-naphth[1,2- d]oxazole; and 2-(stilbene-4-yl-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazole. See also U.S. Patent No. 3,646,015, issued February 29, 1972, to Hamilton which is incorporated herein by reference. 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 particular importance under conditions such as those found in European-style front loading laundry washing

machines, or in the concentrated detergency process of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,489,455 and 4,478,574, or when the detergent compositions herein optionally include a relatively high sudsing adjunct surfactant. 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 example, Kirk Othmer

Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7, pages 430-447 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979). One category of suds suppressor of particular interest encompasses

monocarboxylic fatty acids and soluble salts therein. See U.S. Patent No. 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 about 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Suitable salts include the alkali metal salts 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 example: high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffin, fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols, aliphatic C1₈-C₄₀ ketones (e.g., stearone), etc. Other suds inhibitors include N- alkylated amino triazines such as tri- to hexa-aIkylmelamines or di- to tetraalkyldiamine chlortriazines formed as products of cyanuric chloride with two or three moles of a primary or secondary amine containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, propylene 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 about -40°C and about 5°C, and a minimum boiling point not less than about 110°C (atmospheric pressure). It is also known to utilize waxy hydrocarbons, preferably having a melting point below about 100°C. The hydrocarbons constitute a preferred category of suds

suppressor for detergent compositions. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 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 about 12 to about 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 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 No. 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 silanated 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 No.

3,933,672, Bartolotta et al., and in U.S. Patent No.

4,652,392, Baginski et al., issued March 24, 1987.

An exemplary silicone based suds suppressor for use herein is a suds suppressing amount of a suds controlling agent consisting essentially of: (i) polydimethylsiloxane fluid having a viscosity of from about 20 cs. to about 1500 cs at 25°C;

(ii) from about 5 to about 50 parts per 100 parts by weight of (i) of siloxane resin composed of (CH₃) ₃ SiO_½ units of SiO₂ units in a ratio of from (CH₃) ₃ SiO_½ units and to SiO₂ units of from about 0.6:1 to about 1.2:1; and

(iii) from about 1 to about 20 parts per 100 parts by weight of (i) of a solid silica gel.

In the preferred silicone suds suppressor used herein, the solvent for a continuous phase is made up of certain

polyethylene glycols or polyethylene-polypropylene glycol copolymers or mixtures thereof (preferred), and not

polypropylene glycol. The primary silicone suds suppressor is branched/crosslinked and not linear.

To illustrate this point further, typical laundry

detergent compositions with controlled suds will optionally comprise from about 0.001 to about 1, preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.7, most preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight % of said silicone suds suppressor, which comprises (1) a nonaqueous emulsion of a primary antifoam agent which is a mixture of (a) a polyorganosiloxane, (b) a resinous siloxane or a silicone resin-producing silicone compound, (c) a finely divided filler material, and (c), to form silanolates; (2) at least one nonionic silicone

surfactant; and (3) polyethylene glycol or a copolymer of polyethylene-polypropylene glycol having a solubility in water at room temperature of more than about 2 weight %; and without polypropylene glycol. Similar amounts can be used in granular compositions, gels, etc. See also U.S. Patent Nos. 4,978,471, Starch, issued December 18, 1990; and 4,983,316, Starch, issued January 8, 1991; and U.S. Patent Nos.

4,639,489 and 4,749,740, Aizawa et al . at column 1, line 46 through column 4, line 35.

The silicone suds suppressor herein preferably comprises polyethylene glycol and a copolymer of polyethylene

glycol/polypropylene glycol, all having an average molecular weight of less than about 1,000, preferably between about 100 and 800. The polyethylene glycol and

polyethylene/polypropylene copolymers herein have a

solubility in water at room temperature of more than about 2 weight %, preferably more than about 5 weight %. The preferred solvent herein is polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of less than about 1,000, more preferably between about 100 and 800, most preferably between 200 and 400, and a copolymer of polyethylene

glycol/polypropylene glycol, preferably PPG 200/PEG 300.

Preferred is a weight ratio of between about 1:1 and 1:10, most preferably between 1:3 and 1:6, of polyethylene

glycol: copolymer of polyethylene-polypropylene glycol.

The preferred silicone suds suppressors used herein do not contain polypropylene glycol, particularly of 4,000 molecular weight. They also preferably do not contain block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, like PLURONIC L101. Other suds suppressors useful herein comprise the

secondary alcohols (e.g., 2-alkyl alkanols) and mixtures of such alcohols with silicone oils, such as the silicones disclosed in U.S. 4,798,679; 4,075,118 and EP 150 872. The secondary alcohols include the C₆-C₁₆ alkyl alcohols having a C₁-C₁₆ chain. A preferred alcohol is 2-butyl octanol, which is available from Condea under the trademark ISOFOL 12.

Mixtures of secondary alcohols are available under the trademark ISALCHEM 123 from Enichem. Mixed suds suppressors typically comprise mixtures of alcohol + silicone at a weight ratio of 1:5 to 5:1.

For any detergent compositions to be used in automatic laundry washing machines, suds should not form to the extent that they overflow the washing machine. Suds suppressors, when utilized, are preferably present in a "suds suppressing amount". By "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 detergent for use in automatic laundry washing machines.

The compositions herein will generally comprise from 0% to about 5% of suds suppressor. When utilized as suds

suppressors, monocarboxylic fatty acids, and salts therein, will be present typically in amounts up to about 5%, by weight, of the detergent composition. Preferably, from about 0.5% to about 3% of fatty monocarboxylate suds suppressor is utilized. Silicone suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts up to about 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 minimized and effectiveness of lower amounts for effectively controlling sudsing. Preferably from about 0.01% to about 1% of silicone suds suppressor is used, more preferably from about 0.25% to about 0.5%. As used herein, these weight percentage values include any silica that may be utilized in combination with polyorganosiloxane, as well as any adjunct materials that may be utilized. Monostearyl phosphate suds suppressors are generally utilized in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the

composition. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts ranging from about 0.01% to about 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.

In addition to the foregoing ingredients, the compositions herein can also be used with a variety of other adjunct ingredients which provide still other benefits in various compositions within the scope of this invention. The following illustrates a variety of such adjunct ingredients, but is not intended to be limiting therein.

Fabric Softeners - Various through-the-wash fabric softeners, especially the impalpable smectite clays of U.S. Patent No. 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 about 0.5% to about 10% by weight in the present compositions to provide fabric softener benefits concurrently with the fabric cleaning. Clay softeners can be used in combination with amine and cationic softeners, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,375,416, Crisp et al., March 1, 1983, and U.S. Patent No. 4,291,071, Harris et al., issued

September 22, 1981. Mixtures of cellulase enzymes (e.g., CAREZYME, Novo) and clays are also useful as high-performance fabric softeners. Various cationic materials can be added to enhance static control.

Dye Transfer Inhibiting Agents - 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-vinylimidazole, manganese

phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof. If used, these agents typically comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, and more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%.

More specifically, the polyamine N-oxide polymers

preferred for use herein contain units having the following structural formula: R-A_x-P; wherein P is a polymerizable unit to which an N-0 group can be attached or the N-0 group can form part of the polymerizable unit or the N-0 group can be attached to both units; A is one of the following

structure: -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 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:

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-0 group can be 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 polymeric backbones are polyvinyls, polyalkylenes, polyesters,

polyethers, polyamide, polyimides, polyacrylates and mixtures thereof. These polymers include random or block copolymers where one monomer type is an amine N-oxide and the other monomer type is an N-oxide. The amine 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 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 500,000; 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 about 50,000 and an amine to amine N-oxide ratio of about 1:4. 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 an average 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 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 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") having an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 400,000, preferably from about 5,000 to about 200,000, and more preferably from about 5,000 to about 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 containing PVP can also contain polyethylene glycol ("PEG") having an average molecular weight from about 500 to about 100,000, preferably from about 1,000 to about 10,000.

Preferably, the ratio of PEG to PVP on a ppm basis delivered in wash solutions is from about 2:1 to about 50:1, and more preferably from about 3:1 to about 10:1.

The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain from about 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 about 0.01% to 1% by weight of such optical brighteners.

The hydrophilic optical brighteners useful in the present invention are those having the structural formula:

wherein R₁ is selected from anilino, N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl; R₂ is selected from N-2-bis-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 formula, R₁ is anilino, R₂ is N-2-bis- hydroxyethyl and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4',-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-bis-hydroxy-ethyl)-s-triazine- 2-yl)amino]-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid and disodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopai-UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy

Corporation. Tinopal-UNPA-GX is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the detergent compositions herein.

When in the above formula, 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)amino]-2,2'- stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially 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'-stilbenedisulfonic acid, sodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed 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 performance benefits when used in 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 when used alone.

The detergent compositions of the present invention are substantially free of any peroxygen compounds. As used herein, "substantially free" means that the detergent compositions contain less than about 0.01%, preferably less than about 0.005%, by weight of a peroxygen compound.

Examples of peroxygen compounds commonly used in bleaching solutions include hydrogen peroxide and its derivatives, such as alkali metal peroxides and superoxides, perborates, persulfates; and peracids, such as persulfonic acid,

peracetic acid, peroxy mono-phosphoric acid and their water- soluble salts, especially their alkali metal, ammonium or organic amine salts; and urea-hydrogen peroxide addition product.

Other lngredients;

Other additional optional ingredients which can be present in detergent compositions of the invention (in their

conventional art-established levels for use generally from 0.001% to about 50% by weight of the detergent composition), include solvents, hydrotropes, solubilizing agents,

processing aids, soil-suspending agents, corrosion

inhibitors, dyes, fillers, carriers, germicides, pH-adjusting agents, perfumes, static control agents, thickening agents, abrasive agents, viscosity control agents,

solubilizing/clarifying agents, sunscreens/UV absorbers, phase regulants, foam boosting/stabilizing agents,

antioxidants, metal ions, buffering agents, color speckles, encapsulation agents, deflocculating polymers, skin

protective agents, color care agents, bleaching agents, bleach activators, bleach stabilizers, bleach catalysts and the like.

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. 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 containing 3%-5% of C_13-15 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 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. Many additional essential and optional ingredients that are useful in the present invention are those described in McCutcheon's, Detergents and Emulsifiers (vol. 1) and

McCutcheon's, Functional Materials (Vol. 2), 1995 Annual Edition, published by McCutcheon's MC Publishing Co., as well as the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) 1992 International Buyers Guide, published by CFTA

Publications and OPD 1993 Chemicals Buyers Directory 80th Annual Edition, published by Schnell Publishing Co. which are all incorporated herein by reference.

Powdered detergent composition might contain the following by weight: (1) 1-75% detergent surfactant system;

(2) 5-80% builder;

(3) 0-30% buffer salt;

(4) 0-30% sulfate;

(5) 0-4% enzyme;

(6) 0.1-50% DDSS;

(7) water and additional optional ingredients to 100%.

A preferred powdered detergent composition might contain the following by weight:

(1) 5-60% detergent surfactant system;

(2) 10-50% builder;

(3) 0-28% buffer salt;

(4) 0-28% sulfate;

(5) 0-3.5% enzyme;

(6) 0.2-25% DDSS;

(7) water and additional optional ingredients to 100%. A liquid detergent composition might contain the following by weight:

(1) 1-75% detergent surfactant system;

(2) 5-80% builder;

(3) 0-40% electrolyte;

(4) 0-5% enzyme;

(5) 0-15% enzyme stabilizer;

(6) 0-20% phase regulant;

(7) 0.1-50% DDSS;

(8) water and additional optional ingredients to 100%.

A preferred liquid detergent composition might contain the following by weight: (1) 5-60% detergent surfactant system;

(2) 7-30% builder;

(3) 0-30% electrolyte; (4) 0.01-4% enzyme;

(5) 0.01-14% enzyme stabilizer;;

(6) 0-18% phase regulant;

(7) 0.2-25% DDSS;

(8) water and additional optional ingredients to 100%.

Home Application and Use;

The DDSS chelant/sequestrant and its salts of the present invention are useful in a variety of detergent, personal product, cosmetic, oral hygiene, food, pharmacological and industrial compositions which are available in many types and forms. Preferred compositions, however, are detergent compositions.

A classification according to detergent type would consist of heavy-duty detergent powders, heavy-duty detergent liquids, light-duty liquids (dishwashing liquids),

institutional detergents, specialty detergent powders, specialty detergent liquids, laundry aids, pretreatment aids, after treatment aids, presoaking products, hard surface cleaners, carpet cleansers, carwash products and the like.

A classification according to personal product type would consist of hair care products, bath products, cleansing products, skin care products, shaving products and

deodorant/antiperspirant products.

Examples of hair care products include, but are not limited to rinses, conditioners, shampoos, conditioning shampoos, antidandruff shampoos, antilice shampoos, coloring shampoos, curl maintenance shampoos, baby shampoos, herbal shampoos, hair loss prevention shampoos, hair

growth/promoting/ stimulating shampoos, hairwave neutralizing shampoos, hair setting products, hair sprays, hair styling products, permanent wave products, hair

straightening/relaxing products, mousses, hair lotions, hair tonics, hair pomade products, brilliantines and the like.

Examples of bath products include, but are not limited to bath oils, foam or bubble bathes, therapeutic bathes, after bath products, after bath splash products and the like.

Examples of cleansing products include, but are not limited to shower cleansers, shower gels, body shampoos, hand/body/ facial cleansers, abrasive scrub cleansing

products, astringent cleansers, makeup cleansers, liquid soaps, toilet soap bars, synthetic detergent bars and the like.

Examples of skin care products include, but are not limited to hand/body/ facial lotions, sunscreen products, tanning products, self-tanning products, aftersun products, masking products, lipsticks, lip gloss products, rejuvenating products, antiaging products, antiwrinkle products,

anticellulite products, antiacne products and the like.

Examples of shaving products include, but are not limited to shaving creams, aftershave products, preshave products and the like. Examples of deodorant/antiperspirant products include, but are not limited to deodorant products, antiperspirant products and the like.

A classification according to oral hygiene type would consist of, but is not limited to mouthwashes, pre-brushing dental rinses, post-brushing rinses, dental sprays, dental creams, toothpastes, toothpaste gels, toothpowders, dental cleansers, dental flosses, chewing gums, lozenges and the like.

The DDSS chelant/sequestrant of the present invention are also useful in softening compositions such as liquid fabric softeners, fabric softening rinses, fabric softening sheets, tissue papers, paper towels, facial tissues, sanitary

tissues, toilet paper and the like.

A classification according to composition form would consist of aerosols, liquids, gels, creams, lotions, sprays, pastes, roll-on, stick, tablet, powdered and bar form.

lndustrial Application and Use;

The DDSS chelant/sequestrant and its salts of the present invention are useful in a variety of other compositions as above. More specifically, DDSS is useful as chelants of heavy metal and hardness ions, scale inhibiting agents, corrosion inhibiting agents, deflocculating/dispensing agents, stain removal agents, bleach stabilizing agents, protecting agents of peroxygen labile ingredients,

thickener/viscosity modifying agents, crystal growth

modification agents, sludge modification agents, surface modification agents, processing aids, electrolyte, hydrolytic stability agents, alkalinity agents and the like. The DDSS chelant/sequestrant and its salts of the present invention are also useful for certain industrial applications such as acid cleaners, aluminum etching, boiler cleaning, water treatment, bottle washing, cement modification, dairy cleaners, desalination, electrochemical machining,

electroplating, metal finishing, paper mill evaporations, oil field water treatment, paper pulp bleaching, pigment

dispersion, trace metal carrier for fertilizers, irrigation, circuit cleaning and the like.

Detergent Formulations;

The present invention may provide: a) from about 5% to about 60% by weight of a detergent surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; b) from about 10% to about 50% by weight of a detergency builder selected from the group consisting of alkali metal silicates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal polyphosphonic acids, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and c) from about 0.2% to about 25% by weight diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinic acid), or alkali metal, alkaline earth, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof.

Granular detergent compositions embodying the present invention can be formed by conventional techniques, i.e., by slurrying the individual components in water and then

atomizing and spray-drying the resultant mixtures, or by pan or drum agglomeration of the ingredients. Granular

formulations preferably comprise from about 5% to about 60% of detergent surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinic acid) component is selected from the group consisting of

ethylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 2-hydroxy-1, 3- propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,2-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid) or salts thereof and mixtures thereof.

Liquid compositions of the present invention can contain water and other solvents. Lower molecular weight primary or secondary alcohols, exemplified by methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol, are suitable. Monohydric alcohols are preferred for solubilizing the surfactant, but polyols containing from about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and from about 2 to about 6 hydroxy groups can be used and can provide improved enzyme stability (if enzymes are included in the composition). Examples of polyols include propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerine and 1,2 propanediol. Ethanol is a particularly preferred alcohol.

The liquid compositions preferably comprise from about 5% to about 60% of detergent surfactant, about 7% to about 30% of builder and about 0.1 to 50%, preferably about 0.2% to about 25% diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinic acid) or salts thereof. Useful detergency builders in liquid compositions include the alkali metal silicates, alkali metal carbonates,

polyphosphonic acids, C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. In preferred liquid compositions, from about 8% to about 28% of the detergency builders are selected from the group consisting of C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the composition includes about 10% to about 28% by weight of detergency builder selected from the group consisting of C₈-C₁₈ alkylmonocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof. Particularly, preferred liquid compositions contain from 5% to about 18% by weight, preferably from about 8% to about 18% of a C₈-C₁₈ preferably a C₁₀-C₁₈ monocarboxylic (fatty) acid and from about 0.2% to about 10% of a polycarboxylic acid, preferably citric acid, or a salt thereof, and provides a solution pH of from about 6 to about 10 at 1.0%

concentration in water. Preferred liquid compositions are substantially free of inorganic phosphates or phosphonates. As used in this context "substantially free" means that the liquid

compositions contain less than about 0.5% by weight of an inorganic phosphate- or phosphonate-containing compound.

Preferred liquid compositions comprise a di (sulfosuccinic acid) component selected from the group consisting of

ethylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 2-hydroxy-1, 3- propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,2-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid; or the potassium salts or substituted ammonium salts thereof; and mixtures thereof. The detergent compositions of the invention are

particularly suitable for laundry use, but are also suitable for the cleaning of hard surfaces and for dishwashing.

In a laundry method aspect of the invention, typical laundry wash water solutions comprise from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the detergent compositions of the invention. Fabrics to be laundered are agitated in these solutions to effect cleaning and stain removal. The detergent compositions of the present invention may be in any of the usual physical forms, such as powders, beads, flakes, bars, tablets, noodles, liquids, pastes and the like. The detergent compositions are prepared and utilized in the conventional manner. The wash solutions thereof desirably have a pH from about 6 to about 12, preferably from about 7 to about 11, more preferably from about 7.5 to about 8.5.

The following examples further describe and demonstrate the preferred embodiments that are within the scope of the invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as being limiting to the present invention since many variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the mvention.

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of Hexasodium Ethylenediamine Di (Sulfosuccinate) (EDDSS)

1.2 moles of sulfur trioxide is slowly added to 1 mole of maleic anhydride. Heat the mixture to 70°C for 18 hours.

Let cool and purify if necessary. The material obtained is sulfomaleic anhydride and is used in Examples 1 to 5.

0.1 mole of sulfomaleic anhydride is dissolved in about 50 ml of water and stirred. 0.3 mole of sodium bicarbonate is then added to a pH of about 9 and the solution is cooled to maintain it at about 25°C (room temperature). 0.05 mole of ethylenediamine is added with continued agitation and the pH is maintained at 11 by addition of sodium hydroxide if necessary. The temperature is still maintained at 25°C.

After five hours of reaction time, the solution is evaporated to dryness on a Buchi rotovapor and dried in an oven. The material obtained is hexasodium ethylenediamine

di (sulfosuccinate).

EXAMPLE 2

preparation of Hexasodium

2-Hydroxy-1,3-Propylenediamine Di(Sulfosuccinate) (HPPSS)

0.1 mole of sulfomaleic anhydride is dissolved in about 50ml of water and stirred. 0.3 mole of sodium bicarbonate is then added to a pH of about 9 and the solution is cooled to maintain it at about 25°C (room temperature). 0.05 mole of 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylenediamine is added with continued agitation and the pH is maintained at 11 by addition of sodium hydroxide if necessary. The temperature is still maintained at 25°C. After five hours of reaction time, the solution is evaporated to dryness on a Buchi rotovapor and dried in an oven. The material obtained is hexasodium 2- hydroxy-1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinate))

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of Hexasodium 1,3-Propvlenediamine

Di(Sulfosuccinate) (1,3-PDDSS) 0.1 mole of sulfomaleic anhydride is dissolved in about 50 ml of water and stirred. 0.3 mole of sodium bicarbonate is then added to a pH of about 9 and the solution is cooled to maintain it at about 25°C (room temperature). 0.05 mole of 1, 3-propylenediamine is added with continued agitation and the pH is maintained at 11 by addition of sodium hydroxide if necessary. The temperature is still maintained at 25°C.

After five hours of reaction time, the solution is evaporated to dryness on a Buchi rotovapor and dried in an oven, The material obtained is hexasodium 1,3-propylenediamine

di(sulfosuccinate).

EXAMPLE 4

Preparation of Hexasodium 1,2-Propylenediamine

Di(sulfosuccinate) (1,2-PDDSS)

0.1 mole of sulfomaleic anhydride is dissolved in about 50 ml of water and stirred. 0.3 mole of sodium bicarbonate is then added to a pH of about 9 and the solution is cooled to maintain it at about 25°C (room temperature). 0.05 mole of 1,3-propylenediamine is added with continued agitation and the pH is maintained at 11 by addition of sodium hydroxide if necessary. The temperature is still maintained at 25°C. After five hours of reaction time, the solution is evaporated to dryness on a Buchi rotovapor and dried in an oven. The material obtained is hexasodium 1,2-propylenediamine

di(sulfosuccinate).

EXAMPLE 5

Preparation of 50:50 Hexasodium Ethylenediamine Di(Sulfosuccinate) and

Hexasodium 2-Hydroxy-1,3-Propylenediamine Di(Sulfosuccinate)

(50:50 EDDSS:HHDSS)

0.1 mole of sulfomaleic anhydride is dissolved in about 50 ml of water and stirred. 0.3 mole of sodium bicarbonate is then added to a pH of about 9 and the solution is cooled to maintain it at about 25°C (room temperature). 0.025 mole of ethylenediamine and 0.025 mole of 2-hydroxy-1,3- propylenediamine are added with continued agitation and the pH is maintained at 11 by addition of sodium hydroxide if necessary. The temperature is still maintained at 25°C.

After five hours of reaction time, the solution is evaporated to dryness on a Buchi rotovapor and dried in an oven. The material obtained is 50:50 hexasodium ethylenediamine di(sulfosuccinate) and hexasodium 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene- diamine di(sulfosuccinate). EXAMPLES 6- 9

The following Examples 6-9 represent the frame

formulations of the present invention. These examples are not intended to be limiting to the present invention, but rather to simply further illustrate the additional aspects of the present technology which may be considered by the formulator when manufacturing a wide variety of detergent compositions comprising DDSS chelant/sequestrant. Numerous modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present frame formulations. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages herein are by weight.

EXAMPLES 10-33

To further demonstrate the stain removal

characteristics of detergent compositions containing DDSS, a detergent composition was prepared containing EDDSS and compared to identical compositions containing either NTA, EDTA, DTPMP or DETPA. The latter chelates, EDTA, DTPMP and DETPA are not readily biodegradable. The structure of the chelants are as follows: N

A great number of test methods have been developed to determine the performance of detergents and various detergent ingredients. A preferred, well-accepted test method involves applying various soils uniformly to a standard cloth under strict specifications yielding an "artificially soiled test cloth", which is then washed under controlled conditions in a Terg-o-tometer (washing machine simulator). The detergency of the sequestrant is assessed electronically using a reflectometer (Colorgard 2000). Before washing, the initial reflectance value of the soiled test cloth is measured (front and back) giving a value which is represented as reflectance- soiled (R_s). After washing, the final reflectance value of the soiled test cloth is measured (front and back) giving a value which is represented as reflectance-washed (R_w). From these values, the differences in reflectance AR = R_w - R_s can be calculated and used as a measure of soil removal. It shall be understood that higher ΔR values suggests better or enhanced detergency.

In general, textiles come in contact with a variety of soils, some of which are complicated mixtures of materials differing in their chemical and physical structure. The selection of a model soil representing a natural "real life" soil is a complicated problem. However, significant progress has been made in the area of fabric washing making artificial soiling more realistic. Since it is not practical to test the surfactant detergency with every possible soil that may be encountered, it must therefore be limited to typical model soils representing the most common natural soils. Artificial soils are usually selected to represent the following four types of common natural soils which includes (1) particulate soils, (2) fatty soils, (3) stains and (4) oily soils.

The stain removal characteristics of EDDSS was

determined on various soils and stains. Each of the cloths were soiled with the following materials:

The wash conditions used to evaluate EDDSS are as follows:

Order of addition:

1. Add DI water, hardness and metal ions

2. Add heavy duty liquid detergent

3. Add cloth

4. Wash (20 min.)

5. Rinse (1 min.)

6. Dry in Dryer (10 min.)

Sequestrant: a. EDDSS (The invention)

b. NTA (Comparative)

c. EDTA (Comparative)

d. DTPMP (Comparative) e. DETPA (Comparative)

Sequestrant Concentration: 1 - 20% by weight of the liquid detergent formulation.

A heavy duty liquid detergent was prepared according to standard procedures containing various levels of EDDSS (1- 20%). This was compared to identical compositions containing either NTA, EDTA, DTPMP, or DETPA. The test was performed in a terg-o-tometer.

The heavy duty liquid detergent is as follows:

Water containing the appropriate hardness and heavy metal ions were added followed by the addition of the liquid detergent. Finally, artificially soiled 3 x 4 fabrics were added and washed for 20 mins. The fabrics were then rinsed and dried in a dryer. One or three replicates of each treatment were conducted. The mean scores for each treatment was calculated and are represented as ΔR. It shall be understood that higher ΔR values suggest better or enhanced detergency/cleanmg. A statistical value was assigned to each score at a 95% confidence limit to counterbalance any variation associated with the test and to provide a reliable range associated with the mean. The results are shown below in Examples 10-33.

EXAMPLE 10

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

CS-8 (Grass)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on chlorophyllic grass stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%).

EXAMPLE 11

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

CS-12 (Black Currant Juice)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic black currant juice stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%).

EXAMPLE 12

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS CS-14 (Morello Juice, Cherry Juice)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic morello juice stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). EXAMPLE 13

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

PCS-15 (Blueberry Juice)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic blueberry juice stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%).

EXAMPLE 14

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

CS-16 (Lipstick)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS does not provide improved cleaning on fatty oily based lipstick stain. This was found to be statistically the same as the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). EXAMPLE 15 Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

CS-19 (Peach)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic peach stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%).

EXAMPLE 16

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

CS-23 (Mango)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic mango stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). EXAMPLE 17

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

CS-25 (Spinach)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on spinach stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%) .

EXAMPLE 18

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

Test Fabrics Tea

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic tea stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). EXAMPLE 19

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

Test Fabrics Chocolate Milk

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, does not provide improved cleaning on chocolate milk stain. This was found to be statistically the same as the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%).

EXAMPLE 20

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

Test Fabrics Ketchup

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS does not provides improved cleaning on ketchup stain. This was found to be statistically the same as the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). EXAMPLE 21

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

EMPA 101 (Carbon black/olive oil)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on particulate oily soil based carbon black/olive oil stain. This

improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%).

EXAMPLE 22

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

PC-10 (Oil/pigment/milk)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on oily soil based stain. This improvement, however, was found to be statistically the same as the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). EXAMPLK 23

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

AS-4 (Chlorophyll/Vegetable Oil)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on chlorophyllic oily based stain. This improvement, however, was found to be statistically the same as the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%).

EXAMPLE 24

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

WFK2OP (Sebujn/Pigment)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, does not provide improved cleaning on fatty oily based

sebum/pigment stain. This was found to be statistically the same as the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). EXAMPLE 25

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

CS-15 (Blueberry Juice)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with higher ΔR values, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic blueberry juice stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). In general, the higher the

concentration of EDDSS, the greater the cleaning benefit.

EXAMPLE 26

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

CS-18 (Strawberry)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with higher ΔR values, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic strawberry stain. This improvement was found to be

statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). In general, the higher the

concentration of EDDSS, the greater the cleaning benefit.

EXAMPLE 27

Stain Removal Characteristics of EDDSS

Test Fabrics Coffee

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with higher ΔR values, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic coffee stain. This improvement was found to be statistically better than the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). In general, the higher the concentration of EDDSS, the greater the cleaning benefit.

EXAMPLE 28

Stain Removal Characteristics of Various Chelants

CS-18 (Strawberry)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic strawberry stain over the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). This improvement was found to be statistically equivalent to EDTA, DTPMP and DETPA, but statistically better than NTA.

SXAMPLE 29

Stain Removal Characteristics of Various Chelants

Test Fabrics Coffee

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic coffee stain over the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). This improvement was found to be statistically equivalent to DTPMP, but statistically better than NTA, EDTA, and DETPA.

EXAMPLE 30

Stain Removal Characteristics of various Chelants

EMPA 114 (Red Wine)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on polyphenolic wine stain over the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). This improvement was found to be statistically less than DTPMP but statistically better than NTA, EDTA, and DETPA.

EXAMPLE 31

Stain Removal Characteristics of Various Chelants

CS-1 (Blood)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS, with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on blood stain over the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%) . This improvement was found to be statistically equivalent to EDTA and DTPMP but statistically better than NTA.

EXAMPLE 32

Stain Removal Characteristics of Various Chelants

CS-20 (Tomato)

From the above table, it can be seen that EDDSS (5%) , with a higher ΔR value, provides improved cleaning on tomato stain over the liquid detergent composition without a chelant (0%). This improvement was found to be statistically less than DTPMP but statistically equivalent to NTA and EDTA.

EXAMPLE 33

Essentially similar improved cleaning results are obtained on polyphenolic stains when EDDSS is substituted with HPDSS, 1,3-PDDSS or 1,2-PDDSS and mixtures thereof. It should be understood that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only. Changes, including but not limited to those suggested in this specification, may be made in the illustrated embodiments without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A detergent composition comprising:

(a) from about 1% to about 75% by weight of a

detergent surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, ampholytic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof;

(b) from about 5% to about 80% by weight of a

detergency builder; and

(c) from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight

diaminoalkyl di (sulfo-succinate), or an alkali metal,

alkaline earth, ammonium or substituted ammonium salt

thereof, or mixtures thereof.

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the surfactant component is selected from the group consisting of

alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, o-olefin sulfonates and mixtures thereof.

3. The composition of claim 1 or 2 wherein the detergency builder component is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal silicates; alkali metal carbonates; alkali metal phosphates; alkali metal polyphosphates; alkali metal phosphonates; alkali metal polyphosphonic acids, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof; and mixtures thereof.

4. The composition of claim 1, 2 or 3 comprising from 0.2% to about 25% by weight of diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinic acid) or an alkali metal, alkaline earth, ammonium or substituted ammonium salt thereof, or mixtures thereof.

5. The composition of claim 4 wherein the diaminoalkyl di(sulfosuccinic acid) component is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 2- hydroxy-1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,3- propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,2-propylene di(sulfosuccinic acid), or sodium salts thereof and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition of claim 4 or 5 wherein the

diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinic acid) component is in the form of its (S,S) isomer.

7. The composition of any preceeding claim wherein the surfactant component additionally comprises a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of C₁₀-C₂₀ alcohols ethoxylated with an average of from about 4 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, alkyl polyglycosides, alkyl aldonamides, alkyl aldobionamides, alkyl glycamides and mixtures thereof.

8. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim comprising:

(a) from about 5% to about 60% by weight of a

detergent surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, ampholytic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; (b) from about 7% to about 30% by weight of a

detergency builder selected from the group consisting of alkali metal silicates; alkali metal carbonates;

polyphosphonic acids, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and (c) from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight

diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinic acid), or alkali metal, alkaline earth, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof.

9. The composition of claim 8 comprising from about 10% to about 28% by weight of a detergency builder from the group consisting of C₈-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids,

polycarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof.

10. The composition of claim 9 comprising, as the

detergency builder, from about 5% to about 18% by weight of C₈-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acid, and from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight of citric acid or a salt thereof.

11. The composition of claim 8, 9 or 10 wherein the diaminoalkyl di(sulfosuccinic acid) component is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 2-hydroxy-1, 3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,2- propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid); or the potassium salts or substituted ammonium salts thereof; and mixtures thereof.

12. The composition of any of claims 8 to 11 which is substantially free of inorganic phosphates or polyphosphates.

13. The composition of claim 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 having a pH of from about 6 to about 10 at 1% concentration in water.

14. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any of claims 1 to 7 comprising:

(a) from about 5% to about 60% by weight of a detergent surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; (b) from about 10% to about 50% by weight of a

detergency builder selected from the group consisting of alkali metal silicates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal polyphosphates, alkali metal

phosphonates, alkali metal polyphosphonic acids, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and (c) from about 0.2% to about 25% by weight diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinic acid), or alkali metal, alkaline earth, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof.

15. The composition of claim 17 which comprises from about 0.3% to about 10% diaminoalkyl di (sulfosuccinic acid) or the alkali metal, alkaline earth, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof.

16. The composition of claim 14 or 15 wherein the diaminoalkyl di(sulfosuccinic acid) component is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,3-propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid), 1,2- propylenediamine di(sulfosuccinic acid) or salts thereof and mixtures thereof.

17. A method for laundering fabrics comprising the agitation of said fabrics in an aqueous solution containing from about 0.1% to about 5% of the composition of any of claims 1 to 16.