composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising: a) at least 10 wt.% of at least one Ci to C4 monohydric alcohol; b) at least 20 wt.% of at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of acetin, acetone, methyl propyl ketone, dipropyl ketone, dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, glycerol formal, 2-ethylhexanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyldodecanol, and mixtures thereof; c) from 0.001 wt.% to 5 wt.% of at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of fragrances, air fresheners, deodorants, odor eliminator, malodor counteractants, insecticides, insect repellents, medicinal substances, disinfectants, aromatherapy compositions, combinations thereof and d) water. The present invention also relates to a device comprising a container and a dispenser, wherein the container comprises the composition of the present invention. The present invention also relates to the use of the composition of the present invention for freshening or perfuming air.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to compositions comprising active ingredients, particularly fragrances, to devices comprising containers containing said compositions, and to the use of said compositions for freshening or scenting air. Background Technology

[0002] Products containing active ingredients are offered in several forms. For example, products with active ingredients such as fragrances, deodorants, odor neutralizers, odor dispersants, and aromatherapy compositions can be offered in various forms. These include scented candles, wax melters, reed stick diffusers, scented gels, liquid plugs, and aerosols. Of these products, aerosols are perhaps the most widely used air freshener. Their popularity undoubtedly stems from their ease of use (portable and requiring no power), rapid onset of action (the product is dispensed and immediately dispersed into the air), safety (requiring no electricity or combustion), and simplicity.

[0003] However, aerosols require propellants. The two main types of propellants used in aerosol dispensers are liquefied gas propellants such as hydrocarbon propellants, hydrofluorocarbon propellants, and compressed gas propellants. These propellants contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This means that propellants are not only expensive but also harmful to the environment.

[0004] Formulations containing active ingredients and provided as a sprayable composition can be used with devices that automatically spray (e.g., at fixed intervals). In this case, the device remains in the same location for several days / weeks, where it will spray the formulation. This introduces the problem of potential spillage and residue on the surface. If the formulation is an aerosol, it benefits from a high content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), i.e., up to 70% by weight, and therefore can have sufficient volatile material without leaving residue; if the active ingredient is a fragrance, there is sufficient solvent to dissolve the fragrance.

[0005] Furthermore, when the formulation is not in aerosol form, the amount of VOCs is lower, meaning that if, for example, the active ingredient is a fragrance, there is not enough solvent to dissolve it. This is typically addressed by adding surfactants to the formulation to stabilize the active ingredient, such as the fragrance, in solution. These surfactants are primarily solids and recrystallize once they settle on the floor.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a non-aerosol sprayable composition that does not disperse after spraying and does not leave residue on surfaces. In other words, there is a need for a sprayable composition that is stable and contains a soluble active ingredient, and that can be sprayed without dispersing or leaving residue on surfaces.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a composition comprising an active ingredient, preferably a fragrance, wherein the composition is sprayable and does not scatter or leave residue on a surface once sprayed.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus comprising a container and a non-aerosol spray generating dispenser, wherein the apparatus is capable of spraying the composition of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

[0010] a. At least 10% by weight of at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol based on the total weight of the composition;

[0011] b. At least 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition of the solvent selected from the group consisting of: glyceryl acetone, acetone, methyl propyl ketone, dipropyl ketone, dimethyl sulfoxide, glyceryl carbonate, propylene carbonate, butyl carbonate, glycerol formaldehyde, 2-ethylhexanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyldodecol, and mixtures thereof;

[0012] c. Based on at least one active ingredient comprising 0.001% to 5% by weight of the total weight of the composition, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of: fragrances, air purifiers, deodorants, odor eliminators, malodor dispersants, insecticides, repellents, pharmaceutical substances, disinfectants, aromatherapy compositions, and combinations thereof; and

[0013] d. Water.

[0014] In one embodiment, the composition does not contain propellant.

[0015] The at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, and combinations thereof; preferably, the at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol is isopropanol. Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain at least 12% by weight of the at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol, preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably 15% to 50% by weight, and even more preferably 15% to 30% by weight.

[0016] The at least one solvent may be acetone glycerol. Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain at least 25% by weight of at least one solvent, preferably 25% to 50% by weight, more preferably 25% to 40% by weight, and even more preferably 27% to 35% by weight.

[0017] In one embodiment, the composition contains less than 25% by weight of volatile organic compounds, preferably less than 20% by weight, and more preferably less than 18% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0018] In one embodiment, the at least one active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of fragrances, deodorants, odor eliminators, odor neutralizers, aromatherapy compositions, and combinations thereof, preferably the at least one active ingredient being a fragrance.

[0019] Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain 0.1% to 5% of the at least one active ingredient, preferably 0.5% to 4% by weight, more preferably 1% to 3% by weight, and even more preferably 1.5% to 2.5% by weight.

[0020] In one embodiment, the composition does not contain acetone.

[0021] In one embodiment, the composition is an air freshener.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a container and a non-aerosol spray generating dispenser, wherein the container contains the composition of the present invention and is connected to the non-aerosol spray generating dispenser.

[0023] In one embodiment, the non-aerosol spray generating dispenser is an automatically actuated dispenser. For example, the non-aerosol spray generating dispenser can be automatically actuated every 30 minutes, preferably every 20 minutes, and more preferably every 10 minutes.

[0024] In another embodiment, the non-aerosol spray generating dispenser is a manually actuated dispenser.

[0025] The device can be an air freshener or an air fragrance enhancer.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the compositions of the present invention for freshening or scenting air.

[0027] definition

[0028] The following definitions are used in this application.

[0029] The term "C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol" as used in this application refers to an organic compound having one alcohol functional group and having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0030] As used in this application, "acetone glycerol" refers to a protected form of glycerol having an isopropyl acetal group linking two adjacent hydroxyl groups. It is also known by the name (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-yl)methanol.

[0031] As used in this application, “volatile organic compounds (VOCs)” refers to organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at normal room temperature. These chemicals are any carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions, but do not include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metal carbides, carbides, and ammonium carbonate.

[0032] As used in this application, "sprayable" refers to a composition that can be dispersed into a fine mist.

[0033] As used in this application, "automatically actuated dispenser" refers to a dispenser that can be automatically actuated at fixed intervals.

[0034] As used in this application, "air freshener" refers to a substance or device used to freshen the air in a room. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

[0036] a. At least 10% by weight of at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol based on the total weight of the composition;

[0037] b. At least 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition of the solvent selected from the group consisting of: glyceryl acetone, acetone, methyl propyl ketone, dipropyl ketone, dimethyl sulfoxide, glyceryl carbonate, propylene carbonate, butyl carbonate, glycerol formaldehyde, 2-ethylhexanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyldodecol, and mixtures thereof;

[0038] c. Based on at least one active ingredient comprising 0.001% to 5% by weight of the total weight of the composition, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of: fragrances, air purifiers, deodorants, odor eliminators, odor dispersants, insecticides, repellents, pharmaceutical substances, disinfectants, aromatherapy compositions, and combinations thereof; and

[0039] d. Water.

[0040] The inventors have observed that by combining at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol with at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of glyceryl acetone, acetone, methyl propyl ketone, dipropyl ketone, dimethyl sulfoxide, glyceryl carbonate, propylene carbonate, butyl carbonate, glycerol formaldehyde, 2-ethylhexanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyldodecyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof, a composition is obtained that does not disperse after spraying and leaves no residue on a surface. It should be understood that if the composition disperses, the amount of composition retained in the air is reduced, which is disadvantageous.

[0041] The composition of the present invention can be sprayed without the need for the addition of propellant; therefore, the composition can be considered non-aerosol and preferably propellant-free.

[0042] At least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, and combinations thereof; preferably, the at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol is isopropanol.

[0043] Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain at least 12% by weight of the at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol, preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably 15% to 50% by weight, and even more preferably 15% to 30% by weight.

[0044] A particularly preferred solvent is acetone glycerol. Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain at least 25% by weight of at least one solvent, preferably 25% to 50% by weight, more preferably 25% to 40% by weight, and even more preferably 27% to 35% by weight.

[0045] The inventors have observed that the combination of acetone glycerol and isopropanol can formulate compositions containing more than 1% by weight of an active ingredient (e.g., a fragrance), wherein the composition is stable, i.e., exists as a single phase and can be sprayed without leaving residue on a surface. It should be noted that these stable formulations can be obtained without the addition of any surfactants.

[0046] Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain less than 25% by weight of volatile organic compounds, preferably less than 20% by weight, more preferably less than 18% by weight.

[0047] Compositions with a VOC content of less than 18% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, comply with U.S. regulations for non-aerosol liquids / pump sprays.

[0048] Even with low VOC content, i.e., less than 25% by weight, the compositions described herein are stable.

[0049] The at least one active ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of fragrances, deodorants, odor eliminators, odor neutralizers, aromatherapy compositions, and combinations thereof, preferably a fragrance. Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain 0.1% to 5% by weight of the at least one active ingredient, preferably 0.5% to 4% by weight, more preferably 1% to 3% by weight, and even more preferably 1.5% to 2.5% by weight.

[0050] Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition may contain 0.1% to 5% by weight of fragrance, preferably 0.5% to 4% by weight, more preferably 1% to 3% by weight, and even more preferably 1.5% to 2.5% by weight.

[0051] Many chemicals are known to be used in fragrances, such as aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols, and terpenes. Most common aromatic substances are volatile essential oils. Aromatics can be relatively simple in composition or can be a complex mixture of natural and synthetic chemical components.

[0052] Natural fragrances include oils of natural origin, such as bergamot oil, bitter orange oil, lemon oil, citrus oil, caraway oil, cedarwood oil, clove oil, cedarwood oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, orange oil, oregano oil, orange leaf oil, white cedarwood oil, patchouli oil, lavender oil, neroli oil, and rose puree. Natural fragrances include extracts of flowers, stems and leaves, fruits, peels, roots, trees, herbs and grasses, needles and twigs, resins, and balsams. Other suitable fragrance oils are essential oils with relatively low volatility, which are primarily used as aromatic components. Examples include sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, bee pollen oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, frankincense oil, galbanum oil, rockrose oil, and lavender oil.

[0053] Typical synthetic fragrance compounds are products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol, and hydrocarbon types. Examples of ester-type fragrance compounds are benzyl acetate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linaloyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linaloyl benzoate, benzyl formate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrally propionate, and benzyl salicylate. Ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether, while aldehydes include, for example, straight-chain alkanes containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellol oxyacetaldehyde, cyclamenal, hydroxycitronellal, lily of the valley aldehyde, and bourgeonal. Suitable examples of ketones are ionone and methyl cedryl ketone. Suitable alcohols are anethole, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenethyl alcohol, and terpineol. Hydrocarbons mainly include terpenes and balsams.

[0054] Synthetic fragrance compositions, either alone or in combination with natural oils, are described in EP 2810663B1.

[0055] The composition may be acetone-free.

[0056] Preferably, the composition is an air freshener. As an air freshener, the composition freshens the smell of the air in a room. This means that the composition may contain fragrances, but may also contain odor eliminators or active ingredients that have both fragrance and odor eliminator effects.

[0057] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a container and a non-aerosol spray generating dispenser, wherein the container contains the composition of the present invention and is connected to the non-aerosol spray generating dispenser.

[0058] The composition of the present invention is sprayed using a non-aerosol spray generator / distributor. The non-aerosol spray generator / distributor may be an automatically actuated distributor that can be automatically actuated every 30 minutes, preferably every 20 minutes, and more preferably every 10 minutes.

[0059] Non-aerosol spray generators can be manually actuated.

[0060] It should be understood that non-aerosol spray generators can be automatically actuated or manually actuated.

[0061] The preferred device is an air freshener or air fragrance enhancer.

[0062] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the compositions of the present invention for freshening or scenting air.

[0063] The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0064] Example

[0065] Table 1 shows the composition of the present invention. The composition appears macroscopically as a single liquid phase, meaning that the composition is stable and the fragrance is completely dissolved. Furthermore, when the composition is sprayed, it does not disperse and no residue forms on the surface; in other words, the sprayed composition remains in the air.

[0066] Table 1. Compositions of the present invention

[0067]

[0068] Therefore, one or more objectives of the present invention are achieved by means of the present disclosure further set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A composition for use with a non-aerosol spray generating dispenser, comprising: a. Based on the total weight of the composition, there is 15% to 30% by weight of at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol, wherein the at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol comprises isopropanol; b. At least one solvent comprising acetone glycerol, based on a total weight of 25% to 50% of the composition; c. At least one active ingredient, comprising 0.5% to 4% by weight of the total weight of the composition, wherein, The active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of: fragrances, air purifiers, deodorants, odor eliminators, malodor neutralizers, insecticides, insect repellents, pharmaceutical substances, disinfectants, aromatherapy compositions, and combinations thereof; and d. Water, The composition does not contain propellant.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein, The at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol also includes ethanol.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein, The at least one C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol is isopropanol.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one solvent further comprises any one selected from the group consisting of acetone, methyl propyl ketone, dipropyl ketone, dimethyl sulfoxide, glyceryl carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, glyceryl formal, 2-ethylhexanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyldodecyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one solvent is acetone glycerol.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains 25% to 40% by weight of the at least one solvent.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein, Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains 27% to 35% by weight of the at least one solvent.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains less than 25% by weight of volatile organic compounds.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein, Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains less than 20% by weight of volatile organic compounds.

10. The composition of claim 9, wherein, Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains less than 18% by weight of volatile organic compounds.

11. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of fragrances, deodorants, odor eliminators, odor neutralizers, aromatherapy compositions, and combinations thereof.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein, The at least one active ingredient is a fragrance.

13. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains 1% to 3% by weight of the at least one active ingredient.

14. The composition of claim 13, wherein, Based on the total weight of the composition, the composition contains 1.5% to 2.5% by weight of the at least one active ingredient.

15. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The composition does not contain acetone.

16. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The composition is an air freshener.

17. An apparatus comprising a container and a non-aerosol spray generating dispenser, wherein, The container contains the composition of any one of claims 1 to 16, and the container is connected to the non-aerosol spray generating dispenser.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The non-aerosol spray generator dispenser is an automatically actuated dispenser.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The non-aerosol spray generator automatically activates every 30 minutes.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The non-aerosol spray generator is automatically activated every 20 minutes.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The non-aerosol spray generator automatically activates every 10 minutes.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The non-aerosol spray generator dispenser is a manually actuated dispenser.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein, The device is an air freshener or air fragrance enhancer.

24. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for freshening or scenting air.

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