Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine, process for preparing the same, its use, and composition for cleaning, fabric and household care products, industrial and institutional cleaning products, cosmetic formulation, crude oil demulizer, pigment dispersion for inkjet inks, electroplating formulation, cementitious composition, dispersant for agrochemical formulations.

Description

116 Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine, process for preparing the same, its use, and composition for cleaning, fabric and household care products. Industrial and institutional cleaning, cosmetic formulation, crude oil demulizer, dispersion Pigment for inkjet paints, electroplating formulation, cementitious composition, dispersant for agrochemical formulations.

[001] This invention relates to modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine polymers (hereinafter referred to as the “inventive polymer” or “polymer of the invention” whenever the inventive polymers are mentioned), their manufacture, their uses, particularly for use in cleaning compositions, such as laundry detergent compositions, and specifically for enhanced clay removal and / or removal of oily / greasy dirt in laundry care.

[002] Detergent formulators continually face the task of developing improved products to remove a wide spectrum of dirt and stains from fabrics and hard surfaces. Chemically and physicochemically, the varieties of the dirt and stain spectrum range from polar dirt, such as proteinaceous, clayey, and inorganic dirt, to non-polar dirt, such as soot, carbon black, byproducts of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, and organic dirt such as tallow. The removal of greasy (i.e., oily / oily) stains has been a particularly challenging problem. This challenge has been heightened by the recent interest and motivation to reduce the level of surfactants in cleaning detergents for environmental, sustainability, and cost reasons. Reducing the amount of added surfactants, especially reducing anionic surfactants, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 10 / 243 / 116, states that linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) generally leads to erosion in the removal of oily / greasy stains. Furthermore, the global trend towards using lower temperature washing conditions further diminishes the grease-removing capacity of typical detergents, as the oily and greasy stain class exhibits the greatest performance drop when the temperature is reduced. On the other hand, clay stains, although in some cases they come into contact with the fabric fibers with less force, still present a specific type of dirt removal problem due to the high degree of charge associated with the clay itself. This high surface charge density can act to repel some ingredients from the laundry; therefore, surfactants alone cannot remove or carry the clay into the laundry liquid.

[003] Another global trend is the compaction of laundry detergents in order to improve sustainability in terms of water use and / or transport costs, as well as to improve convenience for the end consumer (e.g., single-dose products, tablets, pouches and the like), which leads to a high market demand for new raw materials that have greater weight efficiency and a significantly broader performance profile.

[004] Another strongly emerging trend is the desire to improve the “footprint” of any product, whether in terms of its origin, such as being from natural or renewable resources, or in comparison with previous products, its production in terms of production efficiency and therefore reduced energy use, its efficiency in use, such as reduced quantities for the same performance or superior performance at the same quantity levels used, its persistence in the natural environment after its use, especially its biodegradation, since recycling is technically very challenging and therefore economically unattractive.

[005] Therefore, due to climate change, one of the most important goals Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 11 / 243 / 116. An important goal of the detergent and cleaner (D&C) industry today is to significantly reduce CO2 emissions per wash by improving cold water conditions, improving cleaning efficiency at low temperatures of 30°C and below, and reducing the amounts of chemicals used per wash and increasing the weight efficiency of cleaning technologies. Another important target of the D&C industry is the need for biodegradable polymers to improve the sustainability of detergent formulations and avoid the potential accumulation of polymers or their degradation products resulting from incomplete biodegradation of polymers in the ecosystem, thus decreasing their persistence in nature after the use of materials.

[006] As a result of these trends, there is a strong need for new biodegradable cleaning polymers that provide excellent primary (i.e., dirt removal) and secondary (i.e., whiteness maintenance) cleaning benefits for hydrophobic and hydrophilic stains, and enhanced biodegradability. The materials should exhibit good dirt removal for oily / greasy and particulate stains and should also lead to improved whiteness maintenance by minimizing the amount of suspended and emulsified oily / greasy and particulate dirt redepositing on textile or hard surfaces. Preferably, the new ingredients would also exhibit synergy with other cleaning technologies, such as other cleaning polymers, surfactants and / or enzymes, known to improve only the removal of oily / greasy or particulate stains and / or whiteness from fabrics and hard surfaces, leading to further improved detergent compositions.

[007] Polyalkylene imine alkoxylated and polyamine alkoxylated polymers, especially the class of homo- and copolymers of hyper-branched polyethylene imine (PEI) and linear polypropylene imine (PPI) Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 12 / 243 / 116. Alkoxylated polymers are known in the literature to be capable of contributing to the removal of particles or oily / greasy dirt, especially at low surfactant levels and in cold water conditions (30°C and below). However, their performance is insufficient, both from the point of view of their ability to remove oily / greasy dirt and from the point of view of a broader performance profile. Furthermore, their biodegradation performance is generally poor and therefore unacceptable for current and future requirements. Ideally, polymers are readily biodegradable, i.e., they show oxygen consumption equal to or greater than 60% after 28 days in the OECD 301 F test, or at least show consumption equal to or greater than 60% after 56 days in the OECD 301 F test.Alternatively, polymers are inherently biodegradable in the OECD 302 B test, meaning they show dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels equal to or greater than 70%. Therefore, there was a need to find enhanced polymer architectures with a superior performance profile, a viable preparation process, and improved biodegradation behavior.

[008] Below is a summary of the most relevant publications in the field of the present invention.

[009] Alkoxylated polyalkylene imines and polyamines are well known as additives for laundry detergents (e.g., EP3301154, EP3167034, EP112593 and WO2020 / 030469) or hard surface cleaners.

[0010] WO 2015 / 028191 refers to water-soluble polyalkylene imines having an inner block of polyethylene oxide comprising 5 to 18 polyethylene oxide units, an intermediate block of polyalkylene oxide comprising 1 to 5 polyalkylene oxide units and an outer block of polyethylene oxide comprising 2 to 14 polyethylene oxide units. The intermediate block is formed from polypropylene oxide units, polybutylene oxide units and / or polyethylene oxide units. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 13 / 243 / 116 polypentene. Furthermore, document WO 2015 / 028191 refers to water-soluble alkoxylated polyamines. However, this description is silent on the biodegradability of the polymers, while modifications of the alkoxy chain with lactone or hydroxycarbon acid are also not discussed.

[0011] WO2020 / 187648 refers to alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or alkoxylated polyamines, which are terminated by a short block of polybutylene oxide. The compounds described in this document can be used, for example, in laundry detergent formulations. However, neither lactones nor hydroxycarbon acids are used to modify the alkoxy chain of the polymer in order to increase its biodegradability. The same applies to GB-A 2 562 172 and WO 95 / 32272.

[0012] US4960540 A describes alkoxylated modified diamines. A polyalkoxylate with an alkyl group is modified with, for example, acrylic acid or n-butyrolactone and subsequently linked to the diamine to generate a bis-amide structure. However, in contrast to the polymers of the present invention, the unmodified diamine does not comprise any secondary amino groups. Furthermore, no ester groups are introduced, and US4960540 A is completely silent on how the biodegradation of polyalkylene imine-based polymers and polyamines comprising primary and secondary amino groups can be enhanced.

[0013] Document WO2012030600 A describes a single-vessel reaction resulting in a random structure of caprolactones, propylene oxides, and ethylene oxides linked to a polyethyleneimine. Consequently, WO201203600 A does not describe modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines in which more than 50% of the primary and / or secondary amino groups react with a lactone and / or a hydroxycarbon acid to form an amide linkage and thus increase the biodegradability of the polymer. The polymers obtained are Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 14 / 243 / 116 claimed only for use as oilfield demulsifiers.

[0014] WO2021165468 A describes modified (homo-)polyalkylene imines and polyamines that exhibit better biodegradability than previously known compounds. These alkoxylated polymers are further modified with lactones / hydroxycarbon acids, leading to amide functionalities between the core molecules containing the amino group and the polyalkoxylate chains in the shell, as well as other ester functionalities in the polyalkoxylate chains themselves. However, the said document only describes that less than 50% of the secondary amino groups of the polyalkylene imines or polyamines are modified with lactones / hydroxycarbon acids to produce amide functionalities, resulting in limited biodegradation of these compounds.

[0015] Unpublished patent applications EP 21192170.5 and EP 21192169.7 also describe (homo-)polyalkylene imines and polyamines modified by hydroxycarbon lactones / acids that show better biodegradability than previously known compounds. However, the polymers described in these applications are different from the present polymers and are not relevant for evaluating inventiveness.

[0016] Although many alkoxylated polyalkylene imines and polyamines have already been described in the publications cited above, including their preparation process and their use in detergents, there is still a need for polymers that exhibit further improved performance, such as improved removal of oily / greasy stains and clay in laundry, while also showing improved biodegradation behavior. This polymer profile would allow, among other things, the design of highly concentrated and sustainable multi-benefit detergent formulations.

[0017] More specifically, there is still a strong need for Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 15 / 243 / 116 new cleaning polymers that provide excellent primary (i.e., dirt removal) and secondary (i.e., whiteness maintenance) cleaning benefits, ideally for hydrophobic and hydrophilic stains. Furthermore, a simplified manufacturing process for modified polyalkylene imines and alkoxylated polyamines is also needed.

[0018] The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that the reaction of at least 3 mol of lactone and / or hydroxycarbon acid used per mol of NH functionality of a polyalkylene imine or a polyamine resulted in high amounts of modified primary and secondary amino groups of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine. In particular, the high amount of modified secondary amino groups, where more than 50% of said secondary amino groups are reacted with the lactone and / or the hydroxycarbon acid, has not been observed before. The reaction of a lactone and / or a hydroxycarbon acid with the primary and secondary amino groups of a polyalkylene imine or polyamine results in the formation of an amide bond between the lactone and / or a hydroxycarbon acid and the polyalkylene imine or polyamine. In parallel, amino groups are transferred to primary hydroxy groups.The greater the number of modified primary and secondary amino groups of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, the more amide groups are generated. The further addition of a lactone and / or hydroxycarbon acid subsequently results in the formation of one or more ester groups attached to the amide-modified polyalkylene imine or polyamine core. Subsequently, all terminal functional groups are alkoxylated. The formation of amide and ester groups increases biodegradability compared to alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or polyamine that does not contain a lactone / hydroxycarbon acid modification.

[0019] Furthermore, it has been verified that the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines and polyamines of the invention demonstrate excellent Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 16 / 243 / 116 washing performance. Thus, the polymers present combine the advantage of enhanced biodegradability with superior behavior as a cleaning formulation ingredient.

[0020] In addition, the polymers present include hyper-branched polyethylene imines, prepared by means of ring-opening polymerization of ethylene imine, as well as predominantly linear polypropylene imines (PPI), prepared, for example, by means of polycondensation of di- and oligoamines, which provide significant advantages over their structural alternatives, i.e., linear PEI and dendritic PPI, such as easier synthesis (one-step synthesis vs. multi-step synthesis) and more economical production.

[0021] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide novel modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines obtained by a process comprising the following steps: a) reaction of 1) at least one polyalkylene imine or at least one polyamine comprising in total a plurality of primary and secondary amino groups with 2) at least one first lactone (LA1) and / or at least one first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1), wherein 3 to 10 mol of lactone (LA1) and / or hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, in order to obtain a first intermediate (I1), b) reaction of the first intermediate (I1) (i) with at least one first alkylene oxide (AO1) or (ii) with a mixture of 1) at least one first alkylene oxide (AO1) with 2) at least one second lactone (LA2) and / or at least one second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2), wherein at least 5.0 mol of first alkylene oxide (AO1) and for the mixture additionally at least 1.0 mol of second lactone (LA2) and / or second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 17 / 243 / 116 in step a), in order to obtain a second intermediary (I2), c) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2) (i) with at least one second alkylene oxide (AO2) or (ii) with a mixture of 1) at least one second alkylene oxide (AO2) with 2) at least one third lactone (LA3) and / or at least one third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3), wherein at least 5.0 mol of second alkylene oxide (AO2) and for the mixture additionally at least 1.0 mol of third lactone (LA3) and / or third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a third intermediate (I3), d) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2) or third intermediate (I3) with at least one fourth lactone (LA4) and / or at least one fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4), wherein at least 1.0 mol of fourth lactone (LA4) and / or fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a fourth intermediate (I4), (e) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2), third intermediate (I3) or fourth intermediate (I4) with at least one C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent in order to obtain the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or the modified alkoxylated polyamine, provided that the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine is not PEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 20 EO / NH - 2 CL / NH as described as compound P. 5 in Table 5 of PCT / EP2022 / 072996, where PEI800 is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 800 g / mol, CL is caprolactone and EO is ethylene oxide.

[0022] The polymer of the invention can be quaternized to introduce permanent or non-permanent quaternization of the N groups of the core of the inventive polymer.

[0023] Hereafter, any alkylene oxide is generically referred to. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 18 / 243 / 116 as “AO”, ethylene oxide is sometimes referred to as “EO”, propylene oxide as “PO”; butylene oxide as “BuO”. “PEO” is sometimes used here to describe polyethylene oxide homopolymers or PEO blocks within a larger polymeric structure; similarly, “PPO” describes polypropylene oxide homopolymers or polymer blocks within a larger polymeric structure.

[0024] A polyalkylene imine or a polyamine with such side chains is sometimes also called a “modified polyalkylene imine / modified polyamine” in this description to specifically distinguish it from an “unmodified polyalkylene imine / unmodified polyamine” which does not have such side chains, whereas the term “polyalkylene imine / polyamine” here generally includes any polyalkylene imine or polyamine that has side chains and / or is quaternized or that does not have side chains nor is quaternized.

[0025] A process for producing the inventive polymers is also part of this invention.

[0026] The use of such polymers of this invention for all types of applications for which polyamines, polyethylene imines, polypropylene imines and their previously known alkoxylated derivatives have been used is also covered by this present invention.

[0027] Compositions comprising such polyalkylene imines or polyamines of this invention, as well as those compositions in which polyamines, polyethylene imines, polypropylene imines, and their alkoxylated derivatives have been employed – both the polyalkylene imine and the polyamine of the invention instead of such known compounds or in combinations with such known compounds – are also part of this invention.

[0028] The term “polymer”, “polymer of the invention” or “inventive polymer”, as used herein, refers to alkoxylated polyalkylene imines. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 19 / 243 / 116 modified and modified alkoxylated polyamines prepared as described below and / or in the appended claims. The foregoing terms should be understood broadly, meaning that they encompass non-alkoxylated (unmodified) polyalkylene imines and polyamines, such as the intermediate described as the first intermediate (I1), as well as alkoxylated polyalkylene imines and polyamines.

[0029] Thus, the subjects of the present invention are the following Embodiments 1 to 31, as further defined and explained with other embodiments below and further exemplified in the experimental section: Mode 1

[0030] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine obtainable by a process comprising steps a) to e) as follows: a) reaction of 1) at least one polyalkylene imine or at least one polyamine comprising in total a plurality of primary and secondary amino groups with 2) at least one first lactone (LA1) and / or at least one first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1), wherein 3 to 10 mol of lactone (LA1) and / or hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, in order to obtain a first intermediate (I1), b) reaction of the first intermediate (I1) (i) with at least one first alkylene oxide (AO1) or (ii) with a mixture of 1) at least one first alkylene oxide (AO1) with 2) at least one second lactone (LA2) and / or at least one second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2), wherein at least 5.0 mol of first alkylene oxide (AO1) and for the mixture additionally at least 1.0 mol of second lactone (LA2) and / or second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 20 / 243 / 116 in step a), in order to obtain a second intermediary (I2), c) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2) (i) with at least one second alkylene oxide (AO2) or (ii) with a mixture of 1) at least one second alkylene oxide (AO2) with 2) at least one third lactone (LA3) and / or at least one third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3), wherein at least 5.0 mol of second alkylene oxide (AO2) and for the mixture additionally at least 1.0 mol of third lactone (LA3) and / or third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a third intermediate (I3), d) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2) or third intermediate (I3) with at least one fourth lactone (LA4) and / or at least one fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4), wherein at least 1.0 mol of fourth lactone (LA4) and / or fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a fourth intermediate (I4), (e) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2), third intermediate (I3) or fourth intermediate (I4) with at least one C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent in order to obtain the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or the modified alkoxylated polyamine, provided that the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine is not PEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 20 EO / NH - 2 CL / NH as described as compound P.5 in Table 5 of PCT / EP2022 / 072996, wherein PEI800 is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 800 g / mol, CL is caprolactone and EO is ethylene oxide.

[0031] Polyalkylene imines are linear or (hyper)branched polymers comprising primary and secondary amino groups and, optionally, tertiary amino groups. Hyperbranched polyethylene imines are typically formed by the polymerization of ethylene imine in the presence of a Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 21 / 243 / 116 amine that serves as an initiator for polymer formation and typically comprises several primary, secondary, and tertiary amino groups. Predominantly linear polypropylene imines (PPIs) are typically formed via the polycondensation of di- and oligoamines (also described as “polytransamination”) and typically comprise only two primary amino groups (located at the ends of the terminal chain) and multiple secondary amino groups, but no tertiary amino groups. The polyalkylene imines of the present invention are linear or hyperbranched, preferably hyperbranched, and formed by a ring-opening process of alkylene imine monomers, preferably ethylene imine. Alternatively, polyethylene imines, which are synthesized by hydrolysis of polyoxazolines and which have a uniquely linear structure, can be used within the scope of the present invention.Within the scope of the present invention are also homo- and copolymers of polypropylene imine prepared by polycondensation of di- and oligoamines, preferably by (co-)polymerization of 1,3-propylene diamine, leading to linear polyalkylene imines, more specifically to homo- and copolymers of polypropylene imine (e.g., WO2014131649A1 and WO2021254929 A1). The term “hyper-branched,” as used herein in relation to alkoxylated polyalkylene imines, refers to its definition as known to those skilled in the art. A hyper-branched polymer generally comprises polydisperse branched macromolecules that are preferably prepared in a single synthetic polymerization step that forms imperfect branches, generally in a non-deterministic manner. However, there are many preferred synthetic strategies known in the art for preparing hyper-branched polymers with lower polydispersity.They are typically distinguished by their degree of branching (DB). The imine-based hyper-branched polymer of the invention comprises tertiary, secondary, and primary amines before being alkoxylated. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 22 / 243 / 116, in which case primary amines can, for example, be converted into secondary and / or tertiary amines, and secondary amines can, for example, be converted into tertiary amines, leading to the same imperfect branched structure. The term degree of branching (DB) has a known meaning in the field of branched macromolecules, and its use here is consistent with that meaning. A preferable definition is provided, for example, in CJ Hawker, R. Lee, and JMJ Fréchet (1991), “The One-Step Synthesis of Hyperbranched Dendritic Polyesters,” J. Am. Chem. Soc., 113: 4583, which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety.

[0032] The term “polyamine,” as used herein, comprises all structures that conform to formula (I) as described below and do not conform to the definition of polyalkylene imines as defined above. Thus, the term “polyamines” includes saturated and unsaturated organic compounds, linear or cyclic or branched, with a defined molecular weight, comprising at least two terminal primary amino groups and at least one secondary amino group located between the terminal amino groups. Depending on the chain length, polyamines are colorless to yellowish and are liquid or solid at room temperature. Preferably, the polyamines used in step a) do not comprise any tertiary amino groups.Typical examples for such polyamines are N-(2aminoethyl)-1,3-propylene diamine (N3-Amine), N,N'-Bis-(3-aminopropyl)ethylene diamine (N4-Amine), Dipropylene triamine (DPTA), Tripropylene tetramine (TPTA), Diethylene triamine (DETA), N-(3-aminopropyl)-diethylene triamine (TETA) and N-(3-aminopropyl)-triethylene tetramine (TEPA).

[0033] The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as three or more than three. In the context of the total number of amino groups, this means that the polyalkylene imines and polyamines used to prepare the polymers of the invention comprise at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more amino groups (i.e., the sum of all primary amino groups, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 23 / 243 / 116 secondary and tertiary). In detail, this means that at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more are primary amino groups and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more are secondary amino groups.

[0034] For the purposes of the present invention, the expression / term “modified” refers to the presence of (predominantly) hydrophobic oligo- or polyester blocks based on lactones and / or hydroxycarbon acids, such as caprolactone and / or lactic acid, or a combination of such lactones or hydroxycarbon acids with alkylene oxides, such as ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide, linked to the inventive polymers to result in the modified compound. The presence of alkylene oxides within or near the (predominantly) hydrophobic polyester blocks leads to an amphiphilic nature and, therefore, to excellent cleaning properties of the inventive polymers in detergent applications. Inventive polymers exhibiting such modification are also referred to as “alkoxylated” and / or “modified and alkoxylated”.

[0035] Within the context of the present invention, the term “NH functionality” is defined as follows: A primary amino group (NH2) has two NH functionalities, a secondary amino group has only one NH functionality, and a tertiary amino group, consequently, has no reactive NH functionality.

[0036] The term “mixture”, as used herein, refers to a substantially uniform distribution of an alkylene oxide (AO1, AO2 or AO3) as described below and a lactone (LA1, LA2, LA3 and LA4) and / or a hydroxycarbon acid (HA1, HA2, HA3 and HA4), wherein the substances include solid, liquid or gaseous forms and even any mixture thereof.

[0037] The term “3 to 10 moles of first lactone (LA1) and / or at least one first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1)” means preferably 3.5 to 8, more preferably 4 to 6, and even more Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 24 / 243 / 116 preferably 4.5 to 5 moles of the substances mentioned above may be used per mole of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine.

[0038] “At least 5 moles of first / second alkylene oxide” means that at least 6, at least 7, at least 10 or at least 15 moles may be used. Similarly, the term “at least 1 mole of second, third or fourth lactone and / or hydroxycarbon acid”, as used herein, means that at least 1.5, at least 2, at least 2.5, at least 3, at least 4 or at least 5 moles of the substances mentioned above may be used per mole of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine.

[0039] “C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent”, as used herein, means that the alkylation reagent preferably has 2 to 15, more preferably 3 to 10, and much more preferably 4 to 8 carbon atoms. Comparatively, the esterification reagent also preferably has 2 to 15, more preferably 3 to 10, and much more preferably 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0040] For the purposes of the present invention, definitions such as C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent, for example, to describe a hydrocarbon substituent on a nitrogen, carbon, or oxygen atom of the inventive polymer, mean that this substituent (radical) comprises, in the case of "C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent," an alkyl or alkylene radical having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms. The radical may be linear or branched or optionally cyclic and may be saturated or unsaturated. Alkyl or alkylene radicals that have a cyclic component and a linear component also fall within this definition. The same applies to other alkyl or alkylene radicals, such as a C1-C4 alkyl or alkylene radical. Examples of alkyl radicals are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, sec-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, 2-ethylhexyl, tert-butyl (tert-Bu / tBu), pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, cyclohexyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 25 / 243 / 116 tetradecyl, hexadecyl and octadecyl. More specifically, typical alkylation reagents, such as alkyl halides and / or carbon acids and / or carbon acid derivatives, such as carbon acid anhydrides, carbon acid esters or carbon acid halides, fall within the definition of C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent, including unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1C18-alkyl, C7-C18-aralkyl, -(CO)-C1-C18-alkyl, -(CO)-C2-C18-alkenyl and / or -(CO)-C7-C18-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from -COOH or a salt thereof. Preference is given to carbonic acid anhydrides, specifically alkyl-substituted succinic anhydrides, examples being succinic anhydrides substituted at C6 to C18.Examples of commercially available products include Pentasize 8 or Pentasize 68 (C18 alkenyl succinic anhydride or C16 / C18 alkenyl succinic anhydride, respectively, from Trigon Chemie GmbH).

[0041] Other typical abbreviations, such as “C2C12 alkylene oxides” and the like, have their common meaning as used in this field of organic chemistry. Mode 2

[0042] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to Embodiment 1, wherein at least one polyalkylene imine or at least one polyamine comprises at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more primary amino groups and wherein in the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine more than 90%, preferably at least 95% and even more preferably at least 99% of said primary amino groups are reacted with the first lactone (LA1) and / or the first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) to form an amide linkage. Mode 3

[0043] Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or polyamine Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 26 / 243 / 116 modified alkoxylated according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein at least one polyalkylene imine or at least one polyamine comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more secondary amino groups and wherein in the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine more than 50%, preferably at least 75% and even more preferably at least 90% of said secondary amino groups are reacted with the first lactone (LA1) and / or the first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) to form an amide linkage.

[0044] In principle, polyalkylene imines and also polyamines can generally be linear or branched. The polyalkylene imines and polyamines used to prepare the polymers of the present invention comprise in total a plurality of primary and secondary amino groups.

[0045] Consequently, the inventive polymers have a basic backbone (main chain, before any modification / alkoxylation), comprising primary, secondary and optionally tertiary nitrogen atoms that are linked by i) alkylene radicals or ii) or by an alkyl ether unit according to the general formula (III) (represented as R): Primary amino moieties terminate the main and also the side chains of the basic skeleton, and their hydrogen atoms can be subsequently replaced by side chains when modified with alkylene oxides and / or lactones / hydroxy acids. and / or - secondary amino moieties whose hydrogen atom can be subsequently replaced by side chains when modified with alkylene oxides and / or lactones / hydroxy acids: H 4- NR^ Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 27 / 243 / 116 - tertiary amino groups that branch off the main chain and side chains: B -4 NR .

[0046] For completeness purposes, it is indicated that variable B i) indicates additional branching of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine main chain of compounds according to general formula (I) and comprises at least one fragment with at least one other amino moiety including a degree of branching twofold, threefold or even greater or ii) represents an identical or different C1-C18-alkyl unit. The degree of branching can be determined, for example, by NMR spectroscopy such as 1H-NMR spectroscopy or preferably 13C-NMR spectroscopy.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the polyalkylene imine and / or polyamines of the invention comprise in total a plurality of primary, secondary and optionally tertiary amino groups, whereas the alkoxylated polyalkylene imine / polyamine and the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine / modified alkoxylated polyamine comprise only tertiary amino groups, accompanied by amide groups formed in the reaction with lactones and / or hydroxycarbon acids in step (a).

[0048] The number of amines for primary, secondary and tertiary amines is determined in accordance with the DIN EN ISO 9702 standard. Mode 4

[0049] Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the alkylene oxides AO1 and AO2 are independently selected from the group consisting of C2-C12 alkylene oxides, preferably ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and butylene oxide.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, the alkylene oxides AO1 and AO2 are used consecutively for the synthesis of polyalkylene imine. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 28 / 243 20 / 116 modified alkoxylated or polyamine are different from each other.

[0051] For clarification of this Modality, this means that AOI and AO2 may be identical or different from each other.

[0052] AO1 is preferably ethylene oxide or a mixture of predominantly ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and / or butylene oxide.

[0053] AO2 is preferably propylene oxide or a mixture of predominantly propylene oxide and ethylene oxide and / or butylene oxide. Mode 5

[0054] Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the polyalkylene imine or polyamine of step a) is defined according to formula (I) H H BH N---R--N---R---N---RN IΠyHem that the variables are, each one, defined as follows: R represents i) identical or different linear or branched C2-C12—alkylene radicals or ii) an etheralkyl unit of the following formula (III): o—R—— (ΙΠ) where the variables are each defined as follows: R10, R11, R12 represent identical or different linear or branched C2-C6 alkylene radicals and Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 29 / 243 / 116 d is an integer with a value in the range of 0 to 50, B represents a continuation of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine by branching; and / or C1-C18-alkyl identical or different; y is an integer with a value of at least 1, z is an integer with a value from 0 to 150. Mode 6

[0055] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or alkoxylated polyamine comprises a structural element according to formulas (Ia) and / or (Ib) E1 E2 ......N---R...... H---N---R-----(Ia) (Ib) for both formulas the variables are defined as follows: The dashed lines indicate connections to the remaining parts of the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or alkoxylated polyamine; R is defined as above; E1 and E2 represent a residue according to formula (IIa) - [C(=O) - R1 - O]m - [(C(=O) - R1 - O)n -mix- (R2 - O)o -mix- (R3 - O)q] - R4 (IIa) where -mix- defines that the flanking units are randomly distributed among themselves, where m is an integer with a value from 1 to 20, n is an integer with a value from 0 to 20, o is an integer with a value from 5 to 150, q is an integer with a value of 0 or a value from 5 to 150, where the sum of men (m + n) is at least 3, and Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 30 / 243 / 116 R1 represents linear or branched C2-C5-alkylene radicals, more preferably linear or branched C2-C5-alkylene radicals; R2 represents linear or branched C2-C12-alkylene radicals, more preferably 1,2-ethylene, 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene, much more preferably 1,2-ethylene; R3 represents linear or branched C2-C12-alkylene radicals, most preferably 1,2-ethylene, 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene, much more preferably 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene; and R4 represents hydrogen, unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C18-alkyl, C7-C18-aralkyl, -(CO)-C1-C18-alkyl, -(CO)-C2-C18-alkenyl and / or -(CO)-C7-C18-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from -COOH or a salt thereof, more preferably hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or monosubstituted -(CO)-C2-C18-alkenyl, much more preferably hydrogen, wherein R2 and R3 are not identical.

[0056] Alternatively, or additionally, the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or alkoxylated polyamine comprises a structural element according to formulas (Ia) and / or (Ib) as described above, wherein R of formulas (Ia) and (Ib) is as defined above and

[0057] E1 and E2 each represent a residue according to formula (II) - [X] - [Y] - [Z] (II) where X represents a segment according to formula (IIIa) - [C(=O) - R1 - O]m (IIIa) Y represents a segment according to formula (IIIb) Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 31 / 243 / 116 - [(C(=O) - R1 - O)n1 - (R2 - O)o1 - (R3 - O)p1]q1 - [(C(=O) - R1 - O)n2 (R3 - O)p2 - (R2 - O)o2]q2 - [(C(=O) - R1 - O)n3 - (R2 - O)o3 -]q3 [(C(=O) - R1 - O)n4 - (R3 - O)p3 -]q4 -[(R2 - O)o4 - (R3 - O)p4]q5 [(C(=O) - R1 - O)n5]q6 - [(R2 - O)o5]q7 - [(R3 - O)p5]q8 (Illb) Z represents hydrogen, unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C18-alkyl, C7-C18-aralkyl, -(CO)-C1-C18-alkyl, -(CO)-C2C18-alkenyl and / or -(CO)-C7-C18-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from -COOH or a salt thereof, more preferably hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or monosubstituted -(CO)-C2-C18-alkenyl, much more preferably hydrogen, wherein m is an integer with a value in the range of 1 to 20, n1-5 are each independent and are an integer with a value in the range of 0 to 20, o1-5 are each independent and are an integer with a value in the range of 0 to 150, p1-5 are each independent and are an integer with a value in the range of 0 to 150, q1-q8 are each independent and are integers with a value in the range of 0 to 150, where the subunits q1-q8 in segment Y are randomly distributed among themselves.where the sum of the repeating units -(C(=O) - R1 - O) in segments X and Y is on average at least 3 (m + n1 * q1 + n2 * q2 + n3 * q3 + n4 * q4 + n5 * q6 >=3), where the sum of the repeating units -(R2 - O)- in segment Y is on average at least 5 (o1 * q1 + o2 * q2 + o3 * q3 + o4 * q5 + o5 * q7 >=5), Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 32 / 243 / 116 in which R1 represents linear or branched C2-C10-alkylene radicals, more preferably linear or branched C2-C5-alkylene radicals; R2 represents linear or branched C2-C12-alkylene radicals, more preferably 1,2-ethylene, 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene, much more preferably 1,2-ethylene; R3 represents linear or branched C2-C12-alkylene radicals, most preferably 1,2-ethylene, 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene, much more preferably 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene, where R2 and R3 are not identical. Mode 7

[0058] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or a modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein i) all steps a) to e) are carried out as a one-step reaction, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, and / or ii) the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine used in step a) is in the range of 50 to 20,000 g / mol, preferably in the range of 150 to 10,000 g / mol, more preferably in the range of 200 to 5,000 g / mol.

[0059] Those skilled in the art know how to determine / measure the respective weight-average molecular weight (MW). This can be done, for example, by size exclusion chromatography (such as GPC, for example, in combination with light scattering). Preferably, the MW values ​​are determined by the method as follows: OECD TG 118 (1996), which means in detail

[0060] OECD (1996), Test No. 118: Determination of the NumberAverage Molecular Weight and the Molecular Weight Distribution of Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 33 / 243 / 116 Polymers using Gel Permeation Chromatography, OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 1, OECD Publishing, Paris, also available online, for example, at https: / / doi.org / 10.1787 / 9789264069848-en.

[0061] The molecular weights of polyalkylene imine or polyamine starting materials can be determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Measurements can be performed on a combination of the following three columns: HFIP-LG Guard, PL HFIPGEL, and PL HFIPGel. Elution can be carried out at a constant flow rate of 1 mL / min with hexafluoroisopropanol and 0.05 wt% potassium trifluoroacetate. The injected sample can be pre-filtered over a Millipore Millex FG (0.2 μm), 50 μL can be injected with a concentration of 1.5 mg / mL (diluted in eluent). The effluent can be monitored by the Agilent 1100 DRI UV detector at λ=230 and 280 nm. Calibration can be performed using PMMA standards (PSS, Mainz, Germany) with molecular weights from 800 to 2,200,000 g / mol. Values ​​outside the calibration range can be extrapolated.

[0062] The molecular weights of modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines can be determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Measurements can be performed on a combination of two columns (styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and polyester, both 25 cm long and 4.6 mm in diameter), using 0.05 wt% potassium trifluoroacetate in hexafluoroisopropanol as eluent. Molecular weights can be obtained using an RI detector and PEO standards (Polymer Laboratories / Agilent, USA) for calibration. In addition, the absolute molar mass can be determined by multi-angle light scattering (MALLS).

[0063] For completeness purposes, for polyamines in step a) of the inventive process, it is indicated that when single organic compounds, such as N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propylene diamine (N3-Amine), N,N'-Bis-(3-aminopropyl)-ethylene diamine (N4-Amine), Dipropylene triamine (DPTA), Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 34 / 243 / 116 Tripropylene tetramine (TPTA), diethylene triamine (DETA), N-(3-aminopropyl)-diethylene triamine (TETA), and N-(3-aminopropyl)-triethylene tetramine (TEPA) are used; the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) is identical to the number-average molecular weight (Mn). Therefore, Mw and Mn are identical to their molar mass.

[0064] “Mw” is the weight-average molecular weight and “Mn” is the number-average molecular weight. The respective values ​​of Mw and / or Mn can be determined as described in the experimental section below.

[0065] The molar mass distribution Mw / Mn obtained by GPC is equal to the polydispersity index (PDI), the PDI being unitless [g / mol / g / mol]). Mode 8

[0066] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine demonstrates at least 20%, preferably at least 40% or more preferably at least 60% biodegradability according to OECD standard 301F within 56 days, preferably within 28 days.

[0067] For the purposes of this invention, aerobic biodegradation in wastewater according to OECD 301F is expressed as a percentage of the theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD, which is measured by elemental analysis of the compound of interest) required to completely biodegrade the polymer sample. Thus, the amount of oxygen absorbed by the microbial population during the biodegradation of the test substance (corrected for absorption by blank inoculum, performed in parallel) is expressed as a percentage of ThOD. The values ​​obtained are preferably measured in triplicate using the OECD 301F manometric respirometry method. Oxygen consumption is determined by measuring the pressure change in the apparatus using an OxiTop® C (Xylem 35 Analytics). Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 35 / 243 / 116 Germany Sales GmbH & Co KG). Details of the tests performed are provided in the experimental section below.

[0068] The present invention provides modified polyalkylene imines and modified polyamines, which are alkoxylated and in which, in particular, the alkoxy chains and the amide and ester groups incorporated between the polyalkylene imine or polyamine back chain and the alkoxy chains, and, moreover, in the case of mixtures applied in steps b) and / or c), additionally incorporated ester groups within the alkoxy chains contribute significantly to the biodegradation value. Thus, the combined core-shell product (i.e., the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine and the modified alkoxylated polyamine) exhibits a significant biodegradation value. Furthermore, these inventive polymers also demonstrate washing performance comparable to currently used products. Mode 9

[0069] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine according to Embodiments 5 to 7, wherein the variables are defined as follows: R is ethylene and / or propylene, preferably ethylene; The sum of y+z is an integer with a value in the range of 4 to 200, preferably in the range of 10 to 150.

[0070] Preferably, the weight-average molecular weight (Mn) of the polyalkylene imine used in the step is in the range of 200 to 10,000 g / mol, more preferably in the range of 400 to 6,000 g / mol, much more preferably 600 to 3,000 g / mol. Mode 10

[0071] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or a modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein i) in step a) the first lactone (LA1) is caprolactone or lactide, and / or Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page. 36 / 243 / 116 ii) in step a) the first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) is lactic acid or glycolic acid, and / or iii) in step b) (i) and (ii) the first alkylene oxide (AO1) is ethylene oxide or a mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or a mixture of ethylene oxide and butylene oxide, and / or in step b) (ii) the second lactone (LA2) is caprolactone or lactide, and / or the second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2) is lactic acid or glycolic acid, and / or iv) in step c) (i) and (ii) the second alkylene oxide (AO2) is propylene oxide or a mixture of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide or a mixture of propylene oxide and butylene oxide, and / or in step c) (ii) the third lactone (LA3) is caprolactone or lactide, and / or the third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3) is lactic acid or glycolic acid, and / or v) in step d) the fourth lactone (LA4) is caprolactone or lactide, and / or vi) in step d) the fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4) is lactic acid or glycolic acid.

[0072] The polymers of the invention comprise side chains that are linked to nitrogen atoms of the polymer (modified alkoxy chains). The side chains are made of lactones and / or hydroxycarbon acids and C2-C22 alkylene oxides. Typically, a side chain comprises at least one lactone (LA) and / or at least one hydroxycarbon acid (HA) and at least one alkylene oxide (AO). The reaction to prepare a side chain comprising LA and / or HA and AO is – by way of example for the preparation of side chains in general – typically done by reacting a polyalkylene imine or polyamine with at least one LA and / or one HA (in an amount of at least 3 mol of LA and / or HA per mol of NH functionality) by first adding LA1 or HA1 to the polyalkylene imine or polyamine. Subsequently, AO1 or a mixture of AO1 and LA2 and / or HA2 is added. Then, optionally, AO2 or a mixture of AO2 Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 37 / 243 / 116 and LA3 and / or HA3 is added. In the next step, optionally, LA4 and / or HA4 is added, and in the final step, optionally, the C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent is added.

[0073] By adding the monomers gradually, according to steps a) and e) of the inventive process and as described above, block structures are being formed.

[0074] Furthermore, in terms of steps b) and c), if mixtures of AO and LA and / or HA are used and / or if these ingredients are added at least immediately after each other with a time interval preferably as short as possible before the conversion of all monomers has been completed, additional random copolymer sequences are formed within the block copolymer chains that are attached to the nitrogen atoms of the main structure.

[0075] Preferably, a side chain comprises more than 5, more preferably more than 10, even more preferably more than 15 AO units per NH functionality of the inventive polymer. In addition, the side chain comprises at least 3 LA and / or HA units per NH functionality. All these numbers are “average” numbers, meaning that these numbers refer to the average number for that unit per NH functionality calculated based on all the NH functionalities of a polyalkylene imine or polyamine.

[0076] Furthermore, it should be noted in the context of the process according to the present invention that those primary amino portions of the respective backbone, which react first with at least one lactone and / or at least one hydroxycarbon acid, are transferred to a starch portion in which one of the originally two hydrogen atoms of the respective primary amino portion is replaced by a fragment originating from the respective lactone or hydroxycarbon acid, while the second hydrogen atom of the primary amino portion of the backbone Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 38 / 243 / 116, is not replaced by this reaction. Furthermore, this second hydrogen atom of the primary amino portion of the main chain is also not replaced in the additional steps of the reaction, for example, additional reactions with AO, LA and / or HA.

[0077] It should be emphasized that the reactions leading to inventive polymers are statistical reactions, meaning that there is never just one exactly defined chemical compound present, but an inventive polymer is always a mixture of slightly divergent structures, all arising from the same reaction within a reaction space; the difference between these structures clearly stems from the fact that no reaction occurs in exactly the same way and at the same rate in all functional units, especially since the chemical reactivities of the functional units – here mainly those of the NH functionalities – differ according to their environment, meaning that a primary amino group reacts differently from a secondary amine (specifically in terms of reaction with a lactone and / or a hydroxycarbon acid, as described above), and also the chemical environment of the main groups may be different in the monomers used;This leads, in general, to the presence of slightly divergent structures and, therefore, any polymer of this invention being defined as in the various embodiments, including the embodiments numbered 1 to 31, and exemplified in the examples, is never just one chemical compound, but always a mixture of slightly divergent compounds having a statistical distribution. As the reactivities of these groups do not differ much, the deviation is relatively small. Therefore, defining a polymer of the invention by its monomers is a viable way of defining the structures. Furthermore, defining the composition of the side chains by average numbers (including the variables defined in the present and subsequent embodiments based on the number of NH functionalities present in the polyalkylene imine or polyamine - this number being; Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 39 / 243 31 / 116 functionalities an average number due to this actual mixture - is a useful way to define the overall composition of any mixture defined herein as “a modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine of the invention”.

[0078] Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the values, ranges and ratios provided in the descriptive report for the number of NH functionalities and the molecular weight (Mn) refer to the numerical average values ​​in the case of a polymeric mixture (polyalkylene imines or polyamines) and not a defined organic polyamine starting material being used in step a) of the present invention, since the inventive polymers contain individual chemical structures, slightly different from each other, of various polymeric compounds, with “the polyalkylene imine or polyamine” defining this mixture being the result of the preparation method. As is known in polymer science, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) is then a measure of the (in)homogeneity within the mixture of different species in the “polyalkylene imine or polyamine”.

[0079] For the sake of completeness, it is indicated that the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) is identical to the number-average molecular weight (Mn) in the case of defined (pure) organic polyamines being used as starting materials in step a) of the inventive process. Therefore, Mw and Mn are identical to their molar mass in such cases.

[0080] Suitable lactones and / or hydroxycarbon acids may be aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic.

[0081] Particularly suitable aromatic hydroxycarbon acids are hydroxyl-substituted benzoic acids and naphthalene carboxylic acids, such as p-hydroxyethylbenzoic acid and 2-hydroxynaphthalene-6-carboxylic acid. Aliphatic hydroxycarbon acids are preferred, especially those with hydroxyl groups in the ω position, and their lactones. In general, aliphatic hydroxycarbon acids Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 40 / 243 / 116 have from 1 to 22 alkylene radicals, preferably from 2 to 10 alkylene radicals, more preferably from 2 to 5 alkylene radicals. The alkylene radicals may be linear or branched. Examples that may be mentioned are glycolic acid, lactic acid and its lactide, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and gamma-butyrolactone, delta-hydroxyvaleric acid and gamma- and delta-valerolactone, epsilon-hydroxycaproic acid and epsilon-caprolactone, 12-hydroxystearic acid and ricinoleic acid, and also mixtures, especially including naturally occurring acids. Preferably, glycolic acid, lactic acid, epsilon-caprolactone or lactide, or mixtures thereof, are used, even more preferably epsilon-caprolactone.

[0082] For clarification of this Modality, LA1, LA2, LA3 and LA4 may be identical or different from each other.

[0083] For clarification of this Modality, HA1, HA2, HA3 and HA4 may be identical or different from each other. Mode 11

[0084] Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein i) in steps b) (i), b) (ii), c) (i) and / or c) (ii) in total 5 to 100 mol, preferably 10 to 80 mol, more preferably 12 to 60 mol, much more preferably 15 to 40 mol of alkylene oxide (AO1 and / or AO2) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, wherein more than 70 mol%, preferably more than 90 mol% of the alkylene oxide is based on ethylene oxide, and / or ii) in steps a), b) (ii), c) (ii) and / or d) in total 3 to 10 mol, preferably 3 to 7 mol, more preferably 3 to 6 mol of lactone (LA1, LA2, LA3 and / or LA4) and / or 3 to 20 mol, preferably 3 to 15 mol, more preferably 3 to 10 mol of hydroxycarbon acid (HA1, HA2, HA3 and / or HA4) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 41 / 243 / 116 or polyamine.

[0085] It is noted that the alkylene oxide used to prepare the inventive polymer may be derived from a fossil or non-fossil carbon source or even a mixture of the aforementioned. Preferably, the amount of non-fossil carbon atoms in the alkoxy side chains is at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 40%, at least 70%, at least 95% or comprises only non-fossil derived carbon atoms. The skilled person is well aware of commercial alkylene oxide products made from non-fossil carbon sources (these products are often sold as sustainable, renewable or bio-based). For example, Croda International, Snaith, UK, sells ethylene oxide and related products based on bioethanol as ECO Range. In addition, methods for preparing bio-based propylene oxide are also known (see Abraham, DS)., “Production of propylene oxide from propylene glycol”, master's thesis, University of Missouri-Columbia (2007) (75 pages)). Mode 12

[0086] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or a modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of the Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein i) in steps b) (i), b) (ii), c) (i) and / or c) (ii) a total of 25 to 120 mol, preferably 30 to 100 mol, more preferably 35 to 90 mol, much more preferably 40 to 80 mol of alkylene oxide (AO1 and / or AO2) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, while less than 70 mol%, preferably less than 60 mol% of the alkylene oxide is based on ethylene oxide, ii) in steps a), b) (ii), c) (ii) and / or d) a total of 3 to 10 mol, preferably 3 to 8 mol, more preferably 3 to 7 mol of lactone (LA1, LA2, LA3 and / or LA4) and / or 3 to 20 mol, preferably 3 to 15 mole, more Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 42 / 243 / 116 preferably 3 to 10 mol of hydroxycarbon acid (HA1, HA2, HA3 and / or HA4) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine. Mode 13

[0087] Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein (1) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 500 g / mol to 1000 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine; or (2) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 500 g / mol to 1000 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (ii) a mixture of 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide and 1 to 3 mol of caprolactone is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine;or (3) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 1500 g / mol to 2500 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step c) (i) 15 to 40 mol of propylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; wherein the molar ratio of EO:PO ranges from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5; or (4) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from; Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 43 / 243 / 116 4,000 g / mol to 6,000 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step c) (i) 15 to 40 mol of propylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; wherein the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide varies from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5; or (5) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 1500 g / mol to 2500 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step c) (ii) a mixture of 15 to 40 mol of propylene oxide and 1 to 3 mol of caprolactone is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine;wherein the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide ranges from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5; or (6) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 4,000 g / mol to 6,000 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step c) (ii) a mixture of 15 to 40 mol of propylene oxide and 1 to 3 mol of caprolactone is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; where the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide varies from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5. Mode 14

[0088] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or a modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 10 to 13, wherein at least 50%, preferably at least 60% and more Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 44 / 243 / 116 preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, and much more preferably at least 95% of all side chains attached to the NH functionalities of a specific modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine have the same structural order, in the sense that the structural order is defined by the order of the alkylene oxides, lactones and / or hydroxycarbon acids used during the stepwise synthesis of the polymer of the invention.

[0089] Without wanting to be bound by the following explanation, there is a justification for explaining the resulting structures of the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines: Due to the fact that the reactions in question necessarily used to prepare these structural orders of the side chains and, therefore, to prepare the specific inventive polymers, are reactions of quite reactive species that can lead, under suitable conditions, to almost complete reactions and even “essentially complete” conversions of almost 100%, if not 100%, for each step of the inventive process, the statistical deviation of the mixture composition of the “modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines” in question is not so high, which in turn means that the structural order of the side chains does not show much deviation.Thus, it is a reliable assumption that can, in principle, be proven by sophisticated and therefore time-consuming and expensive analytical means – such as multidimensional NMR analyses – that it is generally accepted that such deviation exists; therefore, no “specific modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine” will be “just a chemical compound of a clearly defined chemical structure”, but will clearly consist of a) a mixture of slightly different compounds, such differences residing in b) potentially small deviations already in the structure of the compound constituting “the (unmodified) polyalkylene imine or polyamine” being used for the additional modification steps. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 45 / 243 / 116 as described above, and c) small deviations in the structural orders of the side chains linked by means of d) multi-step reactions due to e) variations in the chemical reactivities of the NH and OH functionalities formed subsequently, f) small differences in the reactivities of AO, LA and HA used due to their structure eg) due to their reactivities in relation to the slightly different reactivities of the NH and OH functionalities formed subsequently, eh) due to slight heterogeneities that occur in a commercial-scale process.All these factors a) ah) - to mention just a few important ones - lead to a “specific modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine” which is not a specific chemical compound, but actually a mixture of slightly different compounds with a very similar overall chemical structure; thus, such a structure is best described by average numbers for the variables and percentages for the values ​​of the dominant structural order.

[0090] Furthermore, experimental evidence created by the inventors, but not included in the Example section of this description, suggests that a transesterification reaction of the lactone and / or hydroxycarbon acid-derived moiety can occur within the alkoxy side chain. This reaction was observed only for lactones and / or hydroxycarbon acids that reacted with each other and / or with AO to form ester linkages, but not for those that were directly linked to the NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine to form amide linkages. The transesterification reaction was observed in cases where a prior reaction of lactones and / or hydroxycarbon acids with each other and / or with AO to form ester linkages was followed by a subsequent reaction with alkylene oxides, such as ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide. This observation appears consistent with the fact that the reaction with alkylene oxides is carried out under high pressure, high temperature, and, moreover, strongly alkaline conditions.This transesterification will be, in addition to the previous parameters, another factor that introduces uncertainty into the final structure of the... Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 46 / 243 / 116 inventive polymers. Mode 15

[0091] A modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 14, which is further modified by quaternization using standard means, including pH-adjusted protonation or permanent quaternization by standard means, such as alkylation using standard reagents, preferably by alkylation, to a degree of 5 to 100, preferably 5 to 95, more preferably 50 to 95, even more preferably 75 to 95 percent of all nitrogen atoms within the polymer of the invention.

[0092] It is well known to one skilled in the art that such alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or alkoxylated polyamine structures in general can be quaternized using standard means, due to their chemical similarity in principle to already known structures of this general type, and the known ability to modify these known structures by quaternization.

[0093] Clearly, the structures described here as modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines can also be quaternized.

[0094] A suitable degree of quaternization is up to 100%, in particular from 5 to 95%. Quaternization is preferably carried out by introducing C1-C22-alkyl groups, C1-C4-alkyl groups and / or C7C22-aralkyl groups and can be carried out in the usual manner by reaction with corresponding alkyl halides and dialkyl sulfates.

[0095] Quaternization can be advantageous for adjusting the polymer of the invention to the specific composition, such as compositions for laundry washing in which they are to be used, and for obtaining better compatibility and / or phase stability of the formulation.

[0096] The quaternization of the polymer of the invention is preferably obtained by the introduction of C1-C22-alkyl, C1-C4-alkyl groups. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 47 / 243 / 116 and / or C7-C22 aralkyl, aryl or alkylaryl groups and can be carried out in the usual manner by reaction with the corresponding alkyl halides, aralkyl and dialkyl sulfates, as described for example in WO 09 / 060059.

[0097] Quaternization can be carried out, for example, by reacting a polymer of the invention with an alkylating agent, such as a C1-C4-alkyl halide, for example, with methyl bromide, methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, methyl iodide, butyl n-bromide, isopropyl bromide, or with an aralkyl halide, for example with benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide or with a di-C1-C22-alkyl sulfate in the presence of a base, especially with dimethyl sulfate or diethyl sulfate. Suitable bases are, for example, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

[0098] The amount of alkylating agent determines the amount of quaternization of amino groups in the polymer, that is, the amount of quaternized moieties.

[0099] The amount of quaternized moieties can be calculated from the difference in the number of amines in the non-quaternized amine and the quaternized amine. The number of amines can be determined according to the method described in DIN 16945.

[00100] Quaternization can be carried out without any solvent. However, a solvent or diluent such as water, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, N-methylpyrrolidone, etc., may be used. The reaction temperature is normally in the range of 10°C to 150°C and is preferably 50°C to 100°C.

[00101] Quaternization can be advantageous for adjusting the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine to the specific composition, such as laundry compositions in which they are to be used, and for obtaining better compatibility and / or phase stability of the formulation. Embodiment 16

[00102] A process for preparing an alkoxylated polyalkylene imine Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 48 / 243 / 116 modified or modified alkoxylated polyamine in accordance with any of Modalities 1 to 15 comprising the performance of the process steps in accordance with any of Modalities 1 to 15.

[00103] In particular, the process comprises the following steps: a) reaction of 1) at least one polyalkylene imine or at least one polyamine comprising in total a plurality of primary and secondary amino groups with 2) at least one first lactone (LA1) and / or at least one first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1), wherein 3 to 10 mol of lactone (LA1) and / or hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, in order to obtain a first intermediate (I1), b) reaction of the first intermediate (I1) (i) with at least one first alkylene oxide (AO1) or (ii) with a mixture of 1) at least one first alkylene oxide (AO1) with 2) at least one second lactone (LA2) and / or at least one second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2), wherein at least 5.0 mol of first alkylene oxide (AO1) and for the mixture additionally at least 1.0 mol of second lactone (LA2) and / or second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a second intermediate (I2), c) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2) (i) with at least one second alkylene oxide (AO2) or (ii) with a mixture of 1) at least one second alkylene oxide (AO2) with 2) at least one third lactone (LA3) and / or at least one third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3), wherein at least 5.0 mol of second alkylene oxide (AO2) and for the mixture additionally at least 1.0 mol of third lactone (LA3) and / or third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a third intermediate (I3), Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 49 / 243 41 / 116 d) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2) or third intermediate (I3) with at least one fourth lactone (LA4) and / or at least one fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4), wherein at least 1.0 mol of fourth lactone (LA4) and / or fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a fourth intermediate (I4), (e) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2), third intermediate (I3) or fourth intermediate (I4) with at least one C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent in order to obtain the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or the modified alkoxylated polyamine, provided that the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine is not PEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 20 EO / NH - 2 CL / NH as described as compound P. 5 in Table 5 of PCT / EP2022 / 072996, where PEI800 is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 800 g / mol, CL is caprolactone and EO is ethylene oxide.

[00104] All the terms of Modality 16 have already been defined and explained in detail here before in the description of Modalities 1 to 15, such terms and definitions apply, of course, to this Modality 16.

[00105] The conversion rate of each reaction step can be monitored: Only when the previous reaction has proceeded to a conversion rate of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99%, and even more preferably at least 99.5% or more, can the next reagent be added, which in turn is also monitored for its conversion rate to detect when this next reaction has proceeded to a conversion rate of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99%, and even more preferably at least 99.5% or more, then the next reagent should be added - and so on until all reagents have reacted and the reaction of the last reagent added has Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 50 / 243 / 116, proceeding to a conversion rate of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99%, and even more preferably at least 99.5% or more has been achieved. All other structural orders of the side chains as defined above, but also the undefined structures resulting from uncontrollable parameters, are executed in this defined manner, leading – on statistical average – to a defined structural order derived directly from the way such a step-by-step reaction is executed.

[00106] The conversion rate of each of the respective steps can be determined according to methods known to the skilled, such as NMR spectroscopy, such as 13C-NMR spectroscopy and / or 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

[00107] For the reaction conditions, such as catalysts, temperatures, duration, purification, etc., of the reactions to produce the side chain units of the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines of the invention, the respective information in the descriptions WO 2021 / 165468 and unpublished patent applications EP 21176904.7, EP 21176906.2, EP 21192170.5 and EP 21192169.7 are fully encompassed in this recent description by way of reference.

[00108] The reaction of polyalkylene imine or polyamine or intermediates I1 to I3 with LA or HA and the reaction of any of the intermediates with AO can be carried out without any catalyst or in the presence of any catalyst that assists in the deprotonation of the amino group or the hydroxyl group, such as potassium hydroxide, potassium methoxide or tert-butyl potassium hydroxide, to name just a few. Preferred catalysts for reacting polyalkylene imine or polyamine or intermediates I1 to I3 with LA or HA are selected from Sn-octanoate and alkali metal hydroxides or alkali metal alkoxides, such as KOH, NaOH, KOME, KOtBu or NaOMe. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 51 / 243 / 116

[00109] In this preferred embodiment, the alkoxylation is carried out in the presence of at least one catalyst. Within this single-step alkoxylation reaction, the catalyst is preferably a basic catalyst. Examples of suitable catalysts are alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide; alkali metal alkoxides, in particular C1-C4 sodium and potassium alkoxides, such as sodium methoxide, potassium methoxide, sodium ethoxide and potassium tert-butoxide; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride and calcium hydride; and alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. Preference is given to alkali metal hydroxides and alkali metal alkoxides, with particular preference given to potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.Typical usage amounts for the base are 0.05 to 10% by weight, in particular 0.2 to 2% by weight, based on the total amount of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, lactone and / or hydroxycarbon acid and alkylene oxide. Mode 17

[00110] Process according to Modality 16, wherein the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or the modified alkoxylated polyamine is further subjected to the following process steps: a) quaternization using standard means, including protonation by pH adjustment or permanent quaternization by standard means, such as alkylation using standard reagents, preferably by alkylation, to a degree of 5 to 100, preferably 5 to 95, more preferably 50 to 95, even more preferably 75 to 95 percent of all nitrogen atoms in the polyalkylene imine or polyamine; and / or b) purification using standard methods, such as steam distillation, thermal distillation, vacuum evaporation, including removal of all solvent, dialysis and / or Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 52 / 243 / 116 c) drying using standard drying media, such as spray drying, drum drying, paddle drying, vacuum drying, including agglomeration methods such as fluidized bed drying, to obtain a purified (quaternized) polymer solution, a purified (quaternized) liquid polymer, a solid polymer, for example, granulated or cogranulated (quaternized) or a purified (quaternized) solid polymer, respectively.

[00111] If, after the reaction leading to the residual monomers of the polymer of the invention, they are present to an undesirable extent, the resulting product mixture containing the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine can be further purified by standard means to reduce the content of residual monomers, but also to reduce the amount of possible by-products, reduce the amount(s) of solvent(s) used (i.e., to concentrate) or replace the solvent(s) with other solvents. Such processes are known to a person skilled in this field.

[00112] Preferably, undesirable quantities of residual unreacted monomers are removed, preferably by means of distillation processes, more preferably by thermal distillation processes, which may further comprise the application of reduced pressure to increase the speed and / or effectiveness of the removal.

[00113] In a preferred embodiment, only the additional process step b) is used. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 53 / 243 / 116 Use and compositions comprising the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines of the invention

[00114] Part of this invention is also the use of the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines of the invention for various fields of application, where they can replace currently known similar structures, but bring about their increased biodegradation rate compared to those previously known structures. Mode 18

[00115] Use of at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine as defined in any of Embodiments 1 to 17 in cleaning compositions, in fabric and household care products, in cosmetic formulations, as a crude oil demulsifier, in pigment dispersions for inkjet paints, in electroplating formulations, in cementitious compositions, as a dispersant for agrochemical formulations.

[00116] A material aspect of the present invention is the use of the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or the modified alkoxylated polyamine mentioned above in textile and household care products, in cosmetic formulations, as crude oil emulsion breaker, in pigment dispersions for inkjet paints, in electroplating formulations, in cementitious compositions and / or as a dispersant for agrochemical formulations, preferably in cleaning compositions and / or in textile and household care products, in particular cleaning compositions for better removal of clay or oily and greasy stains, wherein the cleaning composition is preferably a laundry detergent formulation and / or a dishwashing detergent formulation, more preferably a liquid dishwashing detergent formulation and / or a liquid dishwashing detergent formulation. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 54 / 243 / 116

[00117] Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine can be added to cosmetic formulations, such as crude oil emulsion breaker, in pigment dispersions for inkjet paints, electroplating formulations, and in cementitious compositions. However, the compounds of the invention can also be added to (used in) washing or cleaning compositions.

[00118] Another material of the present invention is, therefore, a cleaning composition, a home and fabric care product, an industrial and institutional cleaning product, a cosmetic formulation, a crude oil emulsion breaker, a pigment dispersion for inkjet paints, a formulation for electroplating, a cementitious composition and / or dispersant for agrochemical formulations, comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine, as defined above.

[00119] Preferably, it is a cleaning composition and / or product for fabrics and household care, comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine, as defined above, preferably for improved removal of clay or oily and greasy stains, preferably a laundry detergent formulation and / or a dishwashing detergent formulation, more preferably a liquid dishwashing detergent formulation and / or a liquid dishwashing detergent formulation.

[00120] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning composition can be used for removing dirt from particulate stains and / or oily and greasy stains and, additionally, for maintaining whiteness, preferably in the care of clothing.

[00121] In another embodiment, the cleaning composition of the present invention is a hard surface cleaning composition that can be Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 55 / 243 / 116 used to clean various surfaces, such as hardwood, tile, ceramic, plastic, leather, metal, glass.

[00122] In another embodiment, the cleaning composition of the present invention is a liquid or solid detergent composition for automatic dishwashing, preferably a solid detergent composition for automatic dishwashing, which can be used to clean dishes, for example, dishes such as glassware, wherein the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine of the invention is improving the removal of stubborn dirt.

[00123] In another embodiment, the cleansing composition is designed to be used in compositions for personal and pet care, such as shampoo compositions, body wash formulations, liquid or solid soaps.

[00124] In this invention, a preferred area of ​​application for the use of modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine is the field of textile and household care products and cleaning compositions, preferably cleaning compositions for industrial and institutional use and for use by consumers in their homes. Embodiment 19

[00125] Use in accordance with Modality 18 in cleaning compositions and / or in products for fabrics and household care, preferably in liquid and solid detergent compositions, such detergent compositions being preferably (a) Detergent compositions for manual and automatic dishwashing, comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine and at least one chelating agent and / or at least one surfactant or – more preferably – a chelating agent in the case of a liquid or solid composition for automatic dishwashing and a surfactant system in the case of a composition Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 56 / 243 / 116 liquid detergent for hand dishwashing, respectively; and / or b) detergent compositions for laundry comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine and at least one surfactant or preferably a surfactant system.

[00126] Within these preferred application areas, typical tasks must be accomplished, all of which are commonly encompassed by the term “cleaning,” but in fact comprise different tasks, such as clay removal or removal of oily and greasy residues, solid residues, amphiphilic residues, and hydrophilic residues. Other tasks include protecting the products to be cleaned from deterioration, such as protecting glass from corrosion, silverware from oxidation, colors from fading, etc. Other tasks include improving the overall appearance of the products to be cleaned, such as enhancing or restoring color, whiteness, imparting or enhancing shine. For many of these applications, additional ingredients are normally added; for cleaning applications, the most important are, for example, enzymes, which biologically help to degrade the residues. Mode 20

[00127] Use in accordance with any of Modalities 18 to 19 for i) clay removal, and / or ii) improved removal of oily / greasy stains, and / or iii) removal of particulate stains, and / or iv) dispersion and / or emulsification of dirt, and / or v) modification of the treated surface to improve removal after subsequent new soiling, and / or vi) improvement of whiteness and / or vii) - when at least one enzyme selected from the list consisting of lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page. 57 / 243 / 116 phospholipases, esterases, DNases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectate lyases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases, and combinations of at least two of the above types, more preferably at least one enzyme being selected from proteases, is additionally present to improve the removal of oily / greasy stains, food stains and / or complex stains, more preferably in cleaning compositions for i) clay removal and / or ii) oily / greasy stain removal, each of the aforementioned options i) to vii) preferably for use in a laundry detergent formulation and / or a dishwashing detergent formulation and / or in a formulation suitable for (pre)treating textiles and / or soap bars,most preferably in a liquid laundry detergent formulation and / or a liquid dishwashing detergent formulation. Mode 21

[00128] Use in accordance with any of the Modalities 18 to 20 in cleaning compositions and / or in fabric and household care products, preferably in cleaning compositions for fabrics and household care, the cleaning composition preferably being a laundry detergent formulation or a dishwashing detergent formulation, more preferably a liquid laundry detergent formulation or a liquid dishwashing detergent formulation.

[00129] Such ingredients are typically formulated with other ingredients in formulations and compositions, which may also be called “products” (since they are provided by a supplier as a formulation to another customer who uses such formulation directly for Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 58 / 243 / 116 for cleaning purposes, etc., or to produce another formulation, which in turn could be sold to consumers as a "product" to be used by the consumer). Mode 22

[00130] A composition that is a product for fabrics and household care, a cleaning composition, an industrial and institutional cleaning product, a cosmetic or personal care product, a formulation for oilfields, such as a crude oil demulsifier, a pigment dispersion for paints, such as inkjet paints, a galvanizing product, a cementitious composition, a lacquer, a paint, an agrochemical formulation, preferably a laundry detergent, a dishwashing composition, a cleaning composition and / or a product for fabrics and household care, each comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 15 or obtained or obtainable by a process according to any of Embodiments 16 to 17. Mode 23

[00131] A composition according to Embodiment 22, being a solid or liquid dishwashing detergent composition or a solid or liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition, preferably a liquid laundry detergent or a liquid dishwashing detergent composition, more preferably a liquid dishwashing detergent composition, comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 15 or obtained or obtainable by a process according to any of Embodiments 16 to 17; optionally further comprising at least one enzyme, preferably selected from one or more lipases, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page. 59 / 243 / 116 hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, DNases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectate lyases, pectinases, lactases, pectate lyases, mannanases and peroxidases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, preferably at least one enzyme being selected from proteases, optionally containing at least one antimicrobial agent, wherein at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.05% to 15%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, and much more preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%, relative to the total weight of that composition or product, and said product or composition additionally comprising from about 1% to about 70% by weight of at least one surfactant,preferably an anionic surfactant, or even more preferably a surfactant system comprising at least one anionic surfactant. Embodiment 24,

[00132] A composition according to Embodiment 22, being a solid or liquid detergent composition for automatic dishwashing, preferably a solid detergent composition for automatic dishwashing, comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 15 or obtained or obtainable by a process according to any of Embodiments 16 to 17; optionally further comprising at least one enzyme, preferably selected from one or more lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, DNases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page. 60 / 243 / 116 cutinases, pectate lyases, pectinases, lactases, pectate lyases, mannanases and peroxidases and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, preferably at least one enzyme being selected from proteases and amylases, optionally containing at least one antimicrobial agent, optionally containing at least one compound selected from alkali metal percarbonate, alkali metal perborate and alkali metal persulfate, optionally containing at least one zinc salt, wherein at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine is present in a total amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.005% to 5%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 3%, and much more preferably from about 0.01% to about 3%, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 2%,and such product or composition further comprising at least one chelating agent present in a total amount of about 1% to about 70%, preferably from 10% to about 60% and even more preferably from 30% to about 50%, and optionally further comprising at least one surfactant or more preferably a surfactant system in a total amount of about 1% to about 70% by weight, all percentages by weight relative to the total weight of such composition. Modality 24a

[00133] A composition according to Modality 24, being a solid detergent composition for automatic dishwashing, comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page. 61 / 243 / 116 or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of Embodiments 1 to 15 or obtained or obtainable by a process according to any of Embodiments 16-17, and further comprising at least one chelating agent selected from methylglycinodiacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA), citric acid and salts thereof, at least one enzyme selected from proteases and / or amylases, at least one bleaching agent selected from alkali metal percarbonate, alkali metal perborate and alkali metal persulfate, preferably alkali metal percarbonate, at least one non-ionic surfactant, optionally at least one disintegrant, preferably a superdisintegrant, more preferably PVPP, and optionally containing at least one zinc salt.

[00134] Superdisintegrants are known to those skilled in the art, for example, from EP1004661, EP1263814 and EP1036839, and are also discussed in Pharmaceutical Technology, Volume 2006 Supplement, Issue 5, “A Comparative Study of Current Superdisintegrants”, October 1, 2006. Mode 25

[00135] Composition according to either of the Embodiments 22 and 23 being a detergent composition, comprising as a surfactant at least one anionic surfactant. Mode 26

[00136] Composition according to either of the Embodiments 22 and 23 being a liquid detergent composition, comprising as a surfactant at least one non-ionic surfactant and further comprising water. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 62 / 243 / 116 Mode 27

[00137] Composition according to any of the Embodiments 22, 23, 25 and 26 being a detergent composition, comprising at least one additional polymer selected from multifunctional alkoxylated polyethyleneimines, multifunctional alkoxylated diamines or terephthalic acid-based dirt-releasing polyesters, or mixtures thereof. Mode 28

[00138] Composition according to any of the Embodiments 22, 23 and 25 to 27 being a liquid detergent composition, comprising as a surfactant at least one 2-propylheptyl ethoxylated nonionic surfactant with an average degree of ethoxylation of 3 to 8. Mode 29

[00139] Composition according to any of the Embodiments 22 to 28 further comprising an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol and 4,4'-dicoro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether; preferably comprising 2-phenoxyethanol in an amount ranging from 2 ppm to 5% by weight of the composition; more preferably comprising 0.1 to 2% of phenoxyethanol or preferably comprising 4,4'-dicoro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether in a concentration of 0.001 to 3%, more preferably 0.002 to 1%, even more preferably 0.01 to 0.6%, each by weight of the composition. Modality 30

[00140] Composition according to any of the Embodiments 22 to 29 further comprising at least one enzyme selected from the list consisting of lipases, hydrolases, amylases, DNases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectate lyases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 63 / 243 / 116 preferably selected from one or more lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases and combinations of at least two of the above types, more preferably at least one enzyme being selected from proteases. Modality 31

[00141] Method of preserving an aqueous composition according to any of the Embodiments 22 to 30 against microbial contamination or growth, the method comprising adding an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol and 4,4'-dicoro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

[00142] It is also preferred in the present invention that the cleaning composition comprises (in addition to at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine as described above) further at least one enzyme, preferably selected from one or more lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, DNases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectate lyases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases, preferably selected from one or more lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, more preferably being at least one enzyme selected from proteases.

[00143] Preferably, such an inventive cleaning composition is a fabric and household care cleaning product or an industrial and institutional (I&I) cleaning product, preferably a fabric and household care product, more preferably a laundry detergent or dishwashing detergent, comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine of the invention, and optionally further comprising at least one surfactant or a surfactant system, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 64 / 243 / 116 providing better removal, dispersion and / or emulsification of dirt and / or modification of treated surfaces and / or maintenance of whiteness of treated surfaces.

[00144] At least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine of the invention as described herein (such modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine as defined above and especially in Embodiments 1 to 15 are hereinafter also referred to as the “inventive polymer”) is present in said inventive cleaning compositions at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably about 0.05% to 15%, more preferably about 0.1% to about 10% and much more preferably about 0.5% to about 5%, relative to the total weight of such composition or product; such cleaning composition may – and preferably does – further comprise about 1% to about 70% by weight of a surfactant system.

[00145] Even more preferably, the cleaning compositions of the present invention comprising at least one inventive polymer, and optionally further comprising at least one surfactant or a surfactant system, are those for primary cleaning (i.e., stain removal) in laundry and hand dishwashing applications, even more specifically, for removing clay or oily and greasy stains, such as those on fabrics and dishes, and may further comprise at least one enzyme selected from the list consisting of lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, DNases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectato lyases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing enzyme types, more preferably at least one enzyme being selected from proteases.

[00146] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning composition of Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 65 / 243 / 116, the present invention is a liquid or solid detergent composition for washing clothes.

[00147] In another preferred embodiment, the cleaning composition of the present invention is a liquid or solid detergent composition (e.g., powder or tablet / unit dose) for manual or automatic dishwashing, preferably a liquid detergent composition for manual dishwashing or a solid composition for automatic dishwashing.

[00148] In one embodiment, the inventive polymers of the present invention can be used in cleaning compositions comprising a surfactant system comprising C10-C15 alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) as the primary surfactant and one or more additional surfactants selected from nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic or other anionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof.

[00149] In another embodiment, the inventive polymers can be used in cleaning compositions, such as laundry detergents of any kind and the like, comprising linear or branched C8-C18 alkyl ether sulfates with 1 to 5 ethoxy units as the main surfactant and one or more additional surfactants selected from nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic or other anionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof.

[00150] In a further embodiment, the inventive polymers can be used in cleaning compositions, such as laundry detergents of any kind and the like, comprising C12-C18 alkyl ethoxylate surfactants with 5 to 10 ethoxy units as the primary surfactant and one or more additional surfactants selected from anionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic or other non-ionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof.

[00151] In another embodiment, the polymers of the invention can Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 66 / 243 / 116 to be used in cleaning compositions, such as laundry detergents of any type and the like, comprising biologically based surfactants such as rhamnolipids and / or sophorolipids as the primary surfactant.

[00152] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive polymer is a component of a cleaning composition, such as preferably a formulation for washing clothes or dishes, more preferably a liquid formulation for washing clothes or for hand dishwashing, each further comprising at least one surfactant, preferably at least one anionic surfactant.

[00153] The selection of additional surfactants in these modalities may depend on the application and the desired benefit.

[00154] As used herein, the articles “a” and “an,” when used in a claim or embodiment, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described. As used herein, the terms “include” and “including” are intended to be non-limiting and therefore encompass more than the specific item mentioned after those words.

[00155] The compositions of the present description may “comprise” (i.e., contain other ingredients), “consist essentially of” (comprise mainly or almost exclusively the ingredients mentioned and other ingredients only in very small quantities, mainly only as impurities), or “consist of” (i.e., contain only the ingredients mentioned and, in addition, may contain only impurities that cannot be avoided in a technical environment, preferably only the ingredients) components of the present description.

[00156] The term “at least one”, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and more.

[00157] Similarly, the terms “substantially free from...” or “substantially exempt from.” or “(containing / comprising) Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 67 / 243 / 116 essentially none...” may be used in this document; this means that the indicated material is not, at a minimum, deliberately added to the composition to form part of it, or, preferably, is not present at analytically detectable levels. Compositions are intended to be included in which the indicated material is present only as an impurity in one of the other deliberately included materials. The indicated material may be present, if present, at a level of less than 1%, or even less than 0.1%, or even further less than 0.01%, or even 0%, by weight of the composition.

[00158] The term “about”, as used herein, covers the exact number “X” mentioned as, for example, “about X%”, etc., and small variations of X, including from minus 5 to plus 5% deviation from X (with X for this calculation defined as 100%), preferably from minus 2 to plus 2%, more preferably from minus 1 to plus 1%, even more preferably from minus 0.5 to plus 0.5%, and smaller variations. Of course, if the given value X is already “100%” (as for purity, etc.), then the term “about” clearly can and therefore does mean only deviations from it that are less than “100”.

[00159] Unless otherwise indicated, all component or composition levels refer to the active portion of that component or composition and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, that may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

[00160] All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (°C), unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise specified, all measurements herein are taken at 20°C and under atmospheric pressure. In all embodiments of the present description, all percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless specifically indicated otherwise. All ratios are by weight, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Description of cleaning compositions, formulations and their ingredients. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 68 / 243 / 116

[00161] The phrase “cleaning composition,” as used herein, includes compositions and formulations designed to clean soiled material. Such compositions and formulations include those intended for cleaning soiled materials or surfaces of any kind.

[00162] Compositions for “industrial and institutional cleaning” include such cleaning compositions designed for use in industrial and institutional cleaning, such as those for use in cleaning soiled materials or surfaces of any kind, such as hard surface cleaners for surfaces of any kind, including tiles, carpets, PVC surfaces, wood surfaces, metal surfaces, lacquered surfaces.

[00163] “Compositions for fabrics and household care” include cleaning compositions and formulations including, but not limited to, compositions and detergents for cleaning clothes, fabric softening compositions, fabric improving compositions, fabric refreshing compositions, laundry pre-wash, laundry pre-treatment, laundry washing additives, spray products, dry cleaning agent or composition, laundry rinse additive, washing additive, post-rinse fabric treatment, ironing aid, dishwashing compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, unit dose formulation, delayed dispensing formulation, detergent contained in or on a porous substrate or nonwoven sheet, and other suitable forms that may be evident to one skilled in the art from the teachings herein and detailed below in describing the compositions.Such compositions can be used as a pre-wash treatment, a post-wash treatment, or can be added during the rinse or wash cycle of the washing operation, preferably during the wash cycle of the laundry or dishwashing operation, and as further detailed below when describing the use and application of the inventive polymers and compositions comprising such polymers. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 69 / 243 / 116

[00164] The cleaning compositions of the invention may be in any form, namely, in the form of a liquid; a solid such as powder, granules, agglomerate, paste, tablet, pouches, bar, gel; an emulsion; types dispensed in containers with double or multiple compartments; single-phase or multi-phase unit dose; a detergent in spray or foam form; wet wipes (i.e., the cleaning composition in combination with a non-woven material, such as that discussed in US 6,121,165, Mackey, et al.); dry wipes (i.e., the cleaning composition in combination with non-woven materials, such as that discussed in US 5,980,931, Fowler, et al.) activated with water by a user or consumer; and other forms of homogeneous, non-homogeneous, single-phase or multi-phase cleaning products.

[00165] The liquid cleaning compositions of the present invention preferably have a viscosity of 50 to 10,000 mPa*s; liquid compositions for manual dishwashing (also “liquid dishwashing compositions”) preferably have a viscosity of 100 to 10,000 mPa*s, more preferably 200 to 5,000 mPa*s and much more preferably 500 to 3,000 mPa*s at 20 1 / s and 20°C; liquid compositions for laundry preferably have a viscosity of 50 to 3,000 mPa*s, more preferably 100 to 1,500 mPa*s and much more preferably 200 to 1,000 mPa*s at 20 1 / s and 20°C.

[00166] The liquid cleaning compositions of the present invention may have any suitable pH value. Preferably, the pH of the composition is adjusted between 4 and 14. More preferably, the composition has a pH of 6 to 13, even more preferably from 6 to 10, most preferably from 7 to 9. The pH of the composition can be adjusted using pH-modifying ingredients known in the art and is measured as a 10% product concentration in demineralized water at 25°C. For example, NaOH can be used and the actual weight % of NaOH can be varied. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 70 / 243 / 116 and cut to the desired pH, such as pH 8.0. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pH >7 is adjusted using amines, preferably alkanolamines, more preferably triethanolamine.

[00167] Cleaning compositions, such as fabric and household care products and formulations for industrial and institutional cleaning, more specifically, such as detergents for washing clothes and dishes by hand, are known to one skilled in the art. Any composition, etc., known to one skilled in the art, in connection with its respective use, may be used in the context of the present invention, including at least one inventive polymer, preferably at least one polymer in amounts adequate to express a certain property within such composition, especially when such composition is used in its area of ​​use.

[00168] One aspect of the present invention is also the use of the polymers of the invention as additives for detergent formulations, particularly for liquid detergent formulations, preferably concentrated liquid detergent formulations, or single-dose laundry detergents.

[00169] The cleaning compositions of the invention may contain - and preferably do contain - adjunct cleaning additives (also herein abbreviated as "adjuncts"), such adjuncts preferably being additional to a surfactant system as defined above.

[00170] Suitable adjunct cleaning additives include boosters, co-builders, structuring or thickening agents, clay soil removal / anti-redeposition agents, polymeric soil release agents, dispersants such as polymeric dispersing agents, polymeric grease cleaning agents, solubilizing agents, chelating agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizing systems, bleaching compounds, bleaching agents, bleaching activators, bleaching catalysts, bleachers, and mold control agents. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 71 / 243 / 116 odor, pigments, dyes, opacifiers, toning agents, dye transfer inhibitors, chelating agents, foam intensifiers, foam suppressants (antifoaming agents), color stains, silver care, stain-resistant and / or anti-corrosion agents, sources of alkalinity, pH adjusters, pH buffering agents, hydrotropes, washing particles, antibacterial agents, antioxidants, softeners, carriers, processing aids, fragrance enhancers, dye and perfume fixatives.

[00171] Liquid cleansing compositions may additionally comprise - and preferably do comprise - at least one of rheology control / modification agents, emollients, humectants, skin rejuvenating actives and solvents.

[00172] Solid compositions may additionally comprise, and preferably comprise, at least one of the following: fillers, bleaches, bleaching activators and catalytic materials.

[00173] Suitable examples of such cleaning adjuncts and usage levels are found in WO 99 / 05242, US Patents Nos. 5,576,282, 6,306,812 B1 and 6,326,348 B1.

[00174] Those skilled in the art will understand that a detergent surfactant encompasses any surfactant or mixture of surfactants that provides cleaning, stain removal, or washing benefits to soiled material.

[00175] Thus, the cleaning compositions of the invention, such as products for fabrics and household care, and formulations for industrial and institutional cleaning, more specifically, such as detergents for washing clothes and dishes by hand, preferably additionally comprise a surfactant system and, more preferably, also other adjuncts, as described above and below in more detail.

[00176] The surfactant system may consist of a surfactant or a combination of surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 72 / 243 / 116 nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that a surfactant system for detergents encompasses any surfactant or mixture of surfactants that provides cleaning, stain removal or washing benefits to soiled material.

[00177] The cleaning compositions of the invention preferably comprise a surfactant system in an amount sufficient to provide the desired cleaning properties. In some embodiments, the cleaning composition comprises, by weight of the composition, from about 1% to about 70% of a surfactant system. In other embodiments, the liquid cleaning composition comprises, by weight of the composition, from about 2% to about 60% of the surfactant system. In other embodiments, the cleaning composition comprises, by weight of the composition, from about 5% to about 30% of the surfactant system. The surfactant system may comprise a detergent surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. (a) Compositions for washing clothes

[00178] In laundry formulations, anionic surfactants generally contribute by far the largest share of surfactants within such a formulation. Therefore, preferably, the cleaning compositions of the invention for use in laundry comprise at least one anionic surfactant and optionally other surfactants selected from any of the surfactant classes described herein, preferably from nonionic surfactants and / or amphoteric surfactants and / or zwitterionic surfactants and / or cationic surfactants.

[00179] Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants - which can also be used in combinations of more than one surfactant useful in this document include C9-C20 linear alkylbenzenesulfonates Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 73 / 243 / 116 (LAS), primary, branched-chain and random alkyl sulfonates (AS) C10-C20; C10-C18 (2,3) secondary alkyl sulfates; C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AExS) wherein x is from 1 to 30; C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates comprising 1 to 5 ethoxy units; medium-chain branched alkyl sulfates as discussed in US 6,020,303 and US 6,060,443; medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfates as discussed in US 6,008,181 and US 6,020,303; Modified alkylbenzene sulfonate (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99 / 05243, WO 99 / 05242 and WO 99 / 05244; methyl ester sulfonate (MES); and alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS).

[00180] Preferred examples of suitable anionic surfactants are alkali metal and ammonium salts of C8-C12-alkyl sulfates, C12-C18 fatty alcohol ether sulfates, C12-C18 fatty alcohol polyether sulfates, C4-C12-alkylphenol ethoxylate sulfuric acid semiesters (ethoxylation: 3 to 50 mol ethylene oxide / mol), C12-C18 alkylsulfonic acids, C12-C18 alkyl esters of sulfo fatty acids, for example C12-C18 methyl esters of sulfo fatty acids, C10-C18 alkylarylsulfonic acids, preferably n-C10-C18 alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates and soaps. For example, C8-C24 carboxylic acids. Preference is given to the alkali metal salts of the compounds mentioned above, with particular preference for sodium salts.

[00181] In one embodiment of the present invention, the anionic surfactants are selected from n-C10-C18-alkylbenzenesulfonic acids and fatty alcohol polyether sulfates, which, in the context of the present invention, are in particular C12-C18-alkanol ethoxylated sulfuric acid semiesters (ethoxylation: 1 to 50 mol of ethylene oxide / mol), preferably n-C12-C18-alkanols.

[00182] In one embodiment of the present invention, also alcohol polyether sulfates derived from branched C11-C18 alkanols (i.e., Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 74 / 243 / 116 synthetics) (ethoxylation: 1 to 50 mol of ethylene oxide / mol) can be used.

[00183] Preferably, the alkoxylation group of both types of alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, based on C12-C18 fatty alcohols or based on branched (i.e., synthetic) C11-C18 alcohols, is an ethoxylation group and an average degree of ethoxylation of either of the alkoxylated sulfate alcohols is 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3.

[00184] In another embodiment of the present invention, the anionic surfactants are selected from rhamnolipids and / or sophorolipids.

[00185] Preferably, the laundry detergent formulation of the present invention comprises at least 1% by weight to 50% by weight, preferably in the range of greater than or equal to about 2% by weight to equal to or less than about 30% by weight, more preferably in the range of greater than or equal to 3% by weight to less than or equal to 25% by weight, and most preferably in the range of greater than or equal to 5% by weight to less than or equal to 25% by weight of one or more anionic surfactants as described above, based on the particular overall composition, including other components and water and / or solvents.

[00186] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anionic surfactants are selected from linear C10-C15 alkylbenzenesulfonates, C10-C18 alkyl ether sulfates with 1 to 5 ethoxy units, and C10-C18 alkyl sulfates.

[00187] Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants – which can also be used in combinations of more than one other surfactant – include: C8-C18 alkyl ethoxylates, such as Shell's NEODOL® nonionic surfactants; ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block alkoxylates such as BASF's PLURONIC®; C14-C22 medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, BAEx, where x is from 1 to 30, according to Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 75 / 243 / 116 discussed in US 6,153,577, US 6,020,303 and US 6,093,856; alkylpolysaccharides as discussed in US 4,565,647 Llenado, granted on January 26, 1986; specifically alkylpolyglycosides as discussed in US 4,483,780 and US 4,483,779; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides as discussed in US 5,332,528; and ether-coated poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants as discussed in US 6,482,994 and WO 01 / 42408.

[00188] Preferred examples of nonionic surfactants are, in particular, alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated fatty alcohols, di- and multiblock copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and reaction products of sorbitan with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, in addition alkylphenol ethoxylates, alkyl glycosides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides (glucamides).

[00189] Preferred examples of alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated fatty alcohols are, for example, compounds of general formula (A) [formula (A)] where the variables are defined as follows: R1 is selected from linear C1-C10-alkyl, preferably ethyl and particularly preferably methyl, R2 is selected from C8-C22-alkyl groups, for example n-C8H17, n-C10H21, n-C12H25, n-C14H29, n-C16H33 or n-C18H37. R3 is selected from C1-C10-alkyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, neopentyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, sechexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl or isodecyl, m and n are in the range of zero to 300, where the sum of m and n is at least one. Preferably, m is in the range of 1 to 100 and n is in the range of Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 76 / 243 / 116 from 0 to 30.

[00190] Here, compounds of general formula (A) may be block copolymers or random copolymers, with preference given to block copolymers.

[00191] Other preferred examples of alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated fatty alcohols are, for example, compounds of general formula (B) [formula (B)] where the variables are defined as follows: R1 is identical to or different from and selected from linear C1-C4 alkyl, preferably identical in each case to ethyl and particularly preferably methyl, R4 is selected from C6-C20-alkyl, in particular n-C8H17, n-C10H21, n-C12H25, n-C14H29, n-C16H33, n-C18H37, a is a number in the range of zero to 6, preferably 1 to 6, b is a number in the range of zero to 20, preferably 4 to 20, d is a number in the range of 4 to 25.

[00192] Preferably, at least one of aeb is greater than zero.

[00193] Here, compounds of general formula (B) can be block copolymers or random copolymers, with preference given to block copolymers.

[00194] Other suitable nonionic surfactants are selected from di- and multiblock copolymers, compounds of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Other suitable nonionic surfactants are selected from ethoxylated or propoxylated sorbitan esters. Alkylphenol ethoxylates or alkyl polyglycosides or polyhydroxy fatty acid amides (glucamides) are equally suitable. An overview of other suitable nonionic surfactants can be found in EP-A 0 851 023 and Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 77 / 243 / 116 in DE-A 198 19 187.

[00195] Mixtures of two or more different nonionic surfactants may, of course, be present.

[00196] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nonionic surfactants are selected from C12 / 14 and C16 / 18 fatty alcohol alkoxylates, C13 / 15 oxo alcohol alkoxylates, C13 alcohol alkoxylates and 2-propyl heptyl alcohol alkoxylates, each with 3 to 15 ethoxy units, preferably 4 to 10 ethoxy units, or with 1 to 3 propoxy units and 2 to 15 ethoxy units.

[00197] Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants—which may also be used in combinations of more than one other surfactant—include: water-soluble amine oxides containing an alkyl moiety of about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and two moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl moieties and hydroxyalkyl moieties containing about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing an alkyl moiety of about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl moieties and hydroxyalkyl moieties of about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms. See WO 01 / 32816, US 4,681,704 and US 4,133,779. Suitable surfactants therefore include so-called amine oxides, such as lauryl dimethylamine oxide ("lauramine oxide").

[00198] Preferred examples of amphoteric surfactants are amine oxides. Preferred amine oxides are alkyl dimethyl amine oxides or alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxides, more preferably alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and especially coco dimethyl amino oxides. Amine oxides may have a linear or mid-branched alkyl moiety. Typical linear amine oxides include water-soluble amine oxides containing a C8-18 alkyl moiety R1 and two moieties R2 and R3 selected from the group consisting of C1-C3 alkyl groups and C1-C3 groups. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 78 / 243 / 116 hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, the amine oxide is distinguished by the formula R1-N(R2)(R3)-O where R1 is a C8-18 alkyl and R2 and R3 are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl and 3-hydroxypropyl. Linear amine oxide surfactants, in particular, may include linear C10-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C8-C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethylamine oxides. Preferred amine oxides include linear C10, linear C10-C12 and linear C12-C14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides. As used herein, "mid-branched" means that the amine oxide has an alkyl moiety with n1 carbon atoms with an alkyl branch on the alkyl moiety with n2 carbon atoms. The alkyl branch is located on the alpha carbon of the nitrogen in the alkyl moiety. This type of branching for the amine oxide is also known in the art as an internal amine oxide.The total sum of n1 and n2 is 10 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 20, and more preferably 10 to 16. The number of carbon atoms for an alkyl moiety (n1) should be approximately the same number of carbon atoms as the alkyl branch (n2) so that the alkyl moiety and the alkyl branch are symmetrical. As used in this document, “symmetrical” means that (n1-n2) is less than or equal to 5, preferably 4, more preferably 0 to 4 carbon atoms in at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight to 100% by weight of the medium-branched amine oxides for use herein. The amine oxide further comprises two moieties, independently selected from a C1-C3 alkyl group, a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a polyethylene oxide group containing an average of about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups.Preferably, both moieties are selected from a C1-C3 alkyl group, more preferably both are selected as a C1 alkyl group. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 79 / 243 71 / 116

[00199] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amphoteric surfactants are selected from C8-C18 alkyl-dimethyl amines and C8-C18 alkyl-di(hydroxyethyl)amine.

[00200] Cleaning compositions may also contain zwitterionic surfactants - which may also be used in combinations with more than one other surfactant.

[00201] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include betaines, such as alkyl betaines, alkylamidobetaine, amidazoliniobetaine, sulfobetaine (INCI sultaines), as well as phosphobetaines. Examples of suitable betaines and sulfobetaines are as follows (designated according to INCI): Almondamidopropyl betaines, Apricotam idopropyl betaines, Avocadamidopropyl betaines, Babassuamidopropyl betaines, Beenamidopropyl betaines, Beenyl betaines, Canolamidopropyl betaines, Capryl / Capramidopropyl betaines, Carnitine, Cetyl betaines, Cocamidoethyl betaines, Cocamidopropyl betaines, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultain, Coco betaines, Coco Hydroxysultain, Coco / Oleamidopropyl betaines, Coco Sultaine, Decyl betaines, Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Glycinate Soybean, Dihydroxyethyl Stearyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Glycinate Tallow. Propyl PG-betaine dimethicone, Erucamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Hydrogenated betaine tallow, Isostearamidopropyl betaineLauramidopropyl betaines, Lauryl betaines, Lauryl Hydroxysultain, Lauryl Sultaine, MiIkamidopropyl betaines, Minkamidopropyl betaines, Myristamidopropyl betaines, Myristyl betaines, Oleamidopropyl betaines, Oleamidopropyl Hydroxysultain, Oleyl betaines, Olivamidopropyl betaines, Palmamidopropyl betaines, Palmitamidopropyl betaines, Palmitoyl Carnitine, Palm Kernelamidopropyl betaines, Polytetrafluoroethylene Acetoxypropyl betaines, Ricinoleamidopropyl betaines, Sesamidopropyl betaines, Soiamidopropyl betaines, Stearamidopropyl betaines, Stearyl betaines, sebamidopropyl betaines, sebamidopropyl hydroxysultain, tallow, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 80 / 243 / 116 betaines, dihydroxyethyl tallow betaines, undecylenamidopropyl betaines and wheat germamidopropyl betaines.

[00202] Preferred betaines are, for example, C12-C18-alkylbetaines and sulfobetaines. The zwitterionic surfactant is preferably a betaine surfactant, more preferably a cocoamidopropylbetaine surfactant.

[00203] Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants - which can also be used in combinations of more than one other surfactant - include: quaternary ammonium surfactants, which can have up to 26 carbon atoms, including: alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants, as discussed in US 6,136,769; dimethyl hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium as discussed in US 6,004,922; dimethyl hydroxyethyl lauryl ammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants as discussed in WO 98 / 35002, WO 98 / 35003, WO 98 / 35004, WO 98 / 35005 and WO 98 / 35006; Cationic ester surfactants as discussed in US Patents Nos. 4,228,042, 4,239,660, 4,260,529 and US 6,022,844; and amino surfactants as discussed in US 6,221,825 and WO 00 / 47708, specifically propyldimethylamine (APA) starch.

[00204] The compositions according to the invention may comprise at least one booster. In the context of the present invention, no distinction will be made between boosters and such components elsewhere referred to as “coreboosters”. Examples of boosters are complexing agents, hereinafter also referred to as complexing agents, ion exchange compounds and precipitating agents. The boosters are selected from citrate, phosphates, silicates, carbonates, phosphonates, aminocarboxylates and polycarboxylates.

[00205] In the context of the present invention, the term citrate includes mono- and dikalyne metal salts and in particular the mono- and preferably trisodium salt of citric acid, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts of citric acid, as well as citric acid. Citrate can be used as a compound Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 81 / 243 / 116 anhydrous or as a hydrate, for example, as sodium citrate dihydrate. The amounts of citrate are calculated with reference to anhydrous trisodium citrate.

[00206] The term phosphate includes sodium metaphosphate, sodium orthophosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, and polyphosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate. Preferably, however, the composition according to the invention is free of phosphates and polyphosphates, with hydrogen phosphates being included, for example, free of trisodium phosphate, pentasodium tripolyphosphate, and hexasodium metaphosphate (“phosphate-free”). In connection with phosphates and polyphosphates, “free of” should be understood in the context of the present invention as meaning that the phosphate and polyphosphate content is in the total range of 10 ppm to 0.2% by weight of the respective composition, determined by gravimetry.

[00207] The term carbonates includes alkali metal carbonates and alkali metal bicarbonates, sodium salts being preferred. Na2CO3 is particularly preferred.

[00208] Examples of phosphonates are hydroxyalkanephosphonates and aminoalkanephosphonates. Among the hydroxyalkanephosphonates, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate (HEDP) is of particular importance as a booster. It is preferably used as a sodium salt, the disodium salt being neutral and the tetrasodium salt being alkaline (pH 9). Suitable aminoalkanephosphonates are preferably ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonate (EDTMP), diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonate (DTPMP), and also their higher homologues. They are preferably used in the form of neutral-reaction sodium salts, for example, as the hexasodium salt of EDTMP or as the heptasodium and octasodium salts of DTPMP.

[00209] Examples of aminocarboxylates and polycarboxylates are nitrilotriacetates, ethylene diamine tetraacetate, diethylene triamine pentaacetate, triethylene tetraamine hexaacetate, propylene diamines tetra acid Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 82 / 243 / 116 acetic acid, ethanol-diglycines, methylglycine diacetate and glutamine diacetate. The terms aminocarboxylates and polycarboxylates also include their respective unsubstituted or substituted ammonium salts and alkali metal salts, such as sodium salts, in particular the respective fully neutralized compound.

[00210] The silicates in the context of the present invention include, in particular, sodium disilicate and sodium metasilicate, alumosilicates, such as, for example, zeolites and sheet silicates, in particular those with the formula α-Na2Si2O5, ε-Na2Si2O5, and δ-Na2Si2O5.

[00211] The compositions according to the invention may contain one or more boosters selected from materials not mentioned above. Examples of boosters are α-hydroxypropionic acid and oxidized starch.

[00212] In one embodiment of the present invention, the booster is selected from polycarboxylates. The term “polycarboxylates” includes non-polymeric polycarboxylates, such as succinic acid, C2-C16-alkyl disuccinates, C2-C16-alkenyl disuccinates, ethylenediamine N,N'-disuccinic acid, tartaric acid diacetate, alkali metal malonates, tartaric acid monoacetate, propanetricarboxylic acid, butanetetracarboxylic acid, and cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid.

[00213] Oligomeric or polymeric polycarboxylates are, for example, polyaspartic acid or, in particular, alkali metal salts of (meth)acrylic acid homopolymers or (meth)acrylic acid copolymers.

[00214] Suitable comonomers are monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, such as maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid and citraconic acid. A suitable polymer is, in particular, polyacrylic acid, which preferably has a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of 2,000 to 40,000 g / mol, preferably 2,000 to 10,000 g / mol, in particular 3,000 to 8,000 g / mol. Other suitable copolymeric polycarboxylates are in particular those of Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 83 / 243 / 116 acrylic acid with methacrylic acid and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid and / or fumaric acid.

[00215] It is also possible to use copolymers of at least one monomer from the group consisting of monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C10-mono- or C4-C10-dicarboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof, such as maleic acid, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid and citraconic acid, with at least one comonomer modified hydrophilically or hydrophobically as listed below.

[00216] Suitable hydrophobic comonomers are, for example, isobutene, di-isobutene, butene, pentene, hexene and styrene, olefins with ten or more carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, such as, for example, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene, 1-docosene, 1-tetracosene and 1-hexacosene, C22-α-olefin, a mixture of C20-C24-α-olefins and polyisobutene having on average 12 to 100 carbon atoms per molecule.

[00217] Suitable hydrophilic comonomers are monomers with sulfonate or phosphonate groups and also nonionic monomers with hydroxyl function or alkylene oxide groups. Examples include: allylic alcohol, isoprenol, methoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolybutylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypoly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide) (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolybutylene glycol (meth)acrylate and ethoxypoly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide) (meth)acrylate). The polyalkylene glycols herein may comprise 3 to 50, in particular 5 to 40, and especially 10 to 30 alkylene oxide units per molecule.

[00218] Monomers containing sulfonic acid groups particularly preferred here are 1-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonic acid, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page. 84 / 243 / 116 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, metalylsulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, metalyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 2-sulfoethyl methacrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide and salts of said acids, such as their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts.

[00219] Monomers containing phosphonate groups that are particularly preferred are vinylphosphonic acid and its salts.

[00220] In addition, amphoteric polymers can also be used as reinforcing agents.

[00221] The compositions according to the invention may comprise, for example, a total range of 0.1 to 70% by weight, preferably 10 to 50% by weight, preferably up to 20% by weight, of booster(s), especially in the case of solid formulations. The liquid formulations according to the invention preferably comprise a range of 0.1 to 8% by weight of booster.

[00222] The formulations according to the invention may comprise one or more alkaline carriers. The alkaline carriers ensure, for example, a pH of at least 9 if an alkaline pH is desired. Suitable examples include the alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates and alkali metal metasilicates mentioned above, and additionally, alkali metal hydroxides. A preferred alkali metal is in each case potassium, with particular preference given to sodium. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pH >7 is adjusted using amines, preferably alkanolamines, more preferably Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 85 / 243 / 116 triethanolamine.

[00223] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition or formulation for washing clothes according to the invention further comprises at least one enzyme.

[00224] In one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention further comprises at least one enzyme.

[00225] Preferably, at least one enzyme is a detergent enzyme.

[00226] In one embodiment, the enzyme is classified as an oxidoreductase (EC 1), a transferase (EC 2), a hydrolase (EC 3), a lyase (EC 4), an isomerase (EC 5), or a ligase (EC 6). The EC numbering is in accordance with the Enzyme Nomenclature, Recommendations (1992) of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, including its supplements published in 1993-1999. Preferably, the enzyme is a hydrolase (EC 3).

[00227] In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, pectinases, lactases, peroxidases, xylanases, cutinases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, beta-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, laccases, nucleases, DNase, phosphodiesterases, phytases, carbohydrases, galactanases, xanthanases, xyloglucanases, oxidoreductase, perhydrolases, aminopeptidase, asparaginase, carbohydrase, Carboxypeptidase, catalase, chitinase, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase, alpha-galactosidase, beta-galactosidase, glucoamylase, alpha-glucosidase, beta-glucosidase, invertase, ribonuclease, transglutaminase, and dispersins, and combinations of at least two of the above types. More preferably, the enzyme is selected from Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 86 / 243 / 116 group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, xylanases, DNases, dispersins, pectinases, oxidoreductases and cutinases and combinations of at least two of the above types. More preferably, the enzyme is a protease, preferably a serine protease, most preferably a subtilisin protease.

[00228] Preferably, the protease is a protease with at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 22 of document EP1921147B1 and having the amino acid substitution R101E (according to BPN' numbering). Preferably, the amylase is an amylase with at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 54 of WO2021032881A1.

[00229] The composition of the present invention may comprise one type of enzyme or more than one enzyme of different types, for example, an amylase and a protease, or more than one enzyme of the same type, for example, two or more different proteases, or mixtures thereof, for example, an amylase and two different proteases.

[00230] The enzyme(s) may be incorporated into the composition at levels sufficient to provide an effective amount to achieve a beneficial effect, preferably for primary washing effects and / or secondary washing effects, such as anti-graying or anti-pill effects (e.g., in the case of cellulases). Preferably, the enzyme is present in the composition at levels of about 0.00001% to about 5%, preferably about 0.00001% to about 2%, more preferably about 0.0001% to about 1%, or even more preferably about 0.001% to about 0.5% of enzymatic protein by weight of the composition.

[00231] Preferably, the enzyme-containing composition further comprises an enzyme stabilizing system.

[00232] Preferably, the enzyme-containing composition described in this document comprises from about 0.001% to about 10%, of about Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 87 / 243 / 116 0.005% to about 8%, or about 0.01% to about 6%, by weight of the composition, of an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system that is compatible with the enzyme.

[00233] Preferably, the enzyme stabilizer system comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyols (preferably, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, 1,2-propanediol or sorbitol), inorganic salts (preferably, CaCl2, MgCl2, or NaCl), short-chain carboxylic acids (preferably, C1-C3) or their salts (preferably, formic acid, formate (preferably, sodium formate), acetic acid, acetate or lactate), borate, boric acid, boronic acids (preferably, 4-formylphenylboronic acid (4-FPBA)), peptide aldehydes (preferably, Z-VAL-H or Z-GAY-H), peptide acetals and peptide aldehyde hydrosulfite adducts.Preferably, the enzyme stabilizer system comprises a combination of at least two of the compounds selected from the group consisting of salts, polyols, and short-chain carboxylic acids and, preferably, one or more of the compounds selected from the group consisting of borate, boric acid, boronic acids (preferably 4-formylphenylboronic acid (4-FPBA)), peptide aldehydes, peptide acetals, and peptide aldehyde hydrosulfite adducts. In particular, if proteases are present in the composition, protease inhibitors may be added, preferably selected from borate, boric acid, boronic acids (preferably 4-FPBA), peptide aldehydes (preferably peptide aldehydes such as Z-VAL-H or Z-GAYH), peptide acetals, and peptide aldehyde hydrosulfite adducts.

[00234] The compositions according to the invention may comprise one or more bleaching agents (bleaching agents).

[00235] Preferred bleaching agents are selected from sodium perborate, anhydrous or, for example, as monohydrate or as tetrahydrate. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 88 / 243 / 116 hydrate or the so-called dihydrate, sodium percarbonate, anhydrous or, for example, as sodium monohydrate and persulfate, where the term “persulfate” in each case includes the salt of the peracid H2SO5 and also peroxodisulfate.

[00236] In this regard, alkali metal salts may in each case also be alkali metal hydrogen carbonate, alkali metal hydrogen perborate and alkali metal hydrogen persulfate. However, dikaliki metal salts are preferred in each case.

[00237] The formulations according to the invention may comprise one or more bleaching catalysts. The bleaching catalysts may be selected from oxaziridinium-based bleaching catalysts, bleaching-enhancing transition metal salts or transition metal complexes, such as, for example, manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium or molybdenum-salen complexes or carbonyl complexes. Manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, molybdenum, titanium, vanadium and copper complexes with nitrogen-containing tripod ligands and also cobalt, iron, copper and ruthenium-amine complexes may also be used as bleaching catalysts.

[00238] The formulations according to the invention may comprise one or more bleaching activators, for example tetraacetyl ethylenediamine, tetra-acetylmethylenediamine, tetra-acetylglycolurile, tetraacetylhexylenediamine, acylated phenolsulfonates, such as, for example, n-nonanoyl- or isononanoyloxybenzene sulfonates, (S)NOBS, LOBS, DOBA, PAP, N-methylmorpholinium-acetonitrile salts (“MMA salts”), trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts, N-acylimides such as, for example, N-nonanoylsuccinimide, 1,5-diacetyl-2,2-dioxo-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (“DADHT”) or nitrile quats (trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts).

[00239] As precursors of H2O2, peroxides are taken into consideration, that is, any compound that is capable of producing peroxide. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 89 / 243 81 / 116 hydrogen in aqueous solutions, for example, the organic and inorganic peroxides known in the literature and commercially available that bleach textile materials at conventional washing temperatures, for example, from 10 to 95°C.

[00240] Preferably, however, inorganic peroxides are used, for example, persulfates, perborates, percarbonates and / or persilicates. They are typically used in an amount of 2 to 80% by weight, preferably 4 to 30% by weight, based on the weight of the composition. THE II

[00241] Typically, the compound of formula (1) RwC O OM, as described in more detail below, is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05 to 15% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[00242] Examples of suitable inorganic peroxides are sodium perborate tetrahydrate or sodium perborate monohydrate, sodium percarbonate, inorganic peroxyacid compounds, such as potassium monopersulfate (MPS). If organic or inorganic peroxyacids are used as the peroxygen compound, the amount of them will normally be in the range of about 2 to 80% by weight, preferably 4 to 30% by weight, based on the weight of the composition.

[00243] Organic peroxides are, for example, mono- or polyperoxides, urea peroxides, a combination of a C1-C4 alkanol oxidase and C1-C4 alkanol (such as methanol oxidase and ethanol, as described in WO95 / 07972), alkylhydroxy peroxides, such as cumene hydroperoxide and t-butyl hydroperoxide.

[00244] Peroxides can be in a variety of crystalline forms and have different water contents, and can also be used together with other inorganic or organic compounds to improve their storage stability.

[00245] Peroxoacids can also be used as oxidants. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 90 / 243 / 116 An example are the organic monoperacids of formula (1) THE R1TC-O-OM, where M stands for hydrogen or a cation. R19 means unsubstituted C1-C18 alkyl; substituted C1-C18 alkyl; unsubstituted aryl; substituted aryl; -(C1-C6 alkylene)-aryl, wherein the alkylene and / or alkyl group may be substituted; and phthalimido-C1-C8 alkylene, wherein the phthalimido and / or alkylene group may be substituted.

[00246] Preferred organic monoperoxyacids and their salts are those of formula R19C O OM, wherein M stands for hydrogen or an alkali metal, and R'19 stands for unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl; phenyl; -C1-C2 alkylene-phenyl or phthalimido-C1-C8 alkylene.

[00247] Especially preferred is CH3COOOH and its alkaline salts.

[00248] Also particularly preferred is e-phthalimido peroxyhexanoic acid and its alkaline salts (PAP).

[00249] Also suitable are diperoxyacids, for example, 1,12-diperoxydecanedioic acid (DPDA), 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid, diperoxybrasilic acid, diperoxysebasic acid, diperoxyisophthalic acid, 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1,4-diotic acid and 4,4'-sulfonylbisperoxybenzoic acid.

[00250] In some cases, the use of an additional bleach activator may be advantageous.

[00251] The term bleach activator is often used synonymously with peroxy acid bleach precursor. All the peroxy compounds mentioned above can be used alone or in conjunction with a peroxy acid bleach precursor.

[00252] These precursors are the corresponding carboxylic acid or the Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 91 / 243 / 116 corresponding carboxyanhydride or the corresponding carbonyl chloride, or amides, or esters, which can form peroxyacids in perhydrolysis. Such reactions are commonly known.

[00253] Peroxyacid bleach precursors are known and widely described in the literature, such as in British Patents 836988; 864,798; 907,356; 1,003,310 and 1,519,351; German Patent 3,337,921; EP-A0185522; EP-A-0174132; EP-A-0120591; and US Patents No. 1,246,339; 3,332,882; 4,128,494; 4,412,934 and 4,675,393.

[00254] Suitable bleach activators include bleach activators carrying unsubstituted or substituted O- and / or N-acyl groups and / or benzoyl groups. Preference is given to polyacylated alkylenediamines, especially tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED); acylated glycoluryls, especially tetraacetylglycol urea (TAGU), N,N-diacetyl-N,N-dimethylurea (DDU); sodium-4-benzoyloxybenzene sulfonate (SBOBS); sodium-1-methyl-2-benzoyloxybenzene-4-sulfonate; sodium-4-methyl-3-benzoyloxybenzoate; trimethylammonium tolyloxybenzene sulfonate; acylated triazine derivatives, especially 1,5-diacetyl-2,4-dioxo-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (DADHT); compounds of formula (10): THE R2i \ (10)OVV R22 wherein R22 is a sulfonate group, a carboxylic acid group or a carboxylate group, and wherein R21 is a linear or branched alkyl (C7-C15), especially activators known under the names SNOBS, SLOBS and DOBA; acylated polyhydric alcohols, especially triacetin, ethylene glycol diacetate and 2,5-diacetoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran; and also acetylated sorbitol and mannitol and acylated sugar derivatives, especially pentaacetylglucose (PAG), sucrose polyacetate (SUPA), pentaacetylfructose, tetraacetylxylose and octaacetylactose, as well as acetylated glucamine and gluconolactone, Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 92 / 243 / 116 optionally N-alkylated. It is also possible to use combinations of conventional bleach activators known from German Patent Application DE-A-44 43 177. Nitrile compounds that form perimine acids with peroxides are also considered as bleach activators.

[00255] Another useful class of peroxyacid bleach precursors is that of cationic peroxyacid precursors, i.e., those substituted with quaternary ammonium compounds, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,751,015 and 4,397,757, in EP-A0284292 and EP-A-331,229. Examples of peroxyacid bleach precursors of this class are: 2-(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)ethyl sodium-4-sulfophenyl carbonate chloride (SPCC), N-octyl,N,N-dimethyl-N10-carbophenoxy decyl ammonium chloride (ODC), 3-(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)propyl sodium-4-sulfophenyl carboxylate, and N,N,N-trimethylammonium tolyloxybenzene sulfonate.

[00256] It is also possible to use additional bleaching catalysts, which are commonly known, for example, transition metal complexes, as described in EP 1194514, EP 1383857 or WO04 / 007657.

[00257] The formulations according to the invention may comprise one or more corrosion inhibitors. In the present case, this should be understood as including those compounds that inhibit metal corrosion. Examples of suitable corrosion inhibitors are triazoles, in particular benzotriazoles, bisbenzotriazoles, aminotriazoles, alkylaminotriazoles, also phenol derivatives such as, for example, hydroquinone, pyrocatechol, hydroxyhydroquinone, gallic acid, phloroglucinol or pyrogallol.

[00258] In one embodiment of the present invention, the formulations according to the invention comprise in total in the range of 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of corrosion inhibitor.

[00259] The formulations according to the invention may also additionally comprise cleaning polymers and / or dirt-releasing polymers. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 93 / 243 / 116

[00260] Additional cleaning polymers may include, without limitation, “multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imines” (e.g., BASF’s Sokalan® HP20), “multifunctional alkoxylated diamines” (e.g., BASF’s Sokalan® HP96), BASF’s Sokalan® SR400 A and also terephthalic acid-based polyesters such as Clariant’s TexCare®, such as TexCare® SRN 170, TexCare® SRN 172, TexCare® SRN 260, TexCare® SRN 260 SG Terra and TexCare® SRA 300, as well as distinct combinations of all the aforementioned polymers.

[00261] Suitable multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imines are typically ethoxylated polyethylene imines with a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of 3,000 to 250,000, preferably 5,000 to 200,000, more preferably 8,000 to 100,000, more preferably 8,000 to 50,000, more preferably 10,000 to 30,000, and most preferably 10,000 to 20,000 g / mol. Multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imines have 80% to 99% by weight, preferably 85% to 99% by weight, more preferably 90% to 98% by weight, most preferably 93% to 97% by weight or 94% to 96% by weight of ethylene oxide side chains, based on the total weight of the materials. Ethoxylated polyethylene imines are typically based on a polyethylene imine core and a polyethylene oxide shell. Suitable polyethylene imine core molecules are polyethylene imines with a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of 500 to 5000 g / mol.Preferably, a molecular weight of 500 to 1000 g / mol is used, even more preferably a Mw of 600 to 800 g / mol. The ethoxylated polymer then has on average 5 to 50, preferably 10 to 35, and even more preferably 20 to 35 ethylene oxide (EO) units per NH functional group.

[00262] Suitable multifunctional alkoxylated diamines are typically C2 to C12 ethoxylated alkylenediamines, preferably hexamethylenediamine, which are further quaternized and optionally Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 94 / 243 / 116 sulfated. Typical multifunctional alkoxylated diamines have a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably 3,000 to 8,000, and much more preferably 4,000 to 6,000 g / mol. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, ethoxylated hexamethylenediamine, further quaternized and sulfated, can be used, which contains on average 10 to 50, preferably 15 to 40 and even more preferably 20 to 30 ethylene oxide (EO) groups per NH functional group and which preferably contains two ammonium cationic groups and two anionic sulfate groups.

[00263] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning compositions may contain at least one multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imine and / or at least one multifunctional alkoxylated diamine to improve cleaning performance, such as preferably improving stain removal ability, especially the primary detergency of particulate stains on polyester fabrics in laundry detergents. The multifunctional polyethylene imines or multifunctional diamines or mixtures thereof as described above may be added to laundry detergents and cleaning compositions in amounts generally from 0.05 to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 10% by weight and more preferably from 0.25 to 5% by weight, and even as low as 2% by weight, based on the particular overall composition, including other components and water and / or solvents.

[00264] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning compositions may contain at least one terephthalic acid-based polyester, used as a dirt-releasing polymer, to improve the whiteness of fabrics after washing, especially the whiteness of polyester fabrics.

[00265] Thus, one aspect of the present invention is a composition Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 95 / 243 / 116 laundry detergent, in particular a liquid laundry detergent, comprising (i) at least one inventive polymer and (ii) at least one compound selected from multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imines, multifunctional alkoxylated diamines and terephthalic acid-based polyesters, and mixtures thereof.

[00266] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of (i) at least one inventive polymer and (ii) at least one compound selected from multifunctional polyethylene imines and multifunctional diamines and mixtures thereof is from 10:1 to 1:10, preferably from 5:1 to 1:5 and more preferably from 3:1 to 1:3.

[00267] Laundry formulations comprising the inventive polymer may also comprise at least one antimicrobial agent (generally also referred to as preservatives).

[00268] The composition may contain one or more antimicrobial agents and / or preservatives as listed in patent WO2021 / 115912 A1 on pages 35 to 39.

[00269] Of particular interest are the following antimicrobial agents and / or preservatives: 4,4'-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (CAS No. 3380-30-1), additional names: 5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenol, Diclosan, DCPP, which is commercially available as a 30% by weight solution of 4,4'-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether in 1,2-propylene glycol under the trade name Tinosan® HP 100 (BASF); 2-Phenoxyethanol (CAS No. 122-99-6, additional names: Phenoxyethanol, Methylphenyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylene glycol phenyl ether, Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, Protectol® PE); 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 52-51-7, additional names: 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, Bronopol®, Protectol® BN, Miacide AS); Glutaraldehyde (CAS No. 111-30-8, additional names: 1,5-pentandial, pentane-1,5-dial, glutaral, glutardaldehyde, Protectol® GA, Protectol® GA 50, Myacide® GA); Glyoxal (CAS No. 107) Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 96 / 243 / 116 22-2; other names: etandial, oxylaldehyde, 1,2-ethandial, Protectol® GL); 2butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one (BBIT, CAS no. 4299-07-4); 2-methyl-2Hisothiazol-3-one (MIT, CAS No 2682-20-4); 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (ILO, CAS no. 26530-20-1); 5-Chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CIT, CMIT, CAS no. 26172-55-4); Mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CMIT, EINECS 247-500-7) and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT, EINECS 220-239-6) (CMIT / MIT mixture, CAS No. 55965-84-9); 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT, CAS No. 2634-33-5); Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (sorbic acid, CAS No. 110-44-1) and its salts, for example, calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate, (E,E)hexa-2,4-dienoate potassium (Potassium Sorbate, CAS No. 24634-61-5); Lactic acid and its salts; L-(+)-lactic acid (CAS No. 79-33-4); Benzoic acid and its sodium salt (CAS No. 65-85-0, CAS No. 532-32-1) and salts of benzoic acid, for example, ammonium benzoate, calcium benzoate, magnesium benzoate, MEA-benzoate, potassium benzoate;Salicylic acid and its salts, for example, calcium salicylate, magnesium salicylate, MEA salicylate, sodium salicylate, potassium salicylate, TEA salicylate; Benzalkonium chloride, bromide and saccharinate, for example, benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium bromide, benzalkonium saccharinate (CAS No. 8001-54-5, 63449-41-2, 91080-29-4, 68989-01-5, 68424-85-1, 68391-01-5, 61789-y71-7, 85409-22-9); Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC, CAS No. 68424-95-3 and CAS No. 7173-51-5); N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine (Diamine, CAS No. 2372-82-9); Peracetic acid (CAS No. 79-21-0); Hydrogen peroxide (CAS No. 7722-84-1).

[00270] The antimicrobial agent is added to the composition at a concentration of 0.001% to 10% relative to the total weight of the composition.

[00271] Preferably, the composition contains 2-phenoxyethanol at a concentration of 0.1 to 2% or 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (DCPP) at a concentration of 0.005 to 0.6%.

[00272] The invention further encompasses a method of Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 97 / 243 / 116 preservation of an aqueous composition according to the invention against microbial contamination or growth, the method of which comprises the addition of 2-phenoxyethanol. The invention further encompasses a method for providing an antimicrobial effect on textiles after treatment with a solid laundry detergent (e.g., powders, granules, capsules, tablets, bars, etc.), a liquid laundry detergent, a fabric softener, or a post-rinse containing 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (DCPP).

[00273] In a further embodiment, this invention also encompasses a composition comprising an inventive polymer as described above, further comprising an antimicrobial agent as described below, preferably selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol, more preferably comprising said antimicrobial agent in an amount ranging from 2 ppm to 5% by weight of the composition; even more preferably comprising 0.1 to 2% of phenoxyethanol.

[00274] In a further embodiment, this invention also encompasses a method of preserving an aqueous composition against microbial contamination or growth, such composition comprising an inventive polymer as described above, such composition preferably being a detergent composition, such method comprising the addition of at least one antimicrobial agent selected from the antimicrobial agents described below, such antimicrobial agent preferably being 2-phenoxyethanol.

[00275] In a further embodiment, this invention also encompasses a composition, preferably a cleaning composition, more preferably a liquid detergent composition for washing clothes or a liquid composition for hand dishwashing, even more preferably a liquid detergent composition for washing clothes, or a liquid fabric softener composition for use in washing clothes, such Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 98 / 243 / 116 composition comprising an inventive polymer as described herein above, such composition further comprising 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether in a concentration of 0.001 to 3%, preferably 0.002 to 1%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.6%, each by weight of the composition.

[00276] In a further embodiment, this invention also encompasses a method for washing fabric or cleaning hard surfaces, wherein the method comprises treating a fabric or a hard surface with a cleaning composition, more preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition or a liquid dishwashing composition, even more preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition, or a liquid fabric softener composition for use in laundry, such composition comprising an inventive polymer as described above, such composition further comprising 4,4'-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

[00277] The term “dye-fixing agent,” as used herein, refers to compounds that attenuate or even stop the leakage of dye from colored fabrics during the washing process. Dye-fixing agents include, but are not limited to, cationic dye-fixing agents, crosslinking dye-fixing agents, and formaldehyde-based dye-fixing agents. The qualified professional is well aware of these compounds and can purchase commercially available products from BASF SE, Huntsman, Archroma, Fineotex, Biotex Malaysia, or Dystar. Exemplified, but not limited to, dye-fixing agents are Basilen Fixing Agent F-RP, Albafix ECO, Finofix NF, poly DADMAC, Polyamine (DCDA-DETA, Epichloro-DMA, Epichloro-DETA, etc.).

[00278] The formulations according to the invention may also comprise water and / or additional organic solvents, for example, ethanol or propylene glycol.

[00279] Other optional ingredients may be included, but are not listed. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 99 / 243 91 / 116 limited to viscosity modifiers, cationic surfactants, foam enhancers or reducers, perfumes, dyes, optical brighteners and dye transfer inhibitors. (b) General cleaning compositions and formulations

[00280] The liquid formulations described in this chapter may comprise 0 to 2% 2-phenoxyethanol, preferably about 1%, in addition to all other ingredients mentioned.

[00281] The liquid formulations described above and below may comprise 0 to 0.2% of 4,4'-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, preferably about 0.15%, in addition to all other ingredients mentioned. The solid compositions for washing clothes without bleach may comprise 0 to 0.2% of 4,4'-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, preferably about 0.15%, in addition to all other ingredients mentioned.

[00282] The formulations described in this chapter may – in addition to all other ingredients mentioned – comprise one or more enzymes selected from those described above, most preferably a protease and / or an amylase, wherein even more preferably the protease is a protease with at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 22 of document EP1921147B1 and having the amino acid substitution R101E (according to BPN' numbering) and wherein the amylase is an amylase with at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 54 of document WO2021032881A1, such enzymes preferably being present in the formulations at levels of about 0.00001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.00001% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.0001% to about 1%, or even more preferably from about 0.001% to about 0.5% of enzymatic protein by weight of the composition.

[00283] The following compositions shown below, including those Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 100 / 243 / 116, in the tables, shows general cleaning compositions of certain types, which correspond to typical compositions correlated with typical washing conditions, as typically used in various regions and countries of the world. At least one inventive polymer may be added to such formulations in appropriate amounts, as described in this document.

[00284] When the composition shown does not comprise an inventive polymer, such composition is a comparative composition. When it comprises an inventive polymer, especially in the amounts that are described herein as preferred ranges, most preferred, etc., such compositions are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[00285] In a preferred embodiment, at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine (as defined in any of the embodiments herein, especially Embodiments 1 to 15; modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or modified alkoxylated polyamines in this section also referred to as the “inventive polymer”) is used in a laundry detergent.

[00286] Liquid laundry detergents according to the present invention are composed of: 0.05 - 20% of at least one inventive polymer - 50% surfactants 0.1 - 40% of reinforcers, co-reinforcers and / or chelating agents 0.1 - 50% of other adjuncts plus water to total 100%.

[00287] The preferred liquid laundry detergents according to the present invention are composed of: 0.2 - 6% of at least one inventive polymer - 40% of selected anionic surfactants from C10-C15. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 101 / 243 / 116 LAS and C10-C18 alkyl ether sulfates containing 1 to 5 ethoxy units 1.5 - 10% of nonionic surfactants selected from C10-C18 alkyl ethoxylates containing 3 to 10 ethoxy units. - 20% of soluble organic enhancers / co-enhancers selected from C10-C18 fatty acids, di- and tricarboxylic acids, hydroxy-di- and hydroxytricarboxylic acids, and polycarboxylic acids. 0.05 - 5% of an enzyme system containing at least one enzyme suitable for use in detergents and preferably also an enzyme stabilizer system. 0.5 - 20% of mono- or diols selected from ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol 0.1 - 20% of other adjuncts plus water to total 100%.

[00288] Solid laundry detergents (such as powders, granules or tablets) according to the present invention are composed of: 0.05 - 20% of at least one inventive polymer - 50% surfactants 0.1 - 80% of reinforcers, co-reinforcers and / or chelating agents 0-50% loads - 40% bleaching agents 0.1 - 30% other adjuncts and / or water where the sum of the ingredients totals 100%.

[00289] Preferred solid laundry detergents according to the present invention are composed of: 0.2 - 6% of at least one inventive polymer - 30% of selected anionic surfactants from C10-C15LAS, C10-C18 alkyl sulfates and C10-C18 alkyl ether sulfates containing 1 to 5 Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 102 / 243 / 116 units of ethoxy 1.5 - 7.5% of nonionic surfactants selected from C10-C18 alkyl ethoxylates containing 3 to 10 ethoxy units. - 50% inorganic enhancers selected from sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, zeolites, soluble silicates, sodium sulfate 0.5 - 15% of co-boosters selected from C10-C18 fatty acids, di- and tricarboxylic acids, hydroxydi- and hydroxytricarboxylic acids, and polycarboxylic acids. 0.1 - 5% of an enzyme system containing at least one enzyme suitable for use in detergents and preferably also an enzyme stabilizer system. 0.1 - 20% of other adjuncts plus water to total 100%.

[00290] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer according to the present invention is used in a detergent for hand dishwashing.

[00291] Liquid detergents for hand dishwashing according to the present invention are composed of: 0.05 - 10% of at least one inventive polymer - 50% surfactants 0.1 - 50% of other adjuncts plus water to total 100%.

[00292] Preferred liquid detergents for hand dishwashing according to the present invention are composed of: 0.2 - 5% of at least one inventive polymer - 40% of anionic surfactants selected from C10-C15LAS, C10-C18 alkyl ether sulfates containing 1 to 5 ethoxy units, and C10-C18 alkyl sulfate. - 10% Cocamidopropylbetaine Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 103 / 243 / 116 - 10% lauramine oxide - 2% of a non-ionic surfactant, preferably a C10-Guerbet alcohol alkoxylate. 0-5% of an enzyme, preferably amylase, and preferably also an enzymatic stabilizing system. 0.5 - 20% of mono- or diols selected from ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol 0.1 - 20% of other adjuncts plus water to total 100%

[00293] Since the polyalkylene imine or polyamine polymers of the invention are biodegradable, and especially since cleaning formulations typically have a pH of about 7 or higher, and additionally also contain enzymes – which are included in such cleaning formulations to degrade biodegradable substances such as fat, proteins, polysaccharides, etc. that are present in the stains and dirt that will be removed by the cleaning compositions – some consideration is needed to formulate these biodegradable polymers of the invention.Suitable formulations are known in principle and include solid formulations where enzymes and polymers can be separated by coatings or by adding them in separate particles that are mixed – and liquid and semi-liquid formulations, where polymers and enzymes can be separated by formulating them in different compartments, such as different compartments of multi-chamber bags or vials with different chambers, from which liquids are poured simultaneously in a predefined quantity to ensure the application of the correct amount per individual point of use of each component of each chamber. Such multi-compartment bags and vials, etc., are also known to a person skilled in the art.

[00294] The following table shows general cleaning compositions of Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 104 / 243 / 116 certain types, which correspond to typical compositions correlated with typical washing conditions, as normally used in various regions and countries of the world. At least one inventive polymer may be added to such formulations in appropriate quantities, as described in this document. Table 1: General formula for detergent compositions for laundry. According to the invention: Ingredient Ranges of ingredients in liquid structure formulations Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 0 to 30% Coconut fatty acid 1 to 12% Fatty alcohol ether sulfate 0 to 25% NaOH or mono- or triethanolamine Up to pH 7.5 to 9.0 Alcohol ethoxylate 3 to 10% 1,2-Propylene glycol 1 to 10% Ethanol 0 to 4% Sodium citrate 0 to 8% Water Up to 100% Table 2: Liquid structure formulations for laundry detergent according to the invention:__________________________________________________ Active ingredients (numbers: % active) F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 Alcohol ethoxylate 7EO 5.40 10.80 12.40 7.30 1.60 7.60 Coconut fatty acid K12-18 2.40 3.10 3.20 3.20 3.50 6.40 Fatty alcohol ether sulfate 5.40 8.80 7.10 7.10 5.40 14.00 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 5.50 0.00 14.50 15.50 10.70 0.00 1,2 Propanediol 6.00 3.50 8.70 8.70 1.10 7.80 Triethanolamine Monoethanolamine 4.00 4.30 0.30 NaOH 2.20 1.10 1.00 Glycerol 0.80 3.00 2.80 Ethanol 2.00 0.38 0.39 Sodium Citrate 3.00 2.80 3.40 2.10 7.40 5.40 Inventive Polymer(s) (total)* 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 Protease 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 1 Amylase 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 Cellulase 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 Lipase 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 Mannanase 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 105 / 243 / 116 Active (numbers:% active) F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 Pectate Lyase 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 Water up to 100 up to 100 up to 100 up to 100 up to 100 *Without the inventive polymer, the formulations are comparative examples. Table 2 - continued: Liquid structure formulations for washing Clothing according to the invention: active ingredient (numbers:% active) F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 F13 F14 Alcohol ethoxylate 7EO 3.80 0.30 13.30 8.00 5.70 20.00 9.20 29.00 Coconut fatty acid K12-18 2.80 3.00 1.70 1.80 2.50 5.00 8.60 10.40 Fatty alcohol ether sulfate 2.80 4.50 3.90 4.10 10.00 22.20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 6.30 5.43 11.45 5.90 10.10 10.00 28.00 27.00 1,2 Propanediol 0.50 2.50 0.40 6.00 10.00 7.00 7.00 Triethanolamine 8.10 Monoethanolamine 0.40 1.80 8.00 7.00 NaOH 2.20 3.30 1.50 Glycerol 0.60 0.20 1.90 7.00 10.00 Ethanol 1.84 Na Citrate 4.60 3.30 3.30 1.40 1.50 Inventive polymer(s) (total)* 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 Protease 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 3 0 - 3 0 - 3 Amylase 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 Cellulase 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 Lipase 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 Mannanase 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 0 - 0.2 Pectate Lyase 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 0 - 0.3 water up to 100 up to 100 up to 100 up to 100 up to 100 up to 100 up to 100 *Without the inventive polymer, the formulations are comparative examples. Table 3: Powder structure formulations for laundry detergent according to the invention: Powder without bleach Alcohol ethoxylate 7EO 0.6 0 1 0 0 5.2 Coconut fatty acid K12-18 1.2 0 0 0 0 0 Fatty alcohol ether sulfate 1.5 0 0 0 0 6 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 12.1 11.2 13.6 21.9 18.7 12.7 Bleach activator 0 0 0 0 0 0 Percarbonate 0 0 0 0 0 0 Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 106 / 243 / 116 Powder without bleach Sodium Acetate 0 0 0 0.1 0 0.1 Sodium Citrate 0 0 0 0 0 14 Sodium Silicate 27.9 5.8 6.6 2 15 20.3 Sodium Carbonate 17.2 35 37.3 30.1 37 1 Sodium Phosphate 0 0 0 14 0.3 0 Sodium Bicarbonate 0.7 0.9 0.5 2.7 0.4 10.5 Zeolite 4A 4.2 0.1 5.1 10.2 1.8 11.6 HEDP 0 0 0 0 0 0.13 MGDA 0 1.1 0 0 0 0 Cellulase 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 Lipase 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 Mannanase 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 Protease 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 Amylase 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 Sodium Sulfate 30.8 1.3 33 11 22 3 Sodium Chloride 0.2 43 0.1 0 0.1 0.1 Optical brightener 0.02 0 0.1 0.06 Inventive Polymer(s) (total) 1 1 0.2 2 0.5 3 Table 3 - continued: Powder structure formulations for laundry detergent according to the invention: ___________________________________ Powder containing bleaching agent Alcohol ethoxylate 7EO 1.2 5 4 0.5 0.5 0 Coconut fatty acid K12-18 0 0 0 0.3 0 0.6 Fatty alcohol ether sulfate 0 3.9 4.4 1.6 0 0 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 7.6 12.1 11.5 12.2 6.5 10.4 Bleach activator 0.2 9.5 9.5 0.5 0.8 2.2 Percarbonate 3.6 19.4 16.6 2.2 11.5 5.8 Sodium acetate 0 6.7 7.1 0.3 1 0.7 Sodium citrate 0 1.6 8.2 0.3 0.9 1.7 Sodium silicate 3.6 11.3 16.4 10.2 9.1 16.5 Na carbonate 21.6 8.7 1.4 8 22.9 14.8 Na phosphate 0 0 0 0 0 0 Na hydrogen carbonate 0.2 2.8 1.6 0.8 0.5 0.5 Zeolite4A 1.6 1.4 2.4 1.6 1.8 2.3 HEDP 0 0.27 0.16 0 0 0.17 MGDA 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cellulase 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 Lipase 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 -0.4 0 -0.4 Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 107 / 243 / 116 Powder containing bleach Mannanase 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 0 - 0.4 Protease 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 0 - 1.5 Amylase 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 0 - 0.5 Sodium Sulfate 51 4 6 57 38 37 Sodium Chloride 1 1 0.5 1.2 0.2 1 Optical brightener 0.29 0.1 0.23 0.13 0.19 Inventive Polymer(s) (total) 2.2 9.2 2.2 0.7 1 0.4 Table 4: Liquid structure formulations for hand dishwashing according to the invention:___________________________________________ Ingredients MDW.1 MDW.2 MDW.3 MDW.4 MDW.5 MDW.6 MDW.7 MDW.8 C12C14-linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid 8 0 6 0 6 0 6 0 C12C14 fatty alcohol x 2 sulfate EO 8 16 6 12 6 12 6 12 Cocamidopropyl betaine 0 0 4 4 0 0 2 2 Lauramine oxide 0 0 0 0 4 4 2 2 2-Propylheptanol x 4 EO 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Inventive Polymer(s) (total) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ethanol 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2-Phenoxyethanol (preservative) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Sodium chloride 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Demineralized water add 100 add 100 add 100 add 100 add 100 add 100 add 100 Sodium hydroxide add pH 8 add pH 8 add pH 8 add pH 8 add pH 8 add pH 8 add pH 8

[00295] The following examples will better illustrate the present invention without restricting the scope of the invention.

[00296] The specific embodiments described throughout this description are covered by the present invention as part of this invention; the various additional options being described in this descriptive report as “optional”, “preferred”, “more preferred”, “even more preferred” or “much more preferred” (or “preferably”, etc.) options of an embodiment. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 108 / 243 100 / 116 specific features can be individually and independently selected (unless such independent selection is not possible due to the nature of that feature or if such independent selection is explicitly excluded) and then combined within any of the other embodiments (where other options and preferences can also be individually and independently selected, unless such independent selection is not possible due to the nature of that feature or if such independent selection is explicitly excluded), with each and all of these possible combinations being included as part of this invention as individual embodiments. Examples

[00297] Hereinafter, “CL / NH” means caprolactone (CL) repeating units per NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), “EO / NH” means ethylene oxide (EO) repeating units per NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), “PO / NH” means propylene oxide (PO) repeating units per NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a).

[00298] The amount of ε-caprolactone, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide added in the reactions described below is calculated based on the determined OH number of the precursor polymer. In the Tables below, the amount of ε-caprolactone, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide is recalculated to obtain the equivalents of ε-caprolactone, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide added per NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), to ensure consistency with the definitions chosen in the claims and throughout this patent application.

[00299] Abbreviations used, particularly in the Tables: PDI = polydispersity index; MW = molecular weight as determined by multi-angle light scattering (MALLS or LS); hbPEI = poly(ethylene Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 109 / 243 101 / 116 imine) hyper-branched; CL = ε-caprolactone; EO = ethylene oxide; PO = propylene oxide; LOM = launder-o-meter; HP20 = Sokalan® HP20 = ethoxylated PEI. 1) Examples of synthesis b) Summary of examples for removing clay stains

[00300] An overview of the prepared examples can be found in Table 5. Table 5: Overview of prepared examples for stain removal clay Polymer Chemistry MW (g / mol, LS) PDI Biodegradability (%, 28 d, OECD 301F) Ref1 Sokalan® HP20 10,200 1.3 <5 Ref2 hb PEI800 - 2 CL / NH - 19 EO / NH 8,900 2.4 50 1.1 hb PEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 20 EO / NH 10,500 2.5 61 1.2 hb PEI800 - 4 CL / NH - 26 EO / NH 11,900 2.7 71 1.3 hb PEI800 - 5 CL / NH - 27 EO / NH 11,300 2.7 68 i) Synthesis of polymers 1.1-1.3 and Ref2

[00301] Polymers 1.1 - 1.3 and Ref2 were prepared in a 2-step process: 1) Addition of caprolactone to poly(ethylene imine)

[00302] Typically, 100 g of poly(ethylene imine) with MW 800 (Lupasol® FG, commercially available from BASF SE, Germany) are loaded into a four-necked round-bottom flask fitted with a chiller and a drop funnel under a nitrogen atmosphere. The product is heated to 80°C and the corresponding volume of caprolactone per NH functionality of poly(ethylene imine) is added slowly at 80°C. After the addition of caprolactone, the temperature is slowly increased to 160°C and the mixture is left to react for a further sixteen hours at 160°C to remove any residual caprolactone. Typically, a light brown, highly viscous liquid is obtained in a yield > 90%. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 110 / 243 102 / 116 2) Ethoxylation of hbPEI800 - X CL / NH, with X = 2, 3, 4 or 5

[00303] Typically, 100 g of the previously obtained hbPEI800 - X CL / NH (with X = 2, 3, 4, or 5) are placed in a steel pressure reactor, and 0.2% by weight of potassium methanolate (32.5% by weight methanol) based on the total volume of the final product is added. The methanol is removed at 20 mbar at 80°C. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air, and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is heated to 120°C, and the corresponding volume of ethylene oxide is dosed into the reactor within eight hours. The amount of ethylene oxide added is calculated based on the determined OH number of the hb PEI800 - X CL / NH effluent (with X = 3, 4, or 5). In Table 5, the amount of ethylene oxide is recalculated to obtain the ethylene oxide equivalents added per NH functionality of poly(ethylene imine). The mixture is then allowed to react for six hours at 120°C to remove any residual ethylene oxide.Typically, a light brown, highly viscous liquid is obtained in a yield > 90%.

[00304] The description of the polymer hbPEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 20 EO / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 25 EO / OH.

[00305] The description of the polymer hbPEI800 - 4 CL / NH - 26 EO / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI800 - 4 CL / NH - 35 EO / OH.

[00306] The description of the polymer hbPEI800 - 5 CL / NH - 27 EO / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI800 - 5 CL / NH - 35 EO / OH.

[00307] In the first description, the EO amounts were recalculated for the NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine. In the second description, the actual molar amounts of EO used per determined number of OH groups of the precursor are described. ii) Comparative example Ref1

[00308] Sokalan® HP20 (Ref1) is commercially available from BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany and has been used without modification. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 111 / 243 103 / 116 iii) Test results of all examples for clay stain removal

[00309] The biodegradation of the inventive polymers 1.1-1.3 are all readily biodegradable, i.e., they show a biodegradation of > 60% after 28 days in OECD 301F, while both comparative examples (Ref1 and Ref2) are not readily biodegradable. b) Summary of examples for removing oily / greasy stains

[00310] An overview of the prepared examples can be found in Table 6. Table 6: Overview of prepared examples for removing oily / greasy stains Polymer Chemical Biodegradability (%, 28 d, OECD 301F) Ref3 hb PEI800 - 24 EO / NH - 16 PO / NH <5 Ref4 hb PEI2000 - 2 CL / NH - 22 EO / NH - 15 PO / NH - 280 hb PEI. 3 CL / NH - 21 EO / NH - 14 PO / NH 54 2.2 hb PEI2000 - 3 CL / NH - 21 EO / NH - 21 PO / NH 58 2.3 hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 27 EO / NH - 27 hb / NH. PEI2000 - 5 CL / NH - 33 EO / NH - 35 PO / NH 64 2.5 hb PEI5000 - 3 CL / NH - 20 EO / NH - 20 PO / NH 53 2.6 hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - EO / NH - 3 CL-mix-16 PO) / NH 65 2.7 hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL-mix-21 EO) / NH - 22 PO / NH 62 i) Synthesis of polymers 2.1 - 2.5 and Ref4

[00311] Polymers 2.1 - 2.5 and Ref4 were prepared in a 3-step process: 1) Addition of caprolactone to poly(ethylene imine)

[00312] Typically, 100 g of poly(ethylene imine) with MW 800 (Lupasol® FG, commercially available from BASF SE, Germany), 2000 (Lupasol® PR8515, commercially available from BASF SE, Germany) or 5000 (Lupasol® G100, commercially available from BASF SE, Germany) Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 112 / 243 104 / 116 are loaded into a four-necked round-bottom flask equipped with a chiller and a drop funnel under a nitrogen atmosphere. The product is heated to 80°C and the corresponding volume of caprolactone per NH functionality of poly(ethylene imine) is added slowly at 80°C. After the addition of caprolactone, the temperature is slowly increased to 160°C and the mixture is left to post-react for sixteen hours at 160°C to remove any residual caprolactone. Typically, a highly viscous, light brown liquid product is obtained in a yield > 90%. 2) First Alkoxylation of hbPEI(MW) - X CL / NH, with X = 2, 3, 4 or 5

[00313] Typically, 100 g of the previously obtained hbPEI(MW) - X CL / NH (with X = 2, 3, 4 or 5) are placed in a steel pressure reactor and 0.2% by weight of potassium methanolate (32.5% by weight methanol) based on the total volume of the final product are added. The methanol is removed at 20 mbar at 80°C. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is heated to 130°C and the corresponding volume of ethylene oxide is dosed into the reactor over up to eight hours. The amount of ethylene oxide added is calculated based on the determined OH number of the eductus hb PEI800 - X CL / NH (with X = 2, 3, 4 or 5). In Table 6, the amount of ethylene oxide is recalculated to obtain the ethylene oxide equivalents added per NH functionality of poly(ethylene imine).The mixture is then left to react for three hours at 130°C to remove any residual ethylene oxide. 3) Second Alkoxylation of hb PEI(MW) - X CL / NH, with X = 2, 3, 4 or 5

[00314] Subsequently, the respective volume of propylene oxide is dosed to the product of the previous step (2) in the reactor within six hours. The amount of propylene oxide added is calculated based on the OH number determined from the initial edutum hbPEI800 - X CL / NH (with X = 2, 3, 4 or 5). In Table 6, the amount of propylene oxide is recalculated to obtain Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 113 / 243 105 / 116 the propylene oxide equivalents added per NH functionality of poly(ethylene imine). The mixture is then reacted for six hours at 130°C to remove any residual propylene oxide. Typically, a highly viscous light brown liquid product is obtained in a yield > 90%.

[00315] The description of the polymer hb PEI2000 - 2 CL / NH - 22 EO / NH - 15 PO / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI2000 - 2 CL / NH - 30 EO / OH — 20 PO / OH.

[00316] The description of the polymer hbPEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 21 EO / NH 14 PO / NH is the same as the polymer hbPEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 30 EO / OH - 20 PO / OH.

[00317] The description of the polymer hb PEI2000 - 3 CL / NH - 21 EO / NH - 21 PO / NH is the same as the polymer hbPEI2000 - 3 CL / NH - 30 EO / OH - 30 PO / OH.

[00318] The description of the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 27 EO / NH - 27 PO / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 40 EO / OH - 40 PO / OH.

[00319] The description of the polymer hb PEI2000 - 5 CL / NH - 33 EO / NH - 35 PO / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI2000 - 5 CL / NH - 50 EO / OH - 50 PO / OH.

[00320] The description of the polymer hb PEI5000 - 3 CL / NH - 20 EO / NH - 20 PO / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI5000 - 3 CL / NH - 30 EO / OH - 30 PO / OH.

[00321] In the first description, the amounts of EO and PO were recalculated for the NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine. In the second description, the actual molar amounts of EO used per determined number of OH groups of the precursor are described. ii) Comparative example Ref3

[00322] Ref3 is prepared in a 3-step process: Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, pp. 114 / 243 106 / 116 1) hb PEI800 + 0.9 EO / NH

[00323] 400 g of hbPEI800 (Lupasol® FG, commercially available from BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany) and 40 g of distilled water are charged into a steel pressure reactor. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air, and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is then heated to 100°C, and 369 g of ethylene oxide are added to the reactor over up to 4 hours. After this, the reaction mixture is maintained at 100°C for post-reaction. Volatile compounds are removed under vacuum, and 766 g (99% yield) of a yellowish solid product are isolated from the reactor. 2) hb PEI800 + 24 EO / NH

[00324] 100 g of hb PEI800 + 0.9 EO / NH from step 1) are placed in a steel pressure reactor and 9.9 g of potassium hydroxide (50% by weight) are added. Water is removed at 20 mbar at 80°C. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is heated to 120°C and 1232 g of ethylene oxide are added to the reactor over up to twelve hours. The mixture is then allowed to react for four hours at 120°C to remove any residual ethylene oxide. 1335 g (100% yield) of a viscous, dark orange liquid product was obtained. 3) hb PEI800 + 24 EO / NH + 16 PO / NH

[00325] 700 g of hbPEI800 + 24 EO / NH from step 2) are placed in a steel pressure reactor and 2.6 g of potassium hydroxide (50% by weight) are added. Water is removed at 20 mbar at 80°C. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is heated to 130°C and 592 g of propylene oxide are added to the reactor over up to ten hours. The mixture is then allowed to react for four hours at 130°C to remove any residual propylene oxide. 1274 g (98% yield) of a viscous, dark orange liquid product was obtained. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 115 / 243 107 / 116 iii) Polymer synthesis 2.6

[00326] The polymer was prepared in a 3-step process: 1) hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH

[00327] 120 g of poly(ethylene imine) with MW 2000 (Lupasol® PR8515 commercially available from BASF SE, Germany) are loaded into a four-necked round-bottom flask fitted with a chiller and a drop funnel under a nitrogen atmosphere. The product is heated to 80°C and 1285 g of ε-caprolactone per NH functionality of poly(ethylene imine) are added slowly at 80°C. After the addition of ε-caprolactone, the temperature is slowly increased to 160°C and the mixture is left to post-react for sixteen hours at 160°C to remove any residual caprolactone. 1422 g of a dark viscous liquid product are obtained in a 94% yield. 2) hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 22 EO / NH

[00328] 200 g of hbPEI2000 - 4 CL / NH as obtained in step 1) are placed in a steel pressure reactor and 3.6 g of potassium methanolate (32.5% methanol) are added. The methanol is removed at 20 mbar at 80°C. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is heated to 120°C and 382 g of ethylene oxide are added to the reactor over seven hours. The mixture is then reacted for six hours at 120°C to remove any residual ethylene oxide. The amount of ethylene oxide added is calculated based on the OH number determined from the hbPEI2000 - 4 CL / NH effluent. The mixture is then reacted for six hours at 120°C to remove any residual ethylene oxide. 582 g of a dark orange viscous liquid product are obtained in a 99% yield.

[00329] The description of the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 22 EO / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 30 EO / OH. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 116 / 243 108 / 116 3) hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 22 EO / NH - (3 CL - mix - 16 PO) / NH

[00330] 250 g of hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 22 EO / NH are placed in a steel pressure reactor and 3.8 g of potassium methanolate (32.5% methanol) are added. The methanol is removed at 20 mbar at 80°C. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is heated to 130°C and a mixture of 286 g of propylene oxide and 74 g of caprolactone is dosed into the reactor over up to ten hours. The amount of propylene oxide and caprolactone added is calculated based on the determined OH number of the eductum hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 22 EO / NH. The mixture is then reacted for six hours at 130°C to remove any residual propylene oxide and caprolactone. 585 g (96% yield) of a viscous brown liquid product was obtained.

[00331] The description of the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 22 EO / NH - (3 CL - mix - 16 PO) / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - 30 EO / OH - (3 CL - mix - 23 PO) / OH. iv) Polymer synthesis 2.7

[00332] The polymer was prepared in a 3-step process: 1) hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH

[00333] hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH was prepared as described in section iv) step 1) for polymer 2.6. 2) hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL - mix - 21 EO) / NH

[00334] 200 g of hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH obtained in step 1) are placed in a steel pressure reactor and 4.0 g of potassium methanolate (32.5% methanol) are added. The methanol is removed at 20 mbar at 80°C. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is heated to 120°C and a mixture of 363 g of ethylene oxide and 94 g of caprolactone is dosed into the reactor over eight hours. The amount of ethylene oxide and caprolactone added is calculated Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 117 / 243 109 / 116 based on the OH number determined from the eductus hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH. The mixture is then reacted for six hours at 120°C to remove any residual ethylene oxide and caprolactone. 642 g (98% yield) of a dark orange solid product was obtained.

[00335] The description of the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL - mix - 21 EO) / NH is the same as the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL - mix - 30 EO) / OH. 3) hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL - mix - 21 EO) / NH - 22 PO / NH

[00336] 250 g of hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL - mix 21 EO) / NH obtained in step 2) are placed in a steel pressure reactor and 2.3 g of potassium methanolate (32.5% methanol) are added. The methanol is removed at 20 mbar at 80°C. The reactor is purged with nitrogen to remove air and a nitrogen pressure of 2 bar is set. The reactor is heated to 130°C and a mixture of 373 g of propylene oxide is dosed into the reactor over eight hours. The amount of propylene oxide added is calculated based on the OH number determined from the hbPEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL - mix - 21 EO) / NH eductum. The mixture is then allowed to react for six hours at 130°C to remove any residual propylene oxide. 620 g (98% yield) of a dark orange solid product were obtained.

[00337] The description of the polymer hb PEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL - mix - 21 EO) / NH - 22 PO / NH is the same as the polymer hbPEI2000 - 4 CL / NH - (3 CL - mix - 30 EO) / OH - 30 PO / OH. (v) Test results on all oil / grease stain removal polymers 2.1 - 2.7

[00338] The biodegradability of all inventive polymers 2.1. 2.7 was significantly improved compared with Ref3 and 4. 2) Characterization of the inventive polymers and comparative examples

[00339] The identity of the inventive polymers obtained was confirmed Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, pages 118 / 243 110 / 116 by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy in deuterated methanol. The 1H NMR spectra are recorded with a Bruker AV-401 instrument at room temperature. The 13C NMR spectra are recorded with a Bruker AV-401 instrument at room temperature.

[00340] The molecular weights of the inventive polymers and comparative examples can be determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Measurements can be performed on a combination of two columns (styrene-divinylbenzene and polyester copolymer, both 25 cm long and 4.6 mm in diameter), using 0.05 wt% potassium trifluoroacetate in hexafluoroisopropanol as eluent. Molecular weights can be obtained using an RI detector and PEO standards (Polymer Laboratories / Agilent, USA) for calibration. In addition, the absolute molar mass can be determined by multi-angle light scattering (MALLS).

[00341] The OH numbers of the inventive polymers and their intermediates were determined in accordance with an internal BASF procedure in line with the relevant ISO standard.

[00342] Amine numbers were determined according to the method described in DIN 16945. 3) Biodegradation data

[00343] Biodegradation in wastewater was tested in triplicate using the OECD 301F manometric respirometry method. OECD 301F is an aerobic test that measures the biodegradation of a sample by measuring oxygen consumption. To a measured volume of medium, 100 mg / L of the substance under study, which is the sole nominal carbon source, is added along with the inoculum (30 mg / L, aerated sediment taken from the Mannheim wastewater treatment plant). This is stirred in a closed flask at a constant temperature (20°C or 25°C) for 28 or 56 days, respectively. Oxygen consumption is determined by measuring the change Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 119 / 243 111 / 116 pressure in the apparatus using an OxiTop® C (Xylem 35 Analytics Germany Sales GmbH & Co KG). The released carbon dioxide is absorbed in a sodium hydroxide solution. Nitrification inhibitors are added to the flask to prevent oxygen use due to nitrification. The amount of oxygen absorbed by the microbial population during the biodegradation of the substance under study (corrected for absorption by blank inoculum, processed in parallel) is expressed as a percentage of ThOD (Theoretical Oxygen Demand, which is measured by elemental analysis of the compound). A positive glucose / glucosamine control is analyzed along with the test samples for each cabinet. 4) Application experiments

[00344] Table 7 shows the basic liquid laundry detergent without any polymer (LLD.1) that was used to perform application tests to determine the impact of the inventive polymers on primary cleaning performance. Table 7. Composition of basic liquid laundry detergent. Ingredients LLD.1 * C12Ci4-alkylbenzenesulfonic acid 5.50 Ci2-fatty alcohol x 2 sulfate EO 5.40 Ci2Ci5-fatty alcohol x 7 EO 5.40 C12-C18 coconut fatty acid 2.40 Sodium hydroxide 2.20 1,2-Propylene glycol 6.00 Ethanol 2.00 Sodium citrate 3.00 Water demineralized, add 100 pH value 8.5 *) All data are % by weight of the active ingredient, regardless of the respective product form. Primary cleaning performance on particulate stains

[00345] To determine the primary detergency, the cleaning performance on 4 different particulate stains on a polyester fabric (CFT, Vlaardingen, Netherlands) was measured by determining the color difference (delta E) between the stains after washing and the clean white fabric. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, pages 120 / 243 112 / 116 using a reflectometer (Mach5 plus, a multi-area color measuring instrument from ColourConsult). Each experiment containing the 4 different circular particulate stains (clayey dirt, standard clay, red clay, tennis court clay; all 4 stains on a polyester fabric, 2 of these fabrics per wash) was repeated 3 times, and the data obtained were used to calculate the average delta E value.

[00346] Using these delta E values, the so-called “standardized cleaning performance” (delta delta E) was calculated for each individual stain. The “standardized cleaning performance” (delta delta E) is the difference in performance of the laundry detergent including the inventive modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine, or the comparative polymer, respectively, vs. the laundry detergent without any modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine, or comparative polymer, respectively.

[00347] Table 8 shows the washing test conditions and Table 9 summarizes the standardized cleaning performance obtained. The standardized cleaning performance shown in Table 9 is the sum of the standardized cleaning performance of all 4 stains. The higher the sum of the delta E value, the greater the positive contribution of the inventive modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or the comparative polymer, respectively, compared to the laundry detergent without any modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or comparative polymer, respectively, in the cleaning performance. Table 8. Washing conditions for evaluating the performance of primary cleaning on particulate stains. Washing conditions: SDL Atlas Launder-O-Meter device, Rock Hill, USA. Washing liquid: 250 mL. Washing time: 30 minutes. Washing temperature: 30°C. Detergent concentration: 3.0 g / L. Water hardness (Ca:Mg:HCO3): 1.2 mmol / L (4:1:8) (7°dH) Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, pages 121 / 243 113 / 116 Washing conditions Fabric ratio for liquor 1:10 Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or comparative polymer, respectively. 3% by weight (vs. liquid detergent) of the polymer, 100% of the active ingredient. 4 different circular particulate stains (P-H018, P-H115, P-H144, P-H145) (CFT, Vlaardingen, Netherlands) on a polyester fabric; 2 fabrics stained by washing 2.5 g SBL 2004 (dirty ballast fabric 'Formula 2004' simulating sebaceous grease stains; WFK Testgewebe GmbH, Brueggen, Germany); + additional white cotton ballast *) After the washing experiment, the test fabrics were rinsed with tap water followed by drying at room temperature overnight, before measurement with the Mach5 plus. Table 9. Results of washing tests (primary cleaning performance on particulate stains). Polymer Detergent Concentration of polymeric additive * Standardized cleaning performance (sum delta delta delta E) LLD.1 1.1 3% by weight 11.9 LLD.1 1.2 3% by weight 10.7 LLD.1 1.3 3% by weight 10.8 LLD.1 Ref.1 3% by weight 12.8 LLD.1 Ref.2 3% by weight 11.2 *) All data is a percentage by weight of the active ingredient, regardless of the product form. Test results:

[00348] The measurement error is + / - 2 delta delta E units. Therefore, any value >2 (sum delta delta E) means that the respective polymer makes a directional and visible contribution to the overall cleaning performance of the respective detergent formulation; Any value >4 (sum delta delta E) means that the respective polymer makes an even more significant contribution to the overall cleaning performance, i.e., the respective polymer leads to a significant improvement in the formulation. All polymers (inventive and comparative) show significant cleaning benefits on particulate stains.

[00349] The washing performance of the inventive modified alkoxylated poly(ethylene imine) samples 1.1-1.3 was comparable to Sokalan® HP20 (Ref1), considering the measurement error. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, pages 122 / 243 114 / 116 Primary cleaning performance on oily / greasy stains

[00350] To determine primary detergency, the cleaning performance on 16 different oily / greasy stains on cotton, polycotton and polyester fabrics (CFT, Vlaardingen, Netherlands) was measured by determining the color difference (delta E) between the stains after washing and the clean white fabric using a reflectometer (Mach5 plus, a multi-area color measuring instrument from ColourConsult). Each experiment containing the 16 different circular oily / greasy stains (Lipstick, Makeup, Meat Fat, Frying Fat, Burnt Butter, Palm Oil, BEY Tallow, Tefo Tallow, Collar Stain; all on different fabrics) was repeated 6 times, and the data obtained were used to calculate the average delta E value.

[00351] Using these delta E values, the so-called “standardized cleaning performance” (delta delta E) was calculated for each individual stain. The “standardized cleaning performance” (delta delta E) is the difference in performance of the laundry detergent including the inventive modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine, or the comparative polymer, respectively, vs. the laundry detergent without any modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine, or comparative polymer, respectively.

[00352] Table 10 shows the washing test conditions and Table 11 summarizes the standardized cleaning performance obtained. The standardized cleaning performance shown in Table 11 is the sum of the standardized cleaning performance of all 16 stains. The higher the sum of the delta E value, the greater the positive contribution of the inventive modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or the comparative polymer, respectively, compared to the laundry detergent without any modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or comparative polymer, respectively, in the cleaning performance. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, pages 123 / 243 115 / 116 Table 10. Washing conditions for evaluating the performance of primary cleaning on oily / greasy stains. Washing conditions Device Washing liquor Washing time Washing temperature Detergent concentration Water hardness (Ca:Mg:HCO3) Fabric to liquor ratio Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or comparative polymer, respectively SDL Atlas Launder-O-Meter, Rock Hill, USA 250 mL 60 minutes 30°C 3.0 g / L 2.5 mmol / L (4:1:8) (14°dH) 1:10 2.83% by weight (vs. liquid detergent) of the polymer, 100% of the active ingredient 16 different circular oily / greasy stains (KC-H122, KC-H176, KC-H015, KC-H187, PC-H082, PC-H212, PC-H210, PC-H252, P-H122, P-H129, P-H015, Test fabric * P-H187, P-H082, P-H212, P-H210, P-H252) (CFT, Vlaardingen, Netherlands) Ballast fabric. Polyester and cotton ballast, to produce a 1:1 ratio of polyester / cotton fabric per experiment. *) After the washing experiment, the test fabrics were rinsed with 14°dH water (twice), followed by drying at room temperature overnight, before measurement with the Mach5 plus. Table 11. Washing test results (cleaning performance) Primary cleaning for oily / greasy stains). Polymer Detergent Polymer additive concentration * Standardized cleaning performance (sum delta delta E) LLD.1 2.1 2.83% by weight 62.3 LLD.1 2.2 2.83% by weight 71.1 LLD.1 2.3 2.83% by weight 75.9 LLD.1 2.4 2.83% by weight 72.4 LLD.1 2.5 2.83% by weight 63.8 LLD.1 2.6 2.83% by weight 78.3 LLD.1 2.7 2.83% by weight 70.5 LLD.1 Ref.3 2.83% by weight 75.6 LLD.1 Ref.4 2.83% by weight 32.6 *) All data is a percentage by weight of the active ingredient, regardless of the product form. Test results:

[00353] The measurement error is + / - 10 delta delta E units. Therefore, any value >10 (sum delta delta E) means that the respective polymer makes a directional and visible contribution to the overall cleaning performance of the respective detergent formulation; Any value >20 Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, pages 124 / 243 116 / 116 (sum delta delta E) means that the respective polymer makes a significant contribution to the overall cleaning performance, i.e., the respective polymer leads to a significant improvement in the formulation. All polymers (inventive and comparative) show significant cleaning benefits on oily / greasy stains.

[00354] The washing performance of the inventive modified alkoxylated poly(ethylene imine) samples 2.1-2.7 was comparable to the reference sample Ref.3 and significantly better compared to the reference sample Ref.4, considering the measurement error. Petition 870260065884, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, pages 125 / 243

Claims

1 / 12 CLAIMS 1. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine, characterized in that it is obtainable by a process comprising steps a) to e) as follows: a) reaction of 1) at least one polyalkylene imine or at least one polyamine comprising in total a plurality of primary and secondary amino groups with 2) at least one first lactone (LA1) and / or at least one first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1), wherein 3 to 10 mol of lactone (LA1) and / or hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, in order to obtain a first intermediate (I1), b) reaction of the first intermediate (I1) (i) with at least one first alkylene oxide (AO1) or (ii) with a mixture of 1) at least one first alkylene oxide (AO1) with 2) at least one second lactone (LA2) and / or at least one second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2), wherein at least 5,0 mol of first alkylene oxide (AO1) and for the mixture additionally at least 1.0 mol of second lactone (LA2) and / or second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a second intermediate (I2), c) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2) (i) with at least one second alkylene oxide (AO2) or (ii) with a mixture of 1) at least one second alkylene oxide (AO2) with 2) at least one third lactone (LA3) and / or at least one third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3), wherein at least 5.0 mol of second alkylene oxide (AO2) and for the mixture additionally at least 1.0 mol of third lactone (LA3) and / or third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a third intermediate (I3), Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025,page. 128 / 140 2 / 12 d) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2) or third intermediate (I3) with at least one fourth lactone (LA4) and / or at least one fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4), wherein at least 1.0 mol of fourth lactone (LA4) and / or fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, as used in step a), in order to obtain a fourth intermediate (I4); e) optionally, reaction of the second intermediate (I2), third intermediate (I3) or fourth intermediate (I4) with at least one C1-C18 alkylation or esterification reagent, in order to obtain the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or the modified alkoxylated polyamine, provided that the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine is not PEI800 - 3 CL / NH - 20 EO / NH - 2 CL / NH as described as compound P. 5 in Table 5 of PCT / EP2022 / 072996, where PEI800 is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 800 g / mol,CL stands for caprolactone and EO stands for ethylene oxide.

2. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one polyalkylene imine or at least one polyamine comprises at least two primary amino groups and in which in the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine more than 90%, preferably at least 95% and even more preferably at least 99% of said primary amino groups are reacted with the first lactone (LA1) and / or the first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) to form an amide linkage.

3. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one polyalkylene imine or at least one polyamine comprises at least one secondary amino group and in which in the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine Petition 870250072707, dated 18 / 08 / 2025, page 129 / 140 3 / 12 more than 50%, preferably at least 75% and even more preferably at least 90% of said secondary amino groups are reacted with the first lactone (LA1) and / or the first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) to form an amide linkage.

4. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the polyalkylene imine or polyamine of step a) is defined according to formula (I) H H BH N---R--N---R---N---RN IΠ y H(I) wherein the variables are each defined as follows: R represents i) identical or different linear or branched C2-C12-alkylene radicals or ii) an etheralkyl unit of the following formula (III): wherein the variables are each defined as follows: R10, R11, R12 represent identical or different linear or branched C2-C6-alkylene radicals and is an integer with a value in the range of 0 to 50, B represents (i) a continuation of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine by branching; and / or (ii) identical or different C1-C1-8-alkyl; y is an integer with a value of at least 1, Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025, p.130 / 140 4 / 12 z is an integer with a value from 0 to 150.

5. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine comprises a structural element according to formulas (Ia) and / or (Ib) E1 E2 ......N---R......H---N---R-----(Ia) (Ib) for both formulas the variables are defined as follows: the dashed lines indicate linkages to the remaining parts of the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine; R is defined as above; E1 and E2 represent a residue according to formula (IIa) - [C(=O) - R1 - O]m - [(C(=O) - R1 - O)n -mix- (R2 - O)o mix- (R3 - O)q] - R4 (IIa) where -mix- defines that the flanking units are randomly distributed among themselves, where m is an integer with a value from 1 to 20, n is an integer with a value from 0 to 20, o is an integer with a value from 5 to 150, q is an integer with a value of 0 or a value from 5 to 150, where the sum of men (m + n) is at least 3, and R1 represents linear or branched C2-C10-alkylene radicals, more preferably linear or branched C2-C5-alkylene radicals; R2 represents linear C2-C12-alkylene radicals or Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025, p.131 / 140 5 / 12 branched, more preferably 1,2-ethylene, 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene, much more preferably 1,2-ethylene; R3 represents linear or branched C2-C12-alkylene radicals, more preferably 1,2-ethylene, 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene, much more preferably 1,2-propylene and / or 1,2-butylene; and R4 represents hydrogen, unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C18-alkyl, C7-C18-aralkyl, -(CO)-C1-C18-alkyl, -(CO)-C2-C18-alkenyl and / or -(CO)-C7-C18-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from -COOH or a salt thereof, more preferably hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or monosubstituted -(CO)-C2-C18-alkenyl, much more preferably hydrogen, wherein R2 and R3 are not identical.

6. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that i) all steps a) to e) are carried out as a one-step reaction, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, and / or ii) the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyalkylene imine or polyamine used in step a) is in the range of 50 to 20,000 g / mol, preferably in the range of 150 to 10,000 g / mol, more preferably in the range of 200 to 5,000 g / mol.

7. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the variables are defined as follows: R is ethylene and / or propylene, preferably ethylene; the sum of y+z is an integer with a value in the range of 4 to 200, preferably in the range of 10 to 150.

8. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of claims 1 to 7, Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025, page 132 / 140 6 / 12 characterized in that up to 100% of the nitrogen atoms present in the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or in the modified alkoxylated polyamine are additionally quaternized, preferably the degree of quaternization of the nitrogen atoms present in the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or in the modified alkoxylated polyamine is in the range of 5% to 95%.

9. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that i) in step a) the first lactone (LA1) is caprolactone or lactide, and / or ii) in step a) the first hydroxycarbon acid (HA1) is lactic acid or glycolic acid, and / or iii) in step b) (i) and (ii) the first alkylene oxide (AO1) is ethylene oxide or a mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or a mixture of ethylene oxide and butylene oxide, and / or in step b) (ii) the second lactone (LA2) is caprolactone or lactide, and / or the second hydroxycarbon acid (HA2) is lactic acid or glycolic acid, and / or iv) in step c) (i) and (ii) the second alkylene oxide (AO2) is propylene oxide or a mixture of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide or a mixture of propylene oxide and butylene oxide, and / or in step c) (ii) the third lactone (LA3) is caprolactone or lactide,and / or the third hydroxycarbon acid (HA3) is lactic acid or glycolic acid, and / or v) in step d) the fourth lactone (LA4) is caprolactone or lactide, and / or vi) in step d) the fourth hydroxycarbon acid (HA4) is lactic acid or glycolic acid.

10. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025, p. 133 / 140 7 / 12 i) in steps b) (i), b) (ii), c) (i) and / or c) (ii) in total 5 to 100 mol, preferably 10 to 80 mol, more preferably 12 to 60 mol, much more preferably 15 to 40 mol of alkylene oxide (AO1 and / or AO2) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, wherein more than 70 mol%, preferably more than 90 mol% of the alkylene oxide is based on ethylene oxide, and / or ii) in steps a), b) (ii), c) (ii) and / or d) in total 3 to 10 mol, preferably 3 to 7 mol, more preferably 3 to 6 mol of lactone (LA1, LA2, LA3 and / or LA4) and / or 3 to 20 moles, preferably 3 to 15 moles, more preferably 3 to 10 moles of hydroxycarbon acid (HA1, HA2, HA3 and / or HA4) are used per mole of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine.

11. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that i) in steps b)(i), b)(ii), c)(i) and / or c)(ii) a total of 25 to 120 mol, preferably 30 to 100 mol, more preferably 35 to 90 mol, much more preferably 40 to 80 mol of alkylene oxide (AO1 and / or AO2) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine, while less than 70 mol%, preferably less than 60 mol% of the alkylene oxide is based on ethylene oxide, ii) in steps a), b)(ii), c)(ii) and / or d) a total of 3 to 10 mol, preferably 3 to 8 mol, more preferably 3 to 7 3 to 20 mol, preferably 3 to 15 mol, more preferably 3 to 10 mol of hydroxycarbon acid (HA1, HA2, HA3 and / or HA4) is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine or polyamine.

12. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025, p. 134 / 140 8 / 12 characterized in that (1) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 500 g / mol to 1000 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine; or (2) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 500 g / mol to 1000 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine;and in step b) (ii) a mixture of 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide and 1 to 3 mol of caprolactone is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; or (3) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 1500 g / mol to 2500 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step c) (i) 15 to 40 mol of propylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; wherein the molar ratio of EO:PO ranges from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5; or (4) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 4,000 g / mol to 6,000 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine;and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step c) (i) 15 to 40 mol of propylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; wherein the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide ranges from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5; Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025, p. 135 / 140 9 / 12 or (5) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 1500 g / mol to 2500 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of the polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step c) (ii) a mixture of 15 to 40 mol of propylene oxide and 1 to 3 mol of caprolactone is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine;wherein the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide ranges from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5; or (6) in step a) at least one polyalkylene imine is polyethylene imine with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 4,000 g / mol to 6,000 g / mol, wherein 3 to 5 mol of caprolactone are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step b) (i) 15 to 40 mol of ethylene oxide are used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; and in step c) (ii) a mixture of 15 to 40 mol of propylene oxide and 1 to 3 mol of caprolactone is used per mol of NH functionality of polyalkylene imine; where the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide varies from 1.5:1 to 1:1.

5.

13. Modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine demonstrates at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, or more preferably at least 60% biodegradability according to OECD standard 301F after at least 56 days, preferably after 28 days.

14. Process for preparing a modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises carrying out the steps of the process as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Use of a modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine as defined in any of claims 1 to 13, characterized by its use in cleaning compositions, in fabric and household care products, in cosmetic formulations, as a crude oil demulsifier, in pigment dispersions for inkjet paints, in electroplating formulations, in cementitious compositions, and as a dispersant for agrochemical formulations.

16. Use according to claim 15, characterized by being in cleaning compositions and / or in products for fabrics and household care, preferably in cleaning compositions for i) clay removal, and / or ii) improved removal of oily / greasy stains, and / or iii) removal of particulate stains, and / or iv) dispersion and / or emulsification of dirt, and / or v) modification of the treated surface to improve removal after subsequent new soiling, and / or vi) improvement of whiteness and / or vii) - when at least one enzyme selected from the list consisting of lipases, hydrolases, amylases, DNases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectate lyases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases, and combinations of at least two of the types previous types, preferably selected from one or more lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, and combinations of at least two of the above types,More preferably, at least one enzyme, selected from proteases, is present – ​​additionally to improve the removal of oily / greasy stains, food stains, and / or complex stains, more preferably in cleaning compositions for i) clay removal and / or ii) oily / greasy stain removal, each of the aforementioned options i) to vii) preferably for use in a laundry detergent formulation and / or a dishwashing detergent formulation and / or in a formulation suitable for (pre)treating textiles and / or soap bars, more preferably in a liquid laundry detergent formulation and / or a liquid dishwashing detergent formulation.

17. Cleaning composition, fabric and household care product, industrial and institutional cleaning product, cosmetic formulation, crude oil demulsifier, pigment dispersion for inkjet inks, electroplating formulation, cementitious composition, dispersant for agrochemical formulations, characterized in that it comprises at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine as defined in any of claims 1 to 13, preferably a cleaning composition and / or fabric and household care product and / or industrial and institutional cleaning product, comprising at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine as defined in any of claims 1 to 13.

18. Cleaning composition according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises at least one modified alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or modified alkoxylated polyamine as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, at least one anionic surfactant and water.

19. Composition according to claim 17 or 18, Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025, page 138 / 140 12 / 12 characterized in that it further comprises (a) an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol and 4,4'-dicoro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether; preferably comprising 2-phenoxyethanol in an amount ranging from 2 ppm to 5% by weight of the composition;more preferably comprising 0.1 to 2% phenoxyethanol or preferably comprising 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether at a concentration of 0.001 to 3%, more preferably 0.002 to 1%, even more preferably 0.01 to 0.6%, each by weight of the composition, and / or (b) at least one enzyme selected from the list consisting of lipases, hydrolases, amylases, DNases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectato lyases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, preferably selected from one or more lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types. previous types, more preferably at least one enzyme being selected from proteases. Petition 870250072707, dated 08 / 18 / 2025, pp. 139 / 140;