Detergent and cleaning composition with improved degreasing power

Abstract

The invention relates to a detergent and a cleaning composition. These detergent and cleaning compositions comprise a degreasing agent and an effective amount of a specific type of degreasing accelerator (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, caprylin, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of the degreasing accelerators) and a surfactant; and the use of the detergent and cleaning composition in the preparation of detergents and cleaning products for household, institutional and industrial applications. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for treating soiled and / or soiled substrates using the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of specific promoting substances as defined herein for promoting the degreasing power and improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning a detergent and cleaning composition by adding to the detergent and cleaning composition an effective amount of a specific degreasing accelerator, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, caprylin, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, and a surfactant. The present invention relates to a method for promoting the degreasing power and improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions (e.g., tropolone, tropolone, or a mixture of said degreasing promoters) for degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions (e.g., tropolone, tropolone, or a mixture of said degreasing promoters). Finally, the present invention relates to the use of at least one degreasing accelerator, such as an alkanediol as defined herein, caprylin, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing accelerators as defined herein, as a degreasing agent and / or as a replacement for a solubilizing agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of detergents and cleaning compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions containing specific hydroxyl compounds and having improved degreasing power and improved cleaning performance.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a degreasing agent and an effective amount of a specific type of degreasing accelerator (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing accelerators) and a surfactant; and the use of said detergents and cleaning products in the preparation of detergents and cleaning products for household, institutional and industrial applications. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for treating a substrate stained with stains and / or soil using the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of specific substances as defined herein for promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and / or cleaning compositions and improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions by adding an effective amount of a specific degreasing accelerator (such as an alkanediol with a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing accelerators) to said detergents and cleaning compositions. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of at least one degreasing accelerator (such as an alkanediol with a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing agents) as a degreasing agent and / or as a substitute for a solubilizer. Background Art

[0003] Detergents and cleaning compositions, in particular cleaning compositions for clothing and textile cleaning, dishwashing, etc., consist mainly of surfactants or mixtures of surfactants, and their main task is to remove water-insoluble substances such as dirt and grease from surfaces such as fabrics, clothes, dishes, utensils, etc. and hard surfaces such as metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, etc. In addition to the surfactants, modern detergents and cleaning formulations also consist of builders, chelating agents, co-builders and other polymer additives for specific washing or cleaning effects such as decontamination and anti-redeposition, inhibition of dye transfer and rheology modification. In addition to the ingredients, enzyme stabilizers and one or more enzymes as another active substance with cleaning action are added to detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0004] Degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions are solvent-based or solvent-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. They are chemical products primarily used to remove water-insoluble materials such as grease, pigments, oils, lubricants, etc. Degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions are particularly useful for removing grease or grease-type stains and / or dirt, such as grease or oily stains, grease or oily dirt, mayonnaise, frying fat, tallow, lard, used motor oil, lanolin, lipstick, mineral oil, etc. One of the more demanding applications is the cleaning of grease and oil from surfaces after cooking. Deep-fat frying pans accumulate large amounts of caked-on grease or grease from surfaces after cooking that must be removed regularly.

[0005] For this purpose, degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions contain degreasers (degreasing agents).

[0006] There are many different degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions that can remove such deposits, but they have many negative side effects. Many of these degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions are highly alkaline or acidic. Therefore, they corrode metals, which is undesirable for general-purpose cleaners.

[0007] Furthermore, degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions for removing grease or oil also often employ very volatile solvents. These are undesirable due to their high VOC. Preferably, the degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions have a low VOC and preferably a relatively high flash point to avoid any fire hazard.

[0008] The detergent and cleaning industry is continually searching for detergent and cleaning compositions that can address these disadvantages.

[0009] Furthermore, there is a need for uncomplicated, highly effective degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions that avoid the use of environmentally and health unfavorable ingredients.

[0010] Degreasing detergents and cleaning products have had to meet higher consumer expectations in terms of enhanced cleaning for some time.

[0011] Therefore, there remains a continuing need for detergents and cleaning compositions having enhanced degreasing performance and for materials having the ability to enhance the degreasing power of detergents and cleaning compositions and thus improve the removal of grease or oil.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose detergent and cleaning composition having excellent degreasing power and having improved cleaning performance.

[0013] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for treating stained and / or soiled substrates which provides enhanced degreasing and improved cleaning performance.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a substance which can promote the degreasing power of detergents and cleaning compositions and can improve the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for increasing the degreasing power of detergents and cleaning compositions and improving the overall cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0016] Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide new degreasing materials.

[0017] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of degreasing accelerator (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing accelerators) to degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a degreasing agent or a mixture of degreasing agents has a positive effect, i.e. they enhance the degreasing power of the degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a combination of a degreasing agent, a degreasing accelerator and a surfactant show excellent degreasing power compared to degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such a degreasing accelerator.

[0018] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of degreasing promoter, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing promoters, to degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions improves the removal of greasy or oily stains and / or soils compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such promoters.

[0019] Thus, degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions containing a degreasing agent and a surfactant in combination with a specific type of degreasing accelerator (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing accelerators) show improved overall cleaning performance over detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such degreasing accelerators.

[0020] On the contrary, also due to the promoting effect, the amount of degreasers and other ingredients used to improve the cleaning effect in these detergents and cleaning compositions can be reduced without losing cleaning performance. These detergents and cleaning compositions show improved detergency and therefore improved cleaning performance even at low addition rates of degreasing promoters. Summary of the invention

[0021] The present invention is made in view of the above aspects. In order to solve the above needs, the present invention provides a detergent and a cleaning composition, in particular a degreasing detergent and a cleaning composition, which have improved degreasing power and improved cleaning performance in improving the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt.

[0022] In order to achieve the above problems, the present invention provides a detergent and a cleaning composition in the first aspect, which comprises or consists of: (a1) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizers; (b1) 1,2-heptanediol; (c1) at least one surfactant; and (d1) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; or (a2) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizing agents; (b2) 2,3-heptanediol; (c2) at least one surfactant; and (d2) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; or (a3) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizing agents; (b3) a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; (c3) at least one surfactant; and (d3) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; Wherein at least one degreasing agent is a solvent selected from the following: n-propanol or isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or butylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether or propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether or dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxy-butanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and any mixture thereof; and / or At least one degreasing agent is a solubilizing agent selected from the following: a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13 to 20 selected from the following: polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35), potassium oleate, sodium lauryl sulfate and any mixture thereof.

[0023] Alternatively, in another aspect, the present invention provides a detergent and a cleaning composition comprising or consisting of: (a) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizing agents; (b) at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and any mixture thereof; (c) at least one surfactant; and (d) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; Wherein at least one degreasing agent is a solvent selected from the following: n-propanol or isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or butylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether or propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether or dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxy-butanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and any mixture thereof; and / or At least one degreasing agent is a solubilizing agent selected from the following: a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13 to 20 selected from the following: polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35), potassium oleate, sodium lauryl sulfate and any mixture thereof.

[0024] In another aspect, the present invention provides the use of the detergent and cleaning composition as a detergent and cleaning product or for the preparation of a detergent and cleaning product.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides a detergent and cleaning product.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating a stained and / or soiled substrate, the method comprising the steps of: - treating substrates with detergent and cleaning compositions or products according to the invention; and - Rinse the substrate in water to remove the composition or product.

[0027] In another aspect, the present invention provides 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and any mixture thereof; Use for promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a degreasing agent and a surfactant.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions, the method comprising the following steps: (i) providing detergent and cleaning compositions comprising a degreaser and a surfactant; and (ii) adding thereto an effective amount of 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the following: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (bIV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and Any mixture thereof.

[0029] In a final aspect, the present invention provides 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing accelerator selected from: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and Any mixture of them, Use as a degreasing agent and / or as a replacement for solubilizers.

[0030] The present invention is specifically described in the appended claims. However, the present invention itself and its preferred variations, other objects and advantages are also apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended embodiments and drawings.

[0031] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are by weight.

[0032] The numerical ranges listed in the specification and given in the format of "x to y" include the values ​​defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. When multiple preferred numerical ranges are specified in this format, all ranges generated by combining different endpoints are also included.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, the term "comprising" means that the stated components are essential, but other components may be added and still be encompassed by the present invention.

[0034] The term "consisting of" as used in accordance with the present invention means that the total amount of components (a) and (b) in the composition adds up to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the detergent and cleaning composition, and indicates that the subject matter is closed and may include only the limitations explicitly stated.

[0035] Unless the context indicates otherwise, whenever "comprising" is mentioned, it is intended to encompass both meanings as alternatives, ie, the meaning may be "including" or "consisting of."

[0036] In the context of the present invention, the term "at least one" means that the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may contain any one or a mixture of two, three, four, five, six or even more different components of the corresponding component following the term.

[0037] The term "and / or" indicates that there is a connection, or provides alternatives.

[0038] The term "optionally" means that the subsequently described component may but need not be present in the detergent and cleaning compositions, and that the description includes variations in which the compound is included or variations in which the compound is not present.

[0039] In the context of the present invention, the term "promote" means "improve", "enhance", "increase". Accordingly, an "accelerator" is a single agent or a mixture of substances that is able to "improve", "enhance", "enhance" certain characteristics or properties as defined herein. In particular, the accelerator according to the present invention improves, enhances or increases the degreasing performance of degreasing washing and cleaning compositions, thus leading to an improvement in the cleaning performance of the detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0040] The term "substrate" in the context of the present invention means fabrics, textiles, garments, dishes, utensils, carpets, medical or dental devices, hard surfaces, etc., which can be treated by a washing or cleaning process.

[0041] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a saturated hydrocarbon having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chain alkyl groups (such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, etc.), cycloalkyl groups (or cycloalkyl or alicyclic or carbocyclic groups) (such as cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched alkyl groups (such as isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.) and alkyl-substituted alkyl groups (such as cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

[0042] Unless otherwise indicated, the term "alkyl" includes both unsubstituted alkyl and substituted alkyl. As used herein, the term "substituted alkyl" refers to an alkyl group in which one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone are replaced by substituents. Such substituents may include, for example, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxy, phosphate, phosphonate, cyano, amino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfate, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonate, nitro, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 is a graph showing the degreasing power of degreasing cleaning agents according to the present invention containing different degreasing accelerators.

[0044] Figure 2 is a photograph of a sample carrier showing uncleaned soiled dirt.

[0045] Figure 3 is a photograph showing the cleaning performance of a degreasing cleaner (comparative example) without using a degreasing accelerator on a soiled sample carrier after the cleaning process.

[0046] Figure 4 are photographs showing the cleaning performance of a degreasing cleaner using 1,2-pentanediol on a soiled sample carrier after the cleaning process.

[0047] Figure 5 are photographs showing the cleaning performance of a degreasing cleaner using 1,2-hexanediol on a soiled sample carrier after the cleaning process.

[0048] Figure 6 are photographs showing the cleaning performance of a degreasing cleaner using 1,2-heptanediol on a soiled sample carrier after the cleaning process.

[0049] Figure 7 is a photograph showing the cleaning performance of a degreasing cleaner using 1,2-octanediol on a soiled sample carrier after the cleaning process.

[0050] Figure 8 : is a graph showing the degreasing power of the degreasing detergent containing the degreasing accelerator according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent and a cleaning composition, in particular a degreasing detergent and a cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of: (a1) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizers; (b1) 1,2-heptanediol; (c1) at least one surfactant; and (d1) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; wherein the degreasing agent is selected from solvents and solubilizers as defined herein.

[0052] Alternatively, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a detergent and a cleaning composition, in particular a degreasing detergent and a cleaning composition, which comprises or consists of: (a2) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizing agents; (b2) 2,3-heptanediol; (c2) at least one surfactant; and (d2) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; wherein the degreasing agent is selected from solvents and solubilizers as defined herein.

[0053] In another alternative, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a detergent and cleaning composition, in particular a degreasing detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of: (a3) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizing agents; (b3) a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; (c3) at least one surfactant; and (d3) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; wherein the degreasing agent is selected from solvents and solubilizers as defined herein.

[0054] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, in particular a degreasing detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of: (a) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizing agents; (b) at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV)Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and any mixture thereof; (c) at least one surfactant; and (d) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; Wherein at least one degreasing agent is a solvent selected from the following: n-propanol or isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or butylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether or propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether or dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and any mixture thereof; and / or At least one degreasing agent is a solubilizing agent selected from the following: a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13 to 20 selected from the following: polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35), potassium oleate, sodium lauryl sulfate and any mixture thereof.

[0055] In a more preferred variant, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition wherein the at least one linear alkanediol has a carbon chain length of 5 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably wherein the at least one linear alkanediol has a carbon chain length of 5 to 9.

[0056] The term "detergent and cleaning composition" as contemplated herein should be understood to mean all products suitable and commonly used for washing or cleaning. Detergent and cleaning composition are mainly composed of a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants. In addition to the surfactant, detergent and cleaning composition are usually composed of builders and chelating agents, co-builders and other polymer additives for specific effects such as anti-redeposition, inhibition of dye transfer, rheology modification. Detergent and cleaning composition refer to compositions that can be used to remove undesirable compounds from articles to be cleaned such as textiles (such as fabrics, clothes), dishes, floors, hard surfaces (such as metals, plastics and ceramics). These deposits may be caused by dirt or stains, bacteria and other pollutants. Detergent is the cleaning composition most commonly used for textiles. Detergent and cleaning composition can be used for household cleaning, public institution cleaning and industrial cleaning. Detergent and cleaning composition also contain disinfectants that kill all vegetative cells (including recognized pathogenic microorganisms). Detergent and cleaning composition can be used by the detergent composition itself or by detergent products or by its use solution.

[0057] The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention are preferably used for removing stains and / or soil deposits from textiles, fabrics, laundry, dishes, utensils, medical and dental instruments, hard surfaces and the like.

[0058] These deposits may be caused by stains from tea, chocolate, coffee, grass, red wine, grass / mud, fruit juice, blood, tomato puree, unused motor oil, salad dressing balsamic, cooking tallow, French squeeze mustard, make-up etc. or soils caused by grease, starch based soils such as rice, pasta, protein based soils such as egg yolk, chocolate, mayonnaise, lipstick starch based soils etc. and other soils remaining on the surface. Deposits are therefore any form of unwanted residues of contamination by dirt, food, grease etc.

[0059] In particular, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention are degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions mainly used for removing water-insoluble substances such as grease, pigments, oils, lubricants and the like.

[0060] Degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions are particularly useful for removing greasy or greasy stains and / or soils, such as greasy or oily stains, greasy or oily soils, mayonnaise, frying fat, tallow, lard, used motor oil, lanolin, lipstick, mineral oil, and the like.

[0061] The terms "detergents and cleaning compositions" and "degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions" may be used equivalently in the present specification; when so used, the term "detergents and cleaning compositions" also encompass degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0062] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "cleaning" and "washing" are used synonymously and refer to the reduction and / or removal of deposits, i.e., the removal of undesirable compounds from the items to be cleaned on cutlery / dishes and other kitchen utensils (such as cutlery / silverware, pots, pans, bakeware, etc.).

[0063] The term "substrate" in the context of the present invention includes fabrics, textiles, clothing, dishes, utensils, carpets, any hard surface, medical and dental devices, etc. that may become stained and / or soiled and that can be treated by a washing or cleaning process.

[0064] As used herein, the term "fabric cleaning" includes detergents and cleaning compositions or products designed to clean materials that are stained and / or soiled. Such compositions or products include, but are not limited to, laundry detergent compositions, fabric softening compositions, fabric enhancing compositions, fabric refreshing compositions, laundry prewashes, laundry pretreaters, laundry additives, spray products, dry cleaning agents or compositions, laundry rinse additives, washing additives, post-rinse fabric treatments, ironing aids, unit dose formulations, delayed delivery formulations, detergents contained on or in porous substrates or nonwoven sheets, substrates with fibers (preferably the fibers contain an active agent), and other suitable forms apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0065] As used herein, the term "fabric care" refers to various fabric benefits including smoothness, shape retention, elasticity, color retention, pilling control, and the like.

[0066] As used herein, the term "dish" or "ware" refers to solid surfaces such as countertops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, sanitary ware, kitchen and bathroom appliances, appliances, engines, circuit boards, and dishes. Hard surfaces may include, for example, health care surfaces such as surfaces of medical or dental instruments, medical or dental devices, electronic devices used to monitor patient health, floors, walls, or fixtures of structures where health care occurs, and food processing surfaces such as surfaces of handles, machines, equipment, structures, etc. used as part of food processing, preparation, or storage activities. The term "ware" in the context of the present invention refers to items such as eating and cooking utensils, dishes and other hard surfaces (such as showers, sinks, bathroom tubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, and floors).

[0067] As used herein, the term "surface" refers to solid surfaces such as countertops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, plumbing fixtures, kitchen and bathroom appliances, appliances, engines, circuit boards, and dishes. Hard surfaces may include, for example, health care surfaces such as surfaces of medical or dental instruments, medical or dental devices, electronic devices used to monitor patient health, floors, walls, or fixtures of structures where health care occurs, and food processing surfaces such as surfaces of tools, machines, equipment, structures, etc. used as part of food processing, preparation, or storage activities.

[0068] It has surprisingly been found that the addition of a degreasing promoter as specified herein or a mixture of said degreasing promoters to detergents and cleaning compositions promotes (ie improves or enhances) the degreasing performance of such detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0069] Based on these advantageous effects, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention provide enhanced degreasing activity, improved removal of greasy or oily stains and / or soils and thus improved overall cleaning performance.

[0070] Degreasing agent / component (a1, a2, a3, a) The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing agent as component (a1, a2, a3, b).

[0071] Degreasers are chemicals that dissolve water-insoluble materials from textiles (such as fabrics, clothing), dishes, utensils, floors, medical and dental instruments, hard surfaces (such as metals, plastics and ceramics), etc. They are used to remove grease, grime, oil and other oil-based contaminants from a variety of substrates including automobiles or various metal parts.

[0072] The at least one degreasing agent according to the invention is a solvent and / or a solubilizer.

[0073] To improve degreasing efficacy and removal of greasy or oily stains and / or soils, a combination of one or more solvents and one or more solubilizers is used in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention.

[0074] According to the present invention, at least one solvent is selected from: n-propanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether or propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and any mixture thereof.

[0075] According to the present invention, at least one solubilizing agent is selected from: a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 13 to 20 selected from the following: polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35), potassium oleate, sodium lauryl sulfate and any mixture thereof.

[0076] The nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 13 to 20 is different from the nonionic surfactant of components (c1, c2, c3, c) of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention.

[0077] In a more preferred variation, the solvent is selected from isopropanol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and any mixtures thereof.

[0078] In a more preferred variation, the solubilizing agent is selected from polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35), potassium oleate and any mixture thereof.

[0079] The aforementioned degreasing agents are commonly used in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and are known in the art.

[0080] The degreasing agents specified above can be used in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention either individually or in the form of mixtures of two, three or even more degreasing agents.

[0081] Degreasing accelerator / component (b1, b2, b3, b) The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention further comprise at least one degreasing accelerator as component (b1, b2, b3, b).

[0082] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise a mixture of degreasing promoters.

[0083] Degreasing accelerators within the meaning of the present invention are (b1) 1,2-heptanediol; (b2) 2,3-heptanediol; (b3) mixtures of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; (b4) mixtures of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; (b V)tropolone; and any mixture of said degreasing accelerators.

[0084] It has been found that the components (b1, b2, b3, b) specified above are effective in enhancing the performance of degreasers or mixtures of degreasers in detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it has been found that the components (b1, b2, b3, b) specified above significantly promote the degreasing performance of detergents and cleaning compositions by improving the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt from substrates such as clothing, fabrics, textiles, dishes, utensils, surfaces, medical and dental instruments, etc. Due to these effects, it has been found that the components (b1, b2, b3, b) specified above are effective in improving the overall cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention.

[0085] Alkanediols (b1, b2, b3, b I ） Component (b) in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention is (b1) 1,2-heptanediol or (b2) 2,3-heptanediol, or (b3) a mixture comprising these two heptanediols, ie, 1,2-heptanediol plus 2,3-heptanediol.

[0086] 1,2-Heptanediol belongs to the class of alkanediols and is a straight chain alkanediol having the following general formula:

[0087] It has a carbon chain containing 7 carbon atoms, and the two OH functional groups of the alkanediol are in the α,β position and chemically bonded to the C1 and C2 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain.

[0088] 2,3-Heptanediol belongs to the class of alkanediols and is a straight chain alkanediol having the following general formula:

[0089] It has a carbon chain containing 7 carbon atoms, and the two OH functional groups of the alkanediol are in the β,γ position and chemically bonded to the C2 and C3 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain.

[0090] Alternatively, the degreasing promoter (b) in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention is selected from: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol.

[0091] Alkanediol is any of a class of diols, i.e., organic compounds belonging to the alcohol family; in a diol molecule, two hydroxyl (-OH) groups are attached to different carbon atoms of the carbon chain.

[0092] Straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols have been used as multifunctional active substances for more than 15 years. Short-chain 1,2-alkanediols are amphiphilic compounds, so 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-heptanediol, etc., are soluble in both water and oil. In contrast, 1,2-octanediol is a solid and tends to precipitate or recrystallize in oily solutions as well as in water at ≥0.5%. On the other hand, 1,2-decanediol is a solid and is only soluble in oil. In addition to moisturizing, some 1,2-alkanediols are used as viscosity modifiers.

[0093] The degreasing accelerator (b I ) in a first alternative is at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0094] Furthermore, in a second alternative of this other aspect, the degreasing promoting component (b I ) may include a combination of a first linear alkane diol and a second linear alkane diol, preferably at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms) and at least one second linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms). Therefore, the present invention also requires a mixture comprising a first alkane diol and a second alkane diol as described herein.

[0095] Since the first linear alkanediol of the present invention can be selected from the same list and type of compounds as the linear alkanediol of the first alternative according to another aspect, in the following, a linear alkanediol generally referred to may also be the first linear alkanediol. In a mixture of a first linear alkanediol and a second linear alkanediol, when these alkanediols are clearly different, the specific terms "first" and "second" will be used to distinguish between the two alkanediol components.

[0096] As used in this document, the phrase "at least one linear alkane diol" or "at least one first linear alkane diol" means that the composition may include one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or may include one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or may include more than one linear alkane diol, or may include more than one linear alkane diol or more than one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (i.e., two, three, four or more different linear alkane diols or first linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms).

[0097] The at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol according to the invention consists of a chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms, joined to one another by single covalent bonds, wherein two OH functions are attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain.

[0098] The at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention is selected from pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and tetradecanediol.

[0099] In a preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 13 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol and tridecanediol.

[0100] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 12 carbon atoms and is chosen from: pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol and dodecanediol.

[0101] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol and decanediol.

[0102] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention has a carbon chain of 5 to 9 carbon atoms and is chosen from pentanediol, hexanediol, octanediol and nonanediol.

[0103] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from alkanediols having a relatively low number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e. pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol and any mixture thereof; or from alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e. hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol and any mixture thereof; or from alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e. heptanediol, octanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0104] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is chosen from alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof; or from alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and any mixture thereof; or from alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 12, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol and any mixture thereof; or from alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 11, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol and any mixture thereof; or from alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 and 10, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0105] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol or octanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0106] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0107] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol or dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0108] In a most preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least the first linear alkanediol is heptanediol.

[0109] In a second alternative, the detergent and cleaning composition according to another aspect of the invention comprises as degreasing promoter (b) a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms, and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms, different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0110] This means that the degreasing accelerator (b) is an alkanediol mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more, i.e. two, three, four or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms. In this alternative, the first linear alkanediol can be any alkanediol as described herein generally for linear alkanediols, in particular for the first alternative of the other aspect.

[0111] For example, the mixture may comprise one first linear alkane diol and one, two, three or more second linear alkane diols; or the mixture may comprise two first linear alkane diols and one, two, three or more second linear alkane diols, etc., provided that in each mixture, the first linear alkane diol and the second linear alkane diol are different from each other.

[0112] The second linear alkanediol preferably consists of a chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms joined to one another by single covalent bonds, wherein the two OH functions are attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain.

[0113] The at least one second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to another aspect of the invention is selected from pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and tetradecanediol.

[0114] In a preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 13 carbon atoms and is chosen from pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol and tridecanediol.

[0115] In a more preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol and decanediol.

[0116] In a more preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol and decanediol, most preferably heptanediol, octanediol and nonanediol.

[0117] The phrase "different from each other" means that the first linear alkane diol and the second linear alkane diol in the mixture differ in their carbon chain lengths (ie, the number of carbon atoms) or in their structural isomerism.

[0118] Likewise, the first straight-chain alkane diol and the second straight-chain alkane diol in the mixture may also have the same number of carbon atoms. For example, the first straight-chain alkane diol and the second straight-chain alkane diol both have a carbon chain of 7 carbon atoms, but the first straight-chain alkane diol and the second straight-chain alkane diol differ in their structural isomerism or in their stereoisomerism.

[0119] According to a second alternative of another aspect, if the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol are both, for example, heptanediol, the second linear alkanediol, heptanediol, is a different structural isomer or stereoisomer than the first linear alkanediol.

[0120] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, wherein the number of carbon atoms of the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol is the same or different.

[0121] If both the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol have the same number of carbon atoms, this alkanediol combination is also referred to herein as a "homogeneous alkanediol mixture" or a "homogeneous combination." For example, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol both have a carbon chain of 7 carbon atoms, but the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol differ in their structural isomerism or in their stereoisomerism.

[0122] If the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol have different numbers of carbon atoms, this alkanediol combination is also referred to herein as a "heterogeneous alkanediol mixture" or "heterogeneous combination". For example, the first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 carbon atoms, while the second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 8 carbon atoms. However, in addition to this, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol may also differ in their structural isomerism or in their stereoisomerism.

[0123] In a preferred variant, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition wherein at least one linear alkane diol or the first linear alkane diol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and tetradecanediol; and / or the one or more second linear alkane diols are selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and tetradecanediol.

[0124] Particularly preferred are degreasing accelerator mixtures wherein at least the first linear alkanediol is selected from alkanediols having a relatively low carbon number of 5 to 8 and wherein the second alkanediol or alkanediols are selected from alkanediols having a relatively high carbon number of 9 to 14.

[0125] Most preferred are degreasing accelerator mixtures wherein at least the first linear alkane diol is selected from pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol and any mixtures thereof, and the one or more second alkane diols are selected from nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0126] The term "alkanediol" within the context of the present invention also includes its structural isomers or positional isomers. Structural isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but with different linkages. Positional isomers are a specific form of structural isomerism and are structural isomers that can be considered to differ only in the position of the functional groups on the parent structure (in this case, in particular the position of the two alcohol functional groups).

[0127] Alkanediol has various positional isomers depending on the number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain of the alkanediol: (x,x+1) structural isomer; (x,x+2) structural isomer; (x,x+3) structural isomer; etc. and α,ω structural isomer (when the alcohol functional group is located at the end of the carbon chain), where x represents the number of carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain to which the OH group of the alkanediol is chemically bonded. For example: if x is 1, the two OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded to the C1 and C2 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain; if x is 2, the two OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded to the C2 and C3 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain, and so on.

[0128] In the (x,x+1) structural isomer, the two OH functional groups are attached to two different adjacent carbon atoms in the chain in ortho positions. In the (x,x+2) structural isomer, the two OH functional groups are attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain, where the two carbon atoms are separated by one C atom. In the (x,x+3) structural isomer, the two OH functional groups are attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain, where the two carbon atoms are separated by two C atoms. In the α,ω structural isomer, the two functional groups are attached to the first C atom and the terminal C atom.

[0129] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another aspect of the invention, the linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is preferably an vicinal (x,x+1) diol selected from 1,2-diol, 2,3-diol, 3,4-diol, 4,5-diol, other (x,x+1) diols and mixtures thereof, preferably α,β-1,2-structural isomers.

[0130] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another aspect of the invention, the first linear alkanediol and / or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is an ortho-(x,x+1) diol selected from 1,2-diol, 2,3-diol, 3,4-diol, 4,5-diol, other (x,x+1) diols and mixtures thereof, preferably α,β-1,2-structural isomers.

[0131] Preferably, the linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or the first linear alkanediol and / or the second linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-diols and / or 2,3-diols.

[0132] Therefore, according to a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another aspect of the invention, at least one linear alkanediol, the first linear alkanediol and / or the second linear alkanediol is a (x,x+1) structural isomer (wherein x represents the number of carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain to which the OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded), in particular 1,2-alkanediol, 2,3-alkanediol, 3,4-alkanediol or a mixture thereof, preferably 1,2-alkanediol or 2,3-alkanediol.

[0133] In another preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another aspect of the invention, the linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is preferably a non-vicinal (x,x+2) diol selected from 1,3-diol, 2,4-diol, 3,5-diol, other (x,x+2) diols and mixtures thereof, preferably α,γ-1,3-structural isomers.

[0134] According to the present invention, vicinal (x,x+1) diols are most preferred, such as α,β or β,γ or γ,δ and the like.

[0135] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol, in particular the first linear alkanediol and / or the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-alkanediol, 2,3-alkanediol, 3,4-alkanediol or a mixture thereof, more preferably 2,3-alkanediol.

[0136] The linear alkanediol, in particular the 1,2-alkanediol of the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms may preferably be those represented by the following formula: 1,2-Pentanediol

[0137] 1,2-Hexanediol

[0138] 1,2-Heptanediol

[0139] 1,2-Octanediol

[0140] 1,2-Nonanediol

[0141] 1,2-Decanediol

[0142] 1,2-Undecanediol

[0143] 1,2-Dodecanediol

[0144] 1,2-Tridecanediol

[0145] 1,2-Tetradecanediol

[0146] The linear alkanediol of the present invention, in particular the 2,3-alkanediol of the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, may preferably be those represented by the following formula: 2,3-Pentanediol

[0147] 2,3-Hexanediol

[0148] 2,3-Heptanediol

[0149] 2,3-Octanediol

[0150] 2,3-Nonanediol

[0151] 2,3-Decanediol

[0152] 2,3-Undecanediol

[0153] 2,3-Dodecanediol

[0154] 2,3-Tridecanediol

[0155] 2,3-Tetradecanediol

[0156] The linear alkanediol, preferably the 3,4-alkanediol of the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms may preferably be those represented by the following formula: 3,4-Hexanediol

[0157] 3,4-Heptanediol

[0158] 3,4-Octanediol

[0159] 3,4-Nonanediol

[0160] 3,4-Decanediol

[0161] 3,4-Undecanediol

[0162] 3,4-Dodecanediol

[0163] 3,4-Tridecanediol

[0164] 3,4-Tetradecanediol

[0165] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 3,4-pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 3,4-Hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-Decanediol, 2,3-Decanediol, 3,4-Decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, 1,2-Dodecanediol, 2,3-Dodecanediol, 3,4-Dodecanediol, 1,2-Tridecanediol, 2,3-Tridecanediol, 3,4-Tridecanediol, 1,2-Tetradecanediol, 2,3-Tetradecanediol, 3,4-Tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0166] In another preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 3,4-pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 3,4-Hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-Decanediol, 2,3-Decanediol, 3,4-Decanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0167] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is chosen from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0168] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is chosen from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0169] In the above-mentioned straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol, the following (x,x+1) structural isomers are preferred: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or a mixture thereof. The alkanediol is liquid at a purity of 90% to 99%.

[0170] Among the above-mentioned liquid alkanediols, 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol or a mixture of the liquid alkanediols is particularly preferred.

[0171] In another preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-Pentanediol, 2,3-Pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 1,2-Heptanediol, 2,3-Heptanediol, 1,2-Octanediol, 2,3-Octanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0172] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol and mixtures thereof, or from 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol and mixtures thereof. However, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol may also be preferably selected from 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol and mixtures thereof.

[0173] Even more preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is an α,β or β,γ diol, such as 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture thereof. However, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol may also preferably be an α,β or β,γ diol, such as 1,2-octanediol or 2,3-octanediol or a mixture thereof. A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol is also possible.

[0174] Most preferably, the linear alkane diol or the first linear alkane diol is 1,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or 1,2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or 1,2-octanediol or 2,3-octanediol or 1,2-nonanediol or 2,3-nonanediol.

[0175] Likewise, in another preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0176] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol and mixtures thereof, or may also be preferably selected from 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol and mixtures thereof, or may also be preferably selected from 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol and mixtures thereof.

[0177] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a relatively low number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e. 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixture thereof; or from 1,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e. 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixture thereof; or from 1,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e. 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0178] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol or 1,2-hexanediol or 1,2-heptanediol or 1,2-octanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0179] In a most preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol.

[0180] It has been found that these alkanediols show particularly significant degreasing power improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt. Therefore, 1,2-alkanediols with a relatively low number of carbon atoms are effectively used as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0181] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is chosen from 1,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 5 to 10, i.e. 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0182] It has been found that the alkanediols exhibit particularly pronounced degreasing promoting properties. The alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or soils and are therefore useful as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or soil removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and / or soil removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0183] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof; or from 1,2-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol and 1,2-tetradecanediol. and any mixture thereof; or selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol and any mixture thereof; or selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol and any mixture thereof; or selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0184] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is 1,2-nonanediol or 1,2-decanediol or 1,2-undecanediol or 1,2-dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0185] According to one preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is chosen from 1,2-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms, more particularly greater than 10 carbon atoms, namely 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0186] It has been found that these alkanediols show significant degreasing power improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt. 1,2-Alkanediols with a greater number of carbon atoms, more particularly more than 10 carbon atoms, are therefore effective as degreasing accelerators and grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0187] In a more preferred variant, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a relatively low number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e., 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol and any mixture thereof; or is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e., 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol and any mixture thereof; or is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0188] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is 2,3-pentanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-octanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0189] In a most preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least the first linear alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol.

[0190] It has been found that these alkanediols show particularly significant degreasing power improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt. Therefore, 2,3-alkanediols with a relatively low number of carbon atoms are effectively used as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0191] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is chosen from 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 5 to 10, i.e. 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0192] It has been found that the alkanediols exhibit particularly pronounced degreasing promoting properties. The alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or soils and are therefore useful as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or soil removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and / or soil removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0193] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e. 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof; or is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e. 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol. and any mixture thereof; or selected from 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol and any mixture thereof; or selected from 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol and any mixture thereof; or selected from 2,3-alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0194] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol or 2,3-dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0195] According to one preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is chosen from 2,3-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms, more particularly greater than 10 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0196] It has been found that these alkanediols show significant degreasing power improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt. 2,3-Alkanediols with a greater number of carbon atoms, more particularly more than 10 carbon atoms, are therefore effective as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0197] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 3,4-pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 3,4-Hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-Decanediol, 2,3-Decanediol, 3,4-Decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, 1,2-Dodecanediol, 2,3-Dodecanediol, 3,4-Dodecanediol, 1,2-Tridecanediol, 2,3-Tridecanediol, 3,4-Tridecanediol, 1,2-Tetradecanediol, 2,3-Tetradecanediol, 3,4-Tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0198] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 3,4-pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 3,4-Hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-Decanediol, 2,3-Decanediol, 3,4-Decanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0199] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the second linear alkanediol is chosen from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0200] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the second linear alkanediol is chosen from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0201] Among the above-mentioned second linear alkanediols, the following (x,x+1) structural isomers are preferred: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol or 2,3-tridecanediol. The alkanediol is liquid at a purity of 90% to 99%.

[0202] Among the above-mentioned liquid alkanediols, 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol or a mixture of the liquid alkanediols is particularly preferred.

[0203] In another preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-Pentanediol, 2,3-Pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 1,2-Heptanediol, 2,3-Heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0204] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol and mixtures thereof, or is selected from 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol and mixtures thereof. However, the second linear alkanediol may also be preferably selected from 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol and mixtures thereof.

[0205] Even more preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second linear alkanediol is an α,β or β,γ diol, such as 1,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or a mixture thereof. However, the second linear alkanediol may also preferably be an α,β or β,γ diol, such as 1,2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or a mixture thereof. A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol or a mixture comprising 2,3-pentanediol and 1,2-hexanediol is also possible.

[0206] Most preferably, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or 1,2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-octanediol or 2,3-nonanediol.

[0207] Likewise, in another preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0208] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol and mixtures thereof, or may also be preferably selected from 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol and mixtures thereof, or may also be preferably selected from 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0209] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a relatively low number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e., 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixture thereof; or is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e., 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixture thereof; or is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0210] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol or 1,2-hexanediol or 1,2-heptanediol or 1,2-octanediol or any mixture thereof. In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol or 1,2-octanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0211] In the most preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol.

[0212] It has been found that these alkanediols show particularly significant degreasing power improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt. Therefore, 1,2-alkanediols with a relatively low number of carbon atoms are effectively used as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0213] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 5 to 10 carbon atoms, ie 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0214] It has been found that the alkanediols exhibit particularly pronounced degreasing promoting properties. The alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or soils and are therefore useful as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or soil removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and / or soil removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0215] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof; or is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof. or selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol and any mixture thereof; or selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol and any mixture thereof; or selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0216] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-nonanediol or 1,2-decanediol or 1,2-undecanediol or 1,2-dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0217] According to one preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is chosen from 1,2-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms, more particularly greater than 10 carbon atoms, namely 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0218] It has been found that these alkanediols show significant degreasing power improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt. 1,2-Alkanediols with a greater number of carbon atoms, more particularly more than 10 carbon atoms, are therefore effective as degreasing accelerators and grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0219] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a relatively low number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e., 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol and any mixture thereof; or is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e., 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol and any mixture thereof; or is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0220] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is 2,3-pentanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-octanediol or any mixture thereof. In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-octanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0221] In the most preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol.

[0222] It has been found that these alkanediols show particularly significant degreasing power improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt. Therefore, 2,3-alkanediols with a relatively low number of carbon atoms are effectively used as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0223] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having 5 to 10 carbon atoms, ie 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0224] It has been found that the alkanediols exhibit particularly pronounced degreasing promoting properties. The alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or soils and are therefore useful as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or soil removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and / or soil removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0225] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof; or is selected from 2,3-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol and any mixture thereof. or selected from 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol and any mixture thereof; or selected from 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol and any mixture thereof; or selected from 2,3-alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0226] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is 2,3-nonanediol or 2,3-decanediol or 2,3-undecanediol or 2,3-dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0227] According to a preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is chosen from 2,3-alkanediols having a greater number of carbon atoms, more particularly greater than 10 carbon atoms, namely 11, 12, 13 or 14 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0228] It has been found that these alkanediols show significant degreasing power improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt. 2,3-Alkanediols with a greater number of carbon atoms, more particularly more than 10 carbon atoms, are therefore effective as degreasing promoters and grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved degreasing power and improved grease or oily stain and dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in the washing or cleaning process.

[0229] In another preferred variant, in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention, at least one linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is chosen from: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof; and / or The second linear alkane diol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0230] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprising a mixture or combination containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols therefore comprise any of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ a combination of 1,2-pentanediol and one of 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 1,2-hexanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 1,2-heptanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 1,2-octanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-nonanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-decanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 1,2-undecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 1,2-dodecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 1,2-tridecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 1,2-tetradecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol or 1,2-tridecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-pentanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-hexanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-heptanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-octanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-nonanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-decanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-undecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-dodecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-tridecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-tetradecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 2,3-pentanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-hexanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-heptanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-octanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 2,3-nonanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 2,3-decanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-undecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-dodecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-tridecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪ a combination of 2,3-tetradecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol or 1,2-tridecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-pentanediol and one of 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-hexanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-heptanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-octanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-nonanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-decanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-undecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-dodecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ a combination of 2,3-tridecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 2,3-tetradecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol or 2,3-tridecanediol.

[0231] In a particularly preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0232] In a more particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprising a mixture or combination of at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols comprise any of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol; or ▪A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol; or ▪Contains a mixture of 1,2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0233] In the homogeneous alkanediol mixture, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol have the same number of carbon atoms.

[0234] Particularly advantageous are mixtures comprising a combination of 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol or a combination of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or a combination of 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol and / or 3,4-octanediol.

[0235] A homogeneous alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol or a homogeneous alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol or a homogeneous alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol is most preferred due to its significant degreasing promoting effect and improved grease or oily stain and / or soil removal efficacy.

[0236] The above-specified homogeneous alkanediol mixtures comprising 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol according to the invention are characterized by a synergistic effect, i.e. the alkanediol mixtures improve the degreasing power of detergent and cleaning compositions in a synergistic manner compared to their corresponding single 1,2-alkanediol or 2,3-alkanediol substances.

[0237] It has been found that a homogeneous mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol promotes said synergistic effect or action of the degreasing power.

[0238] The synergistic effect of promoting degreasing performance with homogeneous mixtures comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol was also observed.

[0239] A homogeneous mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol is particularly advantageous since it has a particularly pronounced synergistic effect on the degreasing activity of detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0240] Alkanediol mixtures comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol or 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol are particularly advantageous, since these mixtures effectively synergistically boost the degreasing power of detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0241] Additionally, an alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol or an alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol synergistically enhances the degreasing performance of detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0242] An alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol or an alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol also has a degreasing promoting effect.

[0243] The above-mentioned synergistic degreasing improvement effect is particularly significant for a homogeneous mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol, or a homogeneous mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol, or a homogeneous mixture comprising 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol.

[0244] The above-specified homogeneous alkanediol mixture comprising a 1,2-alkanediol and a corresponding 2,3-alkanediol exhibits a significant synergistic degreasing promoting effect and is significantly better than the corresponding 1,2-alkanediol or 2,3-alkanediol alone at the same concentration.

[0245] In a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprising a mixture or combination containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols may therefore comprise any of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; or ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 1,2-nonanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-pentanediol; or ▪A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-hexanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-octanediol; or ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-nonanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-decanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-undecanediol; or ▪A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-dodecanediol; or ▪Contains a mixture of 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-tridecanediol.

[0246] The above specified alkanediol mixture comprising a first linear alkanediol and a second linear alkanediol according to the invention is characterized by a synergistic effect, ie the alkanediol mixture enhances the degreasing activity of detergent and cleaning compositions in a synergistic manner compared to the corresponding individual 1,2-alkanediol or 2,3-alkanediol substances.

[0247] In a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprising a mixture or combination of at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols may thus comprise the following mixtures / combinations: ▪Contains a mixture of 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol.

[0248] Surprisingly, the alkanediol mixture has a particularly pronounced degreasing performance-boosting effect.

[0249] In addition to the above-mentioned degreasing promoting effect, the above-specified mixtures or combinations comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols also have a synergistic grease or oily stain and / or soil removal promoting effect compared to the corresponding individual 1,2-alkanediol and / or 2,3-alkanediol materials.

[0250] Still more preferred are degreasing accelerator mixtures wherein at least the first linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a relatively low carbon number of 5 to 8, and the second alkanediol or alkanediols are selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a relatively high carbon number of 9 to 14.

[0251] Most preferred are degreasing promoter mixtures wherein at least the first linear alkane diol is selected from 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol and any mixtures thereof, and the one or more second alkane diols are selected from 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof.

[0252] Most preferred is a degreasing promoter blend wherein at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a relatively low number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e., 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, and one or more second alkanediols are selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a relatively high number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0253] Surprisingly, such alkanediol mixtures of short-chain alkanediols and long-chain alkanediols have a particularly pronounced degreasing-promoting effect. In addition, such alkanediol mixtures are also characterized by a significantly improved removal of greasy or oily stains and / or dirt.

[0254] More preferred are such alkanediol mixtures in which the difference between the number of carbon atoms of at least the first straight-chain alkanediol and the number of carbon atoms of the one or more second alkanediols is at least 2 carbon atoms. In those alkanediol mixtures, short-chain alkanediols and long-chain alkanediols are combined with each other, resulting in improved degreasing performance.

[0255] Still more preferred are degreasing accelerator mixtures in which the difference between the number of carbon atoms of at least the first straight alkanediol and the number of carbon atoms of the one or more second alkanediols is at least 3 carbon atoms. When such alkanediol mixtures are used, the degreasing accelerator effect is particularly pronounced.

[0256] Such combinations may include any of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ a combination of 1,2-pentanediol and one of 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-hexanediol and one of 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, and 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ A combination of 1,2-heptanediol and one of 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, and 1,2-tetradecanediol; and ▪ A combination of 1,2-octanediol and one of 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0257] In another preferred variant according to the invention, in the detergent and cleaning compositions, the linear alkanediol is chosen from: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and mixtures thereof.

[0258] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol is selected from: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol and mixtures thereof.

[0259] Surprisingly, the addition of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol and other 2,3-alkanediols such as 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol to detergent and cleaning compositions leads to a significant improvement in the degreasing power compared to compositions without added 2,3-alkanediol.

[0260] According to one particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing promoter chosen from at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms and different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0261] In a still more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing promoter chosen from at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms and different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0262] It has surprisingly been found that these short chain 1,2-alkanediols are particularly effective degreasing promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. Furthermore, it has been found that these alkanediols exhibit significantly improved greasy or oily stain and / or soil removal properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions to which such substances are not added.

[0263] According to one particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing promoter chosen from at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 10 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 9 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 9 carbon atoms and different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0264] Surprisingly, it has been found that these 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 9 carbon atoms are particularly suitable degreasing promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols exhibit significantly improved greasy or oily stains and / or dirt removal properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions to which such substances are not added.

[0265] According to a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing promoter chosen from at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0266] In a more preferred variant, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing promoter chosen from at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0267] In a still more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing promoter chosen from at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0268] Surprisingly, it has been found that these long-chain 1,2-alkanediols are particularly suitable degreasing promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. Furthermore, it has been found that these alkanediols exhibit significantly improved greasy or oily stain and / or soil removal properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions to which such substances are not added.

[0269] In a most preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing promoter chosen from at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value ≤1, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value ≤1 and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value ≤1 and different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0270] The 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of ≤ 1 is selected from 1,2-pentanediol (0.06), 1,2-hexanediol (0.58), 1,2-heptanediol (0.9) and any mixture thereof. The 1,2-alkanediol is more soluble in water.

[0271] The Pow value is the partition coefficient of a compound when it is in equilibrium in a two-phase system consisting of two immiscible solvents, n-octanol and water. Therefore, this value is a comparison of the solubility of the solute in these two liquids. Therefore, the partition coefficient measures the hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of a chemical substance.

[0272] The log Pow value is a constant defined as follows: Log Pow = log10 (partition coefficient) Partition coefficient: P = [n-octanol] / [water] where [ ] indicates the concentration of the solute in the organic and / or aqueous phase partitions.

[0273] The log Pow values ​​were determined at a standard temperature of 25°C.

[0274] A log Pow value ≤ 1 means that the compound has a higher affinity for the aqueous phase (more hydrophilic), and is therefore more soluble in water; a log Pow value ≥ 1 indicates a higher concentration in the lipid phase (i.e., the compound is more lipophilic), and is therefore more soluble in fatty solvents.

[0275] Surprisingly, it has been found that 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≤1 are suitable degreasing promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. Furthermore, it has been found that the aforementioned 1,2-alkanediols exhibit significantly improved soil removal and stain removal properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Thus, detergents and cleaning compositions comprising 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≤1 show improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions to which such 1,2-alkanediols are not added.

[0276] In another preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one degreasing promoter chosen from at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value ≥1, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value ≥1 and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value ≥1 and different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0277] The 1,2-alkanediol with a log Pow value of ≥ 1 is selected from 1,2-octanediol (log Pow = 2.1), 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecandiol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof. The 1,2-alkanediol is more soluble in aliphatic solvents such as n-octanol.

[0278] Surprisingly, it has been found that 1,2-alkanediols with a log Pow value ≥ 1 are particularly suitable degreasing promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it has been found that the aforementioned 1,2-alkanediols exhibit significantly improved stain and / or soil removal properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Thus, detergents and cleaning compositions comprising 1,2-alkanediols with a log Pow value ≥ 1 show improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without the addition of such 1,2-alkanediols.

[0279] The term "alkanediol" within the context of the present invention also includes its stereoisomers. Stereoisomers are molecules with the same molecular formula and differ only in how their atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space. According to the definition, the linear alkanediol of the present invention or the first linear alkanediol with a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or the second linear alkanediol with a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as described in detail above encompasses the following stereoisomers: 1,2-Alkanediol Stereoisomers: (2S)-pentane-1,2-diol, (2R)-pentane-1,2-diol, (2S)-hexane-1,2-diol, (2R)-hexane-1,2-diol, (2S)-heptane-1,2-diol, (2R)-heptane-1,2-diol, (2S)-octane-1,2-diol, (2R)-octane-1,2-diol, (2S)-nonane-1,2-diol, (2R)-nonane-1,2-diol, (2S)-Decane-1,2-diol, (2R)-Decane-1,2-diol, (2S)-Undecane-1,2-diol, (2R)-Undecane-1,2-diol, (2S)-dodecane-1,2-diol, (2R)-dodecane-1,2-diol, (2S)-Tridecane-1,2-diol, (2R)-Tridecane-1,2-diol, (2S)-tetradecane-1,2-diol, (2R)-tetradecane-1,2-diol, 2,3-Alkanediol Stereoisomers: (2S,3S)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-octane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-octane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-nonane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-nonane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-Decane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-Decane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-Undecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-Undecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-dodecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-dodecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-tridecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-tridecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-tetradecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-tetradecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-Octane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-Octane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-nonane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-nonane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-Decane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-Decane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-Undecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-Undecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-Dodecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-Dodecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-Tridecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-Tridecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-Tetradecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-Tetradecane-2,3-diol.

[0280] 3,4-Alkanediol Stereoisomers: (3R,4R)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-octane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-octane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-nonane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-nonane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-decane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-decane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-Undecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-Undecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-dodecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-dodecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-tridecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-tridecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-tetradecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-tetradecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-Octane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-Octane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-nonane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-nonane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-Decane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-Decane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-Undecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-Undecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-Dodecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-Dodecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-Tridecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-Tridecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-Tetradecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-Tetradecane-3,4-diol.

[0281] In the context of the present text, the term "1,2-diol", "2,3-diol" or "3,4-diol" includes both the corresponding S- and R-enantiomers and any mixtures of these, i.e. mixtures of the racemates of the corresponding diol.

[0282] The alkanediol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the invention comprises 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio ranging from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio ranging from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio ranging from 80:20 to 98:2, or still more preferably in a ratio ranging from 90:10 to 95:5.

[0283] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are preferably contained in the mixture in a ratio ranging from 98:2 to 99.9:0.1.

[0284] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are preferably contained in the alkanediol mixture in a ratio ranging from 95:5 to 99.9:0.1.

[0285] Preferably, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are contained in a mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the invention in a ratio of ≥95:≤5, more preferably in a ratio of ≥96:≤4; still more preferably in a ratio of ≥97:≤3, and most preferably in a ratio of ≥98:≤2.

[0286] Most importantly, the mixture of detergents and cleaning compositions according to the first aspect of the invention comprises 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio of ≥95:≤5 (including the ratios ≥95.5:≤4.5; ≥96:≤4; ≥96.5:≤3.5; ≥97:≤3; ≥97.5:2,5 and ≥98.0:≤2.0).

[0287] Even more preferably, the alkanediol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a ratio of ≥98:≤2 (including ratios ≥98.1:≤1.9; ≥98.2:≤1.8; ≥98.3:≤1.7; ≥98.4:≤1.6; ≥98.5:≤1.5; ≥98.6:≤1.4; ≥98.7:≤1.3; ≥98.8:≤1. 2; ≥98.9: ≤1.1; ≥99: ≤1.0; ≥99.1: ≤0.9; ≥99.2: ≤0.8; ≥99.3: ≤0.7; ≥99.4: ≤0.6; ≥99.5: ≤0.5; ≥99.6: ≤0.4; ≥99.7: ≤0.3; ≥99.8: ≤0.2 and ≥99.9: ≤0.1) of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol.

[0288] The first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol as defined in detail above are present in the alkanediol mixture according to the present invention in a ratio range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio range of 80:20 to 98:2, and still more preferably in a ratio range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0289] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol are preferably contained in the mixture in a ratio of 98:2 to 99.9:0.1.

[0290] In the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the first straight alkanediol and the second alkanediol are preferably contained in the alkanediol mixture in a ratio of 95:5 to 99.9:0.1.

[0291] Preferably, the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second alkanediol are contained in a mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention in a ratio of ≥95:≤5, more preferably in a ratio of ≥96:≤4; still more preferably in a ratio of ≥97:≤3, and most preferably in a ratio of ≥98:≤2.

[0292] Most importantly, the mixture of detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention comprises the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in a ratio of ≥95:≤5 (including ratios ≥95.5:≤4.5; ≥96:≤4; ≥96.5:≤3.5; ≥97:≤3; ≥97.5:2.5 and ≥98.0:≤2.0).

[0293] Even more preferably, the alkanediol mixtures of the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise a ratio of ≥98:≤2 (including the ratios ≥98.1:≤1.9; ≥98.2:≤1.8; ≥98.3:≤1.7; ≥98.4:≤1.6; ≥98.5:≤1.5; ≥98.6:≤1.4; ≥98.7:≤1.3; ≥98.8:≤1.2; ≥98.9:≤1.1; ≥99:≤1.0; ≥99.1:≤0.9; ≥99.2:≤0.8; ≥99.3:≤0.7; ≥99.4:≤0.6; ≥99.5:≤0.5; ≥99.6:≤0.4; ≥99.7:≤0.3; ≥99.8:≤0.2 and ≥99.9:≤0.1) of the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second alkanediol.

[0294] Alternatively, the ratio range of the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol is exchanged so that the second alkanediol is a major component and the first alkanediol is a minor component.

[0295] In an advantageous variant according to the invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises as the first linear alkanediol a 1,2-alkanediol such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, still more preferably in a ratio in the range of 90:10 to 95:5. , 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol and as the second linear alkanediol the corresponding 2,3-alkanediol such as 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0296] In another advantageous variant according to the invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises as the first linear alkanediol a 1,2-alkanediol such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol or 1,2-decanediol and as the second linear alkanediol the corresponding 2,3-alkanediol such as 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol or 2,3-decanediol in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, still more preferably in a ratio in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0297] Likewise, for the alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first straight alkanediol: the second alkanediol or the ratio range as described above also applies.

[0298] In another variant, according to the present invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises as the first linear alkanediol a 2,3-alkanediol such as 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-pent ...heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, alcohol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol or 2,3-tetradecanediol and as the second linear alkanediol the corresponding 1,2-alkanediol such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0299] In another variant, according to the invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises as the first linear alkanediol a 2,3-alkanediol such as 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol or 2,3-decanediol and as the second linear alkanediol the corresponding 1,2-alkanediol such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol or 1,2-decanediol in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, still more preferably in a ratio in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0300] Likewise, for the alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first straight alkanediol: the second alkanediol or the ratio range as described above also applies.

[0301] In a more advantageous variant according to the invention, in an alkanediol mixture comprising a combination of a 1,2-alkanediol as the first linear alkanediol and a corresponding 2,3-alkanediol as the second linear alkanediol, such as 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol, or 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol, or 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol, or 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol, or 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol, or 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol, or 1,2-Undecanediol and 2,3-Undecanediol, or 1,2-Dodecanediol and 2,3-Dodecanediol, or 1,2-Tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol, or In 1,2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol, The first linear alkane diol and the second linear alkane diol are present in a ratio range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio range of 80:20 to 98:2, or still more preferably in a ratio range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0302] Likewise, for the alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first straight alkanediol: the second alkanediol or the ratio range as described above also applies.

[0303] A preferred variant according to the invention also encompasses mixtures comprising 1,2-hexanediol as the first linear alkanediol and 1,2-octanediol as the second linear alkanediol in a ratio ranging from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio ranging from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio ranging from 80:20 to 98:2 or still more preferably in a ratio ranging from 90:10 to 95:5.

[0304] Therefore, according to another preferred variant, the invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, (i) the mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol comprises 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio ranging from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio ranging from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio ranging from 80:20 to 98:2, still more preferably in a ratio of 90:10 to 95:5; or (ii) the mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols comprises the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in a ratio ranging from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio ranging from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio ranging from 80:20 to 98:2, and still more preferably in a ratio of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0305] By virtue of these mixing ratios, the abovementioned alkanediol mixtures exhibit a synergistic degreasing promotion and greasy or oily stain and / or soil removal effect compared to the corresponding individual alkanediols.

[0306] As described in US 2019 / 0241491 A1 and US 2020 / 0189995 A1, alkanediols are obtained by: synthesizing from a petrochemical fuel source or other fossil fuel source by known methods such as olefin dihydroxylation, epoxide hydrolysis or various chemical conversions, or synthesizing from a raw material of biological origin by fermentation, or synthesizing from a bio-based natural and renewable raw material such as biomass by catalytic synthesis. The alkanediols used according to the present invention include petrochemically derived alkanediols and bio-based natural and renewable raw material derived alkanediols. Preferably, the alkanediols are from a bio-based source, and are therefore bio-alkanediols.

[0307] In addition to the alkanediols specified above, the degreasing promoters of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention are (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl, or (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone, or (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin or (b V ) Tropolone, or any mixture of the above agents.

[0308] Glyceryl Caprylate (b II )

[0309] It is a natural emollient derived from glycerin and vegetable fatty acids, usually appearing as a white waxy solid. This ingredient is used in many skin care products for its emollient and moisturizing properties to help maintain the balance of moisture in the skin. In addition, caprylic acid glyceryl (b II ) are used as antimicrobial active ingredients in cosmetic preparations.

[0310] Surprisingly, it has been found that the oily, surface-active coemulsifier caprylyl is a further suitable degreasing accelerator within the meaning of the present invention.

[0311] 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP) III )

[0312] It has oxidation-inhibiting, fungicidal and bacterial growth-inhibiting properties and is therefore used to stabilize cosmetic formulations.

[0313] Surprisingly, it has been found that 4-HAP is a further suitable degreasing accelerator within the meaning of the present invention.

[0314] Ethylhexylglycerin (EHG) (b IV )

[0315] It is a relatively new cosmetic ingredient used for its surface active, dispersing, emollient, skin conditioning and antimicrobial properties. Ethylhexylglycerin (EHG or octoxyglycerin) is a glyceryl ether and a vicinal diol.

[0316] It has surprisingly been found that EHG is suitable for boosting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions within the meaning of the present invention.

[0317] Tropolone (b V )

[0318] It is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and chelating properties and is therefore used in cosmetic preparations.

[0319] It has surprisingly been found that tropolone acts as a degreasing accelerator in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions within the meaning of the present invention.

[0320] The above specified degreasing accelerator (b II )、(b III )、(b IV ) and (b V ) can be used in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions alone or in the form of a mixture of two or even more degreasing promoters.

[0321] In a particularly preferred variant, the at least one degreasing promoter (b) in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprises any of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪Include(b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl and (b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone; ▪Include(b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl and (b IV ) mixture of ethylhexylglycerin; ▪Include(b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl and (b V ) a mixture of tropones; ▪Include(b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and (b IV ) mixture of ethylhexylglycerin; ▪Include(b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and (b V ) a mixture of tropolones; and ▪Include(b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin and (b V ) A mixture of tropones.

[0322] With the described accelerator mixtures, even a synergistic degreasing accelerating effect can be observed.

[0323] Similarly, and still more preferably, the above-specified single degreasing accelerator (b II ) (b III )、(b IV ) and (b V ) or two or three degreasing accelerators (b II ) (b III )、(b IV ) and (b V ) can also be mixed with one or two alkanediol degreasing promoters (b I ) are used in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. Preferably, such mixtures contain two or even more degreasing promoters as defined herein.

[0324] In a particularly preferred variant, the at least one degreasing promoter (b) of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprises any of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪A mixture comprising: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol, and (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; ▪A mixture comprising: (b I) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol, and (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; ▪A mixture comprising: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol, and (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; ▪A mixture comprising: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol, and (b V ) Tropolone; In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise any one of the following accelerator mixtures / combinations selected from: ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-caprylyl glycol; ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-nonanediol; ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-decanediol; ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-undecanediol; ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪Include(b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪Include(b II) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-caprylyl glycol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-nonanediol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-decanediol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-undecanediol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪Include(b IV) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪Include(b IV ) a mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-octanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-nonanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-decanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-undecanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪Include(b V ) a mixture of tropolone and 1,2-tridecanediol; and ▪Include(b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0325] It has been surprisingly found that the above specified combinations are particularly effective degreasing booster mixtures which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. Furthermore, it has been found that these mixtures / combinations exhibit significant stain and / or soil removal enhancement properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions to which such degreasing boosting combinations are not added.

[0326] Surprisingly, with the described accelerator mixtures, even a synergistic degreasing accelerating effect can be observed.

[0327] Most preferably, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention comprise a mixture of a combination of a degreasing promoter comprising 1,2-alkanediol and 4-hydroxyacetophenone selected from the group consisting of: ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪Include(b III) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪Include(b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tetradecanediol; It has been found that these degreasing promotion mixtures show a significant synergistic promotion effect in the stain and / or soil removal enhancement properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Therefore, compared with detergents and cleaning compositions without the addition of such degreasing promotion combinations, such detergents and cleaning compositions show improved cleaning properties.

[0328] However, a particularly pronounced degreasing promoting effect can be observed for the following degreasing promoters: ▪1,2-Pentanediol; ▪1,2-Hexanediol; ▪1,2-Heptanediol; ▪1,2-Octanediol; ▪1,2-nonanediol; ▪1,2-Decanediol; ▪1,2-Undecanediol; ▪1,2-Dodecanediol; ▪1,2-Tridecanediol; ▪1,2-Tetradecanediol; ▪Glyceryl caprylate; ▪4-Hydroxyacetophenone; ▪Ethylhexylglycerin; Tropolone ▪A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; and ▪Contains a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol.

[0329] For the degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the list of degreasing accelerators (b1, b2, b3, b) specified herein can be combined arbitrarily with the list of degreasing agents specified herein.

[0330] In a particularly preferred advantageous variant, the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): ▪Isopropyl alcohol plus one or more of the following degreasing accelerators: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl ester; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b) V )tropolone; or ▪ Propanol plus one or more of the following degreasing accelerators: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl ester; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b) V )tropolone; or ▪Dipropylene glycol methyl ether plus one or more of the following degreasing accelerators: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl ester; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b) V )tropolone; or ▪ Propylene glycol tert-butyl ether plus one or more of the following degreasing accelerators: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl ester; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b) V )tropolone; or ▪Polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate plus one or more of the following degreasing accelerators: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl ester; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b) V )tropolone; or ▪Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) plus one or more of the following degreasing agents: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl ester; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b) V )tropolone; or ▪ Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) plus one or more of the following degreasing accelerators: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl ester; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b)V )tropolone; or ▪Potassium oleate plus one or more of the following degreasing accelerators: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) caprylic acid glyceryl ester; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b) V ) Tropolone.

[0331] Surprisingly, the above-specified combinations of reducers (a) with one degreasing accelerator (b) or a mixture of degreasing accelerators (b) produce a significant degreasing power-boosting effect in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions compared to degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions which do not contain a degreasing accelerator.

[0332] In addition to improved degreasing performance, these combinations also show significant improvement in the removal of greasy or oily stains and / or soils when used in detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0333] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-pentanediol; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-hexanediol; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-heptanediol; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-octanediol; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus caprylic glyceryl; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus ethylhexylglycerin; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus tropolone; or ▪ isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus a mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; or ▪ isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus a mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus a mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol.

[0334] In another preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-nonanediol; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-decanediol; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-undecanediol; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-dodecanediol; or ▪ Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-tridecanediol; or ▪Isopropyl alcohol and / or propylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol methyl ether and / or propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and / or polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and / or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) and / or potassium oleate plus 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0335] It has been found that the aforementioned combination results in excellent degreasing boosting properties in detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0336] Therefore, the combination comprising a degreasing agent and a degreasing accelerator not only has a significant degreasing promoting effect, but is also beneficial in laundry detergents, detergents for hand washing and automatic dishwashing, hard surface cleaners, cleaners for medical and dental instruments, stain removers, etc., because they exhibit enhanced grease or oily stain and / or dirt removal activity compared to detergents and cleaning compositions to which the degreasing accelerator is not added, resulting in improved cleaning performance upon application.

[0337] Surfactant / component (c1, c2, c3, c) The detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one surfactant. (c1, c2, c3, c).

[0338] Surfactants are added for a variety of reasons, primarily for their detergency and surface active properties. They remove soil from clothes and surfaces during the washing and cleaning process and keep the soil suspended in the wash solution. Some surfactants perform other functions such as foam suppression.

[0339] The detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may comprise any kind of surfactant, ie anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants and any mixtures thereof.

[0340] Suitable surfactants which may be incorporated into the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention are: Anionic surfactants Anionic surfactants suitable for use in detergents and cleaning compositions of the present invention may include any conventional anionic surfactants. Typical examples of anionic surfactants include: •C10 to C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; •C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates; • C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles of ethylene oxide; •C10 to C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates; • C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 1 to 10 mol of ethylene oxide; and any mixtures thereof.

[0341] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the anionic surfactants are selected from: •C10 to C13 alkylbenzene sulfonates; •C12 to C15 alkyl sulfates; • C12 to C14 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles of ethylene oxide; •C12 to C16 alpha-olefin sulfonates; • C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 3 to 10 mol of ethylene oxide; and any mixtures thereof.

[0342] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the anionic surfactants are selected from: • Dodecylbenzene sulfonate; •Lauryl sulfate; • Lauryl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide; •C12 to C14 alpha-olefin sulfonates; • C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 9 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide; and any mixtures thereof.

[0343] For laundry detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from dodecylbenzene sulfonate, dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0344] For hand dishwashing detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from lauryl sulfate, lauryl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0345] For hard surface cleaning detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from lauryl sulfate, lauryl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0346] Cationic surfactants Cationic surfactants suitable for use in detergents and cleaning compositions of the present invention may include any conventional cationic surfactants. Typical examples of cationic surfactants include: •Quaternary C8 to C18 alkylethanolamines; •Quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds; • C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium methyl sulfate; and any mixtures thereof.

[0347] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the cationic surfactants are selected from: •Quaternary C12 to C18 alkylethanolamines; •Quaternary C12 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds; • C12 to C18 alkyl ammonium methyl sulfate; and any mixtures thereof.

[0348] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the cationic surfactants are selected from: •Quaternary C16 to C18 alkylethanolamines; •Quaternary C16 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds; • C14 to C18 alkyl ammonium methyl sulfate; and any mixtures thereof.

[0349] For hard surface cleaning detergents, the cationic surfactant is most preferably selected from quaternary C16 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds and any mixtures thereof.

[0350] For fabric softeners, the cationic surfactant is most preferably selected from C14-C18 alkyl ammonium methyl sulfates and any mixtures thereof.

[0351] Nonionic surfactants The nonionic surfactants suitable for use in the detergent and cleaning compositions of the present invention may include any conventional nonionic surfactants. Typical examples of nonionic surfactants include: • C6 to C18 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide; • Alkoxylated C6 to C18 fatty alcohols such as C6 to C18 fatty alcohol ethoxylated with 1 to 25 mol of ethylene oxide, C6 to C18 fatty alcohol propoxylated with 1 to 15 mol of propylene oxide, C6 to C18 fatty alcohol butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of butylene oxide, and combinations thereof; •C6 to C18 sophorolipids; •C6 to C18 rhamnolipids; •C5 to C18 alkyl polyglycosides; •C6 to C18 alkanolamides; • C6 to C18 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixtures thereof.

[0352] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the nonionic surfactants are selected from: • C8 to C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide; • Alkoxylated C8 to C15 fatty alcohols such as C8 to C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide; C8 to C15 fatty alcohol propoxylated with 1 to 15 mol of propylene oxide, C8 to C15 fatty alcohol butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of butylene oxide, and combinations thereof; •C8 to C18 sophorolipids; •C8 to C18 rhamnolipids; •C7 to C15 alkyl polyglycosides; •C8 to C15 alkanolamides; • C8 to C15 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixtures thereof.

[0353] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the nonionic surfactant is selected from: •C10 to C18 sophorolipids; •C10 to C18 rhamnolipids; •C8 to C14 alkyl polyglycosides; • Cocamide DEA / MEA; • C10 to C14 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixtures thereof.

[0354] In a still more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the nonionic surfactant is selected from: •C10 to C18 sophorolipids; •C10 to C18 rhamnolipids; •C8 to C14 alkyl polyglycosides; and any mixtures thereof.

[0355] The nonionic surfactants in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention are distinct from degreasing agents as defined herein.

[0356] The nonionic detergents are particularly useful in preparing "green" detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0357] For laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and hard surface cleaning detergents, the nonionic surfactant is most preferably selected from C10 to C18 sophorolipids, C10 to C18 rhamnolipids, C8 to C14 alkyl polyglycosides and any mixtures thereof.

[0358] In another preferred variation, for laundry detergents, the nonionic surfactant is selected from C12 to C14 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 7 moles of ethylene oxide, C13 to C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 7 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0359] In another preferred variation, for hard surface cleaning, such as a degreaser, the nonionic surfactant is selected from: C9 to C11 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide, C10 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0360] In another preferred variant, for automatic dishwashing, the nonionic surfactant is chosen from C12 to C14 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 5 mol of ethylene oxide and / or propoxylated with 4 mol of propylene oxide.

[0361] Amphoteric / Zwitterionic Surfactants Suitable amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants for use in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may include any conventional amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants. Typical examples of amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants include: •C10 to C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxides; •C10 to C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxides; • C10 to C18 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; • C10 to C18 alkyl betaine; • C10 to C18 alkyl amido betaine; •C10 to C18 sulfobetaines; and any mixtures of the above surfactants.

[0362] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants are selected from: •C10 to C15 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxides; •C10 to C15 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxides; • C10 to C15 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; • C10 to C15 alkyl betaine; • C10 to C15 alkyl amido betaine; •C10 to C15 sulfobetaines; and any mixtures of the above surfactants.

[0363] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants are selected from: •C12 to C14 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxides; •C12 to C14 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxides; • C12 to C14 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; • C12 to C14 alkyl betaine; • C12 to C14 alkyl amido betaine; •C12 to C14 sulfobetaines; and any mixtures of the above surfactants.

[0364] For hand dishwashing detergents, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant is most preferably selected from C12 to C14 alkyl betaines and any mixtures thereof.

[0365] The above specified surfactants can be used individually or in mixtures of two, three or even more surfactants from the same surfactant class (anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric / zwitterionic) or as mixtures of surfactants from different surfactant classes.

[0366] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise one anionic surfactant or a mixture of two or even more anionic surfactants selected from: •C10 to C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; •C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates; • C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles of ethylene oxide; •C10 to C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates; • C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide; and • Preferred variants thereof as specified above.

[0367] In a still more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise one nonionic surfactant or a mixture of two or even more nonionic surfactants selected from: • C8 to C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide; • Alkoxylated C8 to C15 fatty alcohols such as C8 to C15 fatty alcohol ethoxylated with 1 to 25 mol of ethylene oxide, C8 to C15 fatty alcohol propoxylated with 1 to 15 mol of propylene oxide, C8 to C15 fatty alcohol butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of butylene oxide, and combinations thereof; •C8 to C18 sophorolipids; •C8 to C18 rhamnolipids; •C7 to C15 alkyl polyglycosides; •C8 to C15 alkanolamides; • C8 to C15 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and • Preferred variants thereof as specified above.

[0368] In a most preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise a combined mixture of one or even more anionic surfactants and one or even more nonionic surfactants as specified herein, i.e. a combination of one or more anionic surfactants and one or more nonionic surfactants.

[0369] The above numerical ranges listed for the number of C atoms of the surfactant given in the form of "Cx to Cy" include the values ​​defining the range and include each integer within the defined range, and the range of C10 to C18 includes C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17 and C18. For example, the term "C10 to C18 alkyl" includes decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl. Similarly, the term "C12 to C14 alkyl" includes dodecyl, tridecyl and tetradecyl. For example, the term "C6 to C18 fatty alcohol" includes fatty alcohols having a carbon chain containing 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms. Similarly, the term "C6 to C18 rhamnolipid" includes structures comprising rhamnolipid and a carbon chain having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 carbon atoms.

[0370] Enzymes or enzyme preparations / components (d1, d2, d3, d) The detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention optionally comprise at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme as a component (d1, d2, d3, d). The enzyme or enzyme mixture provides cleaning performance by removing stains and / or soils and / or provides fabric care benefits.

[0371] Known enzyme is an effective chemical used with detergent and other cleaning agents to decompose dirt. Enzyme can decompose dirt, make the solubility of dirt stronger, and enable surfactant to remove dirt from the surface to provide enhanced substrate cleaning. Specifically, enzyme can provide for removing from substrate, for example, protein-based stains, carbohydrate-based stains or triglyceride-based stains. In addition, enzyme also helps to improve the washing result at lower temperatures. Therefore, enzyme has been used in various cleaning applications to digest or degrade dirt, such as grease, oil (for example vegetable oil or animal fat), protein, carbohydrate, etc. For example, enzyme can be used as a component of the composition for clothing, textiles, warewashing, in-situ cleaning, cleaning drains, floors, carpets, medical or dental equipment, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, personal care, etc. Add.

[0372] Enzymes suitable for use in detergents and cleaning compositions can act by degrading or modifying one or more types of soil residues encountered on an apparatus or device, thereby removing the soil or making the soil more removable by a surfactant or other component of the cleaning composition. Both the degradation and modification of the soil residue can improve detergency by reducing the physicochemical forces that bind the soil to the apparatus or device being cleaned, such as making the soil more soluble in water. For example, one or more proteases can cut the complex macromolecular protein structures present in the soil residue into simpler short-chain molecules, which themselves are more easily desorbed, dissolved, or otherwise more easily removed by a decontamination solution containing the protease.

[0373] The detergent enzyme according to the present invention has cleaning, stain removal, soil removal or other beneficial effects as a component of detergents and cleaning compositions for instruments, devices or equipment (such as medical or dental instruments, devices or equipment); or for clothing, textiles, dishwashing, cleaning in place, drains, carpets, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, personal care, etc.

[0374] Enzymes useful in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention include enzymes that provide the following desired activities: removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or lipid-based (fat-based or oil-based) stains and / or soils from substrates; cleaning, stain removal and disinfection pre-soaks, such as pre-soaks, for medical and dental instruments, devices and equipment; pre-soaks for flatware, cooking utensils and tableware; or pre-soaks for meat cutting equipment; machine warewashing; clothing and textile cleaning and stain removal; carpet cleaning and stain removal; cleaning in place (CIP) and stain removal in place; cleaning and stain removal of food processing surfaces and equipment; drain cleaning; pre-soaks for cleaning; and the like.

[0375] Suitable enzymes for use according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconidases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNases and / or RNases), phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, melanases, ß-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases and any mixtures thereof.

[0376] More preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention are selected from proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, pectate lyases and any mixtures thereof.

[0377] The enzymes used according to the invention are of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal or yeast origin.

[0378] Protease: Any protease or mixture of proteases from any source may be used in detergent and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, the protease may be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as yeast, mold, or bacteria. Preferred proteases include, but are not limited to, proteases derived from Bacillus subtilis ( Bacillus subtilis ), Bacillus licheniformis ( Bacillus licheniformis ) and Streptomyces griseus ( Streptomyces griseus ). Proteases derived from Bacillus subtilis are most preferred. Proteases may be purified or a component of a microbial extract and may be wild-type or variants (chemical or recombinant). Exemplary proteases are commercially available under the following trade names: Alcalase, ® 、Blaze ® 、Savinase ® , Esperase ® 、Progress UNO ™ 、Liquanase ® and Pristine ® ; and Preferenz purchased from DUPONT / IFF ® P and Excellenz ® P.

[0379] Amylase:Any amylase or mixture of amylases from any source can be used in detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, the amylase can be derived from plants, animals or microorganisms such as yeast, mold or bacteria. Preferred amylases include, but are not limited to, those derived from Bacillus such as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. amyloliquefaciens ), Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus stearothermophilus ( B. stearothermophilus ). Amylases derived from Bacillus subtilis are most preferred. Amylases may be purified or a component of a microbial extract and may be wild-type or variants (chemical or recombinant variants). Preferred amylases are commercially available under the following trade names: Stainzyme, each available from Novozymes ® and Amplify ® ; and Preferenz purchased from DUPONT / IFF ® S.

[0380] Lipase: Any lipase or mixture of lipases from any source may be used in detergent and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, the lipase may be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. Preferred proteases include, but are not limited to, proteases derived from Pseudomonas, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri. Pseudomonas stutzeri ) ATCC 19.154 or from Humicola such as Humicola lanuginosus ( Humicola lanuginosa ) (usually in Aspergillus oryzae ( Aspergillus oryzae The lipase may be purified or a component of a microbial extract and may be wild-type or a variant (chemical or recombinant variant). Preferred lipases are commercially available under the following trade names: Lipex® available from Novozymes ® and Preferenz available from DUPONT / IFF ® L.

[0381] Cellulase: Any cellulase or mixture of cellulases from any source may be used in detergent and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, the cellulase may be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. Preferred cellulases include, but are not limited to, cellulases derived from Humicola insolens ( Humicola insolens) Humicola strain DSM1800 or cellulase-producing fungi belonging to the genus Aeromonas (Aeromonas), and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of the marine mollusk Dolabella Auricula Solander. The cellulase may be purified or a component of a microbial extract and may be wild-type or a variant (chemical or recombinant variant). Preferred cellulases are commercially available under the following trade names: Celluclean, each available from Novozymes ® and Carezyme ® ; and Revitalenz purchased from DUPONT / IFF ® .

[0382] Preferred enzyme selection depends on the conditions of the final application (including physical product form, use pH, use temperature and soil type to be degraded or altered), and is influenced by factors such as pH activity and / or optimal stability, thermal stability and stability to active detergents, builders, etc. Enzymes can be selected to provide optimal activity and stability for any given set of application conditions. In this regard, bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred.

[0383] Proteases, amylases and lipases are the most commonly used enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions. Proteases are particularly useful for cleaning protein-containing soils, such as eggs, milk, meat residue, etc. Amylases are particularly useful for removing starch-based soils, such as pasta and rice. Lipases are particularly useful for cleaning soils containing fats / greases.

[0384] As will be determined by one skilled in the art, enzymes are designed to work on specific types of soils. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a dishwashing application may use a protease because it is effective at the high temperatures of a dishwashing machine and can effectively reduce protein-based soils. Proteases are particularly useful for cleaning protein-containing soils such as blood, skin scales, mucus, grass, food (e.g., eggs, milk, spinach, meat scraps, tomato sauce), and the like.

[0385] According to the present invention, the detergents and cleaning compositions containing enzymes can vary based on the specific cleaning application and the type of soil that needs to be cleaned. For example, the temperature of the specific cleaning application will affect the enzyme selected for use in the enzyme composition according to the present invention. For warewashing applications, for example, cleaning substrates at temperatures exceeding about 60°C or exceeding about 70°C or between about 65°C and 80°C, enzymes such as proteases are desirable because they can maintain enzymatic performance at such elevated temperatures. For laundry washing applications, for example, cleaning clothes at temperatures exceeding about 40°C or exceeding about 50°C or between about 65°C and 90°C, enzymes such as proteases are desirable because they can maintain enzymatic performance at such elevated temperatures.

[0386] Preferably, the at least one enzyme is selected from proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, gluconidases, peroxidases or mixtures thereof.

[0387] In some variations, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions is a protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, gluconidase, peroxidase, mannanase, or any mixture thereof.

[0388] Preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are a mixture of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases and / or pectate lyases.

[0389] Preferred detersive enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions include hydrolases such as proteases, amylases, lipases or combinations thereof.

[0390] Preferably, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, peroxidase, gluconidase or any mixture thereof.

[0391] In a further preferred variation, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions disclosed herein is a protease, an amylase, a lipase or any mixture thereof.

[0392] Still more preferably, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions is a protease, an amylase or a mixture thereof.

[0393] Still more preferably, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions is a protease, a lipase or a mixture thereof.

[0394] More preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are selected from amylases, lipases or mixtures thereof.

[0395] In some other embodiments, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are proteases.

[0396] In yet other embodiments, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions is an amylase.

[0397] In yet other variations, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions is a lipase.

[0398] In yet other variations, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions is a cellulase.

[0399] Preferred enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for cleaning medical or dental devices or instruments include proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases or combinations thereof.

[0400] Preferred enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for food processing surfaces and equipment include proteases, lipases, amylases, gluconidases or combinations thereof.

[0401] Preferred enzymes in detergents and compositions according to the present invention for use on laundry or textiles include proteases, cellulases, lipases, peroxidases or combinations thereof.

[0402] Preferred enzymes in detergents and compositions for carpets include proteases, amylases or combinations thereof.

[0403] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for meat cutting tools include proteases, lipases or combinations thereof.

[0404] Preferred enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for hard surfaces include proteases, amylases, lipases or combinations thereof.

[0405] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for drains include proteases, amylases, lipases or combinations thereof.

[0406] For stain removers, the enzyme is preferably selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, mannanases, pectate lyases and any mixtures thereof.

[0407] For fabric softeners, the enzymes are preferably selected from cellulases.

[0408] To increase the bleaching effect, oxidoreductases are optionally added to the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention.

[0409] The oxidoreductase is selected from the group consisting of oxidases; oxygenases; catalases; peroxidases such as halo-, chloro-, bromo-, lignin-, glucose- or manganese-peroxidases; dioxygenases or laccases such as phenol oxidases and polyphenol oxidases; and any mixtures thereof.

[0410] Commercial enzymes are available in liquid or dry form (i.e., discs, powders, etc.), sold as raw aqueous solutions or in various purified, processed, and compounded forms identified in the art, and contain from about 0.1% to about 80% by weight of active enzymes, typically in combination with stabilizers, buffers, cofactors, impurities, and inert vehicles. The actual active enzyme content depends on the method of preparation and is not critical; provided that the detergent and cleaning compositions have the desired enzymatic properties.

[0411] This includes, for example, solid enzyme preparations obtained by granulation, extrusion or freeze-drying, or, particularly in the case of liquid or gel-like reagents, including advantageously concentrated as much as possible, low water content and / or the solution of the enzyme adding a stabilizer. Alternatively, for example, by spraying or extruding the enzyme solution with a preferred natural polymer, the enzyme can be packaged as both solid and liquid application forms, or encapsulated as capsule form, for example, wherein the enzyme is encapsulated in a form such as in a solidified gel, or encapsulated as a core-shell form, wherein the enzyme-containing core is coated with a protective layer of watertight, air and / or chemicals. In addition, other active substances, such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, pigments, bleaching agents or dyes can be applied in the form of superimposed layers. Such capsules are used, for example, by vibration or rolling granulation, or in a fluidized bed process, using methods known per se. Advantageously, such particles are, for example, low dust due to the application of polymer film formers, and are storage-stable due to coating. In addition, two or more enzymes can be packaged together so that a single particle exhibits a variety of enzyme activities.

[0412] In a preferred variant according to the invention, the enzyme added to the detergent and cleaning composition is a single enzyme.

[0413] In some other variants, the enzyme added to the detergent and cleaning composition is preferably an enzyme mixture of two, three, four or even more different enzymes. Typically, for laundry detergents, the enzyme mixture contains two (preferably proteases and amylases) to six enzymes.

[0414] In a more preferred variant, at least one enzyme is added to the detergent composition according to the invention as an enzyme preparation comprising an enzyme or a mixture of different enzymes in admixture with one or more stabilizers, preferably with one or more enzyme stabilizers, and optionally buffers, additives and the like.

[0415] Preferably, enzyme stabilizers are added to enzyme preparations to stabilize enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions to avoid performance loss (ie, retain enzyme activity or enzyme retention). The enzyme is stabilized by the enzyme stabilizer by physical protection via a protective layer.

[0416] Enzyme preparations may vary based upon the specific enzyme used.

[0417] At least one enzyme (d) used herein is stabilized by the presence of water-soluble sources of calcium and / or magnesium ions in the finished detergent, which provide such ions to the enzyme. Calcium ions are generally slightly more effective than magnesium ions, and if only one type of cation is used, it is preferred in this article. Typical detergents (especially liquids) contain 1 to 30 millimoles, preferably 2 to 20 millimoles, more preferably 5 to 15 millimoles, and most preferably 8 to 12 millimoles of calcium ions per liter of finished composition.

[0418] It should be understood that the above levels of calcium and / or magnesium ions are sufficient to provide enzyme stability. More calcium and / or magnesium ions can be added to the composition to provide an additional measure of grease removal performance. Therefore, as a general suggestion, the composition herein typically contains 0.01% by weight to 2% by weight of a water-soluble source of calcium ions or magnesium ions or both. Of course, this amount can vary with the amount and type of enzyme used in the composition.

[0419] Additional enzyme stability may be provided by the presence of various other stabilizers disclosed in the art, particularly borate materials.

[0420] One group of stabilizers is a reversible protease inhibitor. Benzamidine hydrochloride, borax, boric acid, borates or their salts or esters (especially including derivatives with aromatic groups) are commonly used for this purpose. Usually, the amount of such enzyme stabilizers in the composition is 0.05% to 5%, more preferably 0.075% to 3% (calculated based on boric acid) by weight of boric acid or other borate compounds that can form boric acid in the composition. Boric acid is preferred, but other compounds such as boric oxide, borax and other alkali metal borates (such as sodium orthoborate, sodium metaborate and sodium pyroborate and sodium pentaborate) are also suitable. Substituted boric acids (such as phenylboric acid, butaneboric acid and p-bromophenylboric acid) can also be used instead of boric acid.

[0421] In addition, peptide aldehydes, i.e. oligopeptides with a reduced C-terminus, in particular oligopeptides of 2 to 50 monomers, or bisulfite adducts thereof are used for this purpose. Peptide reversible protease inhibitors include, but are not limited to, ovomucoid and leupeptin. Specific reversible peptide inhibitors and specific peptide inhibitors for the protease subtilisin and fusion proteins from proteases are also suitable for this purpose.

[0422] Other enzyme stabilizers are amino alcohols such as mono-, di-, tri-ethanolamine and propanolamine and mixtures thereof, aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12 such as succinic acid, other dicarboxylic acids or salts of said acids.

[0423] End-capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates are also suitable for this purpose.

[0424] Preferably, the enzyme stabilizer in the enzyme preparation is selected from: polyols, such as glycols (such as monopropylene glycol), glycerol, mannitol, isomalt, lactic acid, sorbitol, xylitol, threitol, erythritol, arabitol; amino alcohols, such as mono-, di-, tri-ethanolamine and propanolamine; aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12, such as succinic acid and its salts; dicarboxylic acids and their salts; blocked fatty acid amide alkoxylates; salts, preferably calcium and magnesium salts, such as calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate; reversible enzyme inhibitors, such as borate-containing compositions such as 4-FBPA, boron-free inhibitors such as disubstituted alaninamide, sodium formate; and any mixtures thereof.

[0425] The enzyme stabilizer or the enzyme preparation comprising the enzyme stabilizer is added to the degreasing detergent and the cleaning composition in such an amount that the enzyme stabilizer is present in the degreasing detergent and the cleaning composition in an amount of 0.0001% by weight to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the detergent and the cleaning composition. Preferably, the enzyme stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.001% by weight to 4% by weight based on the total weight of the degreasing detergent and the cleaning composition. More preferably, the degreasing detergent and the cleaning composition comprise an enzyme stabilizer in an amount of 0.01% by weight to 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0426] Alternatively, and still more preferably, a mixture of at least one enzyme with 1,2-heptanediol and / or 2,3-heptanediol or a specific type of degreasing accelerator (b) (such as an alkanediol with a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, caprylic acid glyceride, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing accelerators as specified herein) and optional buffers, additives, etc. is added as an enzyme preparation to the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention.

[0427] In another preferred variant, a mixture of at least one enzyme with an enzyme stabilizer and with 1,2-heptanediol and / or 2,3-heptanediol or a specific type of degreasing accelerator (b) (such as an alkanediol with a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing accelerators as specified herein) and optionally a buffer etc. is added as an enzyme preparation to the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention.

[0428] Surprisingly, the results show that in such formulations, the addition of 1,2-heptanediol and / or 2,3-heptanediol or a specific type of degreasing promoter (b) (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing promoters) enhances or promotes the enzyme stabilizing effect of the enzyme stabilizers as specified above in such mixtures.

[0429] Unexpectedly, the combination of 1,2-heptanediol and / or 2,3-heptanediol or a specific type of degreasing promoter (b) (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing promoters) with an enzyme stabilizer produces an enhanced enzyme stabilization effect in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions compared to the use of a single enzyme stabilizer without such a degreasing promoter.

[0430] For the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the list of degreasing promoters (b1, b2, b3, b) specified herein can be combined arbitrarily with the list of enzyme stabilizers.

[0431] When one of the following degreasing accelerators is used in combination with one or more of the above-specified enzyme stabilizers, a significant enzyme stabilization enhancing effect is observed: ▪1,2-Pentanediol; ▪1,2-Hexanediol; ▪1,2-Heptanediol; ▪1,2-Octanediol; ▪1,2-nonanediol; ▪1,2-Decanediol; ▪1,2-Undecanediol; ▪1,2-Dodecanediol; ▪1,2-Tridecanediol; ▪1,2-Tetradecanediol; ▪Glyceryl caprylate; ▪4-Hydroxyacetophenone; ▪Ethylhexylglycerin; Tropolone ▪A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; ▪ A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; and ▪Contains a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol.

[0432] Optional other components In the context of the present invention, it is also possible and advantageous in some cases, depending on the purpose of the composition, to combine detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention with other active substances and / or additives to obtain ready-to-use compositions or preparations. Active ingredients provide desired properties and functions to detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. The term "functional ingredient" or "functional additive" includes ingredients that provide beneficial properties in a specific application. Some specific examples of functional ingredients are discussed in more detail below. However, various other functional ingredients may also be used.

[0433] Detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may contain any ingredients normally present in such compositions, such as, for example, organic solvents, builders and additional adjuvants such as soil preventers, thickeners, colorants and perfumes and the like.

[0434] Preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention can be advantageously combined with or varied with at least one active substance and / or at least one (functional) additive such as: solvents, builders, bleaches, detergents, dispersants, foam inhibitors, sequestrants, chelating agents, anti-redeposition agents, dye transfer inhibitors / color protection agents, dye scavengers, dyes, graying inhibitors, optical brighteners, UV absorbers, thickeners or rheology modifiers, hydrotropes, solubility modifiers, pH regulators, buffers, solvents, antistatic agents, anti-wrinkle agents, antimicrobial agents, odor removers / odor capture agents, UV protection agents, fragrances, sanitizers, disinfectants, water repellents, insect repellents, anti-pilling agents, acidulants, mildew removers, antiallergic agents and any mixtures thereof.

[0435] Detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention may also include one or more antimicrobial agents.

[0436] In the context of the present invention, the term "antimicrobial component" refers to a group of substances, in particular agents that kill microorganisms (such as bacteria, yeasts and / or fungi) or prevent or inhibit their growth, thereby preventing the product from being contaminated by microorganisms. Without the addition of such agents, the product deteriorates, which can be manifested by odor changes, discoloration, mold growth, gas formation, emulsion separation or viscosity changes, making the product unacceptable to consumers.

[0437] Suitable antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, antimicrobial classes such as phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanolamines, nitro derivatives, anilides, organic sulfur and sulfur-nitrogen compounds and various compounds. Exemplary phenolic agents include pentachlorophenol, o-phenylphenol, phenoxyethanol. Exemplary quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agents include benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, amine- and nitro-antimicrobial compositions such as hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, dithiocarbamates such as sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate and various other materials with antimicrobial properties known in the art. Other exemplary antimicrobial agents include glutaraldehyde, bromo-nitropropanediol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol), silver and isothiazolinones such as methylisothiazolinone, lauroyl arginine ethyl ester HCl (known under the trade name Neolone ™ sold), sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol or methyl benzyl alcohol.

[0438] In a preferred variant according to the invention, the detergent and cleaning composition is further combined with benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol and any mixture thereof. Said substances have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and are added to detergent compositions to inhibit microbial spoilage and thus for stabilization purposes.

[0439] In particular, antimicrobial agents are added to liquid detergents due to their high water content, which renders such compositions susceptible to combating microbial infestation and growth.

[0440] If included in the detergent and cleaning compositions of the present invention, the amount of antimicrobial agents is preferably from about 0.001% to about 5% by weight.

[0441] Typically, at least one degreasing agent is present in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, especially degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions, in an amount of 0.1% to 40.0% by weight, based on the gross weight of the composition. In a preferred variant, detergents and cleaning compositions comprise a degreasing agent (a) in an amount of 0.25% to 30.0% by weight, more preferably 0.5% to 20.0% by weight. Most preferably, a degreasing agent is included in a detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention in an amount of 1.0% to 10.0% by weight, based on the gross weight of the composition.

[0442] Based on the gross weight of the composition, 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol according to the first aspect of the present invention is present in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.001% by weight to 15.0% by weight. In a preferred variant, based on the gross weight of the composition, detergents and cleaning compositions comprise 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in an amount of 0.01% by weight to 10.0% by weight. In a more preferred variant, based on the gross weight of the composition, 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol is advantageously used in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.1% by weight to 5.0% by weight. In a still more preferred variant, 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol is advantageously used in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.3% to 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a most preferred variant, 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol is advantageously used in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.5% to 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0443] For the heptanediol mixture (b3), the above amount relates to the total content of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in the mixture, ie the amount is the sum of the contents of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in the mixture.

[0444] Based on the gross weight of the composition, at least one degreasing accelerator (b) according to the present invention is present in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.001 wt % to 15.0 wt %. In a preferred variant, based on the gross weight of the composition, detergents and cleaning compositions comprise at least one degreasing accelerator (b) in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 10.0 wt %. In a more preferred variant, based on the gross weight of the composition, at least one degreasing accelerator (b) is advantageously used in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 5.0 wt %. In an even more preferred variant, based on the gross weight of the composition, at least one degreasing accelerator (b) is advantageously used in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.3 wt % to 3.0 wt %. In a most preferred variant, based on the gross weight of the composition, at least one degreasing accelerator (b) is advantageously used in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.5 wt % to 1.0 wt %.

[0445] For an alkane mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol and one or more second linear alkane diols, the above amounts relate to the total content of the first linear alkane diol and the second linear alkane diol in the mixture, i.e. the amount is the sum of the contents of the first linear alkane diol and the second linear alkane diol in the mixture.

[0446] In particularly preferred variants according to the first aspect of the invention, the detergent and cleaning compositions comprise 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol in a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 10.0 wt.-%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 0.3 to 3.0 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.5 to 1.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0447] Even more preferably, the detergent and cleaning compositions comprise 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol in a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in an amount of 0.001 to 0.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.005 to 0.1 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.01 to 0.075 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition or household care product.

[0448] In a particularly preferred variant according to the invention, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises 2,3-alkanediol as linear alkanediol or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 10.0 wt.-%, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0 wt.-%, still more preferably 0.3 to 3.0 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.5 to 1.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition or home care product.

[0449] Even more preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises 2,3-alkanediol as linear alkanediol or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols in an amount of 0.001 wt.-% to 0.5 wt.-%, preferably in an amount of 0.005 wt.-% to 0.1 wt.-%, and most preferably in an amount of 0.01 wt.-% to 0.075 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition or home care product.

[0450] Typically, at least one surfactant is present in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention in an amount of 0.001% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.001% to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise a surfactant in an amount of 0.01% to 50% by weight and most preferably in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0451] In contrast, the light-duty composition according to the invention comprises at least one surfactant in an amount of 0.001% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.005% to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The dish cleaning and / or rinsing composition according to the invention comprises a surfactant in an amount of 0.01% to 25% by weight and preferably in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0452] Enzymes are usually incorporated into detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present disclosure in an amount sufficient to produce effective cleaning during the washing process. The amount effectively cleaning refers to the amount that produces a clean, sanitary and preferably non-corrosive appearance to the cleaned material, particularly to a medical or dental device or apparatus. The amount effectively cleaning can also refer to the amount that produces cleaning, stain removal, dirt removal, whitening and deodorization or freshening improvement effects on substrates such as medical or dental devices or apparatus. This cleaning effect can be achieved with an enzyme amount as low as about 0.02% by weight of the detergent and cleaning composition.

[0453] In the detergents and cleaning compositions of the present disclosure, suitable cleaning is generally achieved when the enzyme is present at about 0.0001% to about 35% by weight; preferably about 2% to about 15% by weight; preferably about 3% to about 10% by weight; preferably about 4% to about 8% by weight; preferably about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7% or about 8% by weight. Higher enzyme levels are generally required in highly concentrated cleaning formulations.

[0454] Based on the gross weight of the composition, the enzyme is present in the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention in an amount of 0.0001 wt % to 5 wt %. Preferably, based on the gross weight of the composition, the enzyme is present in an amount of 0.0001 wt % to 4 wt %. More preferably, based on the gross weight of the composition, the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprise an enzyme in an amount of 0.001 wt % to 3 wt %. Most preferably, based on the gross weight of the composition, the enzyme is present in the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 2 wt %.

[0455] Typically, the enzyme is present in the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention in an amount of 0.05 to 2.0 wt %. Typically, proteases and amylases are used in detergents and cleaning compositions in higher concentrations, i.e., the amount of proteases is 0.4 to 1.5 wt % and the amount of amylases is 0.05 to 0.6 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0456] For enzyme mixtures, the above amounts relate to the total enzyme content in the mixture, ie the amount is the sum of the contents of all enzymes in the mixture.

[0457] Surprisingly, it was found that the detergents and cleaning compositions of the present disclosure have superior cleaning performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without the addition of the degreasing promoter of the present invention.

[0458] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or a specific type of degreasing promoter (such as an alkanediol as defined herein, such as glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol or tropolone as defined herein) to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a combination of a degreasing agent and a surfactant has a positive effect, i.e. they enhance the degreasing power of the degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions. These detergents and cleaning compositions show excellent degreasing performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such a degreasing promoter.

[0459] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or a specific type of degreasing promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined herein, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol or tropolone) to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a combination of a degreasing agent and a surfactant also improves the removal of greasy or oily stains and / or soils.

[0460] In particular, 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms show remarkable oily stain and / or dirt removal performance. The longer the carbon chain of the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the degreasing power, as demonstrated in the following examples.

[0461] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the alkanediols on one hand reduce the surface tension so that degreasing detergents and cleaning formulations will be more effective. On the other hand, the alkanediols can act as solvents / solubilizers to better dissolve grease or oily soils. Both of these effects result in improved removal of grease or oily stains and / or soils.

[0462] Surprisingly, it has also been found that detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a degreasing agent (a), a degreasing accelerator (b) and a surfactant (c) are very effective on a wide range of greasy or greasy type stains and / or soils such as greasy or oily stains, greasy or oily soils, mayonnaise, frying fat, tallow, lard, waste motor oil, lanolin, lipstick, mineral oil, etc. In particular, contaminants arising from waste motor oil, lipstick, frying fat can be easily removed when treated with the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention.

[0463] Surprisingly, it has also been found that detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a degreasing agent (a), a degreasing accelerator (b) and a surfactant (c) are very effective on a wide range of substrates, preferably when used as laundry detergent products for washing and cleaning fabrics or textiles. In particular, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention are particularly beneficial for the degreasing of sensitive fibers such as wool, silk and synthetic fibers such as polyester, polyacrylic acid, nylon, which can only be treated at low temperatures.

[0464] Thus, detergents and cleaning compositions containing a degreasing agent or a degreasing agent mixture in combination with 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or a specific type of degreasing promoter (such as the alkanediols specified herein, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing promoters) and a surfactant exhibit improved overall cleaning performance over detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such degreasing promoters.

[0465] Conversely, also due to the boosting effect, the amount of degreasers and other ingredients used to enhance degreasing and cleaning effectiveness in these detergents and cleaning compositions can be reduced without sacrificing cleaning performance.

[0466] According to another aspect of the invention, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention are used as such or for preparing detergent and cleaning products.

[0467] Detergents and cleaning compositions or products as specified herein can be used in a variety of cleaning methods. As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to performing, promoting or assisting in soil removal, bleaching, reducing microbial populations, disinfecting, etc. Preferably, detergents and cleaning compositions or products can be used for textile cleaning, laundry washing, dishwashing, fabric care, for household, institutional and industrial hard surface cleaning, such as utensil or other surface cleaning, medical and dental instrument cleaning, etc.

[0468] As used herein, the term "fabric cleaning" includes detergents and cleaning compositions or products designed to clean materials that are stained and / or soiled. Such compositions include, but are not limited to, laundry detergent compositions, fabric softening compositions, fabric enhancing compositions, fabric refreshing compositions, laundry prewashes, laundry pretreaters, laundry additives, spray products, dry cleaning agents or compositions, laundry rinse additives, wash additives, post-rinse fabric treatments, ironing aids, unit dose formulations, delayed delivery formulations, detergents contained on or in porous substrates or nonwoven sheets, substrates with fibers (preferably the fibers contain an active agent), and other suitable forms apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0469] Preferably, detergents and cleaning compositions or products can be used to clean, wash or pre-soak medical or dental devices, instruments or equipment, including any of a variety of medical or dental instruments or equipment that can benefit from cleaning with an enzyme cleaning composition. Exemplary medical and dental instruments and devices include instruments, devices, tools, appliances, equipment and equipment used in medicine or dentistry, including instruments and devices that can be cold sterilized, soaked or washed and then heat sterilized. Medical and / or dental instruments may be contaminated with blood, mammalian tissue (including but not limited to human tissue) or other foreign matter.

[0470] Suitable examples of detergents and cleaning compositions or products, particularly degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions or products include degreasing detergents, heavy-duty detergents, color care detergents, light-duty detergents, all-purpose detergents, fabric softeners, fabric laundry fragrances, scented detergents, laundry wipes, stain removers (pre-spotters, Vanish types), washing machine cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, hand dishwashing detergents, automatic dishwashing detergents, hard surface cleaners, glass and mirror cleaners, wet cleaning wipes, kitchen cleaners, cookware cleaners, oven cleaners, floor cleaners, wood floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, bathroom and shower cleaners, toilet cleaners, grout cleaners, disinfectants, drain uncloggers, toilet rim sealing gels, air fresheners, furniture polishes, car wash shampoos, medical cleaning products, and the like.

[0471] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition or product is a degreasing cleaner. The degreasing cleaner can be used for manual or mechanized cleaning.

[0472] The above-mentioned detergent and cleaning compositions or products refer to compositions or products in the form of liquid, solid, tablet, packaged, diluted or concentrated form and optionally in the form of two or more compartments.

[0473] As used herein, liquids include free-flowing liquids as well as pastes, gels, foams and mousses. Non-limiting examples of liquids include light-duty and heavy-duty liquid detergents and cleaning compositions, fabric enhancers, detergent gels commonly used in laundry, bleaching agents and laundry additives. Gases (e.g., suspended bubbles) or solids (e.g., particles) may be contained in the liquid.

[0474] Solid as used herein includes powder, flakes, granules, pellets, tablets, microcapsules, beads, noodles, pearlescent spheres, pastilles, discs, briquettes, bricks, blocks, or another solid form known to those skilled in the art.

[0475] Solid detergents and cleaning compositions or products can be provided as compressed solid blocks, cast solid blocks, extruded pellets or blocks, or tablets. In addition, solid detergent compositions or products can be provided in the form of unit doses. Unit doses refer to solid detergent and cleaning composition units that are large enough to use the entire unit during a single wash cycle.

[0476] Solid detergents and cleaning compositions or products can also be provided in the form of multiple-use (e.g., multi-use) solids such as blocks or multiple pellets, and can be reused to produce an aqueous use solution of a detergent composition for multiple cycles or a predetermined number of distribution cycles. Multiple-use solid detergent compositions can be reused to produce an aqueous detergent composition (e.g., use solution) for multiple washing cycles. The compressed solid detergent block is made suitable for providing stability so that the reactive components in the composition do not react with each other until dilution and / or use. In some aspects, the order in which components are introduced to form a solid is non-restrictive because minimal water and / or no water is introduced into the solid composition. However, in some aspects, the compressed solid detergent block is prepared by using a bonding system to minimize any damage to the usable coated particles. Advantageously, the compression process of preparing the compressed solid detergent block produces a compressed solid detergent block and prevents the reaction or mixing of components. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the solid detergent composition remains unreacted or unmixed before use, such as dilution.

[0477] In a pressed solid process, a flowable solid, such as a granular solid or other particulate solid, containing a binder is combined under pressure. In a pressed solid process, a flowable solid of the composition is placed in a mold (e.g., a mold or container). The method may include gently pressing the flowable solid in the mold to produce a solid cleaning composition.

[0478] Detergents and cleaning compositions or products can be provided in concentrated form and diluted to a use solution, or provided as a use solution. Preferably, the use composition is diluted to a concentration between about 500 ppm and about 5000 ppm, more preferably between about 750 ppm and about 4500 ppm, and most preferably between about 1000 ppm and about 4000 ppm.

[0479] The detergents and cleaning compositions or products according to the invention are used for household cleaning, medical cleaning, institutional cleaning, such as cleaning in schools, airports, hospitals or industrial cleaning.

[0480] Detergents and cleaning compositions or products according to the present invention can be prepared by combining and mixing various ingredients according to conventional and known methods. Preferably, enzymes are added at the end to prevent enzyme denaturation or inactivation. Mixing can be carried out by any suitable automatic or manual method. For example, automatic or manual stirring can be carried out. Detergent compositions can be prepared by intermittent or continuous processes.

[0481] Based on the aforementioned advantageous effects, the detergent and cleaning compositions or products according to the present invention comprising a combination of a degreasing agent, a degreasing accelerator such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of the degreasing accelerators and a surfactant are particularly useful for effectively removing grease or oily stains and / or dirt from substrates during washing and cleaning processes.

[0482] Thus, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating a stained and / or soiled substrate, the method comprising the steps of: - treating substrates with detergent and cleaning compositions or products according to the invention; and - Rinse the substrate in water to remove the composition or product.

[0483] Preferably, the method for treating stained and / or soiled substrates is carried out in the wash containing a wash liquor comprising water and a detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention. The wash liquor may be applied to the substrate or the substrate may be immersed in the wash liquor.

[0484] The method may alternatively include applying detergents and cleaning compositions (i.e., insoluble in the absence of water) directly to part or all of the substrate to treat stains and / or soils directly on the substrate. This process is preferably a pre-treatment, which may then be treated with or in the wash liquor.

[0485] The method according to the present invention is applied both at higher temperatures and at lower temperatures. Dishwashing applications are for example cleaning substrates at temperatures exceeding about 60° C., or exceeding about 70° C., or between about 65° C. and 80° C. Laundry applications are for example cleaning clothes at temperatures exceeding about 40° C., or exceeding about 50° C., or between about 65° C. and 90° C.

[0486] Preferably, the method is applied at low temperatures, where stain and / or soil removal is more problematic. Preferably, the treatment temperature is below 50°C, preferably below 40°C, more preferably below 30°C.

[0487] Surprisingly, the results show that detergents and cleaning compositions or products according to the invention are particularly effective at removing greasy or oily stains and / or soils at said low temperatures.

[0488] The method thus allows degreasing and removal of greasy or oily stains and / or dirt within a low temperature range.

[0489] This is particularly advantageous when treating sensitive substrates such as wool, silk and synthetic fibers such as polyester, polyacrylic, nylon which can only be washed or cleaned at low temperatures.

[0490] Preferably, the substrate is cotton.

[0491] More preferably, the substrate is wool or silk.

[0492] More preferably, the substrate is a blended fabric such as cotton and polyester, or a synthetic fiber such as polyester, polyacrylic or nylon.

[0493] Surprisingly it has been found that contaminants arising from waste motor oil, lipstick, frying grease can be easily removed when treated with the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention.

[0494] The use of the degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions or products according to the invention in the method according to the invention provides improved removal of greasy or oily stains and / or soils and thus leads to improved overall cleaning performance.

[0495] Based on the advantageous degreasing promotion and improved grease or oily stains and / or dirt removal effect as described above for the degreasing accelerator, the present invention in another aspect relates to 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the following: (b I) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined herein, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (bIII) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and any mixture thereof; Use for promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a degreasing agent and a surfactant.

[0496] With regard to the degreasing agents and preferred variants thereof, reference is made to the previous description of the degreasing agents in conjunction with the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention, which, to avoid repetition, also applies to the use of 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing promoter (b) for accelerating the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and for improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0497] Surprisingly, it has been found that the use of 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing promoter as specified herein improves the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and improves the removal of grease or oily stains and / or dirt in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions, resulting in an overall improved cleaning performance, compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain the degreasing promoting substance. This excellent effect is based on the combination of degreasing agent, degreasing promoter and surfactant.

[0498] Therefore, the use of the degreasing accelerator according to the present invention is beneficial to promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions in terms of grease or oily stains and / or dirt removal. This improvement also allows the reduction of degreasing agents such as solvents and / or solubilizing agents in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0499] Based on the favorable degreasing promoting effect described above for the degreasing promoter, the present invention finally relates to a method for promoting the degreasing power of a degreasing detergent and a cleaning composition and / or improving the cleaning performance of a degreasing detergent and a cleaning composition, the method comprising the following steps: (i) providing detergent and cleaning compositions comprising a degreaser and a surfactant; and (ii) adding thereto an effective amount of 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the following: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined herein, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and Any mixture thereof.

[0500] With regard to the degreasers and preferred variants thereof, reference is made to the previous description of the degreasers in conjunction with the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention, which, to avoid repetitions, also applies to the method for promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and for improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0501] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or a specific type of degreasing promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined herein, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said degreasing promoters) to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a degreasing agent and a surfactant results in an improvement in the degreasing power of the degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and in an improved removal of greasy or oily stains and / or soils, thereby resulting in an improved cleaning performance of the detergents and cleaning compositions, compared to detergents and cleaning compositions not containing said degreasing promoter.

[0502] Therefore, adding the degreasing promoter according to the present invention to degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions containing degreasing agents is beneficial in a method for promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions in terms of grease or oily stains and / or dirt removal. This improvement also allows reducing degreasing agents such as solvents and / or solubilizers in degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0503] In addition, based on the aforementioned advantageous effects, 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing promoter as defined herein is suitable for use as a degreasing agent. Based on the aforementioned advantageous effects, 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing promoter as defined herein is suitable for replacing solvents and / or solubilizers in degreasing detergents or cleaning products.

[0504] Therefore, the present invention relates in another aspect to 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined in any one of claims 2 and 4 to 10, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and Use of any mixture thereof as degreasing agent and / or as a replacement for solvents and / or solubilizers.

[0505] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following examples, which are intended only to illustrate the present invention, so that the content of the present invention is not limited to or confined to the following examples.

[0506] Example Example 1: Cleaning Performance The following test was conducted to show the influence of different degreasing accelerators according to the invention on the degreasing power and cleaning performance of different degreasing cleaning agents comprising a degreasing agent and a surfactant.

[0507] In parallel, a comparative degreasing cleaner containing the same degreaser and surfactant but without a degreasing accelerator was tested under the same conditions.

[0508] Example 1.1: Testing according to the IKW recommendations for product performance quality assessment of degreasing cleaning agents (2017) method An evaluation of the cleaning performance of the test degreasing cleaner according to the invention and of the comparative degreasing cleaner was carried out in accordance with the IKW recommended product performance quality assessment for degreasing cleaning agents (2017).

[0509] This test method covers the evaluation of the cleaning performance of hard surface cleaners on baked-on stubborn, polymerized grease on stainless steel panels. The grease test method simulates the removal of grease or caked-on grease from surfaces after cooking. When cooking at home, partially polymerized hot oils and fats are sprayed onto kitchen surfaces, especially cooktops. During the cooking process, the cooktop surfaces heat up. This additional heating makes the grease or grime more tenacious due to the increased level of polymerization, ultimately forming stubborn grease or oily soils. Common cleaning practices are to clean neat grease of this type when found on hard surfaces when applied directly (i.e., scrubbing).

[0510] Grease or oily soils are spread onto stainless steel tiles and then baked and aged before being used for cleaning evaluations. When using the product on stubborn soils, a scrubbing device is used to simulate the scrubbing process performed by consumers at home. The number of strokes to achieve complete removal of greasy baked-on soils highlights the performance of the cleaning agent. Statistical analysis (e.g., Tukey's test) is performed at a 95% confidence level to determine significant differences between detergents.

[0511] Example 1.2: Test method for product performance quality evaluation based on recommendations for general-purpose cleaners The cleaning performance evaluation of the test degreasing cleaners according to the invention and the comparative degreasing cleaners was carried out in accordance with the product performance quality evaluation recommended for universal cleaners (published in SÖFW-Journal 130, 10-2004, pages 83 to 93).

[0512] Product performance is determined by measuring cleaning performance.

[0513] Example 1.3: Test method for evaluating the cleaning performance quality of dishwasher detergents according to IKW recommendations The cleaning performance of machine dishwashing detergents is analyzed according to the IKW recommendations for the evaluation of the cleaning performance quality of dishwasher detergents (Part B, updated 2015).

[0514] The cleaning performance test consists of evaluating the stain removal efficiency of the test dishwasher detergents on 14 stains.

[0515] Test conditions: washing machine, Miele dishwasher GSL or Miele GSL 2 Water hardness: For typical products: 1.8mmol / l For multifunctional products: 3.5mmol / l Water temperature: During main wash cycle: 45°C Washing cycles: at least 3 cycles Dosage: Recommended dose for normal dirt / medium hardness Stain group: black tea (bleachable), Milk, milk skin (long-lasting / alkali sensitive), Starch mixtures, pasta (starchy, amylase-sensitive), Egg yolks, French bream, minced meat (protein-containing, protease-sensitive) Number of Tainted Dirt Items: 6 of each type Each stain was measured / evaluated by visual evaluation with reference to a photographic catalog or by gravimetric analysis as described in the IKW recommendations.

[0516] The results obtained were statistically analyzed using Tukey's HSD test (HSD = Honestly Significant Difference) with a 95% confidence level. The HSD value highlights the significant differences between each pair of products.

[0517] From the test results, it can be seen that the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention show excellent cleaning performance in terms of stain removal and / or dirt removal compared to the cleaning performance without the degreasing accelerator of the present invention. This means that, conversely, the degreasing activity of the degreasing detergent and cleaning composition is improved by adding the degreasing accelerator of the present invention, while in the detergent and cleaning composition without adding the degreasing accelerator, the degreasing effect and therefore the cleaning performance are lower.

[0518] Example 1.4: Cleaning performance of the degreasing cleaner according to the invention The degreasing power of different degreasing cleaners according to the invention was tested on ready-to-use CFT DM40 tiles (standard soiled substrate) soiled with a mixture of oil and carbon black.

[0519] The degreasing cleaner is a standard degreasing cleaner comprising ethoxylated fatty alcohols (C9 to C11 6 EO) and ethanol to which 1% of a degreasing accelerator is added.

[0520] The degreasing accelerators are 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-octanediol.

[0521] For comparison, a standard degreasing cleaner without added degreasing accelerator was used.

[0522] The cleaning process was simulated in the Abrasimeter using 70 swipes and a load of 160 g.

[0523] The cleaning performance evaluation of the test degreasing cleaner according to the invention and the comparative degreasing cleaner was carried out as described in Example 1.2.

[0524] from Figure 1The panel evaluation results show that 1,2-pentanediol enhances the degreasing power of degreasing cleaners because it shows effective release of greasy dirt. 1,2-Hexanediol has a better degreasing power enhancement effect than 1,2-pentanediol. 1,2-Heptanediol and 1,2-Octanediol show the best release of greasy dirt. Therefore, 1,2-Heptanediol and 1,2-Octanediol are particularly beneficial degreasing promoters. Figure 1 In the figure, the number 0 = no removal; and the number 10 = complete cleaning. Therefore, the longer the 1,2-alkanediol chain, the better the degreasing promoting effect.

[0525] The cleaning performance of the different degreasing cleaners is also shown by the photographs of the cleaned tiles: As can be seen from the photographs, the degreasing cleaners with 1,2-octanediol and 1,2-heptanediol show the best cleaning performance, with almost no dirt remaining on the tiles. 1,2-pentanediol also shows an improvement in cleaning performance compared to the control sample that does not contain a degreasing accelerator. The degreasing cleaner using the degreasing accelerator 1,2-hexanediol performs better than the degreasing cleaner using the degreasing accelerator 1,2-pentanediol.

[0526] Example 1.5: Cleaning performance of the degreasing cleaner according to the invention The degreasing power of the degreasing cleaning agent according to the invention was further tested on steel panels (standard soiling substrate) soiled with a mixture of grease, protein and starch.

[0527] The test degreasing formulation had the following composition:

[0528] To a degreaser formulation having a surfactant concentration of 50%, 1,2-octanediol was added at a concentration of 0.5%.

[0529] For comparison, tests were conducted using a total of 1.8% surfactant in a degreaser formulation with a 100% surfactant concentration and 0.9% surfactant in a 50% surfactant degreaser formulation with no added degreasing accelerator (0.15% C8 C10 APG (octyl capryloyl glucoside) and 0.75% C8C10 5OE (5-ethoxylated fatty alcohol).

[0530] The cleaning performance of the tested degreasing cleaners was determined gravimetrically by weighing the amount of dirt on the steel plate before and after cleaning.

[0531] from Figure 8The results showing the cleaning performance of the tested degreasing formulations show that even at a surfactant concentration of only 50%, the degreasing formulation containing 1,2-octanediol resulted in 59% soil removal. In contrast, the degreasing cleaner with a surfactant concentration of 50% without the addition of 1,2-octanediol resulted in only 38% soil removal. Thus, the cleaning performance was improved by more than 20%. In contrast, the degreasing formulation with a surfactant concentration of 100% resulted in 54% soil removal. Compared to the degreasing formulation with a surfactant concentration of 100%, the degreasing formulation combined with the degreasing promoter 1,2-octanediol showed better cleaning performance despite the surfactant content of only 50%.

[0532] These results also show that by adding the degreasing accelerator according to the invention, the surfactant content in the degreasing cleaning agent or degreasing preparation can be significantly reduced without significantly impairing the cleaning performance. In particular, the results also show that alkanediols with co-surfactant properties can beneficially replace surfactants.

[0533] Example 2: Formulation Example Table F1: Degreasing Preparations (Hard Surface Cleaning)

[0534] Table F2: Degreasing Preparations (Hard Surface Cleaning)

[0535] Table F3: Degreasing Preparations (Hard Surface Cleaning)

[0536] Table F4: Degreasing preparations (highly alkaline) (hard surface cleaning)

[0537] Table F5: Cleaning agents, liquid, citric acid

[0538] Table F6: Hand Dishwashing Liquid

[0539] Table F7: ADW (Automatic Dishwashing) Gel

Claims

1. A detergent and a cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of: (a) at least one degreasing agent selected from solvents and solubilizing agents; (b) at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkane diol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkane diols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkane diol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and any mixture thereof; (c) at least one surfactant; and (d) optionally at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; wherein the at least one degreasing agent is a solvent selected from the group consisting of n-propanol or isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or butylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether or propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether or dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether, and any mixture thereof; and / or The at least one degreasing agent is a solubilizing agent selected from the following: a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13 to 20 selected from the following: polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35), potassium oleate, sodium lauryl sulfate and any mixture thereof.

2. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one linear alkane diol or the first linear alkane diol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixtures thereof; and / or The second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

3. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least linear alkanediol is selected from: 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof; or wherein the linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof; or The mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols is selected from: A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-octanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-octanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 1,2-nonanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-pentanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-hexanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-octanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-nonanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-decanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-undecanediol; A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-dodecanediol; and A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-tridecanediol.

4. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols comprises the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in a ratio ranging from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio ranging from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio ranging from 80:20 to 98:2, and still more preferably in a ratio of 90:10 to 95:

5.

5. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one surfactant is selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants and any mixture thereof; preferably wherein - The anionic surfactant is selected from: •C10 to C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; •C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates; • C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles of ethylene oxide; •C10 to C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates; • C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 1 to 10 mol of ethylene oxide; and any mixture thereof; - The cationic surfactant is selected from: •Quaternary C8 to C18 alkylethanolamines; •Quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds; • C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium methyl sulfate; and any mixture thereof; - The nonionic surfactant is selected from: • C6 to C18 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide; • Alkoxylated C6 to C18 fatty alcohols such as C6 to C18 fatty alcohol ethoxylated with 1 to 25 mol of ethylene oxide, C6 to C18 fatty alcohol propoxylated with 1 to 15 mol of propylene oxide, C6 to C18 fatty alcohol butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of butylene oxide, and combinations thereof; •C6 to C18 sophorolipids; •C6 to C18 rhamnolipids; •C5 to C18 alkyl polyglycosides; •C6 to C18 alkanolamides; • C6 to C18 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixture thereof; and - The amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant is selected from: •C10 to C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxides; •C10 to C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxides; • C10 to C18 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; • C10 to C18 alkyl betaine; • C10 to C18 alkyl amido betaine; •C10 to C18 sulfobetaines; and any mixture thereof; and any mixtures of the above-specified cationic, anionic, nonionic and amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants.

6. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the enzyme is selected from proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconidases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNases and / or RNases), phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, melanases, ß-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases and any mixtures thereof.

7. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising active substances and / or additives selected from the group consisting of solvents, builders, bleaches, soil release agents, dispersants, foam inhibitors, sequestrants, chelating agents, anti-redeposition agents, dye transfer inhibitors / color protectants, dye scavengers, dyes, graying inhibitors, optical brighteners, UV absorbers, thickeners or rheology modifiers, hydrotropes, solubility modifiers, pH adjusters, buffers, solvents, antistatic agents, anti-wrinkle agents, antimicrobial agents, odor removers / odor traps, UV protectants, fragrances, sanitizers, disinfectants, water repellents, insect repellents, anti-pilling agents, acidulants, mildew removers, anti-allergic agents and any mixtures thereof.

8. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 7, wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol and any mixture thereof.

9. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the degreasing agent in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 40.0 wt %, preferably 0.25 wt % to 30.0 wt %, more preferably 0.5 wt % to 20.0 wt %, most preferably 1.0 wt % to 10.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

10. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the at least one degreasing promoter (b) in an amount of 0.001% to 15.0% by weight, preferably 0.01% to 10.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1% to 5.0% by weight, still more preferably 0.3% to 3.0% by weight, most preferably 0.5% to 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; and / or Based on the total weight of the composition, the at least one surfactant is present in an amount of 0.001 wt % to 90 wt %, preferably 0.001 wt % to 60 wt %, more preferably 0.01 wt % to 50 wt %, most preferably 0.1 wt % to 40 wt %; and / or Based on the total weight of the composition, the enzyme is included in an amount of 0.0001 wt % to 5 wt %, preferably 0.0001 wt % to 4 wt %, more preferably 0.001 wt % to 3 wt %, still more preferably 0.01 wt % to 2 wt %, most preferably 0.05 wt % to 2 wt %.

11. Use of the detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 as or for the preparation of detergent and cleaning products, preferably for textile cleaning, laundry washing, fabric care, dishwashing, for household, institutional and industrial hard surface cleaning, cleaning medical and dental instruments.

12. Detergents and cleaning products comprising the detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the detergent and cleaning composition or product is a degreasing detergent, a heavy-duty detergent, a color care detergent, a light-duty detergent, an all-purpose detergent, a fabric softener, a fabric laundry fragrance, a scented detergent, a laundry wipe, a stain remover (pre-spotter, stain-free), a washing machine cleaner, a home care product, an all-purpose cleaner, a hand dishwashing detergent, an automatic dishwashing detergent, a hard surface cleaner, a glass and mirror cleaner , wet cleaning wipes, kitchen cleaners, cookware cleaners, oven cleaners, floor cleaners, wood floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, bathroom and shower cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, grout cleaners, disinfectants, drain uncloggers, toilet rim sealing gels, air fresheners, furniture polishes, car wash shampoos; medical cleaning products, all of which are in liquid, solid, gel, bar, paste, spray, tablet, encapsulated, diluted or concentrated form and optionally in two-compartment or multi-compartment form; and all of which are used in household, medical, institutional or industrial applications.

13. A method of treating a stained and / or soiled substrate, the method comprising the steps of: - treating the substrate with a detergent or cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a product according to claim 12; as well as - Rinse the substrate in water to remove the composition or product.

14. At least one degreasing accelerator selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and any mixture thereof; Use for promoting the degreasing power of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of degreasing detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a degreasing agent and a surfactant.

15. A method for promoting the degreasing power of a degreasing detergent and a cleaning composition and / or improving the cleaning performance of a degreasing detergent and a cleaning composition, the method comprising the following steps: (i) providing detergent and cleaning compositions comprising a degreaser and a surfactant; as well as (ii) adding thereto an effective amount of at least one degreasing accelerator selected from the following: (b I ) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and Any mixture thereof.

16. At least one degreasing accelerator selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )tropolone; and Use of any mixture thereof as degreasing agent and / or as a substitute for solubilizers.

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