Lactam compositions and uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising: (a) 0.0001 to 5 wt.-% of a lactam; (b) 1 to 80 wt.-% of a solvent selected from the group consisting of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate and ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK); or mixtures thereof; to a non-therapeutic method of surface treatment to increase the resistance of said surface against bacterial soiling; and to the use of a solvent selected from the group consisting of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate and ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK); or mixtures thereof to improve the solubility of a lactam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to improvements in the field of hygiene, and in particular to compositions comprising lactams that exhibit improved lactam solubility. Background Technology

[0002] Hygiene, especially the inhibition of bacterial species, is important to consumers.

[0003] Lactams are known to be inhibitors of bacterial species. They can be applied to surfaces to inhibit bacterial species.

[0004] The goal is to improve lactam-containing formulations by enhancing their solubility. Summary of the Invention

[0005] We have found that by formulating compositions comprising lactams in combination with one or more specific solvents, the resulting formulations exhibit improved lactam solubility. With the increased availability of lactams, the resulting compositions can provide improved bacterial inhibition on surfaces to which the lactam compositions are applied.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a composition comprising: -

[0007] (a) 0.0001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.0001 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.0001 to 1% by weight, and even more preferably 0.001 to 1% by weight of lactam; and,

[0008] (b) 0.5 to 95% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 90% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 80% by weight, of a solvent selected from 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate and ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK); or mixtures thereof; or mixtures thereof.

[0009] Preferably, the lactam has formula (I) or (II):

[0010]

[0011] in:

[0012] R1 and R2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, oxoalkyl, alkenyl, heterocyclic, heteroaryl, aryl, and aralkyl; and

[0013] R3 is selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, oxoalkyl, alkenyl, heterocyclic, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, -C(O)CR6=CH2 and (CH2). n N + (R a )3, where n is an integer from 1 to 16, preferably 2 to 8, and where each Ra Independently H or C 1-4 alkyl;

[0014] R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, aryl, heterocyclic, heteroaryl, and aralkyl; and

[0015] R6 is selected from hydrogen and methyl; and

[0016] R7 is selected from hydrogen and -C(O)CR6=CH2; and

[0017] Preferably, at least one of R4 and R5 is hydrogen.

[0018] Preferably, in the lactam of formula (I) or (II), R1, R4, and R5 are H; R3 is H or (CH2). n N + (CH3)3, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 16, preferably from 2 to 8; and R2 is a phenyl or a monosubstituted phenyl; preferably R2 is selected from phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl and 4-methylphenyl.

[0019] Preferably, the lactam is selected from the following lactams:

[0020]

[0021] More preferably, the lactam is selected from:

[0022]

[0023] Most preferably, the lactam is:

[0024] 4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-methylene-pyrrole-2-one

[0025] Preferably, the lactam is delivered by a water-based composition, which preferably contains 0.1 to 99% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 98% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 98% by weight of water.

[0026] The most preferred solvents are 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate, and ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK).

[0027] The solvent is present at levels of 0.5 to 95 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 90 wt%, more preferably 0.5 to 80 wt%. The solvent may be present at minimum levels of 0.5 wt%, 0.75 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 2.5 wt%, or even 5 wt%. The solvent may be present at maximum levels of 95 wt%, 90 wt%, 85 wt%, 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 40 wt%, 30 wt%, 25 wt%, 20 wt%, or even 10 wt%. Any higher level of solvent should be compatible with any lower level of solvent.

[0028] Preferably, the composition comprises one or more surfactants. The surfactant may be present at a level of 0.25 to 25% by weight, preferably 0.25 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.25 to 15% by weight, even more preferably 0.25 to 10% by weight, or even 0.5 to 10% by weight or even 0.5 to 5% by weight.

[0029] The surfactant may be present at a level of 0.25 to 25% by weight, preferably 0.25 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.25 to 15% by weight, even more preferably 0.25 to 10% by weight, or even 0.5 to 10% by weight or even 0.5 to 5% by weight.

[0030] The surfactant is preferably selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, and / or amphoteric surfactants. The preferred surfactant is a nonionic surfactant.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a non-therapeutic surface treatment method for improving the resistance of said surface to bacterial contamination by treatment with a composition according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0032] Preferably, the surface to be treated is selected from plastics, metals, wood, polymers, paper, textiles and / or wiping materials.

[0033] Preferably, in this method, the lactam is selected from:

[0034] Preferably

[0035] In a third aspect, the invention further relates to the use of combinations of solvents selected from the following for improving the solubility of lactams: 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate and / or ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK); and dimethyl sulfoxide; or mixtures thereof.

[0036] Preferably, in this application, the lactam is selected from:

[0037] Preferably Detailed Implementation

[0038] Unless otherwise stated, the indefinite article “a” or “one” and its corresponding definite article “the” as used herein refer to at least one or more.

[0039] It should be understood that, unless otherwise explicitly stated, all preferred options are combinable.

[0040] lactam

[0041] Lactams are cyclic amides. Preferred lactams are γ-lactams having 5 ring atoms.

[0042] Preferably, the lactam has formula (I) or (II):

[0043]

[0044] in:

[0045] R1 and R2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, oxoalkyl, alkenyl, heterocyclic, heteroaryl, aryl, and aralkyl; and

[0046] R3 is selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, oxoalkyl, alkenyl, heterocyclic, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, -C(O)CR6=CH2 and (CH2). n N + (R a )3, where n is an integer from 1 to 16, preferably 2 to 8, and where each R a Independently H or C 1-4 alkyl;

[0047] R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, aryl, heterocyclic, heteroaryl, and aralkyl; and

[0048] R6 is selected from hydrogen and methyl; and

[0049] R7 is selected from hydrogen and -C(O)CR6=CH2; and

[0050] Preferably, at least one of R4 and R5 is hydrogen.

[0051] It should be understood that, where appropriate, groups may be optionally substituted. Optional substituents may include halogens, C... 1-4 Alkyl, C 1-4 Halogenated alkyl groups (e.g., CF3) and C 1-4 Alkyl group.

[0052] Alkyl groups can be, for example, C10. 1-12 Alkyl groups, such as C 1-6Alkyl. Aryl groups can be, for example, C10. 6-10 Aryl groups, such as phenyl groups.

[0053] Preferably, at least one of R1 and R2 is selected from heterocyclic, heteroaryl, aryl and aralkyl groups.

[0054] Preferably, R1 is hydrogen. Preferably, R3 is hydrogen or (CH2). n N + (R a )3, where n is an integer from 1 to 16, preferably 2 to 8, and where each R a Independently, it is H or C 1-4 Alkyl, more preferably R a R4 is CH3; preferably, R5 is hydrogen. Preferably, R6 is hydrogen. Preferably, R7 is hydrogen. Preferably, R2 is aryl or aralkyl. More preferably, R2 is phenyl or a substituted phenyl, such as a monosubstituted phenyl. The substitution can be ortho, meta, or para. Preferred substituents include halogens and methyl groups. For example, but not limited to, R2 can be selected from phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, and 4-methylphenyl.

[0055] More preferably, in the lactam of formula (I) or (II), R1, R4, and R5 are H; R3 is H or (CH2). n N + (CH3)3, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 16, preferably from 2 to 8; and R2 is a phenyl or a monosubstituted phenyl; preferably R2 is selected from phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl and 4-methylphenyl.

[0056] Even more preferably, the lactam is a lactam of formula (I), where R1, R4, and R5 are H; and R3 is H or (CH2). n N + (CH3)3, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 16, preferably from 2 to 8; and R2 is a phenyl or a monosubstituted phenyl; preferably R2 is selected from phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl and 4-methylphenyl.

[0057] When a lactam is cationic, it can be used as is, or appropriately used with counterions (such as iodide ions).

[0058] Preferably, the lactam is selected from the following lactams:

[0059]

[0060] More preferably, the lactam is selected from:

[0061]

[0062] Most preferably, the lactam is:

[0063] 4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-methylene-pyrrole-2-one.

[0064] When the lactam is cationic, the cation can be used or used in conjunction with a suitable counterion (e.g., iodide ion).

[0065] lactam levels

[0066] Preferably, the lactam is present at a level of 0.0001 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably at a level of 0.0001 to 1% by weight. For example, the lactam may suitably be present at a level of 0.001 to 1% by weight, or even 0.01 to 1% by weight, or even 0.01 to 0.5% by weight.

[0067] Composition

[0068] Preferably, the lactam is delivered by a water-based composition, which preferably contains 0.1 to 99% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 98% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 98% by weight of water.

[0069] Alternatively, the lactam is preferably delivered by a water-based composition, which preferably contains 0.1 to 98% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 80% by weight, and even more preferably 1 to 75% by weight of water. The composition may contain any amount of water ranging from a lower amount of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, or even 5% by weight to 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, or even 99% by weight. In a preferred embodiment, the preferred level of water includes 60 to 98% by weight, preferably 70 to 98% by weight, more preferably 80 to 98% by weight, even more preferably 85 to 98% by weight, or even 90 to 98% by weight.

[0070] solvent

[0071] The composition comprises a solvent selected from the following: 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate and ethyl levulinate glycerol acetal (LGK); or a mixture thereof.

[0072] The most preferred solvents are 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate, and ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK).

[0073] 2Me-THF, ethyl levulinate, and LGK can be classified as levulinic acid derivatives (or levulinic acid ester derivatives). Leucylpropionic acid can be derived from lignocellulosic biomass (i.e., corn husks, sugarcane waste, etc.) and can be converted to 2Me-THF in a cyclization reaction, to ethyl levulinate in a one-step esterification, and to LGK in two steps (esterification and ketal synthesis).

[0074] The solvent is present at a level of 0.5 to 95% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 90% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 80% by weight. The solvent may be present at a minimum level of 0.5% by weight, 0.75% by weight, 1% by weight, 1.5% by weight, 2% by weight, 2.5% by weight, or even 5% by weight. The solvent may be present at a maximum level of 95% by weight, 90% by weight, 85% by weight, 80% by weight, 70% by weight, 60% by weight, 50% by weight, 40% by weight, 30% by weight, 25% by weight, 20% by weight, or even 10% by weight. Any higher level of solvent should be compatible with any lower level of solvent.

[0075] The solvent may be present at a level of 1 to 80% by weight, preferably 1 to 50% by weight, more preferably 1 to 40% by weight. The solvent level may also be 1 to 30% by weight, 1 to 20% by weight, or even 1 to 15% by weight or 1 to 10% by weight.

[0076] Preferably, the composition comprises one or more surfactants. The surfactant may be present at a level of 0.25 to 25% by weight, preferably 0.25 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.25 to 15% by weight, even more preferably 0.25 to 10% by weight, or even 0.5 to 10% by weight or even 0.5 to 5% by weight.

[0077] The surfactant is preferably selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, and / or amphoteric surfactants. The preferred surfactant is a nonionic surfactant.

[0078] The composition may preferably contain a buffer to maintain any resulting composition within a specific pH range.

[0079] Further components

[0080] The composition may contain further ingredients such as surfactants, chelating agents, thickeners, pH adjusters, and fragrances.

[0081] The invention will be further described with reference to the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0082] Example

[0083] Example 1 - Preparation of a preferred lactam

[0084] Preparation of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-2(5H)-one

[0085]

[0086] 1-(4-chlorophenyl)prop-2-one (40.00 g, 34.75 mL, 237.2 mmol), glyoxylic acid monohydrate (32.75 g, 355.8 mmol), and phosphoric acid (69.74 g, 711.7 mmol) were combined at room temperature and then heated to 85°C overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured into water.

[0087] The mixture was prepared in a solution of 500 mL of ethyl acetate and 500 mL of water. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with 500 mL of ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed with a 1:1 mixture of water and brine (2 x 500 mL), dried (MgSO4), and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a brown oily substance of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-2(5H)-one (66.00 g, >100% yield). This substance was used in the next step without further purification.

[0088] Preparation of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-5-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one

[0089]

[0090] 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-2(5H)-one (66.00 g, 293.8 mmol) was dissolved in thionyl chloride (196.8 g, 120.0 mL, 1654 mmol) and heated at 40 °C for 1 hour, followed by heating at 80 °C for 2 hours. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and azeotropically reacted with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (200 mL). The residue was diluted with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (160 mL) and the solution was added at 0 °C to a cooled and stirred mixture of 28% ammonia (180 mL) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (20 mL). The mixture was heated to room temperature and stirred overnight. Water (100 mL) and ethyl acetate (200 mL) were added and the layers were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (200 mL), and the combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by dry rapid column chromatography (5-60% ethyl acetate in heptane) yielded a creamy solid of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-5-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one (23.18 g, 35% yield).

[0091] 1H NMR (400MHz, d6-DMSO) 8.55 (brs, 1H), 7.88-7.83 (m, 2H), 7.51-7.46 (m, 2H), 6.37 (d, 1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 1.45 (s, 3H)

[0092] UPLC (alkaline) 1.5 L / 5.00 min, 100% purity, M+H + 224

[0093] MP 177℃

[0094] Preparation of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylene-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one

[0095]

[0096] A solution of 10.00 g (44.51 mmol) of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-5-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one in anhydrous dichloromethane (100 mL) was added over 15 minutes to a cooled solution of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-5-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one at 0 °C, followed by slow heating to room temperature and stirring for 2 hours. The reaction was quenched with ice water (100 mL) and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (100 mL), and the combined organic layers were washed with a 1:1 mixture of water and saturated sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution (100 mL), dried (MgSO4), and filtered. Silica was added to the filtrate and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. The mixture was then filtered through a silica plug, thoroughly washed with dichloromethane, and then washed with a 3:1 mixture of dichloromethane and diethyl ether. The fractions containing the desired product were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure. A precipitate formed during concentration; the precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with diethyl ether to give 5.25 g (57% yield) of a cream-colored solid, 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylene-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one.

[0097] 1 H NMR (400MHz, d6-DMSO) 10.10 (s, 1H), 7.54-7.47 (m, 4H), 6.36 (s, 1H), 5.04 (t, 1H), 4.85 (s, 1H)

[0098] UPLC (alkaline) 1.87 / 5.00 min, 100% purity, M+H + 206

[0099] MP 182℃

[0100] Preparation of 5-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-(p-tolyl)furan-2(5H)-one

[0101]

[0102] 1-(p-Tolyl)prop-2-one (25.00 g, 24.00 mL, 168.7 mmol), glyoxylic acid monohydrate (23.29 g, 253.0 mmol), and phosphoric acid (49.60 g, 506.1 mmol) were combined at room temperature and then heated overnight at 90 °C. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured into a stirred mixture of ice water (400 mL) and ethyl acetate (400 mL). The layers were separated, the organic phase was washed with water (100 mL), dried (MgSO4), and concentrated under reduced pressure. The mixture was azeotropically reacted with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (50 mL) to give a brown solid of 5-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-(p-Tolyl)furan-2(5H)-one (16.50 g, 48% yield).

[0103] 1 H NMR (400MHz, d6-DMSO) 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.28 (d, 2H), 6.59 (s, 1H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 1.61 (s, 3H)

[0104] Preparation of 5-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one

[0105]

[0106] 16.50 g (80.80 mmol) of 5-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-(p-tolyl)furan-2(5H)-one was dissolved in thionyl chloride (48.06 g, 29.47 mL, 404.0 mmol) and heated at 50 °C for 1 hour, followed by reflux for 1 hour. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and azeotropically reacted with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2 x 50 mL). The residue was diluted with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (60 mL) and the solution was added at 0 °C to a cooled, stirred mixture of 28% ammonia (55 mL, 808.0 mol) in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (10 mL). The mixture was heated to room temperature and stirred overnight. 2-methyltetrahydrofuran was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was diluted with water (200 mL) and diethyl ether (100 mL), while the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes. The solid was collected by filtration and stirred in water (100 mL) and ether (50 mL) for 10 minutes at room temperature. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and ether, and dried under vacuum at 50 °C to give a light beige solid of 5-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one (10.49 g, 31% yield).

[0107] 1H NMR (400MHz, d6-DMSO) 8.44 (brs, 1H), 7.73 (d, 2H), 7.21 (d, 2H), 6.24 (s, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 1.45 (s, 3H)

[0108] 13 C NMR (400MHz, d6-DMSO) 170.4 (s, 1C), 161.1 (s, 1C), 139.8 (s, 1C), 129.7 (s, 2C), 128.9 (s, 1C), 128.2 (s, 2C), 119.1 (s, 1C), 87.8 (s, 1C), 26.7 (s, 1C), 21.5 (s, 1C)

[0109] UPLC (alkaline) 1.41 / 5.00 min, 100% purity, M+H + 204

[0110] MP decomposes at 178℃

[0111] Preparation of 5-methylene-4-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one

[0112]

[0113] A solution of 8.68 g (42.7 mmol) of 5-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one (at 0 °C) in anhydrous dichloromethane (87 mL) was added over 15 minutes. After 1 hour, the mixture was slowly heated to room temperature. After another 3 hours, the reactants were diluted with dichloromethane (50 mL) and ice water (100 mL) and stirred for 10 minutes. The layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with water (100 mL), a 1:1 mixture of water and saturated sodium bicarbonate (100 mL), and brine (100 mL). The organic layer was filtered through diatomaceous earth and washed with dichloromethane. Any excess water was removed by pipette, and the filtrate (MgSO4) was dried and concentrated under reduced pressure to a brown solid. The solid was stirred in hot dichloromethane (120 mL) for 15 minutes, then slowly cooled to room temperature, and then cooled to 0 °C. The solid was collected by filtration to give a yellow solid of 5-methylene-4-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one (3.87 g, 49% yield). Silica was added to the filtrate, and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes, then filtered through a silica plug, washed with dichloromethane, and then washed with a 4:1 mixture of dichloromethane and diethyl ether. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give a yellow solid of 5-methylene-4-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one (0.58 g, 7%). The overall yield of 5-methylene-4-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrrole-2(5H)-one was 4.45 g, 56% yield.

[0114] 1 H NMR (400MHz, d6-DMSO) 10.11 (brs, 1H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 5.01 (s, 1H), 4.85 (s, 1H), 2.31 (s, 3H)

[0115] UPLC (alkaline) 1.83 / 5.00 min, 100% purity, M+H + 186

[0116] MP decomposes at 200℃

[0117] Materials used

[0118] In the following examples, the lactam used is lactam 488.

[0119] This is 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylene-pyrrole-2-one, with the structure shown below:

[0120]

[0121] The solvents studied

[0122] EtOH - Ethanol

[0123] MeOH-methanol

[0124] DMSO-dimethyl sulfoxide

[0125] MPG-Propylene Glycol

[0126] MeCN-acetonitrile

[0127] CPME-cyclopentylmethyl ether

[0128] 2MeTHF-2-methyltetrahydrofuran

[0129] Ethyl levulinate

[0130] LGK - Ethyl levulinate glycerol acetal (LGK)

[0131] Example 2

[0132] This example demonstrates the effect of different solvents on the solubility of lactams.

[0133] Add 250-350 mg of lactam 488 (Vasant 99%) to 10 ml of the listed solvent until clearly saturated, and place on a bottle roller for 72 hours. Filter the resulting saturated solution using a 1 μm syringe filter to remove any residual insoluble substances.

[0134] To quantify the lactam in solution, 10 μl of stock solution was added to 4990 μl of ethanol to ensure that lactam 488 in 0.2% of the selected solvent and 99.6% ethanol was less than 0.1 mg / ml (100 ppm). The lactam concentration in the plate was calculated relative to a known calibration of the ethanol / lactam solution and then multiplied by a dilution factor (500) to determine the actual lactam level in the saturated solution (maximum lactam solubility mg / ml in Table 1).

[0135]

[0136] Table 1 shows the solubility (mg / ml) of lactams in various solvents and under various known theoretical solubility parameters.

[0137] * indicates a contrasting solvent

[0138] The solvents according to the invention provide good to excellent solubility (greater than ~7.5 mg / ml) for lactams. It is noteworthy that some comparative surfactants perform much worse than expected from their theoretical solubility parameters.

[0139] It is noteworthy that for the most preferred solvents—2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate, and ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK)—the level of lactam solubility differs significantly from what is expected based on theoretical solubility parameters (Hansen or Hildebrand solubility parameters).

Claims

1. A composition comprising: (a) 0.0001 to 5% by weight of lactam; and (b) 0.5 to 95% by weight of a solvent selected from the following: 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate and ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK); or mixtures thereof; The lactams mentioned above are selected from: , and / or .

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.0001 to 2.5% by weight of lactam.

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.0001 to 1% by weight of lactam.

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.001 to 1% by weight of lactam.

5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.5 to 90% by weight of a solvent.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.5 to 80% by weight of a solvent.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the lactam is .

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the composition is a water-based composition.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the composition comprises 0.1% by weight to 99% by weight of water.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the composition comprises 0.5% by weight to 98% by weight of water.

11. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the composition comprises from 1% by weight to 98% by weight water.

12. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising 0.25 to 25% by weight of one or more surfactants.

13. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising 0.25 to 20% by weight of one or more surfactants.

14. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising 0.25 to 15% by weight of one or more surfactants.

15. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising 0.25 to 10% by weight of one or more surfactants.

16. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising 0.5 to 10% by weight of one or more surfactants.

17. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising 0.5 to 5% by weight of one or more surfactants.

18. The composition of claim 12, wherein the surfactant is selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic and / or amphoteric surfactants.

19. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant.

20. A non-therapeutic surface treatment method for improving the surface's resistance to bacterial fouling by treating it with the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the surface to be treated is selected from plastics, metals, wood, polymers, paper, textiles and / or wiping materials.

22. The method according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the lactam is .

23. Use of solvents selected from the following for improving the solubility of lactams: 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl levulinate, ethyl levulinate glycerol ketal (LGK), and dimethyl sulfoxide; or mixtures thereof, wherein the lactam is selected from: , and / or .

24. The use according to claim 23, wherein the lactam is .

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