FLUORESCENT BLEACHING AGENT

Abstract

The present invention provides a fluorescent whitening agent or optical brightener of formula (I) or (II) having the structure: (I) (II), wherein Y is Z or X'L; wherein: A is CR1R2(CH2)n wherein R1 is H, CH2OH or COZ, R2 is H or CH2OH and wherein n is 1 or 2, or wherein A is a fused aromatic or heteroaromatic ring with optionally substituted N and X wherein N and X are each bonded to adjacent carbon atoms of the ring; X is O, S or NH; Y is Z or X'L; or each Z is optionally OH, OM, OR3, O(CH2)qSO3M, NH2, NHOH, NHR4 or NR42, and wherein when Y is X'L; X' is O, S, or NH; and L represents a linking moiety connecting m repeating units of formula I or II having X' as defined above in place of Y; R is H, CHR5R6, R5, R6, an alkylsulfonate, a polyether, CH2COZ or CH(COZ)((CH)nCOZ).