Detergent and cleaning composition with improved cleaning performance

Abstract

The present invention relates to detergent and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme and an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, caprylin, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerol, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters, and a surfactant, and to the use of said detergent and cleaning compositions for the preparation of detergents and cleaning products for domestic, institutional and industrial applications. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for treating contaminated and / or soiled substrates using the enzymatic 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 increasing the performance of enzymes in and / or improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a detergent and cleaning composition by adding to the detergent and cleaning composition an effective amount of a specific enzyme promoter, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, caprylin, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, or a mixture thereof. The present invention relates to a method for improving enzyme performance and / or improving cleaning performance in detergents and cleaning compositions (e.g., tropolone, tropolone, or a mixture of such enzyme promoters) in detergents and cleaning compositions (e.g., tropolone, tropolone, or a mixture of such enzyme promoters).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of detergents and cleaning compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions that contain specific hydroxy compounds and have improved enzyme performance and improved cleaning performance.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions that contain an enzyme and an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the enzyme promoters) and a surfactant, and to the use of the detergents and cleaning compositions for preparing detergent and cleaning products for household, institutional, and industrial applications. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of treating a contaminated and / or soiled substrate with an enzyme detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention. Further, the present invention relates to the use of a specific substance as defined herein for enhancing the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and / or improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition. Finally, the present invention relates to a method of enhancing the enzyme performance in a detergent and cleaning composition and / or improving the cleaning performance in a detergent and cleaning composition by adding an effective amount of a specific enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the enzyme promoters) to the detergent and cleaning composition. Background Art

[0003] Detergents and cleaning compositions, especially those for laundry washing and textile cleaning, dishwashing, etc., mainly consist of a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants, whose 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 surfactants, modern detergent and cleaning formulations consist of builders, chelating agents, co-builders, other polymeric additives for specific washing or cleaning effects (such as soil removal and anti-redeposition, dye transfer inhibition, and rheology modification), and enzyme stabilizers. In addition to the said components, one or more enzymes are added to detergents and cleaning compositions as additional active substances having a cleaning action.

[0004] Since the early 20th century, enzymes have been used in detergents and cleaning compositions. Enzymes can be used to improve the performance of detergents or cleaners. Enzymes are known to be effective chemicals for use with detergents and other cleaners to break down stains and / or dirt. Enzymes break down stains and / or dirt, making them more soluble and enabling surfactants to remove them from surfaces to provide enhanced cleaning. Specifically, enzymes can provide the desired activity for removing, for example, protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or lipid-based (fat- or oil-based) stains from substrates. Thus, enzymes have been used in various cleaning applications to digest or degrade stains and / or dirt such as grease, oil (e.g., vegetable oil or animal fat), protein, carbohydrates, etc. For example, enzymes can be added as components of compositions for fabric care, cleaning textiles, dishwashing, in-situ cleaning, cleaning drain pipes, cleaning floors, cleaning carpets, cleaning medical or dental instruments, cleaning meat cutting tools, cleaning hard surfaces, etc. Typical enzymes with cleaning action are proteases, amylases, as well as lipases and cellulases.

[0005] For some time, detergents and cleaning products have had to meet consumers' higher expectations in terms of enhanced cleaning.

[0006] The detergent and cleaning industry has been looking for ingredients that can address these aspects.

[0007] Accordingly, there remains a continuing need for substances that can enhance the performance of enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions. In addition, there is a need for less complex, highly effective enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions that avoid the use of ingredients that are environmentally and healthwise unfavorable.

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide multi-purpose enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions having excellent enzyme performance and improved cleaning performance.

[0009] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating a substrate that provides improved cleaning performance.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a reagent / substance that can enhance the performance of enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions and can improve the cleaning performance of detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0011] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions and for improving the overall cleaning performance of detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0012] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters) to enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions has a positive effect on enzyme performance, as they enhance the performance of one or more enzymes in the enzyme mixture contained therein. Compared with detergent and cleaning compositions without such enzyme promoters, the enzymes in these detergent and cleaning compositions exhibit excellent enzyme performance.

[0013] Surprisingly, it has been found that, compared with enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions without such promoters, the cleaning performance of enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions in terms of soil removal and / or detergency is improved by adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters).

[0014] Surprisingly, it has been found that, compared with cellulose-containing detergent and cleaning compositions without such enzyme promoters, adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters) to detergent and cleaning compositions containing cellulose improves the softness of laundry washing.

[0015] Therefore, detergent and cleaning compositions containing an enzyme in combination with a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters as further defined herein) exhibit improved overall cleaning performance compared to detergent and cleaning compositions without such enzyme promoters.

[0016] Conversely, also due to the promoting effect, the amounts of enzymes and other ingredients (such as enzyme stabilizers) used to enhance the cleaning efficacy in these detergent and cleaning compositions can be reduced without loss of cleaning performance. The detergent and cleaning compositions exhibit excellent soil removal and detergency and improved cleaning performance even at low addition rates of the enzyme promoter. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention has been accomplished in view of the above aspects. To address the above needs, the present invention provides a detergent and cleaning composition having improved enzyme performance and improved cleaning performance in terms of improved soil removal and / or detergency.

[0018] To solve the above problems, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a detergent and cleaning composition, which comprises or consists of the following: (a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation containing at least one enzyme; (b) at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture containing at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) tropolone; and any mixture thereof; and (c) a surfactant in an amount greater than 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0019] In a further 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.

[0020] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a detergent and cleaning product.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating a contaminated and / or soiled substrate, the method comprising the steps of: - treating the substrate with the detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the present invention; and - rinsing the substrate in water to remove the composition or product.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides the use of at least one enzyme promoter for improving the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and / or for improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, the enzyme promoter being selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture containing at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4 - Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and Any mixture thereof.

[0023] In a final aspect, the present invention provides a method for enhancing the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and / or improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, the method comprising the steps of: (i) Providing a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme; and (ii) Adding to it an effective amount of at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) At least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4 - Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and Any mixture thereof.

[0024] The present invention is particularly defined in the appended claims. However, the present invention itself, as well as its preferred variants, other objects and advantages, will also be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended examples and drawings.

[0025] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are by weight.

[0026] Numerical ranges given in the specification and in the form "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 created by combining the various endpoints are also included.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, the term "comprising" means that the recited components are essential, but other components may be added and still be encompassed by the present invention.

[0028] The term "consisting of" as used in the present invention means that the total amount of components (a) to (c) in the composition adds up to 100% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and indicates that the subject is closed and can only include the expressly recited limitations.

[0029] Unless the context otherwise indicates, whenever the term "comprising" is mentioned, it is intended to cover two alternative meanings, namely that the meaning can be "comprising" or "consisting of".

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term "at least one..." means that the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention can contain one corresponding component after the said term or a mixture of two, three, four, five, six or even more different corresponding components.

[0031] The term "and / or" indicates the existence of a connection or provides alternative forms.

[0032] The term "optionally" means that the subsequently described component may or may not be present in the detergent and cleaning compositions, and the description includes variants in which the compound is included or variants in which the compound is not present.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, the term "stability" means resistance or degree of resistance to change, unfolding, disintegration, denaturation or loss of activity / performance. Non-limiting examples of stability include storage stability and reflect the stability of polypeptides (such as enzymes) over time, for example how much activity remains when the polypeptide is held in a detergent or cleaning preparation. Stability is affected by many factors, such as the presence of chelating agents, pH, temperature, detergent composition, for example the amount of builder, surfactant, etc.

[0034] In the context of the present invention, the term "promote" means "improve", "enhance", "increase". Accordingly, a "promoter" is a single reagent or a mixture of substances capable of "improving", "enhancing", "increasing" certain characteristics or properties as defined herein. In particular, the promoter according to the present invention improves, enhances or increases the performance of enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions, resulting in improved cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0035] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to saturated hydrocarbons 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.), cyclic alkyl groups (or cycloalkyl or alicyclic or carbocyclic groups) (such as cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups (such as isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), and alkyl-substituted alkyl groups (such as cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, the term "alkyl" includes unsubstituted alkyl and substituted alkyl. As used herein, the term "substituted alkyl" refers to an alkyl group having a substituent on one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of the substituted hydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents can include, for example, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxy, phosphate, phosphonate, cyano, amino, imino, mercapto, alkylthio, arylthiol, thiocarboxylate, sulfate, alkanesulfinyl, sulfonate, nitro, etc. Detailed Description

[0037] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition that comprises or consists of the following: (a1) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b1) 1,2-heptanediol; and (c1) a surfactant in an amount greater than 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0038] Alternatively, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition that comprises or consists of the following: (a2) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b2) 2,3-heptanediol; and (c2) a surfactant in an amount greater than 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0039] In a further alternative form, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition that comprises or consists of the following: (a3) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b3) a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; and (c3) A surfactant greater than 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0040] Alternatively, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition comprising or consisting of the following: (a) At least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b) At least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) At least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and Any mixture thereof; and (c) A surfactant greater than 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0041] In a preferred variant, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition comprising or consisting of the following: (a) At least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b) At least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) At least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and Any mixture thereof; and (c) surfactants in an amount greater than 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0042] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention has a carbon chain length of from 7 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably from 7 to 11 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably from 7 to 9 carbon atoms. Most preferably, the linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition has a carbon chain length of 7 or 8 carbon atoms.

[0043] The term "detergent and cleaning composition" as contemplated herein is to be understood to mean all products suitable and commonly used for washing or cleaning. Detergent and cleaning compositions mainly consist of surfactants or mixtures of surfactants. In addition to surfactants, detergent and cleaning compositions generally consist of builders and chelating agents, co-builders and other polymer additives for specific effects such as anti-redeposition, dye transfer inhibition, rheology modification. Detergent and cleaning compositions refer to compositions that can be used to remove undesired 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 contaminants. Detergents are the most commonly used cleaning compositions for textiles. Detergent and cleaning compositions can be used for household cleaning, institutional cleaning and industrial cleaning. Detergent and cleaning compositions also include disinfectants that kill all vegetative cells, including recognized pathogenic microorganisms. Detergent and cleaning compositions can be used in the form of the detergent composition itself or in the form of a detergent product or in the form of its use solution.

[0044] The detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention is preferably used for removing stains and / or dirt from textiles, fabrics, clothing, dishes, utensils, medical and dental instruments, hard surfaces, etc.

[0045] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "cleaning" and "washing" are used synonymously and refer to reducing and / or removing deposits, i.e., removing undesired compounds from articles to be cleaned (such as textiles or surfaces) on tableware / dishes and other kitchen utensils (such as cutlery / silverware, pots, pans, baking trays, etc.).

[0046] These deposits may be stains caused by tea, chocolate, coffee, grass, red wine, grass / mud, fruit juice, blood, tomato sauce, unused engine oil, salad dressing vinegar, cooked beef fat, French squeeze mustard, cosmetics, etc., or dirt caused by grease, starch-based dirt such as rice, pasta, protein-based dirt such as egg yolk, chocolate, mayonnaise, lipstick starch-based dirt, etc., and other residues on the surface. The deposits are thus any form of unwanted residues of impurities, dust, food, grease, etc.

[0047] In the context of the present invention, the term "substrate" includes fabrics, textiles, clothing, dishes, utensils, any hard surface, medical and dental instruments, etc., which can be contaminated with stains and / or dirt and can be treated by a washing or cleaning process.

[0048] As used herein, the term "fabric cleaning" includes detergents and cleaning compositions or products designed to clean contaminated and / or soiled materials. Such compositions or products include, but are not limited to, laundry detergent compositions, fabric softening compositions, fabric enhancing compositions, fabric freshening compositions, laundry pre-wash, laundry wash pretreatment agents, laundry wash 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 incorporated onto or within a porous substrate or nonwoven sheet, substrates having fibers, preferably wherein the fibers include active agents, and other suitable forms apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0049] As used herein, the term "fabric care" relates to various fabric benefits, including smoothness, shape retention, elasticity, color preservation, pilling control, etc.

[0050] As used herein, the term "dish" or "utensil" refers to solid surfaces such as worktops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, sanitary ware, kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliances, engines, circuit boards, and dishes. Hard surfaces can include, for example, healthcare surfaces such as medical or dental instruments, medical or dental devices, the surfaces of electronic devices for monitoring patient health, and the floors, walls, or fixtures of structures where healthcare is performed, and food processing surfaces such as the surfaces of tools, machines, equipment, structures, etc. that are part of food processing, preparation, or storage activities. In the context of the present invention, the term "utensil" refers to items such as tableware and cooking utensils, dishes, and other hard surfaces such as showers, sinks, toilets, bathroom bathtubs, worktops, windows, mirrors, and floors.

[0051] As used herein, the term "surface" refers to solid surfaces such as worktops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, sanitary ware, kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliances, engines, circuit boards, and dishes. Hard surfaces can include, for example, healthcare surfaces such as medical or dental instruments, medical or dental devices, the surfaces of electronic devices for monitoring patient health, and the floors, walls, or fixtures of structures where healthcare is performed, and food processing surfaces such as the surfaces of tools, machines, equipment, structures, etc. that are part of food processing, preparation, or storage activities.

[0052] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an enzyme booster or a mixture of the enzyme boosters as specified herein to detergent and cleaning compositions promotes (i.e., improves or enhances) the enzymatic performance of such detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0053] Based on this beneficial effect, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention provide enhanced enzyme performance, improved detergency, improved soil removal, and thus improved overall cleaning performance.

[0054] Enzyme or enzyme preparation / component (a1, a2, a3, a) The detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention comprise at least one enzyme, or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme as component (a1, a2, a3, a). The enzyme or enzyme preparation provides cleaning performance by removing stains and / or soils, and / or provides fabric care benefits.

[0055] Enzymes are known to be effective chemicals for use with detergents and other cleaners to break down soils. Enzymes break down soils, making them more soluble and enabling surfactants to remove them from surfaces to provide enhanced cleaning of substrates. Specifically, enzymes can provide the desired activity for removing, for example, protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from substrates. In addition, enzymes also help to improve washing results at lower temperatures. Thus, enzymes have been used in a variety of cleaning applications to digest or degrade soils such as greases, oils (e.g., vegetable oils or animal fats), proteins, carbohydrates, etc. For example, enzymes can be added as components of compositions for laundry washing, textiles, ware washing, in-situ cleaning, cleaning drain pipes, floors, carpets, medical or dental instruments, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, personal care, etc.

[0056] Enzymes suitable for use in detergent and cleaning compositions act by degrading or altering one or more types of soil residues encountered on an instrument or device, thereby removing the soil or making the soil more removable by the surfactant or other components of the cleaning composition. Both the degradation and the alteration of the soil residues can improve soil removal by reducing the physico-chemical forces that bind the soil to the instrument or device being cleaned, e.g., the soil becomes more soluble in water. For example, one or more proteases can cleave complex, macromolecular protein structures present in soil residues into simpler, shorter-chain molecules that are themselves more easily desorbed from the surface, dissolved, or otherwise more easily removed by a detergent solution containing the protease.

[0057] The soil-removing enzymes according to the present invention have cleaning, decolorizing, descaling, or other beneficial effects as components of detergent and cleaning compositions for instruments, devices, or equipment such as medical or dental instruments, devices, or equipment; or for laundry washing, textiles, ware washing, in-situ cleaning, drain pipes, carpets, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, personal care, etc.

[0058] Enzymes that can be used in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention include those that provide for the removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or lipid-based (fat- or oil-based) stains and / or dirt from substrates; for cleaning, decolorizing, descaling, and disinfecting presoaks, such as those for medical and dental instruments, devices, and equipment; for presoaks for flatware, cookware, and tableware; or for meat-cutting equipment; for machine warewashing; for laundry washing and textile cleaning and decolorizing; for carpet cleaning and decolorizing; for in-place cleaning (CIP) and in-place decolorizing; for cleaning and decolorizing food processing surfaces and equipment; for drain cleaning; for cleaning presoaks; etc.

[0059] Suitable enzymes for use according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of: proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNases and / or RNases), phenol oxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, melanases, ß-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases, and any mixtures thereof.

[0060] More preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of: proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, pectate lyases, and any mixtures thereof.

[0061] The enzymes used according to the present invention have any suitable source, such as plant, animal, bacterial, fungal, or yeast sources.

[0062] Protease: Any protease or protease mixture from any source can be used in the detergent and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable within the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, proteases can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as yeast, mold, or bacteria. Preferred proteases include, but are not limited to, enzymes derived from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Streptomyces griseus. The protease derived from B. subtilis is most preferred. The protease can be a purified or a component of a microbial extract, as well as wild-type or variant (chemical or recombinant). Exemplary proteases can be commercially obtained under the following trade names: Alcalase ®, Blaze ® , Savinase ® , Esperase ® , Progress UNO ™ , Liquanase ® and Pristine ® , each purchased from Novozymes; and Preferenz ® P and Excellenz ® P, each purchased from DUPONT / IFF.

[0063] Amylase: Any amylase or amylase mixture from any source can be used in detergent and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable within the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, amylase can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as yeast, mold, or bacteria. Preferred amylases include, but are not limited to, amylases derived from Bacillus species (e.g., Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, or Bacillus stearothermophilus). The amylase derived from Bacillus subtilis is most preferred. The amylase can be a purified or a component of a microbial extract, as well as wild-type or variant (chemical or recombinant). Preferred amylases can be commercially obtained under the trade names Stainzyme ® and Amplify ® , each purchased from Novozymes; and Preferenz ® S, purchased from DUPONT / IFF.

[0064] Lipase: Any lipase or lipase mixture from any source can be used in detergent and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable within the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, lipase can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. Preferred proteases include, but are not limited to, those derived from Pseudomonas species such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, or those derived from Humicola species such as Humicola lanuginosose (usually recombinantly produced in Aspergillus oryzae). The lipase can be a purified or a component of a microbial extract, as well as wild-type or variant (chemical or recombinant). Preferred lipases can be commercially obtained under the trade name Lipex ®Obtained commercially from Novozymes and under the name Preferenz ® Obtained commercially from DUPONT / IFF.

[0065] Cellulase: Any cellulase or cellulase mixture from any source can be used in detergent and cleaning compositions provided that the selected enzyme is stable within the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, cellulases can be derived from plants, animals or microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. Preferred cellulases include, but are not limited to, those derived from Humicola insolens, Humicola strain DSM 1800 or fungi producing cellulase 212 belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and those extracted from the hepatopancreas of the marine mollusk Dolabella Auricula Solander. The cellulase can be a purified or a component of a microbial extract, and can be wild-type or variant (chemical or recombinant). Preferred cellulases are commercially available under the trade names Celluclean ® and Carezyme ® , each purchased from Novozymes; and Revitalenz ® , purchased from DUPONT / IFF.

[0066] The preferred enzyme selection depends on the conditions of the end use, including the physical product form, the pH of use, the temperature of use and the type of soil to be degraded or modified, and is influenced by factors such as the pH activity and / or stability optimum, thermal stability and stability towards active detergents, builders, etc. Enzymes can be selected to provide optimal activity and stability for any given set of use conditions. In this regard, bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred.

[0067] Proteases, amylases and lipases are the most commonly used enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions. Proteases are particularly useful for cleaning proteinaceous soils such as egg, milk, meat residues, etc. Amylases are particularly useful for removing starch-based soils such as pasta and rice. Lipases are particularly useful for cleaning soils comprising fats / oils.

[0068] As will be determined by those skilled in the art, enzymes are designed to act on specific types of soils. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a protease can be used in a warewashing application because it is effective at the high temperatures of a warewashing machine and is effective in reducing protein-based soils. Proteases are particularly useful for cleaning proteinaceous soils such as blood, skin flakes, mucus, grass, food (e.g., egg, milk, spinach, meat scraps, tomato ketchup), etc.

[0069] According to the present invention, the enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions can vary based on the specific cleaning application and the type of soil to be cleaned. For example, the temperature of a specific cleaning application will affect the choice of enzymes for the enzyme compositions according to the present invention. For warewashing applications, for example, the substrate is cleaned at a temperature above about 60 °C, or above about 70 °C, or between about 65 °C and 80 °C, and enzymes such as proteases are desirable due to their ability to maintain enzymatic performance at such elevated temperatures. For laundry washing applications, for example, the laundry is cleaned at a temperature above about 40 °C, or above about 50 °C, or between about 65 °C and 90 °C, and enzymes such as proteases are desirable due to their ability to maintain enzymatic performance at such elevated temperatures.

[0070] Preferably, at least one enzyme is selected from the group consisting of: proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, gluconases, peroxidases, or mixtures thereof.

[0071] In some variants, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, gluconases, peroxidases, mannanases, or any mixture thereof.

[0072] Preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are a mixture of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, and / or pectate lyases.

[0073] Preferred detergency enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions include hydrolases such as proteases, amylases, lipases, or combinations thereof.

[0074] Preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are proteases, amylases, lipases, celluloses, peroxidases, gluconases, or any mixture thereof.

[0075] In an even more preferred variant, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions disclosed herein are proteases, amylases, lipases, or any mixture thereof.

[0076] Even more preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are proteases, amylases, or a mixture thereof.

[0077] Even more preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are proteases, lipases, or a mixture thereof.

[0078] More preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are selected from amylases, lipases, or a mixture thereof.

[0079] In some other embodiments, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions is a protease.

[0080] In yet some other variants, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions is an amylase.

[0081] In still some other variants, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is lipase.

[0082] In still some other variants, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is cellulase.

[0083] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition for cleaning medical or dental devices or instruments according to the present invention include protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase or a combination thereof.

[0084] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition for food processing surfaces and equipment according to the present invention include protease, lipase, amylase, gluconase or a combination thereof.

[0085] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and composition for laundry washing or textiles according to the present invention include protease, cellulase, lipase, peroxidase or a combination thereof.

[0086] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and composition for carpets include protease, amylase or a combination thereof.

[0087] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition for meat cutting tools according to the present invention include protease, lipase or a combination thereof.

[0088] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition for hard surfaces according to the present invention include protease, amylase, lipase or a combination thereof.

[0089] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition for drain pipes according to the present invention include protease, amylase, lipase or a combination thereof.

[0090] For detergents, the enzyme is preferably selected from the group consisting of protease, amylase, lipase, mannanase, pectate lyase.

[0091] For fabric softeners, the enzyme is preferably cellulase.

[0092] To improve the bleaching effect, a redox enzyme is optionally added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention.

[0093] The redox enzyme is selected from the group consisting of: oxidase, oxygenase, catalase, peroxidase such as halo-, chloro-, bromo-, lignin-, glucose- or manganese-peroxidase, dioxygenase or laccase such as phenol oxidase and polyphenol oxidase and any mixture thereof.

[0094] Commercial enzymes can be obtained in liquid or dry form (i.e., discs, powders, etc.), as aqueous solutions of raw materials or sold in various purified, processed, and compounded forms established in the prior art, and include from about 0.1% to about 80% by weight of active enzyme, usually in combination with stabilizers, buffers, cofactors, impurities, and inert carriers. Assuming that the detergent and cleaning composition has the desired enzyme properties, the actual active enzyme content depends on the manufacturing method and is not critical.

[0095] This includes, for example, solid enzyme preparations obtained by granulation, extrusion, or freeze-drying, or, especially in the case of liquid or gel-like reagents, solutions of the enzyme, advantageously as concentrated as possible, with low water content and / or with stabilizers added. Alternatively, for both solid and liquid application forms, the enzyme can be encapsulated, for example, by spray-drying or extruding the enzyme solution together with a preferably natural polymer, or in capsule form, such as those in which the enzyme is encapsulated, such as in a cured gel, or in those of the core-shell type, in which the enzyme-containing core is coated with a protective layer impermeable to water, air, and / or chemicals. Additionally, other active substances, such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, pigments, bleaching agents, or dyes, can be applied additionally in an overlying layer. Such capsules are applied using methods known per se, such as by vibratory or rolling granulation or in a fluidized bed process. Advantageously, such particles are low-dusting, for example, due to the application of a polymer film-forming agent, and are storage-stable due to the coating. Furthermore, two or more enzymes can be packaged together such that a single particle exhibits multiple enzyme properties.

[0096] In a preferred variant according to the invention, the enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition as a single enzyme.

[0097] 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 protease and amylase) to six enzymes.

[0098] In a more preferred variant, at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention as an enzyme preparation, which contains a mixture of the enzyme or different enzymes mixed with one or more stabilizers (preferably with one or more enzyme stabilizers) and optionally buffers, additives, etc.

[0099] Preferably, an enzyme stabilizer is added to the enzyme preparation to stabilize the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition against loss of activity (i.e., to maintain enzymatic performance or enzymatic retention). The enzyme is stabilized by the enzyme stabilizer through physical protection by means of a protective layer.

[0100] Negatively charged anionic surfactants trap Ca and / or Mg ions from the washing liquid and form complexes. This complex formation results in a decrease in washing performance. To prevent this complex formation, chelating agents such as EDTA, HEDP, etc. are added to detergents and cleaning compositions. However, these chelating agents not only complex Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the washing liquid, but also trap Ca ions and Mg ions from the enzyme surface, which in turn leads to denaturation. As a result, the enzyme loses its active form, which in turn leads to a decrease in enzyme activity. Therefore, enzyme stabilizers are added to detergents and cleaning compositions, which protect the enzyme. Thus, the chelating agent can only trap Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the washing liquid, but can no longer trap Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the enzyme surface. Therefore, enzyme activity can be maintained by adding enzyme stabilizers.

[0101] The enzyme preparation can vary depending on the specific enzyme employed.

[0102] At least one enzyme employed herein is stabilized by the presence of a water-soluble source of calcium and / or magnesium ions in the finished detergent, which provides such ions to the enzyme. Calcium ions are generally slightly more effective than magnesium ions and are preferred herein if only one type of cation is used.

[0103] Typical detergents, especially liquids, contain from 1 millimole to 30 millimoles, preferably from 2 millimoles to 20 millimoles, more preferably from 5 millimoles to 15 millimoles, and most preferably from 8 millimoles to 12 millimoles of calcium ions per liter of the finished composition.

[0104] It should be understood that the above levels of calcium and / or magnesium ions are sufficient to provide enzyme stability. Additional amounts of calcium and / or magnesium ions can be added to the composition to provide an additional measure of grease removal performance. Thus, as a general recommendation, the compositions herein will typically contain from 0.01 wt% to 2 wt% of a water-soluble source of calcium or magnesium ions or both. Of course, this amount can vary depending on the amount and type of enzyme used in the composition.

[0105] Additional enzyme stability can be provided by the presence of various other stabilizers disclosed in the art, particularly borate substances.

[0106] One group of stabilizers are reversible protease inhibitors. Benzamidine hydrochloride, borax, boric acid, boronic acid or their salts or esters are commonly used for this purpose, especially including derivatives with aromatic groups. Generally, the dosage of such enzyme stabilizers in the composition is 0.05% to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.075% to 3% by weight of boric acid or other borate compounds capable of forming boric acid in the composition (calculated based on boric acid). Boric acid is preferred, but other compounds such as boron oxide, borax and other alkali metal borates (e.g., sodium metaborate, sodium orthoborate and sodium pyrophosphate, as well as sodium pentaborate) are also suitable. Substituted boric acids (e.g., phenylboric acid, butaneboric acid and p-bromophenylboric acid) can also be used in place of boric acid.

[0107] In addition, peptide aldehydes, i.e., oligopeptides with a reduced C-terminus, especially those of 2 to 50 monomers, or their bisulfite adducts are used for this purpose. Peptide reversible protease inhibitors include, but are not limited to, ovomucoid and leupeptin. Specific reversible peptide inhibitors of the protease subtilisin, as well as fusion proteins from proteases and specific peptide inhibitors, are also suitable for this purpose.

[0108] Additional enzyme stabilizers are amino alcohols such as mono-, di-, triethanol- and propanolamine and their mixtures, aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12 such as succinic acid, other dicarboxylic acids or salts of the acids mentioned.

[0109] End-capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates are also suitable for this purpose.

[0110] Preferably, the enzyme stabilizers in the enzyme preparation are selected from the group consisting of polyols such as diols, such as monopropylene glycol, glycerol, mannitol, isomaltol, sorbitol, xylitol, threitol, erythritol, arabitol; amino alcohols such as mono-, di-, triethanolamine and propanolamine; aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12, such as succinic acid and its salts; dicarboxylic acids and their salts; end-capped 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 propionamides, sodium formate and any mixtures thereof.

[0111] Most preferably, the enzyme stabilizers in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention are selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate and any mixtures thereof.

[0112] Furthermore, by adding the enzyme stabilizers, it is possible to prevent negatively charged anionic surfactants from forming complexes with Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the washing liquid, thereby reducing or losing their washing performance.

[0113] An enzyme stabilizer or an enzyme preparation containing an enzyme stabilizer is added to the detergent and cleaning composition in such an amount that, based on the total weight of the composition, the enzyme stabilizer is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.0001% to 5% by weight. Preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the enzyme stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.001% to 4% by weight. Most preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises an amount of the enzyme stabilizer of 0.01% to 3% by weight.

[0114] Alternatively, and even more preferably, at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention as an enzyme preparation in admixture with a specific type of enzyme promoter (b) such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as specified herein, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters, and optionally a buffer, additives, etc. Preferred combinations of the enzyme and the specific type of enzyme promoter (b) such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters are described in detail below.

[0115] In a further preferred variant, at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention as an enzyme preparation in admixture with one or more enzyme stabilizers and a specific type of enzyme promoter (b) such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters, which is different from the enzyme stabilizer, and optionally a buffer, etc.

[0116] Surprisingly, it has been found that in such preparations, the addition of a specific type of enzyme promoter (b) such as an alkanediol, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters as defined herein enhances or promotes the enzyme stabilizing action of the enzyme stabilizer as specified above.

[0117] Unexpectedly, compared with the use of a single enzyme stabilizer without using such an enzyme promoter, the combination of a specific type of enzyme promoter (b) such as an alkanediol, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme promoters as defined herein with the enzyme stabilizer results in an enhanced enzyme stabilizing effect in the detergent and cleaning composition containing the enzyme.

[0118] For the combined use of enzyme stabilizers (b1, b2, b3, b) such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or mixtures of said enzyme stabilizers with enzyme stabilizers comprising calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate and any mixtures thereof, a specific promoting effect can be observed.

[0119] For the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the lists of enzyme promoters (b1, b2, b3, b) specified herein can be combined arbitrarily with the list of enzyme stabilizers.

[0120] When one of the following enzyme promoters (b1, b2, b3, b) is used in combination with the enzyme stabilizers specified above (preferably calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate and any mixtures thereof), a significant enhancement of enzyme stability 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 comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; and ▪ A mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol.

[0121] Thus, compared with the enzyme stabilizing effect of a single reagent, the combined addition of an enzyme promoter and an enzyme stabilizer as defined herein results in improved enzyme stability. Compared with detergent and cleaning compositions without adding such mixtures, detergent and cleaning compositions comprising said mixtures exhibit improved cleaning properties.

[0122] Enzyme promoter / component (b1, b2, b3, b) The enzyme detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention further comprise at least one enzyme promoter as component (b1, b2, b3, b).

[0123] In a preferred variant, the enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a mixture of enzyme boosters as component (b).

[0124] Enzyme boosters within the meaning of the present invention are (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols different from the first straight-chain alkanediol and having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) tropolone; or any mixture of said enzyme boosters.

[0125] It has been found that the enzyme-boosting components (b1, b2, b3, b) specified above effectively enhance the performance of enzymes or enzyme mixtures in detergent and cleaning compositions. Furthermore, it has been found that the components (b1, b2, b3, b) specified above significantly improve the soil removal and / or detergency from substrates such as laundry, fabrics, textiles, dishes, utensils, surfaces, medical and dental instruments, etc. Furthermore, it has been found that the components (b1, b2, b3, b) specified above effectively improve the softness in laundry washing when used in combination with cellulase.

[0126] Alkanediol (b1, b2, b3, b I ) Component (b) in the enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the invention is (b1) 1,2-heptanediol or (b2) 2,3-heptanediol, or (b3) a mixture comprising two heptanediols (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol plus 2,3-heptanediol).

[0127] 1,2-Heptanediol belongs to the class of alkanediols and is a straight-chain alkanediol having the following general formula:

[0128] It has a carbon chain with 7 carbon atoms, and the two functional OH groups of the alkanediol are in the α, β positions and are chemically bonded to the C1 and C2 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain.

[0129] 2,3-Heptanediol belongs to the class of alkanediols and is a straight-chain alkanediol having the following general formula:

[0130] It has a carbon chain with 7 carbon atoms, and the two functional OH groups of the alkanediol are in the β, γ positions and are chemically bonded to the C2 and C3 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain.

[0131] Alternatively, the enzyme promoter / component (b) in the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol.

[0132] An alkanediol is a diol, i.e., any one of a class of 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.

[0133] 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 and thus, like 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-heptanediol, are soluble in both water and oil. In contrast, 1,2-octanediol is a solid and tends to precipitate or recrystallize in oily solutions and 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 regulators.

[0134] The enzyme promoter (b) of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention is, in a first alternative, at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms, and preferably a carbon chain with 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain with 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferably a carbon chain with 7 to 11 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a carbon chain with 7 to 10 carbon atoms. Most preferably, at least one straight-chain alkanediol has a carbon chain with 7 to 9 carbon atoms. Most preferably, at least one straight-chain alkanediol has a carbon chain with 7 or 8 carbon atoms.

[0135] Furthermore, in a second alternative of this further variant, the enzyme promoter / component (b) may comprise a first straight-chain alkanediol in combination with a second straight-chain alkanediol, preferably at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms), and at least one second straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms). Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a mixture comprising the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol as described herein.

[0136] Since the first straight-chain alkanediol of the present invention can be selected from the same list and type of compounds as the straight-chain alkanediol of the first alternative of another variant, hereinafter, the straight-chain alkanediol will generally be referred to, which can also be the first straight-chain alkanediol. In the mixture of the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol, in these particularly different cases, the specific terms "first" and "second" will be used to distinguish the two alkanediol components.

[0137] As used in this document, the phrase "at least one straight-chain alkanediol" or "at least one first straight-chain alkanediol" means that the composition may comprise one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or may comprise one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or may comprise more than one straight-chain alkanediol, or may comprise more than one straight-chain alkanediol or more than one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, i.e., two, three, four or more different straight-chain alkanediols or first straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0138] At least one straight-chain alkanediol or at least one first straight-chain alkanediol according to the present invention consists of a chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms), and these carbon atom chains are connected to each other by single covalent bonds, with two OH functional groups attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain.

[0139] In a detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol.

[0140] In a preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or 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.

[0141] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or 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.

[0142] In a preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol.

[0143] In a further preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, and dodecanediol.

[0144] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, and decanediol.

[0145] In a most preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, and nonanediol.

[0146] In a most preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol and nonanediol.

[0147] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a lower carbon atom number of 5 to 8 (i.e., pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 6 to 8 (i.e., hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having carbon atom numbers of 7 and 8 (i.e., heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0148] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number of 9 to 14 (i.e., nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 to 13 (i.e., nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 to 12 (i.e., nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 to 11 (i.e., nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having carbon atom numbers of 9 and 10 (i.e., nonanediol, decanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0149] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, or octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0150] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, or dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0151] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, or dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0152] In the most preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least the first linear alkanediol is heptanediol.

[0153] In a second alternative, the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the invention comprises, as the enzyme promoter (b), a mixture which comprises at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms), and one or more straight-chain alkanediols different from the first straight-chain alkanediol and having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms).

[0154] This means that the enzyme promoter (b) is an alkanediol mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more (i.e., two, three, four or more) second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms. In this alternative, the first straight-chain alkanediol can be any of the alkanediols as described herein, typically a straight-chain alkanediol, particularly the first alternative of other variants.

[0155] For example, the mixture can include one first straight-chain alkanediol and one, two, three or more second straight-chain alkanediols; or the mixture can contain two first straight-chain alkanediols and one, two, three or more second straight-chain alkanediols, etc., provided that in each mixture, the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol are different from each other.

[0156] The second straight-chain alkanediol preferably consists of a chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms connected to each other by a single covalent bond, with two OH functional groups attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain.

[0157] The at least one second straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and tetradecanediol.

[0158] In a preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain 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.

[0159] In a more preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain 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.

[0160] In a preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol.

[0161] In a further preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, and dodecanediol.

[0162] In a more preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, and undecanediol.

[0163] In a more preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, and decanediol.

[0164] In a most preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, and nonanediol.

[0165] In a most preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol and octanediol.

[0166] In a more preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and nonanediol.

[0167] The phrase "different from each other" means that the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol in the mixture are different in terms of their carbon chain lengths (i.e., the number of carbon atoms) or in terms of their constitutional isomers.

[0168] Similarly, the number of carbon atoms in the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol in the mixture can also be the same. For example, the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol have a carbon chain with 7 carbon atoms, but the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol are different in terms of their constitutional isomerism or their stereoisomerism.

[0169] If both the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol are, for example, heptanediol, then according to a second alternative of another variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol heptanediol is a constitutional isomer or a stereoisomer different from the first straight-chain alkanediol.

[0170] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention comprises a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms, wherein the number of carbon atoms in the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol is the same or different.

[0171] If the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol both have the same number of carbon atoms, such a combination of alkanediols is also referred to herein as a "homologous alkanediol mixture" or a "homogeneous combination". For example, the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol have a carbon chain with 7 carbon atoms, but the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol are different in terms of their constitutional isomerism or their stereoisomerism.

[0172] If the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol have different numbers of carbon atoms, such a combination of alkanediols is also referred to herein as a "heterologous alkanediol mixture" or a "heterogeneous combination". For example, the first straight-chain alkanediol has a carbon chain with 7 carbon atoms, and the second straight-chain alkanediol has a carbon chain with 8 carbon atoms. However, in addition, the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol can be different in terms of their constitutional isomerism or their stereoisomerism.

[0173] In a preferred variant, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, wherein at least one straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol; and / or one or more second straight-chain alkanediols are selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol.

[0174] Particularly preferred is a mixture of enzyme promoters, wherein at least the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms from 5 to 8, and wherein one or more second alkanediols are selected from alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms from 9 to 14.

[0175] Most preferably, it is an enzyme promoter mixture, wherein at least the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixture thereof, and one or more second alkanediols are selected from the group consisting of nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0176] The term "alkanediol" in the context of the present invention also includes its constitutional isomers or positional isomers. Constitutional isomers are compounds having the same molecular formula and different connectivity. Positional isomers (a specific form of constitutional isomerism) are structural isomers that can be regarded as differing only in the position of the functional groups on the parent structure, in this case, particularly the position of the two alcohol functional groups.

[0177] Depending on the number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain of the alkanediol, there are various positional isomers of the alkanediol: (x, x + 1) constitutional isomers; (x, x + 2) constitutional isomers; (x, x + 3) constitutional isomers, etc.; and α, ω constitutional isomers when the alcohol functional groups are located at the ends of the carbon chain, where x represents the number of carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain that are chemically bonded to the OH groups of the alkanediol. 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, etc.

[0178] In the (x, x + 1) constitutional isomer, the two OH functional groups are attached adjacent to two different adjacent carbon atoms in the chain. In the (x, x + 2) constitutional 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) constitutional 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 constitutional isomer, the two functional groups are attached to the first C atom and the terminal C atom.

[0179] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms is preferably an ortho (x, x + 1) diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2 - diol, 2,3 - diol, 3,4 - diol, 4,5 - diol, additional (x, x + 1) diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably the α,β-1,2 - constitutional isomer.

[0180] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the first and / or second straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is an ortho-(x,x+1) diol, selected from the group consisting of 1,2-diols, 2,3-diols, 3,4-diols, 4,5-diols, further (x,x+1) diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably an α,β-1,2-constitutional isomer.

[0181] Preferably, the first and / or second straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is selected from 1,2-diols and / or 2,3-diols.

[0182] Thus, in a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, at least one straight-chain alkanediol, the first and / or second straight-chain alkanediol is an (x,x+1) constitutional isomer, where x represents the number of the carbon atom chemically bonded to the OH group of the alkanediol chain, in particular 1,2-alkanediol, 2,3-alkanediol, 3,4-alkanediol or mixtures thereof, preferably 1,2-alkanediol or 2,3-alkanediol.

[0183] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is preferably a non-ortho-(x,x+2) diol, selected from the group consisting of 1,3-diols, 2,4-diols, 3,5-diols, further (x,x+2) diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably an α,γ-1,3-constitutional isomer.

[0184] According to the invention, ortho-(x,x+1) diols are most preferred, such as α,β or β,γ or γ,δ, etc.

[0185] In an even more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol and in particular the first and / or second straight-chain alkanediol is 1,2-alkanediol, 2,3-alkanediol, 3,4-alkanediol, or mixtures thereof, more preferably 2,3-alkanediol.

[0186] The 1,2-alkanediol of the straight-chain alkanediol, in particular the first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or the second straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, may preferably be those represented by the following formula: 1,2-Pentanediol

[0187] 1,2-Hexanediol

[0188] 1,2-Heptanediol

[0189] 1,2 - Octanediol

[0190] 1,2 - Nonanediol

[0191] 1,2 - Decanediol

[0192] 1,2 - Undecanediol

[0193] 1,2 - Dodecanediol

[0194] 1,2 - Tridecanediol

[0195] 1,2 - Tetradecanediol

[0196] The 2,3 - alkanediols of the straight - chain alkanediols of the present invention, particularly the first straight - chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or the second straight - chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, may preferably be those represented by the following formula: 2,3 - Pentanediol

[0197] 2,3 - Hexanediol

[0198] 2,3 - Heptanediol

[0199] 2,3 - Octanediol

[0200] 2,3 - Nonanediol

[0201] 2,3 - Decanediol

[0202] 2,3 - Undecanediol

[0203] 2,3 - Dodecanediol

[0204] 2,3 - Tridecanediol

[0205] 2,3 - Tetradecanediol

[0206] The 3,4 - alkanediols of the straight - chain alkanediols, preferably the first straight - chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or the second straight - chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, may preferably be those represented by the following formula: 3,4 - Hexanediol

[0207] 3,4-Heptanediol

[0208] 3,4-Octanediol

[0209] 3,4-Nonanediol

[0210] 3,4-Decanediol

[0211] 3,4-Undecanediol

[0212] 3,4-Dodecanediol

[0213] 3,4-Tridecanediol

[0214] 3,4-Tetradecanediol

[0215] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0216] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0217] Even more preferably, the straight - chain alkanediol or the first straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixtures thereof.

[0218] Further preferably, the straight - chain alkanediol or the first straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixtures thereof.

[0219] Further preferably, the straight - chain alkanediol or the first straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0220] Most preferably, the straight - chain alkanediol or the first straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixtures thereof.

[0221] Most preferably, the straight - chain alkanediol or the first straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 1,2 - heptanediol, 2,3 - heptanediol, 3,4 - heptanediol, 1,2 - octanediol, 2,3 - octanediol, 3,4 - octanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0222] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the straight - chain alkanediol or the first 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 mixtures thereof.

[0223] According to a further preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the straight - chain alkanediol or the first straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0224] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixture thereof.

[0225] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixture thereof.

[0226] According to an even more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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 mixture thereof.

[0227] According to the most preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0228] According to the most preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0229] Among the above straight-chain alkanediols or the first straight-chain alkanediols, the following (x,x + 1) constitutional 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%.

[0230] Among the above liquid alkane diols, 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 alkane diols is particularly preferred.

[0231] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkane diol or the first straight-chain 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, and any mixture thereof.

[0232] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkane diol or the first straight-chain alkane diol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0233] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkane diol or the first straight-chain alkane diol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol and mixtures thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol and mixtures thereof. However, the straight-chain alkane diol or the first straight-chain alkane diol may also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol and mixtures thereof.

[0234] Even more preferably, in the detergent and cleaning compositions 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 mixtures 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 mixtures thereof. Mixtures comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol or mixtures comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are also possible.

[0235] Most preferably, the linear alkanediol or the first 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 1,2-octanediol, or 2,3-octanediol, or 1,2-nonanediol or 2,3-nonanediol.

[0236] Likewise, in a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0237] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol and mixtures thereof, or may also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol and mixtures thereof, or may also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol and mixtures thereof.

[0238] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having from 7 to 14 carbon atoms (i.e., 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 is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having from 7 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having from 7 to 11 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having from 7 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having from 7 to 9 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0239] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit particularly remarkable properties for improving enzymatic performance. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve detergency and / or soil removal. The 1,2-alkanediols are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and detergency and / or soil removal enhancing agents in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzymatic performance and the improved detergency and / or soil removal both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0240] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having from 5 to 8 lower carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having from 6 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0241] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or 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.

[0242] In the most preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol.

[0243] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit particularly significant properties for improving enzymatic performance. Furthermore, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve detergency and / or cleaning. 1,2-Alkanediols with a lower carbon atom number are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and detergency and / or cleaning enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzymatic performance and the improved detergency and / or cleaning both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0244] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number from 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 the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon atom number from 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 is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon atom number from 9 to 12 (i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon atom number from 9 to 11 (i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 and 10 (i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0245] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or 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.

[0246] According to a preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol).

[0247] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit significantly improved enzymatic properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols improve detergency and / or cleaning. 1,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and detergency and / or cleaning enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzymatic properties and the improved detergency and / or cleaning both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0248] In a more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 14 carbon atoms (i.e., 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 is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 11 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 9 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0249] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit particularly significant improved enzymatic properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve detergency and / or cleaning. The 2,3-alkanediols are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and detergency and / or cleaning enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzymatic properties and the improved detergency and / or cleaning both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0250] In an even more preferred variant, the straight-chain alkanediol or the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a lower carbon atom number 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 the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 6 to 8 (i.e., 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having carbon atom numbers of 7 and 8 (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0251] In an even more preferred variant, at least one straight-chain alkanediol or at least one first straight-chain alkanediol is 2,3-pentanediol, or 2,3-hexanediol, or 2,3-heptanediol, or 2,3-octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0252] In the most preferred variant, at least one straight-chain alkanediol or at least the first straight-chain alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol.

[0253] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit particularly significant properties of improving enzyme performance. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve soil removal and / or detergency. 2,3-alkanediols having a lower carbon atom number are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and soil removal and / or detergency enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzyme performance and the improved soil removal and / or detergency both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0254] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number 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 the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 to 13 (i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 to 12 (i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 to 11 (i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 and 10 (i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0255] In an even more preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, or 2,3-dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0256] According to a preferred variant, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number, and more specifically greater than 10 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol).

[0257] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit significant enzyme property improvement properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols improve detergency and / or scouring. 2,3-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number, and more specifically greater than 10 carbon atoms, are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and detergency and / or scouring enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzyme properties and the improved detergency and / or scouring both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0258] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0259] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0260] Even more preferably, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixture thereof.

[0261] More preferably, the second straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixture thereof.

[0262] More preferably, the second straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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 mixture thereof.

[0263] Most preferably, the second straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixture thereof.

[0264] Most preferably, the second straight - chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 1,2 - heptanediol, 2,3 - heptanediol, 3,4 - heptanediol, 1,2 - octanediol, 2,3 - octanediol, 3,4 - octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0265] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, 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.

[0266] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0267] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixture thereof.

[0268] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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, and any mixture thereof.

[0269] According to an even more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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 mixture thereof.

[0270] According to the most preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0271] According to the most preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0272] Among the above-mentioned second straight-chain alkanediols, the following (x,x+1)-constituted 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%.

[0273] 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.

[0274] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, 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.

[0275] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, and mixtures thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, and mixtures thereof. However, the second straight-chain alkanediol may also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0276] Even more preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is an α,β or β,γ diol, such as 1,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or mixtures thereof. However, the second straight-chain alkanediol may also preferably be an α,β or β,γ diol, such as 1,2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or mixtures thereof. Mixtures containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol or mixtures containing 2,3-pentanediol and 1,2-hexanediol are also possible.

[0277] Most preferably, the second straight-chain 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.

[0278] Likewise, in a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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.

[0279] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures thereof, or may also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and mixtures thereof, or may also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0280] In a more preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 14 carbon atoms (i.e., 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 is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 11 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 9 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0281] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit particularly significant properties of improving enzymatic performance. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve detergency and / or scouring. The 1,2-alkanediols are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and detergency and / or scouring enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzymatic performance and the improved detergency and / or scouring both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0282] In a more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 5 to 8 lower carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 6 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0283] In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol, or 1,2-hexanediol, or 1,2-heptanediol, or 1,2-octanediol, or any mixture thereof. In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, or 1,2-octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0284] In the most preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol.

[0285] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit particularly significant properties for improving enzyme performance. Furthermore, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve detergency and / or soil removal. 1,2-Alkanediols with a lower carbon atom number are thus particularly effective as enzyme boosters and detergency and / or soil removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzyme performance and the improved detergency and / or soil removal both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0286] In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number from 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 the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon atom number from 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 is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon atom number from 9 to 12 (i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon atom number from 9 to 11 (i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 and 10 (i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0287] In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is 1,2-nonanediol, or 1,2-decanediol, or 1,2-undecanediol, or 1,2-dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0288] According to a preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol).

[0289] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit significantly improved enzyme properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols improve detergency and / or cleaning. 1,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically greater than 10 carbon atoms, are thus particularly effective as enzyme boosters and detergency and / or cleaning enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzyme properties and the improved detergency and / or cleaning both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0290] In a more preferred variant, at least one second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having from 7 to 14 carbon atoms (i.e., 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 is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having from 7 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having from 7 to 11 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having from 7 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having from 7 to 9 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms (i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0291] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit particularly significant improved enzyme properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve detergency and / or cleaning. The 2,3-alkanediols are thus particularly effective as enzyme boosters and detergency and / or cleaning enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzyme properties and the improved detergency and / or cleaning both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0292] In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a lower carbon atom number of 5 to 8 (i.e., 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 6 to 8 (i.e., 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof), or from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having carbon atom numbers of 7 and 8 (i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0293] In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is 2,3-pentanediol, or 2,3-hexanediol, or 2,3-heptanediol, or 2,3-octanediol, or any mixture thereof. In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol, or 2,3-octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0294] In the most preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol.

[0295] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit particularly significant properties for improving enzymatic performance. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols significantly improve detergency and / or scouring. 2,3-alkanediols having a lower carbon atom number are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and detergency and / or scouring enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzymatic performance and the improved detergency and / or scouring both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0296] In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number 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 the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number 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 is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 to 12 (i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 to 11 (i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof), or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a carbon atom number of 9 and 10 (i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof).

[0297] In an even more preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is 2,3-nonanediol, or 2,3-decanediol, or 2,3-undecanediol, or 2,3-dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0298] According to a preferred variant, the second straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number, and more specifically greater than 10 carbon atoms (i.e., 11, 12, 13, or 14 carbon atoms) (i.e., 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol).

[0299] It has been found that these alkanediols exhibit significantly improved enzymatic properties. In addition, it has been found that these alkanediols improve detergency and / or scouring. 2,3-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number, and more specifically greater than 10 carbon atoms, are thus particularly effective as enzyme promoters and detergency and / or scouring enhancers in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. The improved enzymatic properties and the improved detergency and / or scouring both result in better cleaning performance during the washing or cleaning process.

[0300] In a further preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, at least one linear alkanediol or the first linear 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; and / or The second linear 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.

[0301] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprising a mixture or combination of at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols thus comprises any one of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ 1,2-pentanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2-hexanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2-heptanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2 - octanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2 - nonanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2 - decanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2 - undecanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2 - dodecanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2 - tridecanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2 - tetradecanediol in combination with 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 ▪ 1,2 - pentanediol in combination with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - hexanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - heptanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - octanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - nonanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - decanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - undecanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - dodecanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - tridecanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 1,2 - tetradecanediol combined with 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, 2,3 - tetradecanediol; or 2,3 - pentanediol combined with 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 2,3 - hexanediol combined with 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 2,3 - heptanediol combined with 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 2,3 - octanediol combined with 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 2,3 - nonanediol combined with 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 2,3 - decanediol combined with 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 2,3 - undecanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-Dodecanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-Tridecanediol combined with 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; ▪ 2,3-Tetradecanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-Pentanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-Hexanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-Heptanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-Octanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-Nonanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-Decanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-undecanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-dodecanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-tridecanediol combined with 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 ▪ 2,3-tetradecanediol combined with 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; In a specific preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting 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, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0302] In a more specific preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprising a mixture or combination of at least one first straight-chain alkanediol and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols includes any one of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 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 ▪ a mixture comprising 1,2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0303] In the homologue alkanediol mixture, the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol have the same number of carbon atoms.

[0304] Particularly advantageous are mixtures comprising 1,2-pentanediol in combination with 2,3-pentanediol, or mixtures comprising 1,2-heptanediol in combination with 2,3-heptanediol, or mixtures comprising 1,2-octanediol in combination with 2,3-octanediol and / or 3,4-octanediol.

[0305] Due to their significant enzyme-promoting effect and detergency and / or detersive-promoting efficacy, homologue alkanediol mixtures comprising 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol, or homologue alkanediol mixtures comprising 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol, or homologue alkanediol mixtures comprising 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol are most preferred.

[0306] The homologue alkanediol mixtures according to the invention specified above, comprising 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol, are characterized by a synergistic enhancement, i.e., the alkanediol mixture promotes the enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions in a synergistic manner compared to their corresponding individual 1,2-alkanediol or 2,3-alkanediol substances.

[0307] For the homogeneous mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol, the said synergistic effect or action of promoting enzymes was found.

[0308] The said synergistic effect of promoting enzymes was also observed for the homogeneous mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol.

[0309] The homogeneous mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol is particularly beneficial because it has a particularly significant synergistic promoting effect on the enzyme performance in detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0310] The alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol or the alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol is particularly advantageous because these mixtures are effective in synergistically promoting the enzymes in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0311] Furthermore, the alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol or the alkanediol mixture comprising 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol synergistically enhances the performance of the enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0312] The enzyme-promoting effect is also true for alkane diol mixtures comprising 1,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol or alkane diol mixtures comprising 1,2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol.

[0313] For homogeneous mixtures comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol, or homogeneous mixtures comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol, or homogeneous mixtures comprising 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol, the above-mentioned synergistic improvement effect on the enzyme performance in detergents and cleaning compositions is particularly significant.

[0314] The above-specified homogeneous alkane diol mixtures comprising 1,2-alkane diol and the corresponding 2,3-alkane diol exhibit significant synergistic promoting activity and are significantly superior to the corresponding individual 1,2-alkane diol or 2,3-alkane diol at the same concentration.

[0315] In a specific preferred variant, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprising a mixture or combination comprising at least one first straight-chain alkane diol and one or more second straight-chain alkane diols may thus comprise any of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 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 comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-hexanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-octanediol; or ▪ A mixture comprising 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 ▪ a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-tridecanediol.

[0316] The alkanediol mixture according to the invention, specified above, comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol and a second straight-chain alkanediol is characterized by a synergistic enhancing effect, i.e., the alkanediol mixture enhances the enzyme performance in detergent and cleaning compositions in a synergistic manner compared to the corresponding individual 1,2-alkanediol and / or 2,3-alkanediol substances.

[0317] In a specific preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, which include a mixture or combination comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols, may thus include the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol.

[0318] Surprisingly, the alkanediol mixture has a particularly significant enzyme-promoting effect.

[0319] In addition to the above enzyme-promoting effect, the above-specified mixture or combination comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols has a synergistic detergency and / or deterging-promoting efficacy simultaneously compared to the corresponding individual 1,2-alkanediol and / or 2,3-alkanediol substances.

[0320] Even more preferably, the enzyme promoter mixture is such that at least the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a lower carbon atom number of 5 to 8, and one or more second alkanediols are selected from 1,2-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number of 9 to 14.

[0321] Most preferably, the enzyme promoter mixture is such that at least the first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 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 the group consisting of 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0322] Most preferably, it is an enzyme promoter blend, wherein at least one first straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a lower carbon atom number 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 the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher carbon atom number 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).

[0323] Surprisingly, such alkanediol mixtures of short-chain and long-chain alkanediols have a particularly significant enzyme-promoting effect. In addition, such alkanediol mixtures are also characterized by a significant detergency and / or cleaning-enhancing efficacy.

[0324] More preferably, it is such an alkanediol mixture, wherein the difference between the carbon atom number of at least the first straight-chain alkanediol and the carbon atom number of one or more second alkanediols is at least 2 carbon atoms. In those alkanediol mixtures, the short-chain and long-chain alkanediols are combined with each other, resulting in improved enzyme performance.

[0325] Even more preferably, it is an enzyme promoter mixture, wherein the difference between the carbon atom number of at least the first straight-chain alkanediol and the carbon atom number of one or more second alkanediols is at least 3 carbon atoms. With such alkanediol mixtures, the enzyme-promoting effect is particularly significant.

[0326] Such combinations may include any one of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ 1,2-pentanediol combined with 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 ▪ 1,2-hexanediol combined with one of 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol; or ▪ 1,2-heptanediol combined with one of 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol; and ▪ 1,2-octanediol combined with one of 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0327] In a further preferred variant according to the invention, in the detergent and cleaning composition, the straight-chain alkanediols are 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 mixtures thereof.

[0328] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the straight-chain alkanediols are selected from the group consisting of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0329] Surprisingly, compared to a composition without 2,3-alkanediol, adding 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 a detergent and cleaning composition containing enzymes results in significant enzyme promotion.

[0330] According to a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention contains at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol.

[0331] In an even more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention contains at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol.

[0332] Surprisingly, it has been found that these short-chain 1,2-alkanediols are particularly effective enzyme promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergent and cleaning compositions. In addition, these substances have been found to exhibit significant soil removal and / or detergency enhancing properties in detergent and cleaning compositions. Thus, compared to detergent and cleaning compositions without such substances, such detergent and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties.

[0333] According to a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol.

[0334] Surprisingly, it has been found that these 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms are particularly effective enzyme promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergent and cleaning compositions. In addition, it has been found that these substances exhibit significant dirt-removing and / or detergency-enhancing properties in detergent and cleaning compositions. Thus, compared with detergent and cleaning compositions without the addition of such substances, such detergent and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties.

[0335] According to a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol.

[0336] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol.

[0337] In an even more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol.

[0338] Surprisingly, it has been found that these long-chain 1,2-alkanediols are particularly suitable enzyme promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergent and cleaning compositions. In addition, it has been found that these substances exhibit significant dirt-removing and / or detergency-promoting properties in detergent and cleaning compositions. Thus, such detergent and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning compositions without such substances.

[0339] In a most preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value ≤ 1, or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value ≤ 1 and one or more second straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols different from the first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol and having a log Pow value ≤ 1.

[0340] 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value ≤ 1 are selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol (0.06), 1,2-hexanediol (0.58), 1,2-heptanediol (0.9), and any mixture thereof. The 1,2-alkanediols are more soluble in water.

[0341] The Pow value is the partition coefficient of a compound at equilibrium in a two-phase system consisting of two immiscible solvents, n-octanol and water. Thus, 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.

[0342] The log Pow value is a constant defined in the following manner: Log Pow = log10 (partition coefficient) Partition coefficient, P = [n-octanol] / [water] where [] represents the concentration of the solute in the organic and / or aqueous partition.

[0343] The log Pow value is determined at a standard temperature of 25 °C.

[0344] A log Pow value ≤ 1 means that the compound has a higher affinity for the aqueous phase (more hydrophilic) and is thus 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 thus more soluble in a fat-like solvent.

[0345] Surprisingly, it has been found that 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≤1 are particularly suitable enzyme promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergent and cleaning compositions. In addition, it has been found that the above 1,2-alkanediols exhibit significant dirt removal and / or detergency promoting properties in detergent and cleaning compositions. Therefore, compared to detergent and cleaning compositions without such 1,2-alkanediols, detergent and cleaning compositions containing 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≤1 show improved cleaning properties.

[0346] In a further preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of ≥1, or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of ≥1 and one or more second straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≥1 and different from the first straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol.

[0347] 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≥1 are selected from the group consisting of 1,2-octanediol (log Pow = 2.1), 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof. The 1,2-alkanediols are more soluble in lipophilic solvents such as n-octanol.

[0348] Surprisingly, it has been found that 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≥1 are particularly suitable enzyme promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergent and cleaning compositions. In addition, it has been found that the above 1,2-alkanediols exhibit significant improved dirt removal and / or detergency properties in detergent and cleaning compositions. Therefore, compared to detergent and cleaning compositions without such 1,2-alkanediols, detergent and cleaning compositions containing 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≥1 show improved cleaning properties.

[0349] The term "alkanediol" in the context of the present invention also includes its stereoisomers. Stereoisomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula and differ only in how their atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space. According to the above definition, the straight-chain alkanediols of the present invention as described in detail above, or the first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or the second straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, encompass 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.

[0350] 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.

[0351] In the context of the present invention text, the terms "1,2-diol", "2,3-diol" or "3,4-diol" include the corresponding S-configured enantiomers and R-configured enantiomers and any mixture of these S-configured and R-configured enantiomers, i.e., a mixture of the racemates of the corresponding diols.

[0352] The alkanediol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol 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, or still more preferably in a ratio in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0353] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are preferably comprised in the mixture in a ratio in the range of 98:2 to 99.9:0.1.

[0354] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are preferably comprised in the alkanediol mixture in a ratio in the range of 95:5 to 99.9:0.1.

[0355] Preferably, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are included in the 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, even more preferably in a ratio of ≥97:≤3, and most preferably in a ratio of ≥98:≤2.

[0356] Most of all mixtures of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention contain 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio of ≥95:≤5, including the following ratios: ≥95.5:≤4.5, ≥96:≤4, ≥96.5:≤3.5, ≥97:≤3, ≥97.5:2.5, and ≥98.0:≤2.0.

[0357] Even more preferably, the alkane diol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention contains 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio of ≥98:≤2, including the following 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.

[0358] The first straight-chain alkane diol and the second straight-chain alkane diol, as defined in detail above, are present in the alkane diol mixture according to another variant of the present invention 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, and even more preferably in a ratio in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0359] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the first straight-chain alkane diol and the second straight-chain alkane diol are preferably included in the mixture in a ratio in the range of 98:2 to 99.9:0.1.

[0360] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention, the first straight-chain alkane diol and the second alkane diol are preferably included in the alkane diol mixture in a ratio in the range of 95:5 to 99.9:0.1.

[0361] Preferably, the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second alkanediol are included in the mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant 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.

[0362] Most of all mixtures of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention contain the first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol in a ratio of ≥95:≤5, including the following ratios: 95.5:≤4.5, ≥96:≤4, ≥96.5:≤3.5, ≥97:≤3, ≥97.5:2.5, and ≥98.0:≤2.0.

[0363] Even more preferably, the alkanediol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention contains the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol in a ratio of ≥98:≤2, including the following 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.

[0364] Alternatively, switch the ratio ranges of the first alkanediol and the second alkanediol so that the second alkanediol is the main component and the first alkanediol is the minor component.

[0365] In an advantageous variant according to the invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises, as the first straight-chain alkanediol, a 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) and, as the second straight-chain 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) in a ratio in the range from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio in the range from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio in the range from 80:20 to 98:2, still more preferably in a ratio in the range from 90:10 to 95:5.

[0366] In a further advantageous variant according to the invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises, as the first straight-chain alkanediol, a 1,2-alkanediol (such as 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) and, as the second straight-chain alkanediol, the corresponding 2,3-alkanediol (such as 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) in a ratio in the range from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio in the range from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio in the range from 80:20 to 98:2, still more preferably in a ratio in the range from 90:10 to 95:5.

[0367] Likewise, for the alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first straight-chain alkanediol to the second alkanediol or the ratio ranges as described above are also applicable.

[0368] In a further variant according to the invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises 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) as the first straight-chain alkanediol and 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) as the second straight-chain alkanediol in a ratio in the range from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio in the range from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio in the range from 80:20 to 98:2, still more preferably in a ratio in the range from 90:10 to 95:5.

[0369] In a further advantageous variant according to the invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises 2,3-alkanediol (such as 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) as the first straight-chain alkanediol and the corresponding 1,2-alkanediol (such as 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) as the second straight-chain alkanediol in a ratio in the range from 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in a ratio in the range from 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in a ratio in the range from 80:20 to 98:2, still more preferably in a ratio in the range from 90:10 to 95:5.

[0370] Likewise, for the alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first straight-chain alkanediol to the second alkanediol or the ratio ranges as described above are also applicable.

[0371] In a more advantageous variant according to the invention, in an alkanediol mixture comprising a combination of 1,2-alkanediol as the first straight-chain alkanediol and the corresponding 2,3-alkanediol as the second straight-chain 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 1,2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol, The first straight-chain alkanediol and the second straight-chain alkanediol are present 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, or even more preferably in a ratio in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0372] Similarly, for the alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first straight-chain alkanediol:second straight-chain alkanediol or the ratio ranges as described above are also applicable.

[0373] A preferred variant according to the invention also encompasses mixtures 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, or even more preferably in a ratio in the range of 90:10 to 95:5, the mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol as the first straight-chain alkanediol and 1,2-octanediol as the second straight-chain alkanediol.

[0374] Thus, according to another preferred variant, the invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, (i) which contains a mixture of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol 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 of 90:10 to 95:5; or (ii) which contains a mixture of at least one first straight-chain alkanediol and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols 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 of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0375] With these mixing ratios, the above-mentioned alkane diol mixtures show a synergistically enhanced enzyme promotion and a cleaning and / or detergency promotion effect compared to the corresponding individual alkane diols.

[0376] As described in US 2019 / 0241491 A1 and US 2020 / 0189995 A1, alkane diols are obtained by synthesis from petrochemical or other fossil fuel sources by known methods such as olefin dihydroxylation, hydrolysis from epoxides or various chemical conversions, or are obtained by fermentation from bio-derived raw materials, or are obtained by catalytic synthesis from bio-based natural and renewable raw materials such as biomass. The alkane diols used according to the present invention include alkane diols derived from petrochemicals and those derived from bio-based natural and renewable raw materials. Preferably, the alkane diols are from bio-based sources and are thus bio-alkane diols.

[0377] In addition to the alkane diols specified above, the enzyme promoter (b) of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another aspect / variant of the present invention is (b II ) glyceryl caprylate, or (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone, or (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerol, or (b V ) tropolone, or any mixture of the above reagents.

[0378] Glycerol caprylate (b II )

[0379] is a natural emollient derived from glycerol and plant fatty acids and is usually presented as a white waxy solid. This ingredient is used in many skin care products due to its emollient and moisturizing properties to help maintain the balance of moisture in the skin. In addition, glyceryl caprylate (b II ) is used as an antimicrobial active component in cosmetic formulations.

[0380] Surprisingly, it has been found that the oily surface-active co-emulsifier glyceryl caprylate is another suitable enzyme promoter within the meaning of the present invention.

[0381] 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP) (b III )

[0382] has oxidation inhibition, fungicidal and bacteriostatic growth inhibition properties and is thus used to stabilize cosmetic formulations.

[0383] Surprisingly, it has been found that 4-HAP is another suitable enzyme promoter within the meaning of the present invention.

[0384] Ethylhexylglycerol (EHG) (b IV )

[0385] is a relatively new cosmetic ingredient used because of its surfactant, dispersant, emollient, skin conditioning and antimicrobial properties. Ethylhexylglycerin (EHG or octyloxyglycerin) is a glycerol ether and an o-diol.

[0386] Surprisingly, it has been found that EHG is suitable for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions within the meaning of the present invention.

[0387] Tropolone (b V )

[0388] is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and chelating properties and is therefore used in cosmetic formulations.

[0389] Surprisingly, tropolone has been found to act as an enzyme promoter in detergents and cleaning compositions within the meaning of the present invention.

[0390] The enzyme promoters (b II )、(b III )、(b IV ) and (b V ) can be used alone or in the form of a mixture of two or even more enzyme promoters in detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0391] In a particular preferred variant, at least one enzyme promoter (b) in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprises any one of the following mixtures / combinations: ▪ A mixture comprising glyceryl caprylate (b II ) and 4-hydroxyacetophenone (b III ); ▪ A mixture comprising glyceryl caprylate (b II ) and ethylhexylglycerin (b IV ); ▪ A mixture comprising glyceryl caprylate (b II ) and tropolone (b V ); ▪ A mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone (b III ) and ethylhexylglycerin (b IV ); ▪ A mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone (b III ) and (b V) Mixtures of tropolone; and ▪ Comprising (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerol and (b V ) mixtures of tropolone.

[0392] For the promoter mixtures, a synergistic enzyme-promoting effect can even be observed compared to using their individual components.

[0393] Similarly, and even more preferably, the single enzyme promoters specified above (b II ), (b III ), (b IV ) and (b V ) or mixtures of two or three enzyme promoters (b II ), (b III ), (b IV ) and (b V ) can also be mixed with one or two or even more alkanediol enzyme promoters as defined herein (b I ) for use in detergent and cleaning compositions. Preferably, such mixtures contain two or even more enzyme promoters as defined herein.

[0394] In a particular preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise any one of the following enzyme promoter mixtures / combinations: ▪ A mixture comprising: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above, and (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; ▪ A mixture comprising: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above, and (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ A mixture comprising: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above, and (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerol; ▪ A mixture comprising: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above, and (b V ) tropolone.

[0395] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises any one of the following enzyme promoter mixtures / combinations selected from the group consisting of: ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-octanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-nonanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-decanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-undecanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b II ) a mixture of glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b III ) a mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising (b III) A mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol; ▪ Containing (b III ) A mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol; ▪ Containing (b III ) A mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol; ▪ Containing (b III ) A mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪ Containing (b III ) A mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪ Containing (b III ) A mixture of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-octanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-nonanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-decanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-undecanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪ Containing (b IV ) A mixture of ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪ Containing (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2-pentanediol; ▪ Containing (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2-hexanediol; ▪ Containing (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2-heptanediol; ▪ Containing (b V) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Comprising (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2 - nonanediol; ▪ Comprising (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2 - decanediol; ▪ Comprising (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2 - undecanediol; ▪ Comprising (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2 - dodecanediol; ▪ Comprising (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2 - tridecanediol; and ▪ Comprising (b V ) A mixture of tropolone and 1,2 - tetradecanediol.

[0396] Surprisingly, it has been found that the combinations specified above are particularly effective enzyme promoters, which can also be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergent and cleaning compositions. In addition, these substances have been found to exhibit significant soil - removal and / or detergency - enhancing properties in detergent and cleaning compositions. Thus, such detergent and cleaning compositions show improved cleaning properties compared to those without such enzyme - promoting combinations.

[0397] Surprisingly, for the promoter mixtures, a synergistic enzyme - promoting effect can even be observed compared to using their individual components.

[0398] Most preferably, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise a mixture of enzyme promoters comprising 1,2 - alkanediol in combination with 4 - hydroxyacetophenone, the mixture being selected from the group consisting of: ▪ Comprising (b III ) A mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - pentanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) A mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - hexanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) A mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) A mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) A mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - nonanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) A mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - decanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) a mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - undecanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) a mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - dodecanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) a mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - tridecanediol; ▪ Comprising (b III ) a mixture of 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - tetradecanediol; It has been found that these enzymes promote a significant synergistic enzyme - promoting effect in terms of the detergency and / or soil - release enhancing properties of the mixtures in detergent and cleaning compositions. Thus, such detergent and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning compositions without such enzyme - promoting combinations.

[0399] Particularly significant promoting effects were observed when the enzyme - stabilized mixture containing 4 - hydroxyacetophenone was added to detergent and cleaning compositions containing amylase.

[0400] However, particularly significant enzyme - promoting effects can be observed for the following enzyme - promoters: ▪ 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 comprising 1,2 - hexanediol and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ A mixture comprising 1,2 - hexanediol, 1,2 - octanediol and tropolone; and ▪ A mixture comprising 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - octanediol.

[0401] For the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the list of enzyme - promoters (b1, b2, b3, b) specified herein can be combined arbitrarily with the list of enzymes specified herein.

[0402] In a particular advantageous variant, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): ▪ A protease plus one or more of the following enzyme promoters: (b I ) At least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolone; or ▪ A lipase plus one or more of the following enzyme promoters: (b I ) At least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolone; or ▪ An amylase plus one or more of the following enzyme promoters: (b I ) At least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolone; or ▪ A cellulase plus one or more of the following enzyme promoters: (b I ) At least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolone; or ▪ Mannanase plus one or more of the following enzyme promoters: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) tropolone; or ▪ Pectate lyase plus one or more of the following enzyme promoters: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined above; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) tropolone.

[0403] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): ▪ Protease plus 1,2-pentanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-hexanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-heptanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-octanediol; ▪ Protease plus glyceryl caprylate; ▪ Protease plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ Protease plus ethylhexylglycerin; ▪ Protease plus tropolone; ▪ Protease plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; ▪ Protease plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; ▪ Protease plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-alkanediols (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); ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - pentanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - hexanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Amylase plus glyceryl caprylate; ▪ Amylase plus 4 - hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ Amylase plus ethylhexylglycerin; ▪ Amylase plus tropolone; ▪ Amylase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Amylase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol, 1,2 - octanediol and tropolone; ▪ Amylase plus a mixture containing 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - alkanediols (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); ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - pentanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - hexanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Lipase plus glyceryl caprylate; ▪ Lipase plus 4 - hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ Lipase plus ethylhexylglycerin; ▪ Lipase plus tropolone; ▪ Lipase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Lipase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol, 1,2 - octanediol and tropolone; ▪ Lipase plus a mixture containing 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - alkanediols (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); ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - pentanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - hexanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus glyceryl caprylate; ▪ Mannanase plus 4 - hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ Mannanase plus ethylhexylglycerol; ▪ Mannanase plus tropolone; ▪ Mannanase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol, 1,2 - octanediol and tropolone; ▪ Mannanase plus a mixture containing 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - alkanediols (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); ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - pentanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - hexanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus glyceryl caprylate; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 4 - hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ Pectate lyase plus ethylhexylglycerol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus tropolone; ▪ Pectate lyase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol, 1,2 - octanediol and tropolone; or ▪ Pectate lyase plus a mixture containing 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - alkanediols (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).

[0404] Particularly preferred is the use of the enzyme promoter mixture in detergent and cleaning compositions containing amylase: 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - pentanediol, 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - hexanediol, 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - heptanediol, 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - octanediol, 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - nonanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol, 4-Hydroxy-1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0405] Particularly preferred is the use of the enzyme promoter mixture in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising mannanase: 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol, 4-Hydroxy-1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0406] In a further preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): ▪ Protease plus 1,2-heptanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-octanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-nonanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-decanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-undecanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2-heptanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2-octanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2-nonanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2-decanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2-undecanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2-dodecanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2-tridecanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2-tetradecanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2-heptanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - nonanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - decanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - undecanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - dodecanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - tridecanediol; ▪ Lipase plus 1,2 - tridecanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - nonanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - decanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - undecanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - dodecanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - tridecanediol; ▪ Mannanase plus 1,2 - tetradecanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - nonanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - decanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - undecanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - dodecanediol; ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - tridecanediol; or ▪ Pectate lyase plus 1,2 - tetradecanediol.

[0407] It has been found that the above combinations produce excellent enzyme - promoting properties in detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0408] However, the combinations comprising the enzyme and the enzyme promoter not only have a significant enzyme - promoting effect, but are also beneficial in laundry detergents, detergents for manual and automatic dishwashing, hard - surface cleaners, cleaners for medical and dental instruments, stain removers, etc., because they exhibit enhanced soil - removing and / or detergency activity compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without the addition of the enzyme promoter, resulting in improved cleaning performance upon application.

[0409] In an even more preferred variant, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b) selected from the group consisting of: ▪ Protease plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2 - nonanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2 - decanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2 - undecanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2 - dodecanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2 - tridecanediol; ▪ Protease plus 1,2 - tetradecanediol; ▪ Protease plus glyceryl caprylate; ▪ Protease plus 4 - hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ Protease plus ethylhexylglycerin; ▪ Protease plus tropolone; ▪ Protease plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Protease plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol, 1,2 - octanediol and tropolone; ▪ Protease plus a mixture containing 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - alkanediol (such as 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); ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - nonanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - decanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - undecanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - dodecanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - tridecanediol; ▪ Amylase plus 1,2 - tetradecanediol; ▪ Amylase plus glyceryl caprylate; ▪ Amylase plus 4 - hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ Amylase plus ethylhexylglycerin; ▪ Amylase plus tropolone; ▪ Amylase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Amylase plus a mixture containing 1,2 - hexanediol, 1,2 - octanediol and tropolone; ▪ Amylase plus a mixture comprising 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - alkanediols such as 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; ▪ Cellulase plus 1,2 - heptanediol; ▪ Cellulase plus 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Cellulase plus 1,2 - nonanediol; ▪ Cellulase plus 1,2 - decanediol; ▪ Cellulase plus 1,2 - undecanediol; ▪ Cellulase plus 1,2 - dodecanediol; ▪ Cellulase plus 1,2 - tridecanediol; or ▪ Cellulase plus 1,2 - tetradecanediol.

[0410] ▪ Cellulase plus glyceryl caprylate; ▪ Cellulase plus 4 - hydroxyacetophenone; ▪ Cellulase plus ethylhexylglycerin; ▪ Cellulase plus tropolone; ▪ Cellulase plus a mixture comprising 1,2 - hexanediol and 1,2 - octanediol; ▪ Cellulase plus a mixture comprising 1,2 - hexanediol, 1,2 - octanediol and tropolone; and ▪ Cellulase plus a mixture comprising 4 - hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2 - alkanediols such as 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.

[0411] The above combinations comprising protease, amylase or cellulase and an enzyme promoter are particularly beneficial in laundry detergents, preferably in fabric softeners, as they improve the softness in laundry washing.

[0412] Surfactant / component (c1, c2, c3, c) The detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least one surfactant (c1, c2, c3, c).

[0413] Surfactants are added for a variety of reasons, the main purpose being their washing and surface - active properties. They remove dirt from clothes and surfaces during the washing and cleaning process and keep it suspended in the washing solution. Some surfactants perform other functions such as foam inhibition.

[0414] The detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may comprise any type of surfactant, namely anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants, and any mixtures thereof.

[0415] Suitable surfactants that can be incorporated into the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention are: Anionic surfactant Anionic surfactants suitable for the detergent and cleaning compositions of the present invention may include any conventional anionic surfactant. Typical examples of anionic surfactants encompass: · C10-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; · C10-C18 alkyl sulfates; · C10-C18 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles of ethylene oxide; · C10-C18 α-olefin sulfonates; · C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide; and any mixtures thereof.

[0416] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · C10-C13 alkylbenzene sulfonates; · C12-C15 alkyl sulfates; · C12-C14 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles of ethylene oxide; · C12-C16 α-olefin sulfonates; · C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 3 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide; and any mixtures thereof.

[0417] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · dodecylbenzene sulfonate; · dodecyl sulfate; · dodecyl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide; · C12-C14 α-olefin sulfonates; · C18 alkyl carboxylate ethoxylated with 9 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide; and any mixtures thereof.

[0418] For laundry detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of: dodecylbenzenesulfonates, dodecyl sulfates, dodecyl sulfates ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0419] For hand dishwashing detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of: dodecyl sulfates, dodecyl sulfates ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0420] For hard surface cleaning detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of: dodecyl sulfates, dodecyl sulfates ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0421] Cationic surfactants The cationic surfactants suitable for the detergent and cleaning compositions of the present invention may include any conventional cationic surfactants. Typical examples of cationic surfactants include: · Quaternary C8 - C18 alkyl ethanolamines; · Quaternary C8 - C18 alkyl ammonium compounds; · C8 - C18 alkyl methyl sulfate ammonium; and any mixtures thereof.

[0422] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · Quaternary C12 - C18 alkyl ethanolamines; · Quaternary C12 - C18 alkyl ammonium compounds; · C12 - C18 alkyl methyl sulfate ammonium; and any mixtures thereof.

[0423] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · Quaternary C16 - C18 alkyl ethanolamines; · Quaternary C16 - C18 alkyl ammonium compounds; · C14 - C18 alkyl methyl sulfate ammonium; and any mixtures thereof.

[0424] For hard surface cleaning detergents, the cationic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of quaternary C16 - C18 alkyl ammonium compounds and any mixtures thereof.

[0425] For fabric softeners, the cationic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of C14 - C18 alkyl methyl sulfate ammonium and any mixtures thereof.

[0426] Nonionic surfactant The nonionic surfactants suitable for the detergent and cleaning compositions of the present invention may include any conventional nonionic surfactants. Typical examples of nonionic surfactants include: · C6 - C18 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide; · Alkoxylated C6 - C18 fatty alcohols, such as C6 - C18 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide, C6 - C18 fatty alcohols propoxylated with 1 to 15 moles of propylene oxide, C6 - C18 fatty alcohols butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of butylene oxide, and combinations thereof; · C6 - C18 sophorolipids; · C6 - C18 rhamnolipids; · C5 - C18 alkyl polyglycosides; · C6 - C18 alkanolamides; · C6 - C18 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixtures thereof.

[0427] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · C8 - C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide; · Alkoxylated C8 - C15 fatty alcohols, such as C8 - C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide, C8 - C15 fatty alcohols propoxylated with 1 to 15 moles of propylene oxide, C8 - C15 fatty alcohols butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of butylene oxide, and combinations thereof; · C8 - C18 sophorolipids; · C8 - C18 rhamnolipids; · C7 - C15 alkyl polyglycosides; · C8 - C15 alkanolamides; · C8 - C15 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixtures thereof.

[0428] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · 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.

[0429] In a still more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · C10 to C18 sophorolipids; · C10 to C18 rhamnolipids; · C8 to C14 alkyl polyglycosides; and any mixtures thereof.

[0430] Said nonionic detergent is particularly advantageous for the preparation of "green" detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0431] For laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and hard surface cleaning detergents, the nonionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of C10 to C18 sophorolipids, C10 to C18 rhamnolipids, C8 to C14 alkyl polyglycosides and any mixtures thereof.

[0432] In a further preferred variant, for laundry detergents, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of 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.

[0433] In a further preferred variant, for hard surface cleaning, such as degreasers, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C9 to C11 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide, C10 fatty alcohol ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0434] In a further preferred variant, for automatic dishwashing, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C12 to C14 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 5 moles of ethylene oxide and / or propoxylated with 4 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0435] Amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant The amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants suitable for the detergent and cleaning compositions of 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 oxide; · C10 to C18 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; · C10 to C18 alkyl betaine; · C10 to C18 alkylamidobetaine; · C10 to C18 sulfobetaine; and any mixture of the above surfactants.

[0436] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · C10 to C15 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide; · C10 to C15 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide; · C10 to C15 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; · C10 to C15 alkyl betaine; · C10 to C15 alkylamidobetaine; · C10 to C15 sulfobetaine; and any mixture of the above surfactants.

[0437] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: · C12 to C14 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide; · C12 to C14 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide; · C12 to C14 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; · C12 to C14 alkyl betaine; · C12 to C14 alkylamidobetaine; · C12 to C14 sulfobetaine; and any mixture of the above surfactants.

[0438] For hand dishwashing detergents, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of C12 to C14 alkyl betaines and any mixture thereof.

[0439] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises an anionic surfactant or a mixture of two or even more anionic surfactants, the anionic surfactant being selected from the group consisting of: · 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 α-olefin sulfonates; · C8 to C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide; and · Their preferred variants as specified above.

[0440] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises a cationic surfactant or a mixture of two or even more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of: · Quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ethanolamines; · Quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds; · C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium methyl sulfates; and · Their preferred variants as specified above.

[0441] In an even more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises a non-ionic surfactant or a mixture of two or even more non-ionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of: · 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 alcohols propoxylated with 1 to 15 moles of propylene oxide, C8 to C15 fatty alcohols 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 · Their preferred variants as specified above.

[0442] The surfactants specified above can be used alone or in the form of a mixture of two, three or even more surfactants, which surfactants are from the same surfactant class (anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric / zwitterionic) or as a mixture of surfactants from different surfactant classes.

[0443] In the most preferred variants, 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 non-ionic surfactants as specified herein, i.e. a combination of one or more anionic surfactants and one or more non-ionic surfactants.

[0444] Alternatively, 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 cationic surfactants as specified herein, i.e. a combination of one or more cationic surfactants and one or more non-ionic surfactants.

[0445] The above-mentioned numerical ranges cited with respect to the number of C atoms of the surfactant in the form of "Cx to Cy" include the values defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. 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 with 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 rhamnolipids and a carbon chain having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms.

[0446] Optional additional component In the context of the present invention, it is also possible and in some cases advantageous to combine the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention with other active substances and / or additives, depending on the purpose of the composition, in order to obtain ready-to-use compositions or formulations. The active ingredients impart the desired properties and functions to the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention. The terms "functional ingredient" or "functional additive" include ingredients that provide beneficial properties in a particular use. Some specific examples of functional ingredients are discussed in more detail below. However, a wide variety of other functional ingredients can also be used.

[0447] The detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention can contain any ingredients commonly present in such compositions, such as, for example, organic solvents, builders, and additional auxiliaries such as soil repellents, thickeners, colorants, and fragrances, etc.

[0448] Preferably, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention can advantageously be combined with or varied with at least one active substance and / or at least one (functional) additive, such as, for example, solvents, builders, bleaches, detergents, dispersants, foam inhibitors, polyvalent chelating agents, chelating agents, anti-redeposition agents, dye transfer inhibitors / color protectants, dye scavengers, dyes, anti-graying agents, optical brighteners, ultraviolet light absorbers, thickeners or rheology modifiers, hydrotropes, solubility modifiers, pH regulators, buffers, solvents, antistatic agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-microbial agents, odor removers / odor capturers, ultraviolet light protectants, fragrances, disinfectants, fungicides, water repellents, insect repellents, anti-pilling agents, acidulants, anti-mildew agents, anti-allergy agents, and any mixtures thereof.

[0449] Chelating agent / polyvalent chelating agent The detergent and cleaning compositions disclosed herein can optionally contain one or more chelating agents capable of complexing iron, manganese, and / or calcium ions. This additionally allows for water softening. Furthermore, negatively charged anionic surfactants trap Ca and / or Mg ions from the washing liquid and form complexes. This complex formation results in a reduction in washing performance. To prevent this complex formation, chelating agents as described below are also added to the detergent and cleaning compositions. Thus, the addition of chelating agents enables the performance of anionic surfactants in the detergent and cleaning compositions not to be reduced.

[0450] The chelating agent can be present in the form of an acid or a salt, including its alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, and substituted ammonium salts, and mixtures thereof.

[0451] Preferably, the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of aminocarboxylates, phosphonates, or mixtures thereof.

[0452] These reagents as used herein include those chemicals that interact with divalent ions, cations, and anions and tend to precipitate in their saturated aqueous solutions.

[0453] Useful aminocarboxylate chelating agents include, but are not limited to, the following: N-(1,2-dicarboxy-ethyl)-D,L-aspartic acid (IDS), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid (EDG), aspartic acid-N-monoacetic acid (ASMA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), aspartic acid-N-monopropionic acid (ASMP), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA), N-(2-sulfo-methyl)aspartic acid (SMAS), N-(2-sulfo-ethyl)aspartic acid (SEAS), N-(2-sulfo-methyl)glutamic acid (SMGL), N-(2-sulfo-ethyl)glutamic acid (SEGL), N-methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA), a-alanine-N,N-diacetic acid (a-ALDA), serine-N,N-diacetic acid (SEDA), isoserine-N,N-diacetic acid (ISDA), phenylalanine-N,N-diacetic acid (PHDA), anthranilic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (AND A), sulfanilic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (SLDA), taurine-N,N-diacetic acid (TUDA), sulfomethyl-N,N-diacetic acid (SMDA), N-(hydroxyethyl)-ethylenediaminetriacetate (HEDTA), diethanolglycine (DEG), aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP).

[0454] Preferred chelating agents may contain amino groups and may be, for example, amino-polycarboxylates or phosphonates. It may be a monomeric molecule containing one, two or three amino groups (usually secondary or tertiary amino groups), and it may contain two, three, four or five carboxyl groups or even more carboxyl groups. The chelating agent may be phosphorus-containing or phosphorus-free. Suitable chelating agents include those based on carboxylate groups, including EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid), citrate, 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), MGDA (methylglycine diacetic acid OT N,N'-bis(carboxymethyl)alanine), EGTA (ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid), EDDS (ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid), GLDA (L-glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid). The composition preferably may further include other polycarboxylates, such as PAA [poly(acrylic acid)], PAA / PMA [copoly(acrylic acid / maleic acid)], or mixtures thereof.

[0455] Another preferred group of chelating agents includes phosphonates. Aminoalkanes and / or hydroxyalkanes phosphonates are preferably used as phosphonates. Suitable examples of these phosphonate chelating agents include HEDP (1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid), EDTMP [ethylenediamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid)], EDTMPA (ethylenediamine tetramethylene-tetraphosphonic acid), DTPMP (diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid)), DTMPA (diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid)), nitrilotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (NTMP), 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonate (EDTMP), and their higher homologues. Among the hydroxyalkane phosphonates, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate (HEDP) is particularly important. The chelating agent may contain nitrogen, such as in EDTA, NTA, DTPA, PDTA, GLDA, MGDA, EDDS, EDTMP, EDTMPA, and DTPMP or ASMA, ASDA, ASMP, IDA, SMAS, SEAS, SMGL, SEGL, MIDA, a-ALDA, SEDA, ISDA, PHDA, ANDA, SLDA, TUDA, SMDA, HEDTA, DEG, ATMP, or mixtures thereof.

[0456] Particularly preferred chelating agents include, but are not limited to, the following: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriamine pentamethylenephosphonic acid (DTMPA, DTPMP), hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP), ethylenediamine N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), propylenediamine tetraacetic acid (PDTA), 2-hydroxypyridine-N-oxide (HPNO), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (tetrasodium N,N-dicarboxymethylglutamate (GLDA)), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), sodium citrate, or mixtures thereof. The chelating agent may be present in its acid form or as a salt, preferably, the chelating agent may be present as a sodium, ammonium, or potassium salt.

[0457] Particularly preferred chelating agents include diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), and 1,1-hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) or their alkali metal, potassium, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or substituted ammonium salts, or mixtures thereof. The most preferred chelating agents are phosphonates. The phosphonate chelating agents include HEDP in its acid form or in the form of a salt with an alkali metal, potassium, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or substituted ammonium.

[0458] Most preferred are the following chelating agents: GLDA, MGDA, sodium citrate, HEDP, and any mixtures thereof.

[0459] In the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention, the chelating agent is generally present in an amount of from 0.1% to 10.0% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0460] Preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention comprise at least 0.2% by weight of a chelating agent, more preferably at least 0.3% by weight, more preferably at least 0.5% by weight, most preferably at least 0.6% by weight, but typically not more than 3% by weight, more preferably not more than 2% by weight, most preferably not more than 1% by weight of a chelating agent.

[0461] However, in some automatic dishwashing gels, the amount of GLDA can be from 30% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0462] Antimicrobial agent The detergent and cleaning compositions may also comprise one or more antimicrobial agents.

[0463] In the context of the present invention, the term "antimicrobial component" refers to a group of substances, in particular agents which kill microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and / or fungi or prevent or inhibit their growth, which prevent the product from being contaminated by microorganisms. In the absence of such agents added, the product deteriorates, which can be manifested as a change in odor, discoloration, mold growth, gas formation, emulsion separation or viscosity change, making the product unacceptable to the consumer.

[0464] Suitable antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, antimicrobial classes such as phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanolamines, nitro derivatives, anilines, 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-containing antimicrobial compositions such as hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, dithiocarbamates such as sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, and various other materials known in the art to have antimicrobial properties. Other exemplary antimicrobial agents include glutaraldehyde, bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol), silver and isothiazolones such as methylisothiazolinone, ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl (sold under the trade name Neolone ™ Sales), sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol or methylbenzyl alcohol.

[0465] In a preferred variant according to the invention, the detergent and cleaning composition is further combined with benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, and any mixtures thereof. These substances have a broad-spectrum activity against microorganisms and are added to the detergent composition to inhibit microbial spoilage and are thus used for stabilization purposes.

[0466] In particular, antimicrobial agents are added to liquid detergents because of their high water content, which makes such compositions vulnerable to microbial infestation and growth.

[0467] If an antimicrobial agent is included in the detergent and cleaning composition of the invention, the amount of the antimicrobial agent is preferably between about 0.0001% by weight and about 15% by weight, particularly an amount of 0.001% by weight to 10.0% by weight, and most particularly an amount of 0.001% by weight to 5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0468] Enzymes are typically incorporated into the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present disclosure in an amount sufficient to produce effective cleaning during the washing process. An amount effective for cleaning refers to an amount that produces a clean, hygienic, and preferably non-corrosive appearance on the material being cleaned, particularly for medical or dental equipment or instruments. An amount effective for cleaning can also refer to an amount that produces a cleaning, decontaminating, deterging, whitening, deodorizing, or freshness-improving effect on a substrate such as a medical or dental equipment or instrument. Such a cleaning effect can be achieved with an enzyme amount as low as about 0.02% by weight of the detergent and cleaning composition.

[0469] In the detergent and cleaning compositions of the present disclosure, suitable cleaning can typically be achieved when the enzyme is present in an amount of about 0.0001% by weight to about 35% by weight, preferably about 2% by weight to about 15% by weight; preferably about 3% by weight to about 10% by weight; preferably about 4% by weight to about 8% by weight; preferably about 4% by weight, about 5% by weight, about 6% by weight, about 7% by weight, or about 8% by weight. In highly concentrated cleaning preparations, a higher enzyme content is generally desired.

[0470] In the detergent and cleaning composition of the invention, suitable cleaning can be achieved when the enzyme is present in an amount of 0.0001% by weight to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the enzyme is present in an amount of 0.0001% by weight to 4% by weight. More preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention contains an amount of enzyme of 0.001% by weight to 3% by weight. Most preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the enzyme is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.01% by weight to 2% by weight. Further preferably, based on the total weight of the composition, the enzyme is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.05% by weight to 2% by weight.

[0471] Typically, the enzyme is present in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention in an amount of from 0.05% to 2.0% by weight. Generally, protease and amylase are used in higher concentrations in the detergent and cleaning composition, i.e., based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of protease is from 0.4% to 1.5% by weight and the amount of amylase is from 0.05% to 0.6% by weight.

[0472] For the enzyme mixture, the above amounts relate to the total content of the enzymes in the mixture, i.e., the amount is the sum of the contents of all the enzymes in the mixture.

[0473] Based on the total 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 invention is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.001% to 15.0% by weight. In a preferred variant, based on the total weight of the composition, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises 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 from 0.01% to 10.0% by weight. In a more preferred variant, based on the total 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 the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight. In an even more preferred variant, based on the total 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 the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.3% to 3.0% by weight. In the most preferred variant, based on the total 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 the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.5% to 1.0% by weight.

[0474] For the heptanediol mixture (b3), the above amounts relate to the total content of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in the mixture, i.e., the amount is the sum of the contents of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in the mixture.

[0475] Based on the total weight of the composition, at least one enzyme promoter (b) according to the invention is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.001 to 15.0% by weight. In a preferred variant, based on the total weight of the composition, the detergent and cleaning composition contains at least one enzyme promoter (b) in an amount of from 0.01% to 10.0% by weight. In a more preferred variant, based on the total weight of the composition, at least one enzyme promoter (b) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight. In an even more preferred variant, based on the total weight of the composition, at least one enzyme promoter (b) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.3% to 3.0% by weight. In the most preferred variant, based on the total weight of the composition, at least one enzyme promoter (b) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 0.5% to 1.0% by weight.

[0476] For an alkylene glycol mixture comprising at least one first linear alkylene glycol and one or more second linear alkylene glycols, the above amounts relate to the total content of the first and second linear alkylene glycols in the mixture, i.e. the amount is the sum of the contents of the first and second linear alkylene glycols in the mixture.

[0477] For an enzyme promoter mixture comprising two or more promoters, the above amounts relate to the total content of the promoters in the mixture, i.e. the amount is the sum of the contents of the individual promoters in the mixture.

[0478] In a particular preferred variant of the first aspect according to the invention, based on the total weight of the composition, the detergent and cleaning composition contains 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol in a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in an amount of from 0.001% to 15.0% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 10.0% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight, even more preferably from 0.3% to 3.0% by weight, and most preferably from 0.5% to 1.0% by weight.

[0479] Even more preferably, based on the total weight of the composition or the household care product, the detergent and cleaning composition contains 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol in a mixture (b3) comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in an amount of from 0.001% to 0.5% by weight, preferably from 0.005% to 0.1% by weight, and most preferably from 0.01% to 0.075% by weight.

[0480] In a particular preferred variant according to the invention, the detergent and cleaning composition is present in an amount of from 0.001% to 15.0% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 10.0% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight, still more preferably from 0.3% to 3.0% by weight, and most preferably from 0.5% to 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or the household care product, and comprises 2,3-alkanediol as a linear alkanediol or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols.

[0481] Even more preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition is present in an amount of from 0.001% to 0.5% by weight, preferably from 0.005% to 0.1% by weight, and most preferably from 0.01% to 0.075% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or the household care product, and comprises 2,3-alkanediol as a linear alkanediol or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols.

[0482] Typically, at least one surfactant is present in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention in an amount of greater than 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the surfactant is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of from 4% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention comprises the surfactant in an amount of from 10% to 60% by weight, still more preferably from 20% to 50% by weight and most preferably from 30% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0483] In contrast, the light composition according to the invention comprises at least one surfactant in an amount of greater than 3% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the surfactant is present in an amount of from 4% to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The dishwashing and / or rinsing composition according to the invention comprises the surfactant in an amount of from 5% to 20% by weight, and preferably from 6% to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0484] Surprisingly, it has been found that the disclosed detergent and cleaning composition has excellent cleaning properties compared to a detergent and cleaning composition to which the enzyme promoter of the present invention is not added.

[0485] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of the enzyme promoters as defined herein) to detergent and cleaning compositions containing an enzyme or an enzyme mixture has a positive effect, as they enhance the performance of one or more enzymes of the enzyme mixture contained therein. Compared with detergent and cleaning compositions without such enzyme promoters, the enzymes in these detergent and cleaning compositions exhibit excellent enzyme performance.

[0486] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of the enzyme promoters as defined herein) to enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions improves soil removal and / or scale removal compared to enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions without such a promoter.

[0487] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that alkanediols facilitate the approach of enzymes to stains and / or dirt and actively participate in the formation of micelles during the washing and cleaning process.

[0488] Unexpectedly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of the enzyme promoters as defined herein) to detergent and cleaning compositions containing cellulase improves the softness of laundry washing compared to detergent and cleaning compositions containing cellulase without such enzyme promoters.

[0489] Accordingly, detergent and cleaning compositions containing an enzyme or an enzyme mixture in combination with a specific type of enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of the enzyme promoters as defined herein) exhibit improved overall cleaning performance compared to detergent and cleaning compositions without such enzyme promoters.

[0490] Conversely, also due to the promoting effect, the amounts of enzymes and other ingredients used to increase the cleaning efficacy in these detergent and cleaning compositions can be reduced to achieve a similar cleaning effect, i.e., without loss of cleaning performance.

[0491] In addition, by adding such enzyme promoters as defined herein, the enzyme stabilizing effect of additional enzyme stabilizers added to detergent and cleaning compositions can even be improved.

[0492] According to a further aspect of the invention, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention are used as such or for the preparation of detergents and cleaning products.

[0493] The enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions or products as specified herein can be used in a variety of cleaning methods. As used herein, the term "cleaning" means performing, facilitating or assisting in detergency, bleaching, microbial population reduction, disinfection, etc. Preferably, the enzyme-containing detergent 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 utensils or other surfaces, cleaning of medical and dental instruments, etc.

[0494] Preferably, the enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions or products can be used for cleaning, washing or pre-soaking medical or dental devices, instruments or equipment, including any of a variety of medical or dental instruments or devices that can benefit from cleaning with an enzyme-containing cleaning composition. Exemplary medical and dental instruments and devices include instruments, devices, tools, implements, equipment and apparatus used in medicine or dentistry, including those 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 substances.

[0495] Suitable examples of the detergent and cleaning compositions or products include heavy-duty detergents, color care detergents, light-duty detergents, all-purpose detergents, fabric softeners, fabric wash fragrances, scented washes, laundry wipes, degreasing detergents, stain removers (pre-spotting agents, vanishing 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, cleaners for cooking utensils, oven cleaners, floor cleaners, wood floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, bathroom and shower cleaners, toilet cleaners, mud cleaners, disinfectants, drain openers, toilet rim block gels, air fresheners, furniture polishes, car wash agents, medical cleaning products, etc.

[0496] The above-mentioned detergent and cleaning compositions or products refer to compositions or products in liquid, solid, tablet, encapsulated, diluted or concentrated form and optionally in two-compartment or multi-compartment form.

[0497] As used herein, liquid includes free-flowing liquids as well as pastes, gels, foams and mousses. Non-limiting examples of liquids include light and heavy liquid detergents and cleaning compositions, fabric enhancers, detergent gels commonly used in laundry washing, bleaches and laundry washing additives. Gases (e.g., suspended bubbles) or solids (e.g., particles) can be included in the liquid.

[0498] As used herein, solids include powders, flakes, granules, spheres, tablets, microcapsules, beads, extrudates, pearlescent beads, lozenges, pucks, compacts, bricks, blocks or another solid form known to those skilled in the art.

[0499] Solid detergent and cleaning compositions or products may be provided as pressed solid blocks, cast solid blocks, extruded spheres or blocks or tablets. Additionally, solid detergent compositions or products may be provided in unit dose form. A unit dose refers to the size of the solid detergent and cleaning composition unit such that the entire unit is used during a single wash cycle.

[0500] Solid detergent and cleaning compositions or products may also be provided in the form of multi-use (e.g., multiple use) solids, such as blocks or multiple spheres, and may be reused to generate an aqueous use solution of the detergent composition for multiple cycles or a predetermined number of dispensing cycles. The multi-use solid detergent composition may be reused to generate an aqueous detergent composition, e.g., a use solution, for multiple wash cycles. The pressed solid detergent block is made to provide stability such that the reactive components in the composition do not react with each other until diluted and / or used. In some aspects, the order of introducing components to form the solid is non-limiting as minimal water and / or no water is introduced into the solid composition. However, in some aspects, the pressed solid detergent block is prepared by using a binding system to minimize any damage to the coated granules that can be used. Advantageously, the pressing process for preparing the pressed solid detergent block generates the pressed solid detergent block and prevents the reaction or mixing of the components. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the solid detergent composition remains unreacted or unmixed until use, e.g., dilution.

[0501] In the process of pressing a solid, flowable solids, such as granular solids or other particulate solids including a binder, are combined under pressure. In the process of pressing a solid, the flowable solids of the composition are placed in a forming member (e.g., a mold or container). The method may include gently pressing the flowable solids in the forming member to produce a solid cleaning composition.

[0502] Enzyme detergent and cleaning compositions or products may be provided in concentrated form and diluted into 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.

[0503] The enzyme detergent and cleaning compositions or products according to the present invention are used for household cleaning, medical cleaning, institutional cleaning, such as cleaning in schools, airports, hospitals or industrial cleaning.

[0504] The enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the invention can be prepared by combining and mixing various ingredients according to common and known methods. Preferably, the enzyme is added last to prevent enzyme denaturation or inactivation. The mixing can be carried out by any suitable automatic or manual method. For example, automatic or manual stirring can be carried out. The enzyme detergent composition can be prepared by batch or continuous methods.

[0505] Based on its aforementioned advantageous effects, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention is particularly effective in effectively removing stains and / or dirt from substrates during the washing and cleaning process. The detergent and cleaning composition comprises a combination of an enzyme and an enzyme promoter (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl octanoate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of the enzyme promoters).

[0506] Accordingly, the invention in a further aspect relates to a method of treating a contaminated and / or soiled substrate, comprising the steps - treating the substrate with a detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the invention; and - rinsing the substrate in water to remove the composition or product.

[0507] Preferably, the method of treating a soiled / contaminated substrate is carried out in a wash containing a wash liquid comprising water and an enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention. The wash liquid can be applied to the substrate or the substrate can be immersed in the wash liquid.

[0508] The method can alternatively comprise applying the enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning composition (i.e., not soluble in the absence of water) directly to part or all of the substrate in order to directly treat the stains and / or dirt on the substrate. Such a process is preferably a pretreatment and can then be treated with or in a wash liquid.

[0509] The method according to the invention is applicable to both higher and lower temperatures. Dishwashing applications clean the substrate at a temperature above about 60 °C, or above about 70 °C, or between about 65 °C and 80 °C, for example. Laundry washing applications clean the laundry at a temperature above about 40 °C, or above about 50 °C, or between about 65 °C and 90 °C, for example.

[0510] Preferably, the method is applied at low temperatures, where the removal of stains and / or dirt is more problematic. Preferably, the treatment temperature is below 50 °C, and preferably below 40 °C, and more preferably below 30 °C.

[0511] Surprisingly, it has been found that the enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention is particularly effective in stain and / or dirt removal at said low temperatures.

[0512] Thus, the method allows enzymatic removal of stains and / or dirt in the low temperature range, regardless of the temperature sensitivity of the enzyme used.

[0513] This is particularly advantageous when treating sensitive substrates (such as wool, silk) and synthetic fibers (such as polyester, polyacrylic acid, nylon) that can only be washed or cleaned at low temperatures.

[0514] Preferably, the substrate is cotton.

[0515] More preferably, the substrate is wool or silk.

[0516] Even more preferably, the substrate is a blended fabric (such as cotton and polyester), or a synthetic fiber (such as polyester, polyacrylic acid or nylon).

[0517] Using the enzyme detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the invention in the method according to the invention allows improved removal of stains and / or dirt and thus results in improved overall cleaning performance.

[0518] Based on the advantageous enzyme promotion and stain and / or soil removal promotion effects as described above for the enzyme promoter, the invention in a further aspect relates to the use of at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) a straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined herein; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (bIII) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) tropolone; and any mixture thereof;.

[0519] With respect to the enzyme promoter and its preferred variants, reference is made to the above description in relation to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the invention, and for the avoidance of repetition, this is equally applicable to the use of at least one enzyme promoter for promoting the performance of enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0520] Relative to the enzyme and its preferred variants, referring to the previous descriptions of the enzyme in relation to the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, in order to avoid repetition, this is equally effective for the use of at least one enzyme promoter (b) to promote the performance of the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions and / or to improve the cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0521] Preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of: protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, cutinase, gluconase, peroxidase, pectinase, mannanase, esterase, hemicellulase, xylanase, phospholipase, pectate lyase, keratinase, reductase, nuclease (including DNase and / or RNase), phenol oxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, melanase, ß-glucanase, arabinosidase, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, oxidoreductase, and any mixture thereof.

[0522] More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of: protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, mannanase, pectate lyase, and any mixture thereof.

[0523] Surprisingly, it has been found that the use of at least one promoter (b) as specified herein improves the enzyme performance and enhances the stain and / or soil removal in the detergent and cleaning compositions compared to the detergent and cleaning compositions without the enzyme-promoting substance, resulting in improved overall cleaning performance. This excellent effect is based on the combination of the enzyme and the enzyme promoter. This excellent effect is based on the combination of the enzyme and the enzyme promoter in the detergent and cleaning compositions. This improvement also allows for a reduction in the amount of enzyme or enzyme stabilizer in the detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0524] Based on the advantageous enzyme promotion and stain-removing and / or soil-removing enhancing effects as described above for the enzyme promoter, the present invention finally relates to a method for promoting the performance of the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning compositions, the method comprising the following steps: (i) providing a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme; and (ii) adding to it an effective amount of at least one enzyme promoter (b), the at least one enzyme promoter being selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol as defined herein; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (b III)4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV )Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V )Tropolone; and any mixture thereof.

[0525] With respect to the enzyme boosters and their preferred variants, reference is made to the above description relating to the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention. To avoid repetition, this is equally effective for methods of promoting the performance of enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0526] With respect to the enzymes and their preferred variants, reference is made to the above description of the enzymes relating to the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the invention. To avoid repetition, this is equally effective for methods of promoting the performance of enzymes in detergent and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergent and cleaning compositions.

[0527] Preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of: protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, cutinase, gluconase, peroxidase, pectinase, mannanase, esterase, hemicellulase, xylanase, phospholipase, pectate lyase, keratinase, reductase, nuclease (including DNase and / or RNase), phenol oxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, melanase, ß-glucanase, arabinosidase, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, oxidoreductase and any mixture thereof.

[0528] More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of: protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, mannanase, pectate lyase, and any mixture thereof.

[0529] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme booster (such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone or a mixture of said enzyme boosters) to a detergent and cleaning composition containing an enzyme has a positive effect, since it enhances the performance of one or more of the enzymes in the enzyme mixture contained therein. Compared with detergent and cleaning compositions without such an enzyme booster, the enzymes in these detergent and cleaning compositions show excellent enzyme performance. For the enzyme booster mixtures defined herein, a synergistic boosting effect can even be observed. In addition, compared with detergent and cleaning compositions without the enzyme booster, the combination of the enzyme booster of the present invention with the enzyme contributes to improved soil removal and / or detergency and results in improved cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning composition.

[0530] Conversely, due to the enzyme-promoting effect, the amount of enzymes or other ingredients (such as enzyme stabilizers) used to increase the effectiveness of the enzymes in these detergent and cleaning compositions can also be reduced without loss of cleaning performance.

[0531] In addition, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme promoter as specified herein to detergent and cleaning compositions is not only suitable for promoting enzyme performance, but also beneficial for compensating for the reduction in surfactant content in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. This effect is particularly evident when using 1,2-alkanediols, as demonstrated in the following examples.

[0532] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following examples, which are only for illustrative purposes and do not limit the content of the present invention, nor is it limited to the following examples.

[0533] Examples Example 1 : The following tests were conducted to show the performance of different enzyme promoters according to the present invention on different enzymes, and thus the effect on the cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention.

[0534] The detergent and cleaning compositions are laundry detergents, hand dishwashing detergents, and automatic dishwashing detergents.

[0535] The enzymes in the detergent and cleaning compositions are selected from proteases, amylases, lipases, or cellulases due to different sensitivities (such as protease sensitivity, amylase sensitivity, etc.).

[0536] In parallel, the same comparative tests were conducted on detergent and cleaning compositions containing the same enzyme or enzyme mixture but without an enzyme promoter under the same conditions.

[0537] The cleaning performance of the tested detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention and the comparative detergent cleaning compositions was tested as described below.

[0538] Example 1.1: Laundry detergent The cleaning performance of laundry detergents was analyzed according to the standard A.I.S.E. (International Association of the Soap, Detergent and Maintenance Products Industry) laundry detergent test guidelines.

[0539] The cleaning performance test consisted of: evaluating the decontamination efficiency of the tested laundry detergents on 14 types of stains.

[0540] Test conditions: washing machine, Miele European Household, front-loading washer Water hardness: 2.5 mmol / l Water temperature: 40 °C Washing cycles: 6 cycles (Heavy-duty detergent: cotton wash; Light-duty detergent: gentle wash) Ballast load: 3 kg, clean white ballast load Ballast soil: 4 pieces of SBL 2004 (100% cotton, approximately 8 g of soil / sample) Dosage: recommended dosage for normal soil / medium hardness Drying: queued overnight Stain groups: tea, chocolate, coffee, grass, red wine, grass / mud, juice, blood, tomato ketchup, unused engine oil, salad dressing vinegar, cooked beef fat, French squeeze mustard.

[0541] Measure / evaluate each stain before washing (to verify the quality of the stain) and after washing.

[0542] The evaluation of the degree of soil removal can be assessed by the following methods: (A) Sensory panel (scale 1 to 10: scale 1: no cleaning; scale 10: complete removal); or (B) A spectrophotometer or digital image analysis system for determining the soil removal index (SRI) whiteness W Statistically process the results using Tukey's HSD test (HSD = Honestly Significant Difference), with a confidence level of 95%. The HSD value highlights the significant differences between each pair of products.

[0543] Example 1.2: Hand dishwashing detergent Analyze the cleaning performance of hand dishwashing detergents according to the IKW recommendations for the quality assessment of the cleaning performance of hand dishwashing detergents.

[0544] The test consists of: measuring its efficiency by the stability of the foam of the hand dishwashing detergent while cleaning a plate coated with a representative mixed soil containing liquids, proteins, and carbohydrates (suds mileage test; foam duration).

[0545] Test conditions : Water hardness: 16 ± 2 °d Water temperature: 45 ± 1 °C Test soil: (1) Low-fat soil: of the composition specified in the IKW recommendations; and (2) Normal soil: of the composition specified in the IKW recommendations Apply the soil to the center of the plate through an automatic dispenser.

[0546] Dishwashing process: as described in the IKW recommendations Endpoint identification: When the foam layer permanently breaks on the surface of the dishwashing soak solution, the dishwashing soak solution is considered depleted and the end point has been reached. Record the number of wash plates for each wash test in the test protocol.

[0547] For each type of soil, conduct five wash tests for each test product.

[0548] Compare the products based on the number of washed plates until the foam collapses. Conduct a Tukey's HSD statistical test at a 95% confidence level.

[0549] Example 1.3: Machine dishwashing detergent Analyze the cleaning performance of machine dishwashing detergents according to the IKW recommendations for the quality assessment of the cleaning performance of dishwasher dishwashing detergents.

[0550] The cleaning performance test consists of: evaluating the decontamination efficiency of the tested dishwashing detergent against 14 types of stains.

[0551] Test conditions: Washing machine, Miele dishwasher GSL or Miele GSL 2 Water hardness: For typical products: 1.8 mmol / l For multifunctional products: 3.5 mmol / l Water temperature: In the main wash cycle: 45 °C Wash cycle: At least 3 cycles Dose: Recommended dose for normal soil / medium hardness Stain group: Black tea (bleachable), Milk, milk skin (persistent / alkali-sensitive) Starch mixture, pasta (starch-containing, amylase-sensitive) Egg yolk, crème brûlée, minced meat (protein-containing, protease-sensitive) Number of contaminated items: 6 of each type As described in the IKW recommendations, measure / evaluate each stain by visual assessment with reference to a photo catalogue or by gravimetric analysis.

[0552] Statistically process the obtained results 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.

[0553] As can be seen from the results, the enzyme promoter improves the soil removal and / or detergency in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions. Compared with the cleaning performance without the enzyme promoter of the present invention, the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention show excellent cleaning performance in terms of soil removal and / or detergency. This means that, conversely, the enzyme performance in the detergent and cleaning compositions is improved by adding the enzyme promoter of the present invention, while the enzyme performance is lower in the detergent and cleaning compositions without the enzyme promoter.

[0554] Example 2: Evaluation of the laundry soil removal performance of the detergents and laundry washing compositions according to the present invention To evaluate the soil removal performance of laundry detergency, laundry detergent compositions containing an enzyme blend were tested in combination with different enzyme promoters. The laundry detergent compositions were blended with different enzyme promoters specified in the following table and evaluated by measuring with a spectrophotocolorimeter as described below in comparison with a laundry washing composition without an enzyme promoter (placebo).

[0555] The soil removal efficacy was tested according to the following test protocol: Principle: This test consists of evaluating the soil removal efficiency of the tested detergents on 12 types of stains. The fabric stains were artificially applied to the specified fabric types and allowed to cure for a specified amount of time. The size of each stain sample allows for reproducible readings (50 mm diameter). These stain samples were washed / soaked with the tested detergents to be compared and the relative degree of stain removal was evaluated. This test allows for the comparison of the soil removal capabilities of products under the same conditions.

[0556] Stain selection: To test the effectiveness of the tested laundry detergent compositions, a ready-to-use standardized multi-sample and multi-spot monitor (selected and manufactured by Warwick Equest and CFT) was used.

[0557] Description of the stains: • C-S-44 chocolate drink, pure, on cotton, • C-S-07 grass, pure, on cotton, • PC-05 blood, milk, ink (BMI), on polyester / cotton, • WE5DASB double-applied sheep blood, on knitted cotton, • C-S-68 chocolate ice cream, aged, on cotton, • E-165 chocolate pudding, on cotton, • E-161 starch, on cotton, • C-S-27 potato starch, colored, on cotton, • C-S-62, lard, colored with Sudan red, on cotton, • C-H126, vegetable oil, colored with purple dye, on cotton, • C-H141, sugar-free pectin, on cotton, • C-H147, jam, forest fruits, on cotton, The stains are made in a reproducible manner and have a consistent quality. The stains are a mixture of "natural stains" and "standard stains". The stains are evenly distributed and colored before and after washing. Thus, 12 different stain formulations can be tested simultaneously in one test run. Certain stains are particularly sensitive to the enzymes specified in the following table:

[0558] Test conditions: Each test sample group of 12 stains is immersed in a washing pot containing 833.3 g of test solution at a temperature of 40 °C for 30 minutes.

[0559] The 833.3 g solution consists of the following dilutions: 3 g of liquid laundry detergent with a hardness of 15 °Hf.

[0560] Use a Rotawash M228B / C to stir the test solution.

[0561] After the test cycle is completed, the stains are removed from the washing pot and then placed horizontally to dry.

[0562] Measurement / evaluation: The average reflectance of the fabric is measured again using a spectrophotometer Ci62 before the fabric is contaminated, after it is contaminated with Europe, and after it is treated and washed with the test laundry detergent. Three measurements are taken for each staining. The performance of the product is evaluated instrumentally according to the Soil Release Index (SRI). The SRI is a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates no soil removal and 100 indicates complete soil removal.

[0563] As described in ASTM D4265, the SRI is calculated according to the following formula:

[0564] Where: US = area of the unwashed stain UF = area of the unwashed (uncontaminated) fabric ΔE*(US-UF) = ΔE color difference between the unwashed stain and the unwashed fabric ΔE*(WS-UF) = ΔE color difference between the washed stain and the unwashed fabric The value ΔE (absolute color difference) is calculated as:

[0565] Where: L = reflectance a = red / green b = yellow / blue The detergents to be tested below are compared with each other: the higher the SRI, the better the washing performance (i.e., the stain-removing performance).

[0566] To test the promoting efficacy of different enzyme promoters in the detergent composition, an enzyme-containing laundry detergent preparation having the following composition was used:

[0567] *) Medley pure 300L is a blend of protease, amylase, pectate lyase, mannanase and lipase.

[0568] Different promoters according to the present invention as specified in the following table were added to the laundry detergent preparation, and the stain-removing performance was evaluated according to the above test method.

[0569] In the following table, the following abbreviations were used: C5 = 1,2-pentanediol C6 = 1,2-hexanediol C7 = 1,2-heptanediol C8 = 1,2-octanediol C10 = 1,2-decanediol 4HAP = 4-hydroxyacetophenone CG = glyceryl caprylate 2.1 Soil removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols on amylase-sensitive stains Table 1 :

[0570] Surprisingly, compared with the detergent and the laundry washing composition without an enzyme promoter, the addition of 1,2-alkanediol to the detergent and the laundry washing composition results in an improved SRI for amylase-sensitive stains. As can be seen from Table 1, the higher the carbon chain number of the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the SRI. By adding 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol or 1,2-decanediol to the detergent or the laundry washing preparation, the stain-removing performance can be significantly improved. In terms of the stain-removing efficacy, the best enzyme promoting effect is shown by 1,2-decanediol.

[0571] 2.2 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols on amylase-sensitive stains Table 2 :

[0572] As can be seen from Table 2, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediols surprisingly shows better detergency performance compared to the corresponding single 1,2-alkanediol. In particular, 1,2-hexanediol combined with 1,2-octanediol has a higher SRI than 1,2-hexanediol alone. In addition, when 1,2-pentanediol is used in combination with 1,2-decanediol or 1,2-heptanediol, the enzyme promotion effect is also enhanced. Compared with the use of a single 1,2-alkanediol, when 1,2-decanediol is used together with 1,2-pentanediol or 1,2-heptanediol at respective concentrations of 1.0 wt% or 0.75 wt%, an obvious detergency effect can be observed. Therefore, the use of a 1,2-alkanediol mixture in the detergent and laundry washing composition according to the present invention results in synergistic detergency performance.

[0573] 2.3 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols and another enzyme promoter on amylase-sensitive stains Table 3 :

[0574] As can be seen from Table 3, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediol plus glyceryl caprylate or tropolone surprisingly shows better detergency performance against amylase-sensitive stains compared to the corresponding single 1,2-alkanediol. Therefore, the combined use of 1,2-alkanediol with another enzyme promoter according to the present invention results in synergistic detergency performance.

[0575] 2.4 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 4-HAP and 1,2-alkanediols on amylase-sensitive stains Table 4 :

[0576] As can be seen from Table 4, the addition of 4-HAP to the enzyme detergent and cleaning composition results in an increase in SRI from 124.65 to 134.99. Surprisingly, the combined use of 4-HAP with 1,2-alkanediol results in an even higher SRI (4-HAP plus C5 = 139.10; 4-HAP plus C7 = 142.55; 4-HAP plus C10 = 143.11). The best performance was observed for the mixture of 4-HAP and 1,2-decanediol. Compared to the SRI of a single enzyme promoter, all mixtures result in improved detergency performance.

[0577] 2.5 Soil removal performance of 1,2-heptanediol depending on the surfactant content on amylase-sensitive stains Table 5 :

[0578] As can be seen from Table 5, adding 1,2-heptanediol at a concentration of 1.0% by weight to the laundry detergent composition can compensate for the reduction in surfactant concentration. The test laundry detergent with a fifth of the surfactant content after adding 1,2-heptanediol shows the same SRI as a laundry detergent with an unchanged surfactant content but without using an enzyme promoter. Therefore, the 1,2-alkanediol used according to the present invention is not only suitable for promoting enzyme performance, but also for compensating for the reduction in surfactant content in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention.

[0579] 2.6 Soil removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols on lipase-sensitive stains Table 6 :

[0580] Surprisingly, adding 1,2-alkanediol to the detergent and laundry detergent composition results in an improved SRI for lipase-sensitive stains compared to detergents and laundry detergent compositions without an enzyme promoter. As can be seen from Table 6, the higher the carbon chain number of the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the SRI. By adding 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol or 1,2-decanediol to the detergent or laundry detergent preparation, the detergency performance for lipase stains can be significantly improved. In terms of detergency efficacy, the best enzyme promotion effect is shown by 1,2-decanediol.

[0581] 2.7 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols on lipase-sensitive stains Table 7 :

[0582] As can be seen from Table 7, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediols surprisingly shows better detergency performance compared to the corresponding single 1,2-alkanediols. In particular, 1,2-heptanediol combined with 1,2-pentanediol has a higher SRI than 1,2-heptanediol or 1,2-pentanediol alone. In addition, the enzyme promotion effect is also enhanced when 1,2-decanediol is used in combination with 1,2-pentanediol compared to 1,2-decanediol or 1,2-pentanediol alone. Therefore, using a mixture of 1,2-alkanediols in the detergents and laundry detergent compositions according to the present invention results in a synergistic detergency performance.

[0583] 2.8 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 4-HAP plus 1,2-alkanediols on lipase-sensitive stains Table 8 :

[0584] As can be seen from Table 8, adding 4-HAP as it is to the enzyme detergent and cleaning composition has no detergency effect on lipase-sensitive stains. However, compared with using a single 1,2-alkanediol, the combined use of 4-HAP and 1,2-alkanediol results in an improved SRI, that is, a synergistic detergency effect. Therefore, using a mixture of 4-HAP and 1,2-alkanediol enzyme promoters can significantly enhance the detergency effect on lipase stains.

[0585] 2.9 Soil removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols on protease-sensitive stains Table 9 :

[0586] Surprisingly, compared with the detergent and laundry washing composition without an enzyme promoter, adding 1,2-alkanediol to the detergent and laundry washing composition results in an improved SRI for protease stains. As can be seen from Table 9, the longer the carbon chain of the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the SRI. By adding 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol or 1,2-decanediol to the detergent or laundry washing preparation, the detergency performance for protease stains can be significantly improved. In terms of detergency efficacy, the best enzyme promotion effect is shown by 1,2-decanediol.

[0587] 2.10 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols on protease-sensitive stains Table 10 :

[0588] As can be seen from Table 10, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediols surprisingly shows better detergency performance for protease stains compared with the corresponding single 1,2-alkanediol. Therefore, using a mixture of 1,2-alkanediols in the detergent and laundry washing composition according to the present invention results in enhanced detergency performance.

[0589] 2.11 Soil removal performance of 1,2-alkanediols on mannanase-sensitive stains Table 11 :

[0590] Surprisingly, compared with the detergent and laundry washing composition without an enzyme promoter, adding 1,2-alkanediol to the detergent and laundry washing composition results in an improved SRI for mannanase stains. As can be seen from Table 11, the longer the carbon chain of the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the SRI. By adding 1,2-hexanediol or 1,2-heptanediol to the detergent or laundry washing preparation, the detergency performance for mannanase stains can be significantly improved.

[0591] 2.12 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols and 2,3-alkanediols on mannanase-sensitive stains ability Table 12 :

[0592] As can be seen from Table 12, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol surprisingly shows a higher SRI on mannanase-sensitive stains compared to the corresponding single 1,2-alkanediol. Thus, according to the present invention, the combined use of 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol results in synergistic detergency.

[0593] 2.13 Soil removal performance of mixtures containing 1,2-alkanediols and 2,3-alkanediols on different enzyme-sensitive stains (as specified above determined) Table 13 :

[0594] As can be seen from Table 13, the combined use of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in detergent and cleaning compositions results in a synergistic detergency effect compared to the use of single 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol.

[0595] 2.14 Soil removal performance of mixtures containing 1,2-alkanediols and 2,3-alkanediols on different enzyme-sensitive stains (as specified above determined) Table 14 :

[0596] As can be seen from Table 14, the combined use of 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol in detergent and cleaning compositions results in a synergistic detergency effect compared to the use of single 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol.

[0597] 2.15 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols and ethylhexylglycerol on different enzyme-sensitive stains (as specified above) Table 15 2.16 Soil removal performance of mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols and tropolone on different enzyme-sensitive stains (as specified above) :

[0598] As can be seen from Table 15, the combined use of 1,2-alkanediol and ethylhexylglycerol promoter in detergent and cleaning compositions results in a synergistic detergency effect compared to the use of 1,2-octanediol alone. Thus, the mixture of the enzyme promoter in enzyme-containing detergent and cleaning compositions significantly enhances the detergency performance.

[0599] Table 16 Example 3: Analysis of enzyme performance Example 4: Formulation examples :

[0600] As can be seen from Table 16, the combined use of 1,2-alkanediol and tropolone promoter in detergent and cleaning compositions results in a synergistic detergency effect compared to the use of 1,2-pentanediol alone. To improve the detergency effect of 1,2-pentanediol, only a small concentration of tropolone is required. Therefore, the mixture of the enzyme promoter in enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions is suitable for improving the detergency performance.

[0601] As can be seen from the above results, adding the promoters as specified in the present application alone or as a mixture of two promoters in enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions results in a significant improvement in stain removal. Therefore, enzymatic washing and cleaning are carried out. Compared with detergent and cleaning compositions without such enzyme promoters, even at a low rate of addition of the enzyme promoter or their mixture, the detergent and cleaning compositions show excellent detergency and degreasing and improved cleaning performance.

[0602] Table F1: General cleaner The effects of different enzyme promoters and their concentrations on enzyme performance were evaluated by enzyme assays.

[0603] Enzyme assays are standardized experimental protocols established to measure the performance or concentration of enzymes in biochemical systems. Most enzyme assays are based on the detection of fluorescence, luminescence, or spectrophotometric endpoint signals.

[0604] The enzyme promoters according to the invention and the enzymes as specified herein were tested in a suitable buffer.

[0605] Three different enzymes were tested, namely protease, amylase, and lipase.

[0606] The concentration of the enzyme promoter was varied to prepare enzyme compositions. The amount of enzyme in the buffer system was kept constant.

[0607] The enzyme performance of the samples was analyzed by a suitable enzyme assay. The results of each tested enzyme were collected.

[0608] In parallel, the same comparative tests were carried out on the same enzyme or enzyme mixture under the same conditions but without the enzyme promoter.

[0609] The enzyme performance of the comparative samples was analyzed under the same conditions as the above samples. The results of each tested enzyme were collected.

[0610] As can be seen from the results, the tested enzymes combined with the enzyme promoter have improved enzyme performance compared to the corresponding enzymes without the enzyme promoter. These results indicate that the enzyme promoter of the present invention provides an enhancement of enzyme performance.

[0611] Table F2: APC alkaline Table F3: Cleaner, liquid, citric acid

[0612] Table F4: Light duty detergent liquid

[0613] Table F5: Hand dishwashing liquid

[0614] Table F6: Fabric softener

[0615] Table F7: Fabric softener concentrate, encapsulated

[0616] Table F8: Loop block gel

[0617] ​

[0618] ​

[0619] Table F9: Detergent, liquid, lactic acid

[0620] Table F10: ADW (Automatic Dishwashing) gel

Claims

1. A detergent and cleaning composition, said detergent and cleaning composition comprising the following or consisting of the following components: (a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b) at least one enzyme promoter, said at least one enzyme promoter selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) a straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) tropolone; and any mixture thereof; and (c) a surfactant in an amount greater than 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

2. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein said at least one enzyme is selected from the group consisting of: protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, cutinase, gluconase, peroxidase, pectinase, mannanase, esterase, hemicellulase, xylanase, phospholipase, pectate lyase, keratinase, reductase, nuclease (including DNase and / or RNase), phenol oxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, melanase, ß-glucanase, arabinosidase, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, oxidoreductase, and any mixture thereof.

3. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said at least one straight-chain alkanediol or said first 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; and / or said 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.

4. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 3, wherein the at least one straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting 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, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, preferably wherein the at least one straight-chain alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 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 at least one straight-chain 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 wherein the mixture comprising at least one first straight-chain alkanediol and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols is selected from the group consisting of: 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; and 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.

5. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 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, and still more preferably in a ratio of 90:10 to 95:

5.

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

7. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an active substance and / or additives selected from the group consisting of: solvents, builders, bleaches, detergency improvers, dispersants, foam inhibitors, polyvalent chelating agents, chelating agents, anti-redeposition agents, dye transfer inhibitors / color protectants, dye scavengers, dyes, graying inhibitors, optical brighteners, ultraviolet light absorbers, thickeners or rheology modifiers, hydrotropes, solubility modifiers, pH regulators, buffers, solvents, antistatic agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-microbial agents, odor removers / odor capturers, ultraviolet light protectants, fragrances, disinfectants, fungicides, water repellents, insect repellents, anti-pilling agents, acidulants, anti-mildew agents, anti-allergy agents, and any mixtures thereof.

8. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 7, wherein the anti-microbial agent is selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol, methyl benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, and any mixtures thereof.

9. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in an amount of 0.0001% to 5% by weight, preferably in an amount of 0.0001% to 4% by weight, more preferably in an amount of 0.001% to 3% by weight, still more preferably in an amount of 0.01% to 2% by weight, most preferably in an amount of 0.05% to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, comprises the enzyme; and / or in an amount of 0.001% to 15.0% by weight, preferably in an amount of 0.01% to 10.0% by weight, more preferably in an amount of 0.1% to 5.0% by weight, still more preferably in an amount of 0.3% to 3.0% by weight, most preferably in an amount of 0.5% to 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, comprises the at least one enzyme promoter (b); and / or in an amount of 4% to 90% by weight, preferably in an amount of 10% to 60% by weight, more preferably in an amount of 20% to 50% by weight, most preferably in an amount of 30% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, comprises the at least one surfactant.

10. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 as a detergent and cleaning product or for the preparation of a detergent and cleaning product; preferably for textile cleaning, laundry washing, fabric care, dishwashing, for household, institutional, and industrial hard surface cleaning, and for cleaning medical and dental instruments.

11. Detergents and cleaning products, said detergents and cleaning products comprising a detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the detergent and cleaning composition or product is a heavy-duty detergent, a color care detergent, a light-duty detergent, a general-purpose detergent, a fabric softener, a fabric washing perfume, a scented laundry, a laundry wipe, a stain remover (pre-stain remover, disappearing type), a degreasing cleaner, a washing machine cleaner, a household care product, a general cleaner, a hand dishwashing detergent, an automatic dishwashing detergent, a hard surface cleaner, a glass and mirror cleaner, a wet cleaning wipe, a kitchen cleaner, a cleaner for cooking utensils, an oven cleaner, a floor cleaner, a wooden floor cleaner, a carpet cleaner, a bathroom and shower cleaner, a toilet cleaner, a mud cleaner, a disinfectant, a drain cleaner, a toilet rim block gel, an air freshener, a furniture polish, a car wash agent, a medical cleaning product, all of the above products being in liquid, solid, gel, stick, paste, spray, tablet, encapsulated, diluted or concentrated form, and optionally in two-compartment or multi-compartment form; and all of the above products being for household, medical, institutional or industrial applications.

12. A method of treating a contaminated and / or soiled substrate, the method comprising the steps of: - treating the substrate with a detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a product according to claim 11; and - rinsing the substrate in water to remove the composition or product.

13. Use of at least one enzyme promoter (b) for enhancing the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and / or for improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, said at least one enzyme promoter being selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) a straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain with 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol according to any one of claims 3 to 5; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) tropolone; and any mixture thereof.

14. A method of enhancing the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and / or of improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme; and (ii) adding to it an effective amount of at least one enzyme promoter (b), said at least one enzyme promoter being selected from the group consisting of: (b I ) a straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising a first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol according to any one of claims 3 to 5; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-Hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) tropolone; and any mixture thereof.

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