Dispersible Softener Formulations and Unit Doses

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to mixtures of cationic surfactants useful for making concentrated softening compositions that can be added directly to a washing machine as a unit dose (e.g., tablet or capsule) or as a concentrated product, or can be used to prepare fabric softeners at home using tap water, and their use for softening fabrics and / or fibers.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to mixtures of cationic surfactants useful for making concentrated softening compositions that can be added directly to a washing machine as a unit dose (e.g., tablet or capsule) or as a concentrated product, or can be used to prepare fabric softeners at home using tap water, and their use for softening fabrics and / or fibers. [Background technology]

[0002] Quaternary ester ammonium compounds, commonly referred to as "ester quats" (EQs), are widely used as active ingredients in fabric softeners due to their high softening performance (e.g., softening textile fibers and fabrics as well as keratinous fibers such as hair), their biodegradability, fairly low aquatic toxicity, and good cosmetic compatibility with the skin.

[0003] Fabric softener formulations containing ester quats have the disadvantage of having limited compatibility with perfumes, especially in concentrated products.However, there is a need for fabric softener formulations that contain a concentrated form of fabric softener in combination with perfume, which presents a clear viscous liquid that can be directly dispersed in water.Furthermore, it is desirable for such formulations to be stable during storage.

[0004] Although there are attempts in the state of the art aimed at related objectives, there remains a need for surfactant mixtures which make it possible to obtain softening formulations which meet the above requirements.

[0005] In US Patent No. 5,399,633, a fabric treatment agent containing a specific ester quat is described. However, the additional presence of a cationic thickener and a non-ionic emulsifier is required to obtain an optically clear, viscous fabric softener formulation with high storage stability.

[0006] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide new cationic surfactant mixtures that can produce clear, viscous and stable concentrated fabric softener compositions without the presence of further additives.In particular, the present invention aims to provide mixtures that, in combination with perfume, give clear, viscous liquids that can be added directly to a washing machine as a unit dose (e.g., tablet or capsule) or as a concentrated product, or that can be used to prepare fabric softeners at home using tap water.Furthermore, such mixtures and compositions preferably exhibit advantageous storage stability under various conditions, advantageous handling properties (ease of handling), and / or advantageous softening properties. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 096614 Summary of the Invention

[0008] As a solution to the above problem, the present invention relates to a mixture of cationic surfactants obtainable from a process comprising the following steps: step I: esterification according to a) of b) and step II: formation of a cation from the reaction product of step I, a) is a hydroxyl group-containing compound or a mixture of hydroxyl group-containing compounds comprising a.1 and optionally a.2, a.1 represents a compound of the general formula (I): [ka] (In the formula, R 1 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group, and a residue: [ka] is selected from R 2 is a C1-C6 alkylene group, R 3is hydrogen or methyl, and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 20; and a.2 is a polyol, optionally alkoxylated, characterized by a MW in the range of 60 g / mol to 190 g / mol; b) is a mixture of compounds containing one or more carboxylic acid groups, including b.1 and b.2, where b.1 is a compound of formula (II): R 6 -COOH (II) (In the formula, R 6 is a linear or branched C6-C 23 or mixtures of monocarboxylic acids, or their alkyl esters or glycerides, preferably linear or branched, C6-C 23 an alkyl ester or an alkenyl ester, b.2 represents a compound of the general formula (III): HOOC-L-COOH (III) (wherein L is a saturated or unsaturated linear, branched, or cyclic group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, each carbon atom of which is optionally substituted with a C1-C6 saturated or unsaturated group, preferably (CH(R 7 )) m or one or more R 7 Optionally substituted (C6-C 10 arylene), where each R 7 are independently hydrogen, OH, or a C1-C6 saturated or unsaturated group, and m is 0 or an integer from 1 to 10, where m≧2 represents a chain (CH) m is a dicarboxylic acid or mixture of dicarboxylic acids, optionally containing one or more double bonds and / or cyclic groups, or a reactive derivative(s) thereof; wherein a.1), a.2), b.1), and b.2) are introduced into the reaction system in step I in amounts that result in the following molar ratios: the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 0.10 and 5.0; The molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid group and the organic hydroxyl group (COOH / OH) present in the system is 0.30-0.70, and A mixture is provided, wherein the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) under definition a.1 is between 0 and 0.5.

[0009] The present invention further provides compositions comprising the above mixtures, particularly concentrated compositions comprising the above mixtures and preferably fragrance, which are useful for softening fabrics or fibers, for example by mixing the composition with tap water or by adding the concentrated composition directly or in unit dose form to a washing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The inventors have surprisingly found that certain mixtures of cationic surfactants (esterquats (EQ)), obtainable by reacting a combination of mono- and dicarboxylic acids with alkanolamine(s) and optionally polyol(s) with subsequent formation of the cation, in combination with perfume, are capable of forming clear, stable, viscous liquids that can be added directly to the washing machine as tablets or concentrated products or used to prepare fabric softeners at home using tap water. These effects can be observed even in the absence of further additives.

[0011] Generally, the cationic surfactant mixtures exhibit good compatibility with perfumes. Such combined surfactant concentrates or surfactant / perfume compositions are clear and homogeneous at room temperature and exhibit good stability during storage at room temperature, and preferably also under various other conditions (5°C, 40°C).

[0012] Concentrated fabric softener compositions have many advantageous uses.

[0013] For example, the concentrated softener composition can be added directly to a washing machine to obtain softening effects. The concentrated softener composition has the advantage that it can be quickly dispersed in water and does not require stabilization of the diluted formulation. Alternatively, the concentrated softener composition can be used to prepare fabric softeners at home using tap water. The concentrated softener composition can be quickly dispersed in water and does not require stabilization of the diluted formulation.

[0014] Still further, the concentrated fabric softener composition may be useful as an appealing, optionally attractive and advantageous, fabric softening ingredient in a unit dose (e.g., tablet or capsule) that can be added directly to a washing machine by a consumer. The good compatibility of the cationic surfactant mixture with the perfume allows the fabric softening ingredient to be provided in a highly concentrated form, thus allowing the creation of small, easily handled unit dose sizes.

[0015] Overall, the mixtures, compositions, and unit doses of the present invention can contribute to a variety of beneficial effects, such as water savings, plastic reduction, energy reduction, environmental acceptability, and / or sustainability of the products and their use.

[0016] Cationic Surfactant Mixture The cationic surfactant mixture of the present invention can be mixed with perfume to provide a clear, stable, viscous softener composition. No additives are required to achieve the optical clarity and stability of the final composition. Clarity and viscosity are attractive and desirable features of the product. The use of fewer additives is advantageous from an environmental, biological, and skin compatibility, as well as economic standpoint.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 0.5 and 3.5, preferably between 1.5 and 3.5, and / or the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups present in the system (COOH / OH) is between 0.40 and 0.70, preferably between 0.50 and 0.70, and / or the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) under definition a.1 is 0 or between 0.1 and 0.5, preferably between 0.1 and 0.5. Without wishing to be bound by theory, these particular ratios, individually or in combination, may contribute to still further improving the softening effect and / or the stability of the formulations formed by using the mixture of cationic surfactants according to the invention.

[0018] Particularly good stability is achieved if the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups (COOH / OH) in the definition of the mixture of cationic surfactants is less than 0.7.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 0.10 and 1.0, preferably between 0.20 and 1.0, more preferably between 0.30 and 1.0, and / or the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups present in the system (COOH / OH) is between 0.30 and 0.70, preferably between 0.40 and 0.70, more preferably between 0.50 and 0.70, and / or the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) within definition a.1 is 0 or between 0.1 and 0.5, preferably between 0.1 and 0.5. Without wishing to be bound by theory, each of these specific ratios may contribute to an improvement in the optical transparency. Furthermore, the handling (ease of handling) and / or the softening properties may also be improved. Particularly good transparency is achieved at a water content of less than 5% (wt / wt), preferably between 0% (wt / wt) and 5% (wt / wt), and most preferably in the absence or essential absence of water.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the alkanolamine(s) of formula (I) are selected from triethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, N-methyldiisopropanolamine, and triisopropanolamine, each of which is optionally alkoxylated with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, and mixtures thereof.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, in the dicarboxylic acid(s) of formula (III), each L is selected from ethane-1,2-diyl, 1-hydroxyethane-1,2-diyl, cis-ethene-1,2-diyl, trans-ethene-1,2-diyl, propane-1,2-diyl, propane-1,3-diyl, butane-1,4-diyl, pentane-1,5-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl, cyclohexane-1,4-diyl, octane-1,8-diyl, and 1,4-phenylenyl, preferably butane-1,4-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl, or octane-1,8-diyl.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dicarboxylic acid of formula (III) is selected from succinic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, maleic acid, and terephthalic acid, acids obtained by thermal oligomerization of unsaturated fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the reactive derivative(s) of the dicarboxylic acid(s) of general formula (III) are one or more selected from halides, anhydrides, preferably mixed anhydrides with acetic acid, or cyclic anhydrides.

[0024] The inventors have surprisingly found that by using specific ratios of components as in the present invention, it is possible to obtain cationic surfactant mixtures which, when mixed with water at room temperature, allow the preparation of clear and stable softener formulations, even when using a wider variety of monocarboxylic acid(s) than in the prior art.

[0025] For example, the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) may be synthetic fatty acids and / or may be obtained from fats or oils of natural origin, optionally hydrogenated, or may be derived from oils of vegetable origin which are optionally hydrogenated.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) are selected from those obtained from tallow, palm, olive, coconut, sunflower, soybean, rapeseed, grape pomace, and grapes, each of which may be hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or non-hydrogenated.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the iodine value of the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 35 or more, even more preferably 45 or more, most preferably 50 or more, and / or is preferably 280 or less, more preferably 180 or less, even more preferably 100 or less, most preferably 80 or less. Preferably, the iodine value of the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) is 5 to 280, more preferably 5 to 180, more preferably 35 to 180, more preferably 45 to 100, more preferably 45 to 80, most preferably 50 to 80. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the use of monocarboxylic acid(s) having such an iodine value may contribute to an even further improvement in the optical transparency and / or storage stability at various temperatures of the aqueous formulations obtained from the mixture of cationic surfactants according to the invention.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) are selected from the group consisting of caproic acid, caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, isotridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmoleic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, petroselinic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eleostearic acid, arachidic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, and erucic acid, and may be prepared, for example, by pressure splitting of natural fats and oils, as described by Roelen's oxo synthesis. and mixtures thereof obtained in the dimerization of unsaturated fatty acids, obtained in the reduction of aldehydes from glycerol, glycerol, tert-butanoic acid ...

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compounds corresponding to a.1 and / or a.2 may be of natural or synthetic origin.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, polyol a.2 is one or more selected from trimethylolpropane (TMP), glycerin, and neopentyl glycol (NPG), each of which may be optionally alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated, where polyol a.2 is more preferably trimethylolpropane (TMP) or absent.

[0031] Step I is an esterification step in which a) and b) are reacted. In an exemplary embodiment, monoacid b.1 and diacid b.2 are combined with alkanolamine a.1 and optionally polyol b.2. The resulting mixture is heated. Preferably, the mixture is heated to reflux under atmospheric pressure, for example at 140° C. to 200° C., preferably at 160° C. to 180° C., for 1 hour to 5 hours, preferably 2 hours to 4 hours. Preferably, step I is carried out until water is no longer distilled off from the reaction mixture.

[0032] The reaction product obtained from step I is subjected to cation formation in step II. Preferably, an organic solvent is added before step II. Step II may correspond to the formation of an addition salt of the alkanolamine ester obtained from step I with an inorganic or organic acid, preferably the inorganic or organic acid being one or more selected from hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid. Alternatively, step II may correspond to the quaternization of the reaction mixture of step I with an alkylating agent(s), preferably the alkylating agent being one or more selected from methyl chloride, methyl bromide, dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, and dimethyl carbonate. Step II may be carried out at room temperature or at elevated temperature, for example 40° C. to 100° C., preferably 50° C. to 90° C., preferably for 1 hour to 5 hours, more preferably 2 hours to 4 hours, or until the amine value is verified to be virtually completely absent by acid / base assay.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mixture further comprises an organic solvent, preferably an alcohol, more preferably ethanol, n-propanol or isopropanol, butanol, glycol, propanediol or butanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol or butyl diglycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl, ethyl or propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl or ethyl ether, methoxy triglycol, ethoxy triglycol or butoxy triglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, or propylene glycol t-butyl ether. For example, such a solvent may be added during the preparation process, for example during step I and / or step II, preferably before step II.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the content of the organic solvent in the cationic surfactant mixture is 0% to 30% by weight, preferably 0% to 20% by weight, and more preferably 10% to 20% by weight.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the mixture is essentially water-free.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the mixture consists essentially of the reaction products of steps I and II, and optionally an organic solvent. Preferably, the mixture consists essentially of the reaction products of steps I and II, solvent, if present, unreacted starting materials, and inevitable impurities from the manufacturing process, if present.

[0037] Softener Composition Further provided is a softener composition, preferably a fabric softening composition and / or a keratin-based fiber softening composition, comprising the cationic surfactant mixture according to the invention, which preferably further comprises water.

[0038] Such compositions may not only exhibit advantageous storage stability under a variety of conditions, but may also exhibit additional advantageous properties, such as handling (ease of handling) and / or softening properties.

[0039] Such a composition may be a clear solution at room temperature and may be stable for storage at room temperature or at 5°C or 40°C, for example for at least 2 months. Particularly good stability is achieved when the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid group and the organic hydroxyl group (COOH / OH) in the definition of the mixture of cationic surfactants is less than 0.7, more preferably less than 0.7. In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition may be optically clear at room temperature, preferably at temperatures between 26°C and 40°C, more preferably between 20°C and 50°C, even more preferably between 16°C and 50°C, most preferably between 5°C and 60°C. Particularly good optical transparency is achieved when the molar ratio (b.1 / b.2) of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) is less than or equal to 1.0.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises a fragrance. The fragrance consists exclusively of one or more substances. The average logP of the fragrance substance(s) is between 1 and 6. The weight ratio between the above defined cationic surfactant mixture according to the present invention and the fragrance is between 99:1 and 40:60, more preferably between 80:20 and 60:40, even more preferably between 80:20 and 70:30.

[0041] Preferably, the water content in the composition of the present invention is 80% (w / w) or less or 40% (w / w) or less, more preferably 35% (w / w) or less, most preferably 30% (w / w) or less. The solid residue is preferably 60% or more, more preferably 65% ​​or more, even more preferably between 65% and 70%, most preferably 70% or more. In an alternative embodiment, the water content in the composition is preferably more than 40% (w / w), more preferably more than 80% (w / w), most preferably more than 85% (w / w). The solid residue is preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 25%, even more preferably between 15% and 2%.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises a nonionic surfactant. The weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture and the nonionic surfactant is preferably 100:0 (i.e., no nonionic surfactant is present) to 70:30. The nonionic surfactant can advantageously improve the solubility of the perfume in the composition, especially when a large amount of perfume is used (e.g., more than 1% by weight of the composition, optionally up to 3% by weight or more). Preferably, when the amount of perfume in the composition is 0.3% by weight or less, no nonionic surfactant is used, otherwise, the nonionic surfactant is used optionally. Furthermore, the addition of a nonionic surfactant can further improve the good stability of the formulation during storage.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises a thickening agent, for example a thickening polymer. The weight ratio of the cationic surfactant mixture to the thickening agent is preferably 150:1 to 10:5, more preferably 100:1 to 10:2. The thickening agent can be added to increase the viscosity of the final composition. Suitable thickening agents are, for example, PEG-150 distearate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose and its derivatives, PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate, PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate (and) propanediol, ethoxylated sorbitan triisostearate (for example, PEG-160 sorbitan triisostearate, for example, Kaopan TW IS-559S, manufactured by Kao Chemicals Europe, SL), and methylenebisacrylamide crosslinked copolymers of acrylamide and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate methyl chloride (such as FLOSOFT 222, manufactured by SNF).

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises (i) a mixture of the above cationic surfactants and (ii) optionally one or more nonionic surfactants, wherein the sum of components (i) and (ii) is from 2% by weight to 100% by weight, and The content of component (i) is 2% to 100% by weight of the composition, and The content of component (ii) is 0 wt% to 50 wt%, preferably 0 wt% to 20 wt%, more preferably 0 wt% to 5 wt%, even more preferably 0 wt% to 2 wt%, and most preferably 0 wt% to 0.05 wt%, relative to the weight of the composition.

[0045] Preferably, in the case of the diluted formulation: The total amount of component (i) and component (ii) is 2% by weight to 50% by weight, The content of component (i) is 2% to 50%; The content of component (ii) is, relative to the weight of the composition, 0 wt% to 15 wt%, preferably 0 wt% to 10 wt%, more preferably 0 wt% to 5 wt%, even more preferably 0 wt% to 2 wt%, and most preferably 0 wt% to 0.05 wt%.

[0046] Preferably, in the case of an anhydrous formulation, the sum of components (i) and (ii) is from 50% by weight to 100% by weight, where The content of component (i) is 50% to 100%; The content of component (ii) is, relative to the weight of the composition, 0 wt% to 50 wt%, preferably 0 wt% to 30 wt%, more preferably 0 wt% to 20 wt%, even more preferably 0 wt% to 10 wt%, and most preferably 0 wt% to 5 wt%.

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the composition according to the present invention comprises, preferably consists essentially of, and more preferably consists of, an ester quat (EQ), water, or an EQ, water, a thickener, or an EQ, water, up to 3.0% by weight of a fragrance, or an EQ, water, a non-ionic surfactant(s), a fragrance, or an EQ, water, a thickener, a fragrance, or an EQ, an organic solvent such as ethanol or glycerin, and a fragrance.

[0048] A preferred embodiment of the anhydrous composition according to the present invention comprises, preferably consists essentially of, and more preferably consists of, an ester quat (EQ), or EQ, a thickener, or EQ, a fragrance, or EQ, a non-ionic surfactant(s), a fragrance, or EQ, a thickener, a fragrance, or EQ, an organic solvent such as ethanol or glycerin, and a fragrance.

[0049] Compositions suitable for making unit dose softeners The present invention further provides a concentrated composition suitable for making a unit dose fabric softener contained in a water-soluble pouch, comprising the mixture of cationic surfactants as described above, and which is liquid and transparent at a temperature of 26° C. to 40° C., preferably 20° C. to 60° C., more preferably 16° C. to 80° C., and most preferably 0° C. to 80° C. The concentrated composition preferably has a water content of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, preferably less than 1%, preferably less than 0.1%, and most preferably 0%.

[0050] Preferably, concentrated compositions suitable for making unit doses contain 40% (w / w) or more, more preferably 40% (w / w) to 70% (w / w), most preferably about 70% (w / w) of the cationic surfactant mixture (EQ).

[0051] Such compositions may contain a fragrance and / or a non-ionic surfactant. The fragrance preferably consists exclusively of one or more substances. The average logP of the fragrance substance(s) is between 1 and 6.

[0052] Particularly good stability of compositions comprising a mixture of cationic surfactants and a fragrance is achieved when the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups (COOH / OH) in the definition of the mixture of cationic surfactants is less than 0.7.

[0053] Preferably, the weight ratios of the listed components are in accordance with the following ratios: P:C is a value between 0:100 and 60:40. NI:C is 0 or a value between 0:100 and 50:50; P corresponds to the weight content of the flavoring, C corresponds to the weight content of the cationic surfactant mixture according to claims 1 to 4, The NI corresponds to the weight content of nonionic surfactants.

[0054] Preferably, such concentrated compositions consist essentially of or consist of the mixture of cationic surfactants described above, fragrance, optionally a non-ionic surfactant, and optionally an organic solvent.

[0055] Unit dose fabric softener The present invention further provides a unit dose of a fabric conditioner (i.e., a unit dose softener) comprising a water-soluble pouch that serves as a container for a liquid composition and a concentrated composition contained within or by the pouch, suitable for making the unit dose described above. Preferably, the unit dose is a capsule or tablet. Preferably, the water-soluble pouch is formed from or includes polyvinyl alcohol.

[0056] A concentrated composition suitable for dispersal in cold water by the consumer at home The present invention further provides a concentrated softener composition comprising the cationic surfactant mixture described above and having a water content of 80% (w / w) or less, preferably 50% (w / w) or less, more preferably 30% (w / w) or less, even more preferably less than 5% (w / w), and most preferably less than 1% (w / w). For example, such a composition containing less than 5% (w / w) water may be liquid and transparent at temperatures between 26°C and 40°C, preferably between 20°C and 60°C, more preferably between 16°C and 60°C, and most preferably between 0°C and 80°C.

[0057] Preferably, the concentrated composition comprises at least 40% (w / w) of the cationic surfactant mixture (EQ), more preferably 40% (w / w) to 70% (w / w), most preferably about 70% (w / w).

[0058] The present invention further provides a concentrated fabric softener composition suitable for preparing a household fabric softener formulation by dilution, which is liquid at a temperature between 26°C and 40°C, preferably between 20°C and 60°C, more preferably between 16°C and 80°C, most preferably between 0°C and 80°C, comprises the cationic surfactant mixture described above, and has a water content of less than 50%, preferably less than 30%, preferably less than 5%.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, such a concentrated softener composition comprises: A)Fragrance, Here, preferably, (i) the flavouring consists of one or more substances; and / or (ii) the average log P of the fragrance substance(s) is between 1 and 6; and / or (iii) the fragrance is an encapsulated fragrance, preferably the fragrance is encapsulated in a biodegradable microcapsule, more preferably the microcapsule is based on chitosan; and / or B) nonionic surfactants, Further comprising: Preferably, the weight ratios of the components mentioned are in accordance with the following ratios: P:C is a value between 0:100 and 60:40. NI:C is 0:100 to 30:70. P corresponds to a fragrance, optionally a microencapsulated fragrance, C corresponds to a cationic surfactant mixture, NI corresponds to non-ionic surfactant.

[0060] Particularly good stability of compositions comprising a mixture of cationic surfactants and a fragrance is achieved when the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups (COOH / OH) in the definition of the mixture of cationic surfactants is less than 0.7.

[0061] As used herein, nonionic surfactant(s) refers to fatty acids, linear or branched alkoxylated or nonalkoxylated esters of fatty acids, particularly fatty acids containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, alkoxylated or nonalkoxylated Guerbet alcohols, glycerol and polyglycerol esters, which may be optionally alkoxylated, xylitol esters, alkoxylated or nonalkoxylated sorbitan esters, esters of sugars such as glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, ribose, 2-deoxyribose, and sucrose, C 8~18 They may be selected from non-ionic surfactants having an amide group derived from amines such as fatty alcohols, alkyl polyglucosides, glucamines, and derivatives of methylethanolamine, diethanolamine, isopropanolamine, and monoethanolamine with linear or branched fatty acids, in particular with linear or branched fatty acids containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, waxes such as paraffins, microcrystalline waxes derived from petroleum, and synthetic waxes, and pentaerythritol esters, in particular with tallow, hydrogenated tallow, palm, behenic, or oleic chains; preferably, the non-ionic surfactants are selected from ethoxylated glycerol esters, sorbitan monoesters, and pentaerythritol esters, in particular with tallow, hydrogenated tallow, palm, behenic, or oleic chains.

[0062] Suitable nonionic surfactants include glyceryl-6 cocoate (e.g., Levenol F-200), glyceryl-17 cocoate (e.g., Levenol C-201), ethoxylated C 13~15 Alcohols (e.g., including 7EO, e.g., Findet 1315 / 19), ethoxylated C 16~18 Alcohols (eg containing 23 EO, for example Findet 1618 / 35) and in particular ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oils (eg containing 40 EO, for example Findet ARH-52) are suitable.

[0063] Nevertheless, in any of the compositions described herein, the addition of non-ionic surfactants, thickeners, and organic solvents is optional and is not required to achieve advantageous properties of the compositions, such as fragrance compatibility, dispersibility, viscosity, and / or stability, i.e., non-ionic surfactants, thickeners, and / or organic solvents may be absent.

[0064] The above compositions may have a viscosity at 20° C. of 200 cps to 50,000 cps measured in a Brookfield LVT viscometer using spindle 2 at 60 rpm or spindle 4 at 12 rpm. Preferably, such compositions have a viscosity of 200 mPa·s to 5,000 mPa·s, optionally 200 mPa·s to 800 mPa·s, measured in a Brookfield LVT viscometer using spindle 4 at 12 rpm, or have a viscosity of 200 mPa·s to 800 mPa·s, measured in a Brookfield LVT viscometer using spindle 2 at 30 rpm.

[0065] For example, concentrated EQs and their mixtures with NIs, fragrances and / or glycols may have viscosity values ​​between 100 mPa·s and 50,000 mPa·s. Diluted formulations (2% active ingredient to 50% active ingredient) may have viscosity values ​​between 2 mPa·s and 500 mPa·s.

[0066] use The present invention further provides the use of any of the compositions or unit doses described herein for softening fabrics and / or keratin-based fibers.

[0067] The present invention further provides the use of the concentrated composition for preparing a fabric softener at home using tap water, so that the resulting ready-to-use diluted fabric softener can be used to soften fabrics and / or keratin-based fibers.

[0068] The present invention further provides the use of the claimed unit dose or concentrated compositions for softening fabrics and / or keratin-based fibers, comprising adding the unit dose or composition directly to a washing machine.

[0069] The present invention also provides the following aspects.

[0070] 1. The following steps: Step I: esterification of a) with b) Step II: Formation of a cation from the reaction product of step I; A mixture of cationic surfactants obtainable from a process comprising: a) is a hydroxyl group-containing compound or a mixture of hydroxyl group-containing compounds comprising a.1 and optionally a.2, a.1 represents a compound of the general formula (I): [ka] (In the formula, R 1 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group, and a residue: [ka] is selected from R 2 is a C1-C6 alkylene group, R 3 is hydrogen or methyl, and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 20; and a.2 is a polyol, optionally alkoxylated, characterized by a MW in the range of 60 g / mol to 190 g / mol; b) is a mixture of compounds containing one or more carboxylic acid groups, including b.1 and b.2, where b.1 is a compound of formula (II): R 6 -COOH (II) (In the formula, R 6 is a linear or branched C6-C 23or mixtures of monocarboxylic acids, or their alkyl esters or glycerides, preferably linear or branched, C6-C 23 an alkyl ester or an alkenyl ester, b.2 represents a compound of the general formula (III): HOOC-L-COOH (III) (wherein L is a saturated or unsaturated linear, branched, or cyclic group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, each carbon atom of which is optionally substituted with a C1-C6 saturated or unsaturated group, preferably (CH(R 7 )) m or one or more R 7 Optionally substituted (C6-C 10 arylene), where each R 7 are independently hydrogen, OH, or a C1-C6 saturated or unsaturated group, and m is 0 or an integer from 1 to 10, where m≧2 represents a chain (CH) m is a dicarboxylic acid or mixture of dicarboxylic acids, optionally containing one or more double bonds and / or cyclic groups, or a reactive derivative(s) thereof; wherein a.1), a.2), b.1), and b.2) are introduced into the reaction system in step I in amounts that result in the following molar ratios: the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 0.10 and 5.0; The molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid group and the organic hydroxyl group (COOH / OH) present in the system is 0.30-0.70, and A mixture, wherein the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) under definition a.1 is between 0 and 0.5.

[0071] 2. The mixture according to embodiment 1, wherein the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 0.5 and 3.5, preferably between 1.5 and 3.5.

[0072] 3. The mixture according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups (COOH / OH) present in the system is from 0.40 to 0.70, preferably from 0.50 to 0.70.

[0073] 4. A mixture according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) under definition a.1 is 0 or between 0.1 and 0.5, preferably between 0.1 and 0.5.

[0074] 5. The amounts of compound a.1, compound a.2, compound b.1, and compound b.2 are introduced into the reaction system in step I in the following molar ratios: A) the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 1.5 and 3.5; The molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid group and the organic hydroxyl group (COOH / OH) present in the system is 0.40-0.70, and the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) within definition a.1 is 0 or between 0.1 and 0.5, or B) the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 0.10 and 1.0, preferably between 0.20 and 1.0, more preferably between 0.30 and 1.0, and / or the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups (COOH / OH) present in the system is from 0.30 to 0.70, preferably from 0.40 to 0.70, more preferably from 0.50 to 0.70; and / or The mixture according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) under definition a.1 is 0 or between 0.1 and 0.5, preferably between 0.1 and 0.5.

[0075] 6. The mixture according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the alkanolamine(s) of formula (I) are selected from triethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, N-methyldiisopropanolamine, and triisopropanolamine, each of which is optionally alkoxylated with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, and mixtures thereof.

[0076] 7. The mixture according to any one of the previous embodiments, wherein in the dicarboxylic acid(s) of formula (III), each L is selected from ethane-1,2-diyl, 1-hydroxyethane-1,2-diyl, cis-ethene-1,2-diyl, trans-ethene-1,2-diyl, propane-1,2-diyl, propane-1,3-diyl, butane-1,4-diyl, pentane-1,5-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl, cyclohexane-1,4-diyl, octane-1,8-diyl, and 1,4-phenylenyl, preferably butane-1,4-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl, or octane-1,8-diyl.

[0077] 8. The mixture according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the dicarboxylic acid of formula (III) is selected from succinic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, maleic acid, and terephthalic acid, acids obtained by thermal oligomerization of unsaturated fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0078] 9. A mixture according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reactive derivative(s) of the dicarboxylic acid(s) of general formula (III) is / are one or more selected from halides, anhydrides, preferably mixed anhydrides with acetic acid, or cyclic anhydrides.

[0079] 10. The mixture according to any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) are synthetic fatty acids and / or are obtained from naturally occurring fats or oils, and are optionally hydrogenated.

[0080] 11. The mixture according to any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) are derived from an oil of vegetable origin, which is optionally hydrogenated.

[0081] 12. The mixture according to any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) are selected from those obtained from tallow, palm, olive, coconut, sunflower, soybean, rapeseed, grape pomace, and grapes, each of which may be hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or non-hydrogenated.

[0082] 13. The mixture according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the iodine value of the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 35 or more, even more preferably 45 or more, most preferably 50 or more, and / or preferably 280 or less, more preferably 180 or less, even more preferably 100 or less, most preferably 80 or less.

[0083] 14. The mixture according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the iodine value of the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) is 5 to 280, more preferably 5 to 180, more preferably 35 to 180, 35 to 100, more preferably 45 to 100, more preferably 45 to 80, and most preferably 50 to 80.

[0084] 15. The monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) include caproic acid, caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, isotridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmoleic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, petroselinic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eleostearic acid, arachidic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, and erucic acid, and may be prepared, for example, by pressure splitting of natural fats and oils, by reduction of aldehydes from the synthesis of oxo-olefins, or by the dimerization of unsaturated fatty acids. 5. The mixture according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the fatty acids are one or more selected from the group consisting of stearic acid, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-octyldodecanoic acid, capric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, partially hydrogenated coconut fatty acid, palm fatty acid, partially hydrogenated distilled palm fatty acid, hydrogenated distilled palm fatty acid, palm kernel fatty acid, tallow fatty acid, distilled tallow fatty acid, and rapeseed fatty acid, and mixtures thereof obtained by polymerization of the fatty acids.

[0085] 16. A mixture according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the compounds corresponding to a.1 and / or a.2 are of natural origin.

[0086] 17. A mixture according to any one of the previous aspects, wherein the compounds corresponding to a.1 and / or a.2 are of synthetic origin.

[0087] 18. The mixture according to any one of the above aspects, wherein step II corresponds to forming an addition salt of the alkanolamine ester obtained from step I with an inorganic or organic acid, wherein preferably the inorganic or organic acid is one or more selected from hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid.

[0088] 19. The mixture according to any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein step II corresponds to quaternizing the reaction mixture of step I with alkylating agent(s), wherein preferably the alkylating agent is one or more selected from methyl chloride, methyl bromide, dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, and dimethyl carbonate.

[0089] 20. The mixture according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein polyol a.2 is one or more selected from trimethylolpropane (TMP), glycerin, and neopentyl glycol (NPG), each of which may be optionally alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated, and wherein polyol a.2 is more preferably trimethylolpropane (TMP) or is absent.

[0090] 21. The mixture according to any one of the previous aspects, further comprising an organic solvent, preferably an alcohol, more preferably ethanol, n-propanol or isopropanol, butanol, glycol, propanediol or butanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol or butyl diglycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl, ethyl or propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl or ethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol or butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, or propylene glycol t-butyl ether.

[0091] 22. The mixture according to aspect 21, wherein the content of the organic solvent is 0% by weight to 30% by weight, preferably 0% by weight to 20% by weight, and more preferably 10% by weight to 20% by weight.

[0092] 23. The mixture of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mixture is essentially water-free.

[0093] 24. The mixture of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mixture consists essentially of the reaction product of Step I and Step II, and optionally an organic solvent.

[0094] 25. The mixture according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mixture consists only of the reaction products of Step I and Step II, solvent, if present, unreacted starting materials, and inevitable impurities from the manufacturing process, if present.

[0095] 26. A softener composition, preferably a fabric softening composition and / or a keratin-based fibre softening composition, comprising a cationic surfactant mixture according to any one of the above aspects.

[0096] 27. The composition of embodiment 26, further comprising water.

[0097] 28. The composition according to aspect 26 or 27, which is optically transparent at room temperature, preferably at a temperature of 26°C to 40°C, more preferably 20°C to 50°C, even more preferably 16°C to 50°C, and most preferably 5°C to 60°C.

[0098] 29. The moisture content is preferably greater than 50% (w / w), more preferably greater than 80% (w / w), most preferably greater than 85% (w / w), and / or The solid residue is less than 50%, more preferably less than 25%, even more preferably between 15% and 2%, or a moisture content of 80% w / w or less or 40% w / w or less, preferably 35% w / w or less, more preferably between 35% w / w and 30% w / w, most preferably 30% w / w or less; and / or Aspect 29. The composition of any one of aspects 26 to 28, wherein the solid residue is greater than or equal to 20% or greater than or equal to 60%, preferably greater than or equal to 65%, more preferably between 65% and 70%, and most preferably greater than or equal to 70%.

[0099] 30. A)Fragrance, Here, preferably, (i) the flavouring consists of one or more substances; and / or (ii) the average log P of the fragrance substance(s) is between 1 and 6; and / or (iii) the weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture and the fragrance is from 99:1 to 40:60, more preferably from 80:20 to 60:40, even more preferably from 80:20 to 70:30; and / or (iv) the perfume may be partially encapsulated, preferably the perfume is encapsulated in a biodegradable microcapsule, more preferably the microcapsule is based on chitosan; and / or B) nonionic surfactants, The weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture and the nonionic surfactant is 100:0 to 70:30; and / or C) thickeners, wherein the weight ratio of the mixture according to any one of Aspects 1 to 25 to the thickener is 100:0 to 10:5, preferably 100:1 to 10:2; 30. The composition of any one of aspects 26 to 29, further comprising:

[0100] 31. (i) a mixture of cationic surfactants as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 25; and (ii) optionally one or more nonionic surfactants; Including, The total amount of component (i) and component (ii) is 2% by weight to 100% by weight, The content of component (i) is 2% to 100%, The composition according to any one of Aspects 26 to 30, wherein the content of component (ii) is 0 wt % to 50 wt %, preferably 0 wt % to 20 wt %, more preferably 0 wt % to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0 wt % to 2 wt %, and most preferably 0 wt % to 0.05 wt %, relative to the weight of the composition.

[0101] 32. A concentrated composition suitable for making a unit dose fabric softener contained in a water-soluble pouch, the composition comprising: A mixture according to any one of aspects 1 to 25, A concentrated composition that is liquid and transparent at a temperature between 26°C and 40°C, preferably between 20°C and 60°C, more preferably between 16°C and 80°C, and most preferably between 0°C and 80°C.

[0102] 33. The concentrated composition according to aspect 32, having a moisture content of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, more preferably less than 1%, even more preferably less than 0.1%, and most preferably 0%.

[0103] 34. A)Fragrance, Here, preferably, (i) the flavouring consists of one or more substances; and / or (ii) the average log P of the fragrance substance(s) is between 1 and 6; and / or B) nonionic surfactants, It is preferably characterized in that the weight ratios of the stated components are in accordance with the following ratios: P:C is a value between 0:100 and 60:40. NI:C is 0 or a value between 0:100 and 50:50; P corresponds to the weight content of the flavoring, C corresponds to the weight content of the cationic surfactant mixture according to any one of aspects 1 to 25, NI corresponds to the weight content of nonionic surfactants; 34. The concentrated composition of embodiment 32 or 33, further comprising:

[0104] 35. A concentrated composition according to any one of aspects 32 to 34, consisting essentially of or consisting of a mixture of cationic surfactants according to any one of aspects 1 to 35, a fragrance, optionally a nonionic surfactant, and optionally an organic solvent.

[0105] 36. A water-soluble pouch that serves as a container for a liquid composition; The fabric softening composition according to any one of aspects 32 to 35, which is contained in or by a pouch; A unit dose of a fabric finish comprising: Preferably the unit dose is a capsule or tablet and preferably the water soluble pouch is formed from or comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0106] 37. A concentrated fabric softener composition suitable for preparing a household fabric softener formulation by dilution, comprising a mixture according to any one of aspects 1 to 25 and having a water content of 80% w / w or less, preferably 50% w / w or less, more preferably 30% w / w or less, and most preferably less than 5% w / w.

[0107] 38. The concentrated fabric softener composition according to aspect 37, which is liquid at a temperature of 26°C to 40°C, preferably 20°C to 60°C, more preferably 16°C to 80°C, and most preferably 0°C to 80°C.

[0108] 39. The composition of embodiment 37 or 38, which is liquid and transparent at a temperature of 26°C to 40°C, preferably 20°C to 60°C, more preferably 16°C to 60°C, and most preferably 0°C to 80°C.

[0109] 40. A)Fragrance, Here, preferably, (i) the flavouring consists of one or more substances; and / or (ii) the average log P of the fragrance substance(s) is between 1 and 6; and / or (iii) the fragrance is an encapsulated fragrance, preferably the fragrance is encapsulated in a biodegradable microcapsule, more preferably the microcapsule is based on chitosan; and / or B) nonionic surfactants, and / or C) characterized in that the weight ratios of the components listed are in accordance with the following ratios: P:C is a value between 0:100 and 60:40. NI:C is 0:100 to 30:70. P corresponds to a fragrance, optionally a microencapsulated fragrance, C corresponds to the cationic surfactant mixture according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25; Aspect 40. The composition according to any one of aspects 37 to 39, wherein NI corresponds to a non-ionic surfactant.

[0110] 41. The nonionic surfactant(s) may be any of the following: fatty acids, linear or branched alkoxylated or nonalkoxylated esters of fatty acids, especially fatty acids containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, alkoxylated or nonalkoxylated Guerbet alcohols, optionally alkoxylated glycerol and polyglycerol esters, xylitol esters, alkoxylated or nonalkoxylated sorbitan esters, esters of sugars such as glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, ribose, 2-deoxyribose, and sucrose, C 8~18 41. The composition according to any one of aspects 30, 31, 34, 35 or 40, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from nonionic surfactants having an amide group derived from amines such as fatty alcohols, alkyl polyglucosides, glucamines, and derivatives of methylethanolamine, diethanolamine, isopropanolamine and monoethanolamine with linear or branched fatty acids, in particular linear or branched fatty acids containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, waxes such as paraffins, microcrystalline waxes derived from petroleum and synthetic waxes, and in particular pentaerythritol esters having tallow chains, hydrogenated tallow chains, palm chains, behenic acid chains or oleic acid chains, preferably the nonionic surfactant is selected from ethoxylated glycerol esters, sorbitan monoesters and pentaerythritol esters, in particular pentaerythritol esters having tallow chains, hydrogenated tallow chains, palm chains, behenic acid chains or oleic acid chains.

[0111] 42. The composition according to any one of aspects 26 to 41, preferably aspects 32 to 35, characterized in that the composition has a viscosity at 20° C. of from 200 cps to 50,000 cps, measured in a Brookfield LVT viscometer using spindle 2 at 60 rpm or using spindle 4 at 12 rpm.

[0112] 43. The composition comprises: A) having a viscosity of 200 mPa·s to 5000 mPa·s, optionally 200 mPa·s to 800 mPa·s, measured in a Brookfield LVT viscometer with spindle 4 at 12 rpm, or B) The composition of embodiment 42 having a viscosity of 200 mPa·s to 800 mPa·s as measured in a Brookfield LVT viscometer using spindle 2 at 30 rpm.

[0113] 44. Use of a mixture according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25 for preparing an optically clear composition; or a process for preparing an optically clear composition from a mixture according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25.

[0114] 45. The use or process of embodiment 44, comprising combining the mixture with water.

[0115] 46. ​​A method for softening fabrics and / or keratin-based fibers, comprising the use of a composition according to any one of aspects 26-35 and aspects 37-43 for softening fabrics and / or keratin-based fibers, or contacting the fabrics and / or fibers with a composition according to any one of aspects 26-35 and aspects 37-43.

[0116] 47. Use of a concentrated composition according to any one of aspects 37 to 43 for softening fabrics and / or keratin-based fibers, comprising preparing a fabric softener comprising mixing the composition with tap water; or a method of preparing a fabric softener or a method of softening fabrics, each method comprising mixing a composition according to any one of aspects 37 to 43 with tap water.

[0117] 48. Use of the unit dose according to embodiment 36 or the composition according to any one of embodiments 37 to 43 for softening fabrics and / or fibers, or a method for softening fabrics and / or fibers, comprising directly dispensing the unit dose or composition into a washing machine.

[0118] As used herein, a "clear" or "optically transparent" appearance of a mixture / composition / formulation refers to essentially complete light transmission, e.g., preferably 90% or more, more preferably 95% or more, even more preferably 98% or more, and most preferably 99% or more. Preferably, unless otherwise specified, the light transmission of such mixtures / compositions / formulations is measured at λ=600 nm (1 cm thickness, 20° C.).

[0119] As used herein, when the ratio (e.g., molar ratio) "x / y" between a compound(s) within a first definition "x" and a compound(s) with a second definition "y" is 0, this means that there is no, or essentially no, compound within the first definition "x".

[0120] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, "stable" or "stable in storage" refers to the compositions comprising the cationic surfactant mixture according to the present invention maintaining the above essentially complete light transmission immediately after their preparation and after storage.Preferably, the compositions are stable at 20°C for at least 7 days, at 5°C for at least 7 days, at 20°C for at least 14 days, at 20°C for at least 28 days, or at 40°C for at least 28 days.

[0121] As used herein, viscosity is measured in a Brookfield LVT viscometer at 20° C. using spindle 2 at 30 rpm or 60 rpm (preferably for low viscosities), or spindle 4 at 12 rpm (preferably for high viscosities).

[0122] As used herein, the "iodine number" (or "iodine value", IV) describes the degree of unsaturation of, for example, fatty acids and can be determined according to EN 14111:2003. EXAMPLES

[0123] Example 1 Synthesis procedure (i) Esterification: 115.1 grams (0.42 mol) of tallow fatty acid and 202.9 grams (1.39 mol) of adipic acid were introduced into a glass reactor under an inert atmosphere. Then, 292.3 grams (1.96 mol) of triethanolamine were introduced with 65.8 grams (0.49 mol) of trimethylolpropane, added with stirring. The mixture was heated at 160°C to 180°C for at least 4 hours to remove water from the reaction. The end point of the reaction was monitored by acid number assay until the value was less than 2 mg KOH / g.

[0124] The esterification yielded a yellowish liquid product consisting essentially of unreacted triethanolamine and trimethylolpropane along with a mixture of unesterified fatty acids and adipic acid, triethanolamine mono-, di-, and triestered with fatty acids, triethanolamine mono-, di-, and triestered with adipic acid, or combinations thereof, trimethylolpropane mono-, di-, and triestered with fatty acids, trimethylolpropane mono-, di-, and triestered with adipic acid, or combinations thereof.

[0125] (ii) Quaternization: 611.5 grams of the product from the esterification step (containing 1.94 moles of amine equivalent product) was mixed with 149.0 grams (3.23 moles) of ethanol, followed by the addition of 232.4 grams (1.84 moles) of dimethyl sulfate with stirring at a temperature between 50° C. and 90° C.

[0126] After 4 hours of digestion, an acid / base assay verified the virtually complete absence of amine value. 992.9 grams of final product was obtained.

[0127] calculation Monocarboxylic acid / dicarboxylic acid molar ratio: 0.42 mol tallow fatty acid / 1.39 mol adipic acid = 0.30

[0128] COOH / OH equivalent ratio: (1 equivalent x 0.42 mol tallow fatty acid + 2 equivalents x 1.39 mol adipic acid) / (3 equivalents x 1.96 mol triethanolamine + 3 equivalents x 0.49 mol trimethylolpropane) = 0.44

[0129] Polyol / Triethanolamine Molar Ratio: 0.49 mol trimethylolpropane / 1.96 mol triethanolamine = 0.25

[0130] Example 2 The quaternary ammonium ester-containing compositions (EQ) according to the present invention were mixed with fragrance in various ratios at room temperature. The resulting mixtures were optically transparent. To quantify the optically transparent appearance, the transmittance was measured at λ=600 nm (1 cm thickness, 20° C.) (Table 1). The viscosity was measured at spindle 2, 60 rpm (viscosity less than 500 mPa·s), spindle 2, 6 rpm (viscosity less than 5000 mPa·s), or spindle 4, 30 rpm (viscosity greater than 5000 mPa·s).

[0131] The clear viscous liquid can be dispensed directly into the washing machine as a tablet or concentrated product.

[0132] [Table 1]

[0133] EQ Composition 25733 is a quaternary ammonium ester-containing composition made similarly to Example 1, where in step (i) the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups present in the system was 0.53, no polyol was present, the monoacid was PH palm fatty acid, and the diacid was adipic acid.

[0134] FINDET 1315 / 19:C available from KAO Chemicals Europe 13~15 Alcohol (7EO) Fragrance: Commercial standard fabric softener fragrance for blue line products available from KAO Chemicals Europe

[0135] Example 3 The following EQ compositions (Table 2) were made by a procedure similar to that of Example 1.

[0136] 70 g of each EQ composition was mixed with 30 g of fragrance at room temperature.

[0137] The resulting mixture containing the composition according to the present invention was a clear viscous liquid that can be dispensed directly into the washing machine as a tablet or concentrated product.

[0138] [Table 2]

[0139] Example 4 70g of the inventive EQ composition was mixed with 30g of fragrance at room temperature. 6g of the mixture was added into a bottle and diluted with 100mL of tap water (HF at 20°). The bottle was gently shaken to obtain a liquid fabric softener. Complete dispersion was observed for the inventive composition (Table 3). In contrast, the comparative sample yielded an opaque, pasty, viscous, mucus-like product.

[0140] These results demonstrate that the compositions of the present invention allow for the production of highly concentrated fabric softener compositions containing perfume in combination with EQ, which can be used to prepare fabric softeners at home using tap water.

[0141] [Table 3]

Claims

1. A fragrance and the following process: Step I: esterification of a) according to b), Step II: Cation formation from the reaction product of Step I; and a mixture of cationic surfactants obtainable from a process comprising: a) is a hydroxyl group-containing compound or a mixture of hydroxyl group-containing compounds comprising a.1 and optionally a.2, wherein: a. 1 is a compound represented by the general formula (I): 【Chemistry 1】 (In the formula, R １ is hydrogen, C １ ~C ６ Alkyl groups and residues: 【Chemistry 2】 is selected from R ２ is C １ ~C ６ is an alkylene group, and R ３ is hydrogen or methyl, and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 20; and a. 2 is a polyol, which may be optionally alkoxylated and is characterized by a MW in the range of 60 g / mol to 190 g / mol; b) is a mixture of compounds containing one or more carboxylic acid groups, including b.1 and b.2, where: b. 1 is a compound of formula (II): R ６ -COOH (II) (In the formula, R ６ is a linear or branched C ６ ~C ２３ a monocarboxylic acid or mixture of monocarboxylic acids, or alkyl esters or glycerides thereof, in which the alkyl group is an alkyl or alkenyl group; b. 2 is represented by the general formula (III): HOOC-L-COOH (III) where L is a group in which each carbon atom is C １ ~C ６ is a saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched, or cyclic group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with a saturated or unsaturated group of wherein a.1), a.2), b.1), and b.2) are introduced into the reaction system in step I in amounts that result in the following molar ratio: the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 0.10 and 5.0; the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups (COOH / OH) present in the system is 0.30 to 0.70; and the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) in definition a.1 is between 0 and 0.5, and A fabric softener composition, wherein the weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture and the perfume is from 99:1 to 40:

60.

2. The amounts of compound a.1, compound a.2, compound b.1, and compound b.2 are introduced into the reaction system in Step I in the following molar ratios: the molar ratio of monoacid(s) / diacid(s) (b.1 / b.2) is between 0.5 and 3.5; the molar ratio between the organic carboxylic acid groups and the organic hydroxyl groups (COOH / OH) present in the system is 0.40 to 0.70; and 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio between the compound(s) within definition a.2 and the compound(s) in definition a.1 is 0 or 0.1 to 0.

5.

3. A) the alkanolamine(s) of formula (I) are / are selected from triethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, N-methyldiisopropanolamine, and triisopropanolamine, each optionally alkoxylated with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, and mixtures thereof; and / or B) the dicarboxylic acid(s) of formula (III) are / are selected from succinic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, maleic acid, and terephthalic acid, acids obtained by thermal oligomerization of unsaturated fatty acids, and mixtures thereof; and / or C) the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) are synthetic fatty acids or are obtained from fats or oils of natural origin and are optionally hydrogenated; and / or D) The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the compounds corresponding to a.1 and / or a.2 are naturally occurring.

4. C) The composition described in claim 3, wherein the monocarboxylic acid of formula (II) is obtained from an optionally hydrogenated plant-derived oil.

5. C) The composition described in claim 3, wherein the monocarboxylic acid of formula (II) is selected from those obtained from tallow, palm, olive, coconut, sunflower, soybean, rapeseed, grape pomace, and grapes, each of which may be hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or non-hydrogenated.

6. A) Step II corresponds to the formation of an addition salt of the alkanolamine ester obtained from step I with an inorganic or organic acid, Or, 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein B) step II corresponds to quaternizing the reaction mixture of step I with alkylating agent(s).

7. (i) the flavoring agent is composed of one or more substances; and / or (ii) the average log P of the perfume substance(s) is / are between 1 and 6; and / or (iii) the weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture and the fragrance is from 80:20 to 60:40; and / or (iv) The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the perfume is optionally partially encapsulated.

8. (iii) A composition described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture and the fragrance is 80:20 to 70:

30.

9. A) a nonionic surfactant, the weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture and the nonionic surfactant is from 100:0 to 70:30; and / or B) thickeners, wherein the weight ratio of the mixture according to claim 1 or 2 to the thickener is from 100:0 to 10:5; The composition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

10. (i) a mixture of cationic surfactants as defined in claim 1 or 2; (ii) optionally one or more nonionic surfactants; Including, The total of component (i) and component (ii) is 2% by weight to 100% by weight, The content of component (i) is 2% to 100%; 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of component (ii) is 0% to 50% by weight, based on the weight of the composition.

11. 1. A composition suitable for making a unit dose fabric softener contained in a water-soluble pouch, said composition comprising:

10. A method for treating a skin condition comprising administering to a subject a composition according to claim 1, comprising administering to said subject a composition according to claim 1, and A composition that is liquid and transparent at a temperature of 26°C to 40°C.

12. The composition of claim 11, which is liquid and transparent at a temperature of 20°C to 60°C.

13. The composition of claim 11 having a moisture content of less than 10%.

14. (i) the flavoring agent is composed of one or more substances; and / or (ii) the average log P of the perfume substance(s) is / are between 1 and 6; and / or (iii) The composition of claim 11, wherein the composition further comprises a non-ionic surfactant.

15. a water-soluble pouch that serves as a container for the liquid composition; 12. The fabric softening composition of claim 11 contained within or by the pouch. A unit dose of a fabric finish comprising:

16. A concentrated fabric softener composition suitable for preparing a home fabric softener formulation by dilution, characterized by the following features: The composition is liquid at a temperature between 26°C and 40°C; and The composition comprises the composition of claim 1 and The composition is a concentrated fabric softener composition having a water content of 80% (w / w) or less.

17. (i) the flavoring agent is composed of one or more substances; and / or (ii) the average log P of the perfume substance(s) is / are between 1 and 6; and / or (iii) the fragrance may be an encapsulated fragrance; and / or The composition comprises: A) further comprising a non-ionic surfactant; and / or B) characterized in that the weight ratios of the listed components are in accordance with the following ratios: P:C is a value between 0:100 and 60:40, NI:C is 0:100 to 30:70, P corresponds to the perfume, optionally a microencapsulated perfume, 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein C corresponds to the cationic surfactant composition of claim 1 or 2, and NI corresponds to the nonionic surfactant.

18. 2. The composition of claim 1, characterized in that it has a viscosity at 20° C. of 200 cps to 50,000 cps measured with spindle 2 at 60 rpm or with spindle 4 at 12 rpm.

17. The composition according to claim 2 or 16.

19. 17. Use of a composition according to claim 1, 2 or 16 or a unit dose according to claim 15 for softening fabrics and / or keratin-based fibers.

20. 18. Use of a composition according to claim 16 or 17 for softening fabrics and / or keratin-based fibres, comprising preparing a fabric softener comprising mixing said composition with tap water; or 18. Use of a unit dose according to claim 15 or a composition according to claim 16 or 17 to soften fabrics and / or fibres, comprising adding said unit dose or said composition directly to a washing machine.

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