Improved alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid laundry composition, which has a surfactant component of about 6% to about 50% by weight of the laundry composition. The surfactant component has an HLAS surfactant of about 0.5% to about 30% by weight of the laundry composition, and the HLAS surfactant is selected from alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkali metal salts or amine salts of C10-16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, wherein the HLAS surfactant contains more than 50% of C12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to improved detergents and cleaning products containing specific types of alkylaryl sulfonate surfactants. More specifically, the chemical composition of these alkylaryl sulfonates is different from the highly branched non-biodegradable or "hard" alkylbenzene sulfonates that are still commercially available in some countries; and their chain length distribution is also different from the so-called linear alkylbenzene sulfonates that have been replaced in most regions. In addition, by combining with specific detergent builders, the selected surfactants are formulated into new detergent compositions. The compositions can be used to clean a variety of substrates. Background Art

[0002] Historically, highly branched alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants, such as those based on tetrapropylene (referred to as "ABS"), have been used in detergents. However, they were found to have extremely poor biodegradability. For a long time thereafter, methods for manufacturing alkylbenzene sulfonates have been improved to make them as linear as possible ("LAS"). The vast majority of the manufacturing of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants has been targeted at this goal. All relevant large-scale commercial alkylbenzene sulfonate methods currently in use are targeted at linear alkylbenzene sulfonates. However, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are not without limitations; for example, they would be more desirable if a specific chain length distribution could achieve better performance and freshness delivery, thereby improving carbon-based utilization efficiency.

[0003] Due to the limitations of alkylbenzene sulfonates, consumer cleaning formulations typically need to contain higher amounts of alkylbenzene sulfonates, co-surfactants, builders, and other additives than are required to give excellent alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0004] Therefore, it is highly desirable to simplify detergent formulations and provide consumers with better performance and better value. In addition, given the significant tonnage of alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants and detergent formulations used throughout the world, even a modest improvement in the performance of basic alkylbenzene sulfonate detergents can have a significant impact. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide improved detergent compositions containing certain sulfonated alkylbenzenes. Another aspect is to provide improved surfactants and surfactant mixtures containing such surfactants. These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

[0006] The present invention has many advantages in addition to meeting one or more of the aspects identified above, including but not limited to: excellent performance in detergency, such as for cold water or normal temperature laundry; excellent freshness delivery; rheological modification; and improved carbon efficiency compared to the corresponding linear alkylbenzene sulfonates with a conventional chain length distribution. In addition, the present invention is expected to provide a reduced accumulation of old fabric softener residues from the washed fabric, as well as improved removal of lipid or oil stains from the fabric. Benefits are also expected in non-laundry cleaning applications, such as dish cleaning.

[0007] The present invention is based on the unexpected discovery that there are certain alkylbenzene sulfonates in the intermediate zone between old highly branched non-biodegradable alkylbenzene sulfonates and new linear-type alkylbenzene sulfonates that are more suitable than the latter and more easily biodegradable than the former.

[0008] The cleaning composition will comprise from about 6% to about 50% by weight of the composition of a surfactant component, preferably from about 15% to about 35% by weight of the composition of the surfactant component, the surfactant component comprising: a) from about 0.5% to about 30% by weight of the laundry composition of a HLAS surfactant selected from alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, alkali metal salts or amine salts of C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, wherein the HLAS surfactant comprises more than 50% of C12, preferably more than 60%, preferably more than 70% of C12, more preferably more than 75%, and b) a second surfactant.

[0009] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide novel cleaning compositions. These and other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description.

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight. Unless otherwise specified, all temperatures are in degrees Celsius (°C). All cited references are incorporated herein by reference in their relevant parts. Detailed Description

[0011] The present invention relates to novel surfactant compositions. The present invention also relates to novel cleaning compositions containing a novel surfactant system.

[0012] Alkyl aryl sulfonate surfactant system

[0013] The present invention relates to an alkylaryl sulfonate surfactant system having a specific chain length distribution.

[0014] Cleaning Composition

[0015] The surfactant compositions of the present invention can be used in a variety of consumer cleaning product compositions, including powders, liquids, granules, gels, pastes, tablets, sachets, bars, delivery types in dual-chamber containers, spray or foam detergents, and other homogeneous or multiphase consumer cleaning product forms. They can be used or applied by hand and / or can be applied in a single or freely variable dosage form, or by an automatic dispensing device, or can be used in appliances such as washing machines or in institutional cleaning environments. It includes both high-foam detergents and low-foam detergents.

[0016] Consumer cleaning compositions are described in "Surfactant Science Series", Marcel Dekker, New York, Volumes 1-67 and subsequent volumes. In particular, liquid compositions are detailed in Volume 67, "Liquid Detergents", edited by Kuo-Yann Lai, 1997, ISBN 0-8247-9391-9, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] The consumer cleaning compositions herein include, without limitation:

[0018] Heavy-duty liquid detergents (HDL): These compositions include so-called "structured" or multiphase (see, for example, US 5,160,655) and "unstructured" or isotropic liquid types, and can generally be aqueous or non-aqueous (see, for example, US 5,102,574); and can be added with bleaches (see, for example, US 5,445,756) and / or enzymes (see, for example, US 5,442,100) or without bleaches and / or enzymes. Other patents related to heavy-duty liquid detergents are listed in the table or enumerated in Surfactant Science Series, Volume 67, pages 309-324.

[0019] The cleaning composition can be in the form of a combined-dose article such as a tablet, sachet, sheet, or fibrous article. Such sachets generally include a water-soluble film, such as a polyvinyl alcohol water-soluble film, which at least partially encapsulates the composition. Suitable films are available from MonoSol, LLC (Indiana, USA). The composition can be encapsulated in a single-compartment sachet or a multi-compartment sachet. The multi-compartment sachet can have at least two, at least three, or at least four compartments. The multi-compartment sachet can include side-by-side and / or stacked compartments. The composition contained in the sachet or its compartments can be a liquid, a solid (such as a powder), or a combination thereof. The sachet composition can have a relatively small amount of water, for example, less than about 20%, or less than about 15%, or less than about 12%, or less than about 10%, or less than about 8% water by weight of the detergent composition.

[0020] Heavy-duty granular detergents (HDG): These compositions include the so-called "compact" or agglomerated or other non-spray-dried types, as well as the so-called "fluffy" or spray-dried types. They include both phosphated and non-phosphated types. Such detergents can include the more common types based on anionic surfactants, or can be of the so-called "highly non-ionic surfactant" type, where the non-ionic surfactant is typically held in or on an absorbent such as zeolite or other porous inorganic salts. The manufacture of HDG is disclosed, for example, in US 5,576,285.

[0021] "Softergent" (STW): These compositions include various granular or liquid (see, for example, US 5,017,296) products of the type that soften by washing, and can generally have organic (e.g., quaternary ammonium) or inorganic (e.g., clay) softeners.

[0022] Also included are specialty cleaning compositions (SPC), including home dry-cleaning systems (see, for example, US 5,547,476); bleaching pretreatment products for laundry; fabric care pretreatment products (see, for example, EP 752,469 A); liquid fine fabric detergent types, especially the high-foaming varieties; rinse aids for dishwashing; liquid bleaches, including both chlorine bleach types and oxygen bleach types, as well as disinfectants, mouthwashes, denture cleaners, automotive or carpet cleaners or shampoos, hair conditioners, shower gels, foam baths and personal care cleaners and metal cleaners; and cleaning aids, such as bleaching additives and "stain sticks" or other pretreatment types, including special foam-type cleaners and anti-sunfade treatments.

[0023] Laundry or cleaning aids and methods :

[0024] Generally, a laundry or cleaning aid is any material required to convert a composition containing only the minimum essential ingredients into a composition useful for laundry or cleaning purposes. Aids typically include stabilizers, diluents, structuring materials, reagents with aesthetic effects (such as colorants, pre-fragrances and fragrances), and materials with independent or dependent cleaning functions. In a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art can readily recognize that laundry or cleaning aids are definitely a feature of laundry or cleaning products, especially those intended for direct use by consumers in a domestic environment.

[0025] Although not essential for the purposes of the present invention, and defined most broadly, several such conventional adjuncts, exemplified below, are suitable for use in the laundry and cleaning compositions of the present invention and may desirably be incorporated into the preferred embodiments of the present invention, for example to assist or enhance cleaning performance, to treat substrates to be cleaned, or to modify the aesthetics of the detergent composition as in the case of fragrances, colorants, dyes, etc. The exact nature of these additional components and their levels of incorporation will depend on the physical form of the composition and the nature of the cleaning operation for which it is used.

[0026] Preferably, the adjunct ingredients, if used in conjunction with bleaches, should have good stability. Some of the preferred detergent compositions herein should be boron-free and / or phosphate-free as required by regulations. The level of adjuncts is from about 0.00001% to about 99.9% by weight of the composition, usually from about 70% to about 95%. The amounts of the overall composition can vary widely depending on the intended application, for example from a few ppm in solution to so-called neat cleaning compositions "applied directly" to the surface to be cleaned.

[0027] Commonly used adjuncts include builders, surfactants, enzymes, polymers, bleaches, bleach activators, catalytic materials, etc., but do not include any materials that have been defined above as part of the essential components of the compositions of the present invention. Other adjuncts herein may include various active ingredients or specialty materials such as dispersant polymers (e.g., from BASF Corp. or Rohm & Haas), color speckles, silver care agents, anti-tarnish and / or anti-corrosion agents, dyes, fillers, fungicides, alkaline sources, hydrotropes, antioxidants, enzyme stabilizers, pre-fragrances, fragrances, solubilizers, carriers, processing aids, pigments, and for liquid formulations, solvents, as detailed below.

[0028] Very typically, the laundry or cleaning compositions herein such as laundry detergents, laundry detergent additives, hard surface cleaners, synthetic and soap-based laundry bars, fabric softeners and fabric treatment liquids, solids and all kinds of treatment products will require several adjuncts, but some simply formulated products such as bleach additives may only require, for example, an oxygen bleach and a surfactant as described herein.

[0029] Detergent surfactant- The composition of the present invention desirably contains a detersive surfactant. Detersive surfactants are extensively shown in U.S. 3,929,678, Dec. 30, 1975, Laughlin et al. and U.S. 4,259,217, Mar. 31, 1981, Murphy; the "Surfactant Science" series, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York and Basel; "Handbook of Surfactants", M.R. Porter, Chapman and Hall, 2nd Edition, 1994; "Surfactants in Consumer Products", J. Falbe, editor, Springer-Verlag, 1987; and in many detergent-related patents assigned to Procter & Gamble and other detergent and consumer product manufacturers.

[0030] Accordingly, the detersive surfactants herein include anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic or amphoteric types of surfactants known to be used as detergents in fabric washing, but do not include surfactants that are completely foamless or completely insoluble (although these may be used as optional adjuvants). Examples of optional surfactant types for the purposes of the present invention are considered to be relatively uncommon compared to cleaning surfactants, but include, for example, common fabric softening materials such as distearyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0031] More specifically, the decontamination surfactants useful herein (which are typically present in an amount of about 1% to about 55% by weight) suitably include: (1) conventional alkylbenzene sulfonates; (2) olefin sulfonates, including α-olefin sulfonates and sulfonates derived from fatty acids and fatty acid esters; (3) alkyl or alkenyl sulfosuccinates, including diester and monoester types as well as sulfosuccinamates and other sulfonate / carboxylate surfactant types, such as sulfosuccinates derived from ethoxylated alcohols and alkanolamides; (4) paraffin or alkane sulfonates and alkyl or alkenyl carboxy sulfonates types, including the product of adding bisulfite to α-olefins; (5) alkylnaphthalene sulfonates; (6) alkyl hydroxyethyl sulfonates and alkoxy propane sulfonates, as well as fatty hydroxyethyl sulfates, fatty acid esters of ethoxylated hydroxyethyl sulfates, and other sulfates such as esters of 3-hydroxy propane sulfates or AVANEL S type; (7) benzene, cumene, toluene, xylene, and naphthalene sulfonates, which are particularly useful because of their hydrotropic properties; (8) alkyl ether sulfonates; (9) alkylamide sulfonates; (10) α-sulfo fatty acid salts or esters and internal sulfo fatty acid esters; (11) alkyl glycerol sulfonates; (12) lignin sulfonates; (13) petroleum sulfonates, sometimes referred to as heavy alkylated sulfonates; (14) diphenyl ether disulfonates; (15) straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl sulfates or alkenyl sulfates; (16) alkyl or alkylphenol alkoxylated sulfates and the corresponding polyalkoxylates, sometimes referred to as alkyl ether sulfates, as well as alkenyl alkoxylated sulfates or alkenyl polyalkoxylated sulfates; (17) alkylamide sulfates or alkenylamide sulfates, including sulfated alkanolamides and their alkoxylates and polyalkoxylates; (18) sulfated oils, sulfated alkyl glycerides, sulfated alkyl polyglycosides, or sulfated sugar-derived surfactants; (19) alkyl alkoxy carboxylates and alkyl polyalkoxy carboxylates, including galacturonates; (20) alkyl ester carboxylates and alkenyl ester carboxylates; (21) alkyl or alkenyl carboxylates, especially conventional soaps and α,ω-dicarboxylates, also including alkyl and alkenyl succinates; (22) alkyl or alkenyl amide alkoxy carboxylates and alkyl or alkenyl amide polyalkoxy carboxylates; (23) alkyl and alkenyl amido carboxylate surfactant types, including sarcosinates, taurates, glycinate, aminopropionates, and iminopropionates; (24) amide soaps, sometimes referred to as fatty acid cyanamides; (25) alkyl polyamino carboxylates; (26) phosphorous surfactants, including alkyl or alkenyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates (including their alkoxylated derivatives), phosphatidylates, alkyl phosphonates, alkyl bis(polyoxyalkylene alcohol) phosphates, zwitterionic phosphates such as lecithin; and phosphate / carboxylate, phosphate / sulfate, and phosphate / sulfonate types; (27) Pluronic-type and Tetronic-type nonionic surfactants; (28) so-called EO / PO block polymers, including diblock and triblock EPE and PEP types;(29) Fatty acid polyethylene glycol esters; (30) Blocked and unblocked alkyl or alkylphenol ethoxylates, propoxylates, and butoxylates, including fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ethers; (31) Fatty alcohols, especially in the presence of use as viscosity-modifying surfactants or as unreacted components of other surfactants; (32) N-alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, especially alkyl N-alkyl glucamides; (33) Nonionic surfactants derived from monosaccharides or polysaccharides or sorbitan, especially alkyl polyglycosides, and sucrose fatty acid esters; (34) Ethylene glycol esters, propylene glycol esters, glycerol esters, and polyglycerol esters and their alkoxylates, especially glycerol ethers and fatty acid / glycerol monoesters and diesters; (35) Aldobionamide surfactants; (36) Alkyl succinimide nonionic surfactant types; (37) Alkyne alcohol surfactants such as SURFYNOLS; (38) Alkanolamide surfactants and their alkoxylated derivatives, including fatty acid alkanolamides and fatty acid alkanolamide polyethylene glycol ethers; (39) Alkyl pyrrolidones; (40) Alkyl amine oxides, including alkoxylated or polyalkoxylated amine oxides and amine oxides derived from sugars; (41) Alkyl phosphine oxides; (42) Sulfoxide surfactants; (43) Amphoteric sulfonates, especially sulfobetaines; (44) Betaine-type amphoteric surfactants, including those derived from amino carboxylates; (45) Amphoteric sulfates such as alkyl ammonium polyethoxysulfates; (46) Fat and petroleum-derived alkyl amines and amine salts; (47) Alkyl imidazolines; (48) Alkylamidoamines and their alkoxylated and polyalkoxylated derivatives; and (49) Conventional cationic surfactants, including water-soluble alkyl trimethyl ammonium salts. In addition, more unusual surfactant types are included, such as: (50) Alkylamidoamine oxides, carboxylates, and quaternary salts; (51) Sugar-derived surfactants modeled after any of the more conventional non-sugar types mentioned above; (52) Fluorinated surfactants; (53) Biosurfactants; (54) Silicone surfactants; (55) Gemini surfactants, except for the diphenyl ether disulfonates mentioned above, including those derived from glucose; (56) Polymeric surfactants, including amphoteric polycarboxyglycinates; and (57) Bola surfactants.;

[0032] Regarding the conventional alkylbenzene sulfonates mentioned above, especially for those of substantially straight-chain type, including those prepared by alkylation using AlCl3 or HF or detal or detal plus or REY, a suitable chain length is from about C10 to about C16. Such straight-chain alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants can be present in the compositions of the present invention.

[0033] It has surprisingly been found that, unlike using a hydrophobic chain length typically in the general range of C8-C20, when using chains having greater than 50% C12, such as for example greater than 70% C12, greater than 75% C12, or between 60% C12 and 99% C12, there are significant and unexpected beneficial effects. Specifically, it has surprisingly been found that detergents using an HLAS surfactant (the HLAS surfactant being selected from alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkali metal salts of C10-16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, and more preferably alkali metal salts of C10 to C14 alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, where the HLAS surfactant contains greater than 50% C12) have improved detergency and freshness results when compared to other carbon distributions. The HLAS surfactant is preferably selected from linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and mixtures thereof.

[0034] Additionally, it has surprisingly been found that detergents using an HLAS surfactant (the HLAS surfactant being selected from alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkali metal salts of C10-16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, where the HLAS surfactant includes an even carbon to odd carbon ratio of 3:2 to 99:1) have improved detergency and freshness results when compared to other carbon distributions.

[0035] The compositions of the present disclosure may comprise from about 1% to about 30%, or from about 5% to about 25%, or from about 7% to about 20% of HLAS by weight of the composition. The surfactant systems of the present disclosure may comprise from about 30% to about 75%, or from about 40% to about 60% of LAS by weight of the surfactant system.

[0036] The AES and LAS of the present disclosure may be present in a certain weight ratio. The composition may comprise more LAS by weight than AES. LAS and AES may be present in a weight ratio of from about 1:1 to about 10:1, or from about 1.2:1 to about 5:1, or from about 1.5:1 to about 3:1.

[0037] Preferred among the above detergency surfactants are: acids, sodium, potassium, magnesium, ammonium, monoisopropanolamine, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, dimethylethanolamine, C9-C 20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, especially linear secondary alkyl C 10 -C 15 sodium benzenesulfonate; olefin sulfonates, i.e., materials prepared by reacting an olefin, especially a C 10 -C 20 alpha-olefin with sulfur trioxide and then neutralizing and hydrolyzing the reaction product; C7-C 12 sodium dialkyl sulfosuccinate and ammonium dialkyl sulfosuccinate; alkane monosulfonates, such as by reacting C8-C 20Those derived from the reaction of α-olefins with sodium bisulfite and those derived by reacting paraffins with SO2 and Cl2 and then hydrolyzing with an alkali to form random sulfonates; α-sulfo fatty acid salts or esters; sodium alkyl glycerol sulfonates, especially those ethers of higher alcohols derived from tallow or palm kernel oil or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols derived from petroleum; sulfates of coal or natural gas, alkyl or alkenyl, which may be primary or secondary, saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched. Non-limiting examples of suitable sources of synthetic alcohols include Neodol ® 、Lial ® 、Isalchem ® 、Safol ® 、Lutensol ® 、Alfol ® 、Tergitol ® 、Isofol ® and similar materials obtained under alternative trade names. When branched, such compounds may be randomly branched or regularly branched, i.e., at specific positions along the hydrocarbon chain. When unsaturated, sulfates such as oleyl sulfate are preferred, and sodium alkyl sulfates and ammonium alkyl sulfates, especially those prepared by sulfating C8-C 18 alcohols, such as those prepared from tallow or coconut oil, are also useful; alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates are also preferred, especially those having about 0.5 mole or more, preferably 0.5 mole to 8 moles of ethoxylation; alkyl ether carboxylates, especially EO 1-5 ethoxy carboxylates; soaps or fatty acids, preferably the more water-soluble types; amino acid-type surfactants, such as sarcosinates, especially oleyl sarcosinate; phosphate esters, propoxylates, and butoxylates, especially ethoxylates "AE", including so-called narrow peak alkyl ethoxylates and C6-C 12 alkylphenol alkoxylates and products of aliphatic primary or secondary straight-chain or branched C8-C 18 alcohols with ethylene oxide, usually 2-30 EO; N-alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, especially C 12 -C 18 N-methylglucamides, see WO 9206154, and N-alkoxypolyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as C 10 -C 18 N-(3-methoxypropyl)glucamides, while N-propyl to N-hexyl C 12 -C 18 glucamides can be used for low-foaming; alkyl polyglycosides; amine oxides, preferably alkyl dimethylamine N-oxides and their dihydrates; sulfobetaines or "sultaines"; betaines; rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, and gemini surfactants.

[0038] Suitable amounts of anionic detersive surfactants herein are in the range of from about 1% to about 50% or higher, preferably from about 2% to about 30%, and still more preferably from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the detergent composition.

[0039] Suitable amounts of nonionic detersive surfactants herein are from about 0% to about 40% or up to 40%, preferably from about 2% to about 30%, and more preferably from about 5% to about 20%.

[0040] Nonionic surfactants useful herein include: C12-C18 alkyl ethoxylates ("AE") including so-called narrow peak alkyl ethoxylates and C6-C12 alkylphenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and mixed ethoxylate / propoxylates), block alkylene oxide condensates of C6-C12 alkylphenols, alkylene oxide condensates of C8-C22 alkanols, and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers (Pluronic* - BASF Corp.). Other suitable nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated alkylphenols, alkylphenol condensates, mid-chain branched alcohols, mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, alkyl polysaccharides (such as alkyl polyglycosides), ether-capped poly(alkoxylated) alcohol surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The alkoxylate units can be ethyleneoxy units, propyleneoxy units, or mixtures thereof. The nonionic surfactants can be straight-chain, branched-chain (e.g., mid-chain branched), or combinations thereof.

[0041] Extensive disclosures of these types of surfactants are found in U.S. Patent 3,929,678 to Laughlin et al., issued December 30, 1975.

[0042] Nonionic surfactants useful herein include those of the formula R1(OC2H4)nOH, where R1 is a C10-C16 alkyl group or a C8-C12 alkylphenyl group, and n is from 3 to about 80. In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant can be a condensation product of a C12-C15 alcohol with from about 5 to about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, such as a condensation of a C12-C13 alcohol with about 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0043] Specific nonionic surfactants can include alcohols having an average of about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms and an average of about 3 to about 9 ethoxy groups, such as C12-C14 EO7, C12-C14 EO9, C14-C15 EO7, and C12-C15 EO7 nonionic surfactants.

[0044] The detergent compositions herein contain from 10% to about 50% nonionic surfactant by weight of the surfactant. In one embodiment, the detergent composition

[0045] It contains about 15% to about 45%, alternatively between 20% and 40% nonionic surfactant by weight of the surfactant system. The compositions of the present disclosure may contain about 2% to about 20%, or about 3% to about 16% nonionic surfactant by weight of the composition.

[0046] Additional suitable nonionic surfactants include polyhydroxy fatty acid amides represented by the following formula:

[0047]

[0048] wherein R is a C9-17 alkyl or alkenyl group, R1 is methyl, and Z is a glycidyl group derived from a reducing sugar or an alkoxylated derivative thereof. Examples are N-methyl N-1-deoxyglucosyl cocoamide and N-methyl N-1-deoxyglucosyl oleamide. Methods for preparing polyhydroxy fatty acid amides are known and can be found in U.S. Patent 2,965,576 to Wilson and U.S. Patent 2,703,798 to Schwartz.

[0049] Other useful nonionic surfactants are methyl ester ethoxylates, alkyl polyglycosides, and glycerol monoethers.

[0050] The desired weight ratio of anionic surfactant:nonionic surfactant in the combination is from 1.0:9.0 to 1.0:0.25, preferably from 1.0:1.5 to 1.0:0.25.

[0051] The suitable content of cationic detergent surfactants herein is from about 0.0% to about 15%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%.

[0052] When present, zwitterionic or amphoteric detergent surfactants are generally used in amounts in the range of from about 0.0% to about 20% by weight of the detergent composition. Typically, the amount will be limited to about 5% or less, especially when the amphoteric surfactant is costly.

[0053] The surfactant system may contain alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactants (AES). AES may include an alkyl moiety, an ethoxylated moiety, and a sulfate head group. AES can be formed by providing an alcohol feedstock such as an ethoxylated alcohol feedstock and sulfating the alcohol. The alcohols and / or AES surfactants of the present disclosure may include mixtures of feedstocks from more than one source, e.g., two or more sources.

[0054] The AES surfactant may include a distribution of AES molecules having alkyl moieties of various lengths. Generally, the length of the alkyl moiety can range from 8 to 20 carbons, or 10 to 18 carbons, or 12 to 15 carbons, or 12 to 16 carbons.

[0055] The AES of the present disclosure may include a relatively long alkyl portion, making the AES molecules relatively hydrophobic. The alkyl portion of the AES may be straight-chain or branched-chain.

[0056] The alkyl portion of the AES may on average include from 13.7 to about 16 or from about 13.9 to about 14.6 carbon atoms. At least about 50% or at least about 60% of the AES molecules may include an alkyl portion having 14 or more carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 18, or 14 to 17, or 14 to 16, or 14 to 15 carbon atoms.

[0057] The AES of the present disclosure may be characterized by an average degree of ethoxylation. The average degree of ethoxylation of the AES may be from about 1.5 to about 3 or from about 1.8 to about 2.5.

[0058] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain from about 2% to about 10%, or from about 4% to about 10%, or from about 6% to about 8% of AES by weight of the composition. The surfactant systems of the present disclosure may contain up to 30% or from about 5% to about 25%, or from about 15% to about 28% of AES by weight of the surfactant system.

[0059] Suitable AES according to the present disclosure may be synthesized from raw materials having suitable hydrophobes such as alkyl alcohol raw materials. The raw materials may be natural and / or synthetic raw materials. The raw materials may be straight-chain, branched-chain, or a combination thereof. The raw materials may be derived from vegetable oils such as coconut and palm kernel. The raw materials may be branched-chain alcohols, for example 2-alkyl branched-chain alcohols (as hydrophobes) having a branch, for example 100% branched, at the C2 position (C1 is the carbon atom covalently linked or to be covalently linked to the alkoxylated sulfate moiety). 2-alkyl branched-chain alcohols derivable from the oxo process, such as 2-alkyl-1-alkanols or 2-alkyl primary alcohols, are commercially available from Sasol, for example LIAL ® and / or ISALCHEM ® (which is prepared from LIAL ® alcohol by a fractionation process); and / or commercially available from Shell, for example Neodols ® (which may be prepared via an improved oxo process). The branched-chain alcohols may be mid-chain branched having one or more C1-C4 alkyl portions branched on a longer straight chain, or branched-chain alcohols having methyl branches randomly distributed along the hydrophobe chain. In some examples, the branched-chain alcohols may contain a cyclic portion. Raw materials such as alkyl alcohols may be ethoxylated and / or sulfated according to known methods.

[0060] The surfactant system may contain an alkyl sulfate surfactant (AS). The AS may contain an alkyl portion and a sulfate head group. The AS may be formed by providing an alcohol raw material and sulfating the alcohol. The alkyl sulfate surfactants of the present disclosure may include a mixture of raw materials from more than one source, for example two or more sources.

[0061] The AS surfactant may include a distribution of AS molecules having alkyl moieties of various lengths. Generally, the length of the alkyl moiety may range from 8 to 20 carbons, or 10 to 18 carbons, or 12 to 15 carbons, or 12 to 16 carbons, or 12 to 14 carbons.

[0062] The AS of the present disclosure may include relatively long alkyl moieties, making the AS molecules relatively hydrophobic. The alkyl moiety of the AS may be straight-chain or branched-chain.

[0063] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain from about 2% to about 20%, or about 4% to about 15%, or about 6% to about 12% of AS by weight of the composition. The surfactant systems of the present disclosure may contain up to 40% or from about 5% to about 35%, or about 10% to about 30% of AS by weight of the surfactant system. The AS and HLAS of the present disclosure may be present in a certain weight ratio. HLAS and AS may be present in a weight ratio of about 0.5:1 to about 5:1, or about 0.7:1 to about 2:1, or about 0.9:1 to about 1.5:1.

[0064] Suitable AS according to the present disclosure can be synthesized from raw materials having suitable hydrophobes such as alkyl alcohol raw materials. The raw materials can be natural and / or synthetic raw materials. The raw materials can be straight-chain, branched-chain, or a combination thereof. The raw materials can be derived from vegetable oils such as coconut and palm kernel. The raw materials can be branched-chain alcohols, for example 2-alkyl branched-chain alcohols (as hydrophobes) having a branch, for example 100% branched, at the C2 position (C1 is the carbon atom covalently linked or to be covalently linked to the alkoxylated sulfate moiety). 2-alkyl branched-chain alcohols that can be derived from the oxo process, such as 2-alkyl-1-alkanols or 2-alkyl primary alcohols, are commercially available from Sasol, such as LIAL ® and / or ISALCHEM ® (which is prepared from LIAL ® alcohol by a fractionation process), and / or ISOFOL ® ; and / or commercially available from Shell, such as Neodols ® (which can be prepared via an improved oxo process). Other branched-chain alcohols can be medium-chain branched having one or more C1-C4 alkyl moieties branched on a longer straight chain, or branched-chain alcohols having methyl branches randomly distributed along the hydrophobe chain. In some examples, the branched-chain alcohol may contain a cyclic moiety. Raw materials such as alkyl alcohols can be sulfonated according to known methods.

[0065] The second surfactant of the present disclosure is selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, amine oxides, other cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof

[0066] Enzyme system

[0067] The cleaning composition of the present disclosure comprises an enzyme system. The enzyme system may be present in the detergent composition in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 5%, or about 0.001% to about 2% by weight of the cleaning composition. The enzyme system may comprise one or more cellulases, which are present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 0.1%, or about 0.002% to about 0.075%, or about 0.005% to about 0.05% by weight of the cleaning composition. Surprisingly, it has been found that the combination of a low content of cellulase of the present invention with a polyester copolymer (hereinafter "copolymer") can prevent the transfer of particulate dyes (especially indigo) in clothes. In addition, combining cellulase with polyester can prevent the fading of clothing dyed with particulate dyes.

[0068] The enzyme system comprises a plurality of enzymes. The enzymes may be provided individually, or they may be provided as a combination, such as in a premix containing a plurality of enzymes.

[0069] The enzyme system contains cellulase. The system may additionally comprise one or more cellulases. The enzyme system may comprise one or more cellulases having a content of 0.0001% to 2% or about 0.001% to about 1%, or about 0.002% to about 0.1%, or about 0.005% to about 0.05% pure enzyme by weight of the total composition, and the cellulases are selected from the group consisting of xyloglucanase and any mutants thereof and endoglucanase (endo - 1,4 - β - glucanase) and any mutants thereof.

[0070] Cellulase

[0071] Consumer products may contain cellulases from bacterial or fungal sources. Including mutants that have been chemically modified or protein - engineered. Suitable cellulases include cellulases from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, and Acremonium, for example, fungal cellulases produced by Humicola insolens, Myceliophthora thermophila, and Fusarium oxysporum as disclosed in US 4,435,307, US 5,648,263, US 5,691,178, US 5,776,757, and US 5,691,178. Suitable cellulases include alkaline or neutral cellulases having beneficial color - care effects. Commercially available cellulases include CELLUZYME ® 、CAREZYME ® and CAREZYME PREMIUM (Novozymes A / S), CLAZINASE ® and PURADAX HA ®(Genencor International Inc.), and KAC-500(B) ® (Kao Corporation).

[0072] Preferred cellulases include:

[0073] a) Variants that exhibit at least 60% identity with SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO2017084560. Preferred substitutions include one or more positions corresponding to the following positions of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2: 292, 274, 266, 265, 255, 246, 237, 224, and 221, and the variant has cellulase activity.

[0074] b) Variants that exhibit at least 70% identity with SEQ ID NO: 5 in WO2017106676. Preferred substitutions include one or more positions corresponding to the following positions: 4, 20, 23, 29, 32, 36, 44, 51, 77, 80, 87, 90, 97, 98, 99, 102, 112, 116, 135, 136, 142, 153, 154, 157, 161, 163, 192, 194, 204, 208, 210, 212, 216, 217, 221, 222, 225, 227, and 232.

[0075] The bacterial detergent cellulase can be a glycoside hydrolase having enzymatic activity against amorphous cellulose substrates, wherein the glycoside hydrolase is selected from the GH families 5, 7, 12, 16, 44 or 74. Suitable glycoside hydrolases can also be selected from the group consisting of: a GH family 44 glycoside hydrolase from Paenibacillus polyxyma (wild type), such as XYG1006 or its variants described in US 7,361,736. A GH family 12 glycoside hydrolase from Bacillus licheniformis (wild type), such as SEQ ID NO:1 or its variants described in US 6,268,197; a GH family 5 glycoside hydrolase or its variants from Bacillus agaradhaerens (wild type); a GH family 5 glycoside hydrolase from Paenibacillus (wild type), such as XYG1034 and XYG 1022 or its variants described in US 6,630,340; a GH family 74 glycoside hydrolase from Jonesia sp. (wild type), such as XYG1020 or its variants described in WO 2002 / 077242; and a GH family 74 glycoside hydrolase from Trichoderma Reesei (wild type), such as the enzyme or its variants more specifically described in SEQ ID NO. 2 of US 7,172,891. Suitable bacterial detergent cellulases are sold under the trade names Celluclean ® and Whitezyme ® (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

[0076] In one aspect, the composition can comprise a fungal detergent cellulase having a molecular weight of 17 kDa to 30 kDa belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 45, for example, an endoglucanase sold under the trade names Biotouch ® NCD, DCC, DCL and FLX1 (AB Enzymes, Darmstadt, Germany). Additionally, preferred cellulases include those covered by WO2016066896.

[0077] The enzyme system may include other enzymes. Suitable enzymes provide cleaning performance and / or fabric care benefits. Examples of other suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulase, peroxidase, protease, amylase, other cellulases, pectate lyase, xylanase, lipase, phospholipase, esterase, cutinase, pectinase, cutinase, reductase, oxidase, phenol oxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, melanase, nuclease, ß-glucanase, arabinosidase, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, and known amylases, or combinations thereof. The preferred enzyme system also includes a mixture of conventional detergent enzymes, such as protease, lipase, cutinase, and / or cellulase in combination with amylase. Detergent enzymes are described in more detail in U.S. Patent 6,579,839.

[0078] Enzyme stabilization system

[0079] The composition may optionally contain from about 0.001% to 10%, or from about 0.005% to about 8%, or from about 0.01% to about 6% by weight of the composition of an enzyme stabilization system. The enzyme stabilization system can be any stabilization system that is compatible with the detergent enzymes. Such systems can be provided automatically by other formulation actives, or added separately, for example by the formulator or by the producer of the detergent-ready enzyme. Such stabilization systems can include, for example, calcium ions, boric acid, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, glycerol, sorbitol, calcium formate, short-chain carboxylic acids, boric acid, chlorine bleach scavengers, and mixtures thereof, and are designed to address different stabilization problems depending on the type and physical form of the detergent composition. In the case where the aqueous detergent composition contains protease, reversible protease inhibitors such as boron compounds (including borates), 4-formylphenylboronic acid, phenylboronic acid, and their derivatives, or compounds such as calcium formate, sodium formate, and 1,2-propanediol can be added to further improve stability.

[0080] Soap

[0081] The detergent compositions herein may contain from 0% to about 10% soap by weight of the surfactant. Soap is formed by neutralizing fatty acids, also known as "fatty acid carboxylates", to form primary carboxylates or soaps having the following general formula:

[0082]

[0083] wherein R is generally C 9- C 21 alkyl group, which can be straight-chain or branched-chain, and M is a cation. In a specific embodiment, R is C9-C 17 alkyl, and more specifically R is C 11 -C 15 .

[0084] Examples of fatty acids useful herein are selected from the group consisting of: lauric acid, tridecylic acid, myristic acid, pentadecylic acid, palmitic acid, heptadecylic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, phytanic acid, docosanoic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, cis-eleostearic acid, trans-eleostearic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and combinations thereof. The fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated. The iodine value of the unsaturated fatty acids is generally from 15 to 25, preferably from 18 to 22, and the cis:trans isomer ratio is from 1:1 to 200:1, preferably from 10:1 to 200:1.

[0085] Preferred fatty acid sources are selected from the group consisting of: coconut, soybean, tallow, palm, palm kernel, rapeseed, lard, sunflower, corn, safflower, rapeseed, olive, peanut, and combinations thereof.

[0086] Due to their availability from renewable resources and biodegradability, citrates, such as citric acid and its soluble salts, are important carboxylate builders, for example, for heavy-duty liquid detergents. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolites and / or layered silicates. Oxydisuccinates are also particularly useful in such compositions and combinations.

[0087] Laundry aids

[0088] The detergent compositions herein can contain from about 0.01% to about 10.0% by weight of the composition of laundry aids. Any conventional laundry detergent ingredients can be used. Examples of laundry aids useful herein include: enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, optical brighteners, particulate materials, hydrotropes, perfumes and other odor control agents, soil suspending polymers and / or soil release polymers, antifoaming agents, fabric care benefit agents, pH regulators, dye transfer inhibitors, preservatives, colorant dyes, non-fabric direct dyes, encapsulated actives (such as perfume microcapsules or encapsulated bleaches), and mixtures thereof.

[0089] In one embodiment, the detergent compositions herein contain perfume microcapsules. In one embodiment, the detergent compositions herein contain colorant dyes.

[0090] Some of these laundry aids are described in more detail below:

[0091] Clay soil removal / anti-redeposition agent - The compositions of the present invention can also optionally contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and anti-redeposition properties. Granular detergent compositions containing these compounds generally contain from about 0.01% to about 10.0% by weight of the water-soluble ethoxylated amine; liquid detergent compositions generally contain from about 0.01% to about 5%.

[0092] Preferred soil release and anti-redeposition agents are ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine. Exemplary ethoxylated amines are further described in U.S. Patent 4,597,898 (VanderMeer, issued July 1, 1986). Another class of preferred clay soil removal - anti-redeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed in European Patent Application 111,965 (Oh and Gosselink, published June 27, 1984). Other clay soil removal / anti-redeposition agents which can be used include the ethoxylated amine polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 111,984 (Gosselink, published June 27, 1984); the zwitterionic polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 112,592 (Gosselink, published July 4, 1984); and the amine oxides disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,548,744 (Connor, issued October 22, 1985). Other clay soil removal and / or anti-redeposition agents known in the art can also be used in the compositions herein. See U.S. Patent 4,891,160 (VanderMeer, issued January 2, 1990) and WO 95 / 32272 (published November 30, 1995). Another class of preferred anti-redeposition agents includes carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) materials. These materials are well known in the art.

[0093] Whitening agent - When the detergent compositions herein are designed for fabric washing or treatment, any optical brightener or other brightening or whitening agent known in the art can typically be incorporated into the detergent compositions herein at a level of from about 0.01% to about 1.2% by weight.

[0094] Specific examples of optical brighteners useful in the compositions of the present invention are those identified in U.S. Patent 4,790,856, issued December 13, 1988 to Wixon. These brighteners include the PHORWHITE series of brighteners from Verona. Other brighteners disclosed in that reference include: Tinopal UNPA, Tinopal CBS, and Tinopal 5BM; available from Ciba-Geigy; Arctic White CC and Arctic White CWD, 2-(4-styryl-phenyl)-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazole; 4,4'-bis-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-stilbene; 4,4'-bis(styryl)biphenyl; and aminocoumarins. Specific examples of these brighteners include 4-methyl-7-diethyl-aminocoumarin; 1,2-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylene; 1,3-diphenyl-pyrazoline; 2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene; 2-styryl-naphtho[1,2-d]oxazole; and 2-(stilben-4-yl)-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazole. See also U.S. Patent 3,646,015, issued February 29, 1972 to Hamilton. The liquid laundry detergent compositions of the present disclosure may contain from about 0.03% to about 0.2% by weight of the laundry composition of an optical brightener.

[0095] Dye transfer inhibitor - The compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more materials that are effective in inhibiting the transfer of dyes from one fabric to another during the cleaning process. Generally, such dye transfer inhibitors include polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidase, and mixtures thereof. If used, these reagents are typically present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, and more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2% by weight of the composition.

[0096] Chelating agent- The detergent compositions of the present invention may also optionally contain one or more chelating agents, especially chelating agents for foreign transition metals. These transition metals commonly present in wash water include iron and / or manganese in water-soluble, colloidal or particulate form, and may be present in the form of oxides or hydroxides, or may occur together with dirt such as humus. Preferred chelating agents are those that are effective in controlling such transition metals, especially including controlling the deposition of such transition metals or their compounds on fabrics and / or controlling undesirable redox reactions in the wash medium and / or at the fabric or hard surface interface. Such chelating agents include those having low molecular weights as well as polymeric types, and generally have at least one, preferably two or more electron-donating heteroatoms such as O or N that are capable of coordinating to transition metals. Common chelating agents may be selected from aminocarboxylates, aminophosphonates, polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0097] If used, the chelating agent will generally be present in the detergent compositions of the present invention in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 15% by weight. More preferably, if used, the chelating agent will be present in such compositions in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 3.0% by weight.

[0098] Foam suppressant - When the intended use, especially for laundering in washing appliances, so requires, compounds for reducing or suppressing foam formation may be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention. Other compositions, such as those designed for hand washing, may desirably have high foaming properties and may omit such ingredients. Defoaming may be particularly important in the so-called "high concentration cleaning process" as described in U.S. 4,489,455 and 4,489,574 and in front-loading European washing machines.

[0099] A variety of materials can be used as defoaming agents and are well known in the art. See, for example, Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7, pages 430 - 447 (Wiley, 1979).

[0100] The compositions of the present invention will generally contain from 0% to about 10% antifoaming agent. When used as an antifoaming agent, monocarboxylic fatty acids and their salts will generally be present in an amount of up to about 5%, preferably from 0.5% to 3%, by weight of the detergent composition, although higher amounts can also be used. Preferably, from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.25% to about 0.5%, of a silicone antifoaming agent is used. These weight percentage values include any silica that may be used in combination with the polyorganosiloxane, as well as any antifoaming aid materials that may be used. Monostearyl phosphate antifoaming agents are generally used in an amount in the range of about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the composition. Hydrocarbon antifoaming agents are generally used in an amount in the range of about 0.01% to about 5.0%, although higher levels can also be used. Alcohol antifoaming agents are generally used in an amount of 0.2% to 3% by weight of the finished composition.

[0101] Alkoxylated polycarboxylate - Alkoxylated polycarboxylates such as those prepared from polyacrylates can be used herein to provide additional grease removal performance. Such materials are described in WO 91 / 08281 and at page 4 et seq. of PCT 90 / 01815, which are incorporated herein by reference. Chemically, these materials comprise polyacrylates having an ethoxy side chain every 7 - 8 acrylate units. The side chain has the formula -(CH2CH2O) m (CH2) n CH3, where m is from 2 to 3 and n is from 6 to 12. The side chain esters are attached to the polyacrylate "backbone" to provide a "comb" polymer structure. The molecular weight can vary, but generally ranges from about 2000 to about 50,000. The content of such alkoxylated polycarboxylates is from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the compositions herein.

[0102] Fragrance - Perfumes and perfume ingredients that can be used in the compositions and methods of the present invention include a variety of natural and synthetic chemical components, including but not limited to aldehydes, ketones, esters, etc. Also included are various natural extracts and essential oils, which can contain complex mixtures of the various components, such as orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk plant, pogostemon cablin, balsam impatiens essential oil, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedar, etc. The finished perfume generally comprises from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight of the detergent compositions herein, and individual perfume ingredients can comprise from about 0.0001% to about 90% of the finished perfume composition.

[0103] The various soil removal ingredients used in the compositions of the present invention can also optionally be stabilized by absorbing the ingredient onto a porous hydrophobic substrate and then coating the substrate with a hydrophobic coating. Preferably, the soil removal ingredient is mixed with a surfactant before being absorbed into the porous substrate. In use, the soil removal ingredient is released from the substrate into the aqueous wash liquid where it performs its intended soil removal function.

[0104] Liquid detergent compositions may contain water and other solvents as carriers. Low molecular weight primary or secondary alcohols exemplified by methanol, ethanol, propanol and isopropanol are suitable. Monohydric alcohols are preferably used to solubilize surfactants, but polyhydric alcohols such as those containing from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and from 2 to about 6 hydroxyl groups (e.g., 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, glycerol and 1,2-propanediol) may also be used. The composition may contain from 5% to 90%, typically from 10% to 50% of such carriers.

[0105] The detergent compositions herein will preferably be formulated such that during use in an aqueous cleaning operation, the wash water will have a pH between about 4 and about 11, preferably between about 4.0 and 10.5, more preferably between about 4.0 to about 9.5. Liquid dishwashing product formulations preferably have a pH between about 6.8 and about 9.0. Techniques for controlling the pH at the recommended use levels include using buffers, alkalis, acids, etc., and such techniques are well known to those skilled in the art. The liquid laundry detergent compositions according to the present disclosure can be transparent, translucent or opaque. The liquid detergent compositions of the present disclosure may also contain adjunct ingredients selected from builder, additional whiteners, dye transfer inhibitors, structurants, chelating agents, polyacrylate polymers, dispersants, dyes, fragrances, processing aids, bleaching compounds, solvents, enzymes, microcapsules, beads, soil release polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0106] Laundry method

[0107] The machine washing method herein may include treating soiled laundry in a washing machine with an aqueous washing solution having an effective amount of the machine wash laundry detergent composition according to the present invention dissolved or dispersed therein. An effective amount of the detergent composition herein means from 40 g to 300 g of the product dissolved or dispersed in a volume of 5 to 65 liters of washing solution, such as typical product dosages and washing solution volumes commonly used in conventional machine washing methods.

[0108] As described above, surfactants are used herein in detergent compositions, preferably in combination with other soil removing surfactants, in amounts effective to at least achieve a directed improvement in cleaning performance. In the case of fabric laundry compositions, such "dosages" can vary widely, depending not only on the type and severity of the soil and stains, but also on the wash water temperature, the volume of the wash water and the type of washing machine.

[0109] In a preferred aspect of use, a dispensing device is used in the washing method. The dispensing device is filled with a detergent product and is used to introduce the product directly into the drum of the washing machine before the start of the washing cycle. Its volume capacity should be able to hold sufficient detergent product as is typically used in the washing method.

[0110] Once the washing machine has been loaded with laundry, a dispensing device containing the detergent product is placed in the drum. At the start of the washing cycle of the washing machine, water is introduced into the drum and the drum rotates periodically. The dispensing device is designed such that it allows the dry detergent product to be accommodated therein, but then allows the product to be released during the washing cycle in response to agitation when the drum rotates and due to its contact with the wash water.

[0111] Alternatively, the dispensing device can be a flexible container, such as a bag or sachet. The bag can have a fibrous structure which is coated with a water-impermeable protective material in order to retain the contents, as disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 0018678. Alternatively, it can be formed from a water-insoluble synthetic polymer material provided with an edge seal or closure which is designed to rupture in an aqueous medium, as disclosed in European Patent Application Publications Nos. 0011500, 0011501, 0011502 and 0011968. A convenient form of water-fragile closure comprises a water-soluble adhesive provided along one edge of the sachet and sealing that edge of the sachet, the sachet being formed from a water-impermeable polymer film such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0112] Examples

[0113] In the following examples, all amounts are expressed as % by weight of the composition. The following examples are illustrative of the invention but are not meant to limit or otherwise define its scope. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts, percentages and ratios used herein are expressed as weight percentages.

[0114] A. A liquid laundry composition, the liquid laundry composition comprising:

[0115] from about 6% to about 50% of a surfactant component, preferably from about 15% to about 35% of the surfactant component, by weight of the laundry composition, the surfactant component comprising;

[0116] a) from about 0.5% to about 30% of an HLAS surfactant, the HLAS surfactant being selected from alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, alkali metal salts or amine salts of C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, wherein the HLAS surfactant comprises greater than 50% of C12, preferably greater than 60%, preferably greater than 70%, more preferably greater than 75%, and b) a second surfactant.

[0117] B. The liquid laundry detergent composition according to paragraph A, wherein the surfactant component comprises from about 1% to about 20% of the HLAS surfactant by weight of the laundry composition.

[0118] C. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to paragraph A, wherein the surfactant component comprises from about 30% to about 75% by weight of said HLAS surfactant.

[0119] D. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the ratio of the HLAS surfactant to the AES surfactant component, based on weight, is from about 1:1 to about 10:1.

[0120] E. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the ratio of the HLAS surfactant to the AS surfactant component, based on weight, is from about 0.5:1 to about 5:1.

[0121] F. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the laundry composition comprises from about 0.03% to about 0.2% by weight of the laundry composition of optical brightener.

[0122] G. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the HLAS surfactant is selected from C10 to C14 alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and mixtures thereof.

[0123] H. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to paragraph E, wherein the HLAS surfactant is selected from linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and mixtures thereof.

[0124] I. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the surfactant component further comprises additional surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, amine oxides, other cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0125] J. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the surfactant component comprises from about 0.2% to about 50% by weight, preferably from about 10% to about 50% by weight of nonionic surfactant.

[0126] K. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the laundry composition has a pH of from about 4 to about 9.

[0127] L. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the laundry composition is transparent or translucent.

[0128] M. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the laundry composition further comprises a laundry adjunct selected from the group consisting of builders, additional brighteners, dye transfer inhibitors, structurants, chelating agents, polyacrylate polymers, dispersants, dyes, fragrances, processing aids, bleaching compounds, solvents, enzymes, microcapsules, beads, soil release polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0129] N. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the HLAS surfactant comprises an even-to-odd carbon ratio of from 3:2 to 99:1.

[0130] O. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the HLAS surfactant is neutralized with any combination of the following counterions: sodium, potassium, magnesium, ammonium, monoisopropanolamine, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, dimethylethanolamine.

[0131] P. An aqueous liquid detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the surfactant system comprises from 2% to 20% by weight of the surfactant system of a nonionic surfactant.

[0132] Q. An aqueous liquid detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the composition comprises from 2% to 10% by weight of an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant (AES).

[0133] R. A liquid composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the alkyl portion of the alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant (AES) comprises an average of from 13.9 to about 14.6 carbon atoms in distribution.

[0134] S. A liquid laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, which is in the form of a combined dose article.

[0135] Detergency index method

[0136] Technical stain samples of CW120 cotton containing bacon grease, cooked beef, burnt butter, and grass are available from Accurate Product Development (Fairfield, OH). Samples can be washed in a Whirlpool ® front-loading washing machine or in a Kenmore ® top-loading washing machine using 7 grains / gallon water hardness and at 77 degrees Fahrenheit (Whirlpool ® front-loading washing machine) or 86 degrees Fahrenheit (Kenmore ®Top-loading washing machine) Washing downwards. The total amount of liquid detergent used in the test was 49 grams.

[0137] L*, a*, and b* values of each stain before and after washing were obtained using standard colorimetric measurements. The stain content was calculated based on the L*, a*, and b* values.

[0138] The stain removal effect of the sample was measured as follows:

[0139]

[0140] ∆E 初始 = Stain content before washing

[0141] ∆E 洗涤 = Stain content after washing

[0142] Eight parallel determinations for each stain type should be prepared. The SRI values shown below are the average SRI values for each stain type. The stain content of the fabric before washing (∆E 初始 ) was higher; during washing, the stains were removed and the stain content after washing (∆E 洗涤 ) decreased. The better the stain removal effect, the smaller the ∆E 洗涤 value, and the greater the difference between ∆E 初始 and ∆E 洗涤 (∆E 初始 – ∆E 洗涤 ). Therefore, the value of the stain removal index increases with better washing performance.

[0143] Table 4: SRI data :

[0144]

[0145] * Significant at the 95% confidence interval relative to the current HLAS control

[0146] As shown above, compared to the same formulation prepared with Comparative C11.8 HLAS, high C12 LAS showed better stain removal for bacon grease, burnt butter, and cooked beef. When comparing high C12 LAS with other current comparative non-high C12 formulations, similar effects were shown for at least cooked beef, burnt butter, and grass.

[0147] An unexpected trend has been found where the use of C12 HLAS improves the freshness score as the C12 content increases. This is illustrated below.

[0148] Fabric headspace analysis

[0149] The fabric was stripped in the following manner: 2 wash and rinse cycles (using 48 g of AATCC detergent in 140°F and soft water), and 2 wash and rinse cycles (no product in 140°F soft water). 3 detergent / LFE cycles were used, with 85 g of fragrance-free / perfume-encapsulated detergent and 48.5 g of liquid fragrance-free / perfume-encapsulated fabric enhancer to produce a pre-conditioned fabric. Each cycle was run with 7 gpg water at 90°F wash / 60°F rinse.

[0150] An oscillating tergotometer jar (1.0 L) containing 2.6 grams of detergent, test fabric (1.4 cm thick flannel dot fabric), 70°F ballast, and 7 US gpg hardness water was agitated at 700 rpm for 2 minutes. After washing, the test fabric and ballast were then rinsed in fresh water (7 US gpg hardness at 70°F) for 10 minutes. The test fabric was dried at 145°F for 30 minutes.

[0151] Fabric headspace analysis was performed using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME GC-MS) as described below. Generally, greater fragrance intensity (as measured by headspace analysis) is associated with higher fragrance concentration on the fabric. Fragrance headspace analysis was performed on 100% cotton flannel towels that had been prepared and treated according to the fabric preparation methods described above. Headspace analysis was performed on six treated fabrics from two different wash cycles, for a total of twelve fabrics. Each treated fabric was punched into ten 1.4 cm diameter circular specimens using a pneumatic press (AtomClicker Press SE2OC, purchased from Manufacturing Suppliers Services, Cincinnati, Ohio). The ten specimens were placed into a 20 mL headspace sample vial (#24694, purchased from Restek, Bellefonte, Pa.), the weight was recorded (ten 1.4 cm circular specimens weigh approximately 0.70 g ± 0.07 g), and the vial was capped (#093640-094-00, purchased from Gerstel, Linthicum, Md.).

[0152] Before headspace analysis, each sample was pre-conditioned in the machine at 65 °C for 10 minutes. The headspace was extracted onto an Agilent 7890B / 5977A GC-MS system (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif, USA) equipped with a Supelco 50 / 30 µm DVB / CAR / PDMS 23Ga solid-phase microextraction fiber (Supelco Inc., Bellefonte, Pa., USA). GC analysis was performed on a non-polar capillary column (DB-5MS UI, 30 m nominal length, 0.25 mm nominal diameter, 25 µm film thickness), and the headspace components (i.e., fragrance ingredients) were monitored by mass spectrometry (EI, 70 eV detector). The headspace intensity was calculated using single-point calibration with the fragrance ingredient. The total headspace concentration of each vial was calculated from the sum of the concentrations of each detected fragrance ingredient, and the headspace of the twelve treated fabrics was averaged. An improvement in the headspace could be determined relative to a reference treatment. All treatments had the same composition except for the HLAS specifications. Multiple HLAS specifications were generated by blending high C12 HLAS and C11.8 (control 27%, C12 HLAS) at different ratios. The fabrics were washed in different detergent treatments, and the headspace intensity results are shown below. Increasing the proportion of C12 HLAS used increased the dry fabric odor (DFO) intensity on the stripped and pre-conditioned fabrics.

[0153]

[0154] If two treatments do not share a letter, they are statistically significant at the 95% confidence interval.

[0155] Viscosity

[0156] As shown in the table below, surprisingly, when the high C12 HLAS of the present invention was used in each formulation relative to the control C11.8 HLAS, the viscosity increased at the same surfactant content. Two forms were prepared for each detergent composition - one form containing the control C11.8 HLAS and one form containing the high C12 HLAS of the present invention. The initial viscosity of each composition was measured at 25 °C using a Brookfield viscometer with a #2 spindle at 60 RPM.

[0157]

[0158] Surprisingly, it has been found that high C12 HLAS can also be used as a rheology modifier. As shown in the above table, formulations with high C12 exhibit increased viscosity, thus allowing for a reduction in the rheology modifier in the formulation while still achieving the desired viscosity target of the formulation. This unexpected result allows for an increase in the content of performance components in the composition while reducing costs.

[0159] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the recited value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to represent "about 40 mm" whether or not the term "about" is explicitly shown. Each range disclosed herein includes all endpoints of that range, whether disclosed within the range or as part of a related range. Thus, the two endpoints of the same range may be disclosed as the endpoints of a broader or narrower range. The common mathematical symbols > and < respectively denote greater than or equal to and less than or equal to, and include the endpoints shown in the following equations and inequalities.

[0160] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone or in any combination with any one or more other references teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Moreover, when any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with the same term's meaning or definition in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this invention shall govern.

[0161] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid laundry composition, the liquid laundry composition comprising: 6% to 50% by weight of the laundry composition of a surfactant component, the surfactant component comprising; a) 0.5% to 30% by weight of the laundry composition of an HLAS surfactant, the HLAS surfactant comprising alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, an alkali metal salt or amine salt of C10-16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, or a combination thereof, wherein the HLAS surfactant comprises greater than 70% C12 and a ratio of even to odd carbon atoms of 3:2 to 99:1, and b) a second surfactant.

2. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant component comprises 30% to 75% by weight of the HLAS surfactant.

3. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition further comprises 2% to 10% by weight of an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant (AES).

4. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 3, wherein the alkyl portion of the alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant (AES) comprises an average of 13.9 to 14.6 carbon atoms in distribution.

5. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of the HLAS surfactant to the AES surfactant component, based on weight, is 1:1 to 10:

1.

6. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid laundry composition further comprises an alkyl sulfate surfactant (AS), and the ratio of the HLAS surfactant to the AS surfactant component, based on weight, is 0.5:1 to 5:

1.

7. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the laundry composition comprises 0.03% to 0.2% by weight of an optical brightener.

8. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the HLAS surfactant is selected from C10 to C14 alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and mixtures thereof.

9. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the HLAS surfactant is selected from linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and mixtures thereof.

10. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surfactant component comprises 0.2% to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.

11. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the laundry composition has a pH of 4 to 9.

12. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the laundry composition is transparent or semi-transparent.

13. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the HLAS surfactant is neutralized by any combination of the following counterions: sodium, potassium, magnesium, ammonium, monoisopropanolamine, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, dimethylethanolamine.

14. The liquid laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the form of a combined dose product.

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