Process for providing a composition comprising at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for providing a composition comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, to a composition comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, and to uses thereof, for example in cleaning applications.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for providing a composition comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, to a composition comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, and to uses thereof, for example in cleaning applications.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a container containing a detergent composition, the container comprising one or more compartments, containing in at least one compartment at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A). [Background technology]

[0003] Complexing agents, such as methylglycine diacetate (MGDA) and glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA), and their respective alkali metal salts, can be used to complex Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ As such, they are recommended and used in a variety of applications, including laundry detergent and automatic dishwashing (ADW) formulations, particularly so-called phosphate-free laundry detergent and phosphate-free ADW formulations. To deliver such complexing agents, solids such as granules or aqueous solutions are often used.

[0004] Many industrial users, for example, desire to obtain the highest possible concentration of complexing agent in an aqueous composition. The lower the required concentration of complexing agent, the more water must be transported. This water adds to transportation costs and may later need to be removed, depending on the formulation (liquid, solid, etc.).

[0005] Although solutions of about 40 wt. % MGDA and even 45 wt. % or higher (e.g., 55 wt. %) GLDA can be prepared and stored at room temperature, localized or transiently low solution temperatures can result in precipitation of the respective complexing agent and nucleation of impurities, which can lead to incrustation in pipes and containers and / or impurities or inhomogeneities in the formulation.

[0006] Additionally, some industrial users desire to use MGDA compositions, e.g., aqueous compositions, that are easy to handle and / or have a particular appearance, e.g., a gel-type appearance, that may also appeal to the end user (individual consumer).

[0007] Aqueous formulations of complexing agents, particularly MGDA and GLDA, are described, for example, in International Patent Application No. 2016 / 083253A1, which describes a complexing agent content (MGDA and GLDA content combined) of up to 60% by weight. However, it has been difficult to obtain aqueous compositions containing primarily or exclusively MGDA in higher amounts.

[0008] Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a process for preparing compositions with higher contents of complexing agents, particularly MGDA, in aqueous solutions, for example. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One object of the present invention was therefore to find a process by which compositions with higher contents of complexing agent (e.g. MGDA) in, for example, aqueous solutions can be prepared. Another object is to provide compositions, e.g. aqueous compositions, with higher contents of complexing agent (e.g. MGDA), which are easy to handle (in storage, transport and further use by industrial customers) and / or which exhibit a novel and / or attractive appearance.

[0010] In particular, it was an object of the present invention to provide compositions, e.g., aqueous compositions having the appearance of a paste, containing higher contents of complexing agents (also called chelating agents) (e.g., MGDA), and a process for preparing such compositions. Another object of the present invention was to provide a container that contains detergent compositions with higher contents of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A), which does not require the separation of compounds that may be incompatible with each other in separate compartments of the container.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the term "paste" refers to its everyday meaning, in contrast to a solution (e.g., an aqueous solution), and does not refer to a solid composition (e.g., a granule, powder, or compactate). Furthermore, the paste preferably exhibits shear-thinning behavior.

[0012] The inventors have now surprisingly found that by applying a process to remove water from a solution or slurry of an aminocarboxylate complexing agent (e.g., MGDA) under defined conditions, a highly concentrated composition comprising the aminocarboxylate complexing agent having the appearance of a paste can be provided.

[0013] Therefore, one object of the present invention is a process for providing an aqueous composition comprising at least 45% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, the process comprising: placing in a container an aqueous solution or slurry containing at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent in a content of at least 10-80 wt.%, preferably 30-80 wt.%, heating the solution or slurry, while stirring, preferably at standard pressure, to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 70°C; removing at least a portion of the water at a pressure below the vapor pressure of the mixture at the selected temperature until a supersaturated solution with respect to the orthorhombic solid phase is obtained; Optionally, charging the orthorhombic crystals into a reactor at a temperature of at least 50°C; Optionally adding at least one further ingredient optionally selected from the list consisting of polymers, colorants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, inorganic compounds; Optionally, continuing to stir the solution or slurry for at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 10 minutes; optionally further removing water with stirring until the content of the at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent reaches at least 45% by weight; and optionally cooling the resulting composition to room temperature while stirring, and optionally filling the resulting composition into pouches or molds at room temperature or at an elevated temperature; It is a process including:

[0014] The aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) may be a racemic mixture of the L- and D-enantiomers of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA) or their corresponding mono-, di-, or tri-alkali metal salts or mono-, di-, or tri-ammonium salts, or a mixture thereof, said mixture comprising predominantly the corresponding L-isomer in an enantiomeric excess (ee) ranging from 0.1 to 85%. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention, the aminocarboxylate complexing agent is selected from methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) and their alkali salts, preferably MGDA trisodium salt.

[0016] Preferably, the composition of the present invention (obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention) comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 55% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention (obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention) has a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas, preferably 50 to 3000 mPas, at a shear rate of 1 to 1000 1 / s, preferably at a temperature in the range of 20°C to 90°C. The viscosity can be measured using a rheometer (e.g., an Anton Paar MCR series using a coaxial cylinder system). The composition of the present invention exhibits shear-thinning behavior. This means that the viscosity of the composition of the present invention at a shear rate of 10 1 / s is greater than the viscosity at a shear rate of 100 1 / s. The viscosity of the composition of the present invention at a shear rate of 100 1 / s is greater than the viscosity at a shear rate of 1000 1 / s.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention (obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention) has a pH value in the range of 9 to 14, preferably in the range of 10 to 14 or 10 to 13. The pH value can be measured as a 1% diluted solution.

[0019] Preferably, the composition of the present invention (obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention) has a residual moisture content in the range of 15 to 50%, preferably 20 to 50%, by weight, as measured by drying at 200°C for 1 hour using a thermobalance, e.g., a METTLER-TOLEDO HX204.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention (obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention) has the appearance of a paste.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably the compositions of the present invention (obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention) exhibit shear-thinning properties.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention (obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention) has a crystallinity of at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the composition of the present invention preferably has an orthorhombic content of at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably at least 90%, relative to the content of the crystalline phase, as measured by XRD.

[0023] The proportion of polymorphs and the proportion of crystalline to amorphous salt were determined by X-ray diffraction. X-ray powder diffraction measurements were performed on a D8 Advance® diffractometer from Bruker AXS (Karlsruhe). Reflection of Cu-Kα radiation was measured using variable diaphragms on the primary and secondary sides. The measurement range was 2° to 80° 2θ, with a step width of 0.01° and a measurement time of 3.6 seconds per angle step. The relative amounts of polymorphs were determined using the software TOPAS from Bruker Optics.

[0024] In one embodiment, XRD may be performed as a powder X-ray diffraction method using, for example, a D8 Advance Series 2 instrument with multiple sample chambers. Primary side: Cu anode, divergence angle range 0-1°, ASS; Secondary side: scattering beam cover 8 mm, Ni 0.5 mm, Solar 4° + Lynx eye (opening angle 3°).

[0025] A further object of the present invention is also a composition, preferably according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably at least 50% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, relative to the total weight of the composition, and preferably having a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas, preferably 50 to 3000 mPas, at a shear rate of 1 to 1000 1 / s, and / or having a pH value in the range of 9 to 14, preferably 10 to 14, and / or exhibiting shear-thinning properties and / or having a pasty appearance.

[0026] One embodiment of the composition of the present invention has the appearance of a paste and comprises at least 45 wt. % of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably at least 50 wt. % of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, relative to the total weight of the composition, and preferably has a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas, preferably 50 to 3000 mPas, at a shear rate of 1 to 1000 1 / s, and / or a pH value in the range of 9 to 14, preferably 10 to 14, and optionally exhibits shear-thinning properties.

[0027] Further embodiments of the compositions of the present invention exhibit shear thinning behavior and comprise at least 45 wt. % of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably at least 50 wt. % of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, relative to the total weight of the composition, and preferably have a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas, preferably 50 to 3000 mPas, at a shear rate of 1 to 1000 1 / s, and / or a pH value in the range of 9 to 14, preferably 10 to 14, and optionally have a paste appearance.

[0028] A further embodiment of the composition of the present invention exhibits shear thinning behavior, has a paste appearance, comprises at least 45 wt. % of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably at least 50 wt. % of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, relative to the total weight of the composition, and preferably has a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas, preferably 50 to 3000 mPas, at a shear rate of 1 to 1000 1 / s, and preferably has a pH value in the range of 9 to 14.

[0029] In one embodiment of the composition of the present invention, the composition consists of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, and water. In other words, in this embodiment, the composition of the present invention does not contain any other components other than the aminocarboxylate complexing agent and water. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention consists only of MGDA and water.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is a composition obtained or obtainable by the process of the invention, comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0031] Yet another object of the present invention is the use of the composition of the present invention (preferably obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention) in cleaning applications, preferably dishwashing applications, more preferably automatic dishwashing applications.

[0032] A further object of the present invention is also a cleaning agent, preferably chosen from dishwashing detergents and laundry detergents, more preferably a dishwashing detergent, in particular an automatic dishwashing detergent, comprising an inventive composition comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent as described, preferably obtained or obtainable by the process of the present invention, and optionally an antimicrobial agent chosen from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol; preferably said antimicrobial agent in an amount ranging from 2 ppm to 5% of the composition; more preferably 0.1 to 2% phenoxyethanol.

[0033] A further object of the present invention is a container containing a detergent composition, preferably a unit dose detergent composition, more preferably a dishwashing detergent composition, comprising: The container comprises one or more compartments; at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) in at least one compartment, wherein the complexing agent (A) is present in an amount of at least 45 wt. %, based on the total weight of the detergent composition in said container; the at least one complexing agent (A) is dispersed homogeneously in one or more compartments of the container in the aqueous medium (M) and has, at ambient temperature, a gel-type form and / or the appearance of a paste, When more than one complexing agent (A) is present, the different complexing agents (A) may be mixed in one compartment, or when more than one compartment is present, may be separated into two or more separate compartments; The aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) is preferably at least one alkali metal salt of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA); The aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) is preferably partially neutralized with alkali, and optionally the aqueous medium (M) further comprises at least one further component, preferably uniformly dispersed in one or more compartments of the container, selected from surfactants, alkali metal silicates, polymers, preferably selected from polycarboxylates and polyaspartic acids, The container is preferably made from a polymer. The detergent composition is a container that optionally further comprises sodium hydroxide, percarbonate, enzymes, and / or polymers.

[0034] In one embodiment of the container of the present invention, the aqueous medium (M) comprising the aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) has a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas at a shear rate of 1 to 1000 1 / s and a pH value in the range of 9 to 14 in a temperature range of 20°C to 90°C, and exhibits shear-thinning properties and / or has a pasty appearance.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the container of the present invention, said container contains only one compartment which contains the entire detergent composition.

[0036] In another embodiment of the container of the invention, the container comprises at least two compartments, one compartment (C1) comprising an aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) in an aqueous medium, the aqueous medium comprising the aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) being of gel type and / or having the appearance of a paste at ambient temperature, at least one further compartment (C2) comprising a solid composition and / or at least one further compartment (C3) being of gel type and / or having the appearance of a paste, and compartments (C2) and / or compartments (C3), which are distinct from one another, comprising at least one component selected from surfactants, polymers, builders and enzymes.

[0037] Uses / Formulations The compositions of the present invention (ie compositions obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention) are well suited for the manufacture of laundry detergents or cleaners.

[0038] Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is the use of the (aqueous) composition of the present invention for the preparation of a detergent which may contain at least one bleaching agent, for example for the preparation of a detergent for fabrics or hard surfaces, said detergent containing at least one peroxy compound. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for the preparation of a detergent by combining the composition of the present invention with at least one bleaching agent, preferably at least one peroxy compound. Another aspect of the present invention is a detergent, hereinafter also referred to as the detergent of the present invention.

[0039] The cleaning agents of the present invention may contain at least one bleaching agent and the composition of the present invention. The cleaning agents of the present invention have a reduced tendency to yellow and therefore a longer shelf life.

[0040] Examples of suitable peroxy compounds are sodium perborate, anhydrous or as, for example, the monohydrate or tetrahydrate or the so-called dihydrate, sodium percarbonate, anhydrous or, for example, as the monohydrate, hydrogen peroxide, in each case as the free acid or alkali metal salt, in particular the sodium salt, persulfates, organic peroxyacids such as peroxylauric acid, peroxystearic acid, peroxy-α-naphthoic acid, 1,12-diperoxydodecanedioic acid, perbenzoic acid, peroxylauric acid, 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid, diperoxyisophthalic acid, as well as sulfonylperoxyacids and cationic peroxyacids.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the peroxy compound is selected from inorganic percarbonates, persulfates, and perborates. An example of sodium percarbonate is 2Na2CO3·3H2O2. An example of sodium perborate is (Na2[B(OH)2(O2)]2), sometimes alternatively written as NaBO2·O2·3H2O. The most preferred peroxy compound is sodium percarbonate.

[0042] The term "detergents" includes dishwashing compositions, particularly hand dishwashing compositions, automatic dishwashing and porcelain washing compositions, as well as bathroom cleaning compositions, kitchen cleaning compositions, floor cleaning compositions, pipe descaling compositions, window cleaning compositions, automobile cleaning compositions, including truck washing, and hard surface cleaning compositions such as open plant cleaning compositions, yard cleaning compositions, metal cleaning compositions, disinfecting cleaning compositions, farm cleaning compositions, and pressure cleaning compositions, as well as laundry detergent compositions.

[0043] Such detergents may be liquid, gel or solid at ambient temperature. They may also be in powder form or in unit dose form, for example as tablets.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention comprises: 2 to 50% by weight of the composition of the present invention; It may contain bleaching agents in the range of 0.5 to 15% by weight.

[0045] The percentages are based on the dry content of the respective inventive cleaning agent.

[0046] The detergent of the present invention may contain further ingredients such as one or more surfactants which may be selected from nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and anionic surfactants. Other ingredients which may be contained in the detergent of the present invention may be selected from bleach activators, bleach catalysts, corrosion inhibitors, sequestering agents other than the chelating agent (A), enzymes, perfumes, dyes, defoamers and builders.

[0047] Particularly advantageous cleaning agents of the present invention may contain one or more complexing agents other than MGDA or GLDA. Advantageous detergent compositions for cleaners and advantageous laundry detergent compositions may contain one or more sequestering agents (chelating agents) other than the mixture of the present invention. Examples of sequestering agents other than the mixture of the present invention include IDS (iminodisuccinate), citrate, phosphonic acid derivatives, such as the disodium salt of hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid ("HEDP"), and sequestering agents such as sequestering agents in which 20 to 90 mol % of the N atoms are substituted with at least one CH2COO - These include polymers with complexing groups, such as polyethyleneimines with complexing groups, and the corresponding alkali metal salts, especially their sodium salts, such as IDS-Na4, and phosphates such as trisodium citrate and STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate). Due to the fact that phosphates cause environmental problems, advantageous detergents of the present invention are preferably phosphate-free. "Phosphate-free" in the context of the present invention should be understood to mean that the content of phosphates and polyphosphates is in the range of 10 ppm to 0.2% by weight in total, measured gravimetrically, based on the corresponding detergent of the present invention.

[0048] The cleaning agent of the present invention may contain one or more surfactants, preferably one or more nonionic surfactants.

[0049] Preferred nonionic surfactants are alkoxylated alcohols, diblock and multiblock copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and reaction products of sorbitan with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), hydroxyalkyl mixed ethers and amine oxides.

[0050] Preferred examples of alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated fatty alcohols are, for example, those represented by the general formula (II): [ka] where the variables are defined as follows: R 1 are the same or different and are hydrogen and straight chain C1-C 10 alkyl, preferably identical in each case and ethyl, particularly preferably hydrogen or methyl, R 2 is C8~C 22 -Alkyl, branched or linear, e.g., n-CH 17 , nC 10 H 21 , nC 12 H 25 , nC 14 H 29 , nC 16 H 33 or nC 18 H 37 is selected from R 3 is C1~C 10 -alkyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, neopentyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl or isodecyl).

[0051] m and n are in the range of 0 to 300, and the sum of n and m is at least 1, preferably in the range of 3 to 50. Preferably, m is in the range of 1 to 100, and n is in the range of 0 to 30.

[0052] In one embodiment, the compound of general formula (II) can be a block copolymer or a random copolymer, with block copolymers being preferred.

[0053] Other preferred examples of alkoxylated alcohols include, for example, those represented by the general formula (III): [ka] where the variables are defined as follows: R 1are identical or different and are selected from hydrogen and linear C1-C0 alkyl, preferably identical in each case and ethyl, particularly preferably hydrogen or methyl, R 4 is a branched or straight chain C6-C 20 Alkyl, especially n-CH 17 , nC 10 H 21 , nC 12 H 25 , nC 14 H 29 , nC 16 H 33 , nC 18 H 37 is selected from a is a number ranging from 0 to 10, preferably from 1 to 6; b is a number ranging from 1 to 80, preferably from 4 to 20; d is a number ranging from 0 to 50, preferably from 4 to 25. The sum of a+b+d is preferably in the range of 5 to 100, and more preferably in the range of 9 to 50).

[0054] Preferred examples of hydroxyalkyl mixed ethers include those of the general formula (IV): [ka] where the variables are defined as follows: R 1 are the same or different and are hydrogen and straight chain C1-C 10 alkyl, preferably identical in each case and ethyl, particularly preferably hydrogen or methyl, R 2 is C8~C 22 -Alkyl, branched or linear, e.g., iso-C 11 H 23 , iso-C 13 H 27 , n-C8H 17 , nC 10 H 21 , nC 12 H 25 , nC 14H 29 , nC 16 H 33 , or nC 18 H 37 is selected from R 3 is C1~C 18 n-alkyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, neopentyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, isodecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl, and n-octadecyl.

[0055] The variables m and n range from 0 to 300, and the sum of m and n is at least 1, preferably in the range of 5 to 50. Preferably, m ranges from 1 to 100, and n ranges from 0 to 30.

[0056] The compounds of general formulae (II) and (III) can be block copolymers or random copolymers, with block copolymers being preferred.

[0057] Further suitable nonionic surfactants are selected from di- and multi-block copolymers composed of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Further suitable nonionic surfactants are selected from ethoxylated or propoxylated sorbitan esters. Amine oxides or alkyl polyglycosides, especially linear C4-C 16 -Alkyl polyglucosides and branched C8-C 14 Likewise suitable are -alkyl polyglycosides, for example compounds of the average general formula (V): [ka] where the variables are defined as follows: R 5is C1-C4-alkyl, in particular ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl, R 6 is -(CH2)2-R 5 and G 1 is selected from monosaccharides having 4 to 6 carbon atoms, in particular glucose and xylose, y is the average number, ranging from 1.1 to 4.

[0058] Further examples of nonionic surfactants include those represented by the general formulae (VII) and (VIII): [ka] wherein AO is selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and butylene oxide; EO is ethylene oxide, CH2CH2-O, R 8 is a branched or straight chain C8-C 18 -alkyl, and R 5 is defined as above. A 3 O is selected from propylene oxide and butylene oxide; w is a number ranging from 15 to 70, preferably from 30 to 50; w1 and w3 are numbers ranging from 1 to 5, and w2 is a number ranging from 13 to 35.

[0059] An overview of further suitable nonionic surfactants is given in EP-A 0 851 023 and DE-A 19 819 187.

[0060] Mixtures of two or more different nonionic surfactants may also be present.

[0061] Other surfactants that may be present are selected from amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactants and anionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] An example of amphoteric surfactant is one that has positive and negative charges in the same molecule under the conditions of use.A preferred example of amphoteric surfactant is so-called betaine surfactant.Many examples of betaine surfactant have one quaternized nitrogen atom and one carboxylic acid group per molecule.A particularly preferred example of amphoteric surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine (lauramidopropyl betaine).

[0063] Examples of amine oxide surfactants include those represented by the general formula (IX): R 7 R 8 R 9 N → O (IX) (In the formula, R 7 , R 8 and R 9 are each independently an aliphatic, alicyclic or C2-C4 alkylene C 10 ~C 20 -alkylamide moieties. Preferably, R 7 is C8~C 20 -Alkyl or C2-C4-alkylene C 10 ~C 20 -alkylamide, and R 8 and R 9 are both methyl.

[0064] A particularly preferred example is lauryl dimethylamine oxide, sometimes called lauramine oxide. A further particularly preferred example is cocamidyl propyl dimethylamine oxide, sometimes called cocamidopropyl amine oxide.

[0065] Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include C8 to C 18 -Alkyl sulfate, C8-C 18 Ethoxylated C4-C fatty alcohol polyether sulfates 12 -C of alkylphenol sulfuric acid half ester (ethoxylation degree: 1 to 50 mol / mol ethylene oxide) 12 ~C 18 Sulfofatty acid alkyl esters, e.g., C 12 ~C18 Sulfofatty acid methyl ester, further C 12 ~C 18 -Alkyl sulfonic acid and C 10 ~C 18 - alkali metal and ammonium salts of alkylarylsulfonic acids. The alkali metal salts of the above compounds are preferred, in particular the sodium salts.

[0066] Further examples of suitable anionic surfactants are soaps, such as the sodium or potassium salts of stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, ether carboxylates, and alkyl ether phosphates.

[0067] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition contains at least one anionic surfactant.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention that is determined to be used as a laundry detergent composition may contain 0.1 to 60 wt % of at least one surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and amine oxide surfactants.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention that is determined to be used for cleaning hard surfaces may contain 0.1 to 60 wt % of at least one surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and amine oxide surfactants.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning agent of the present invention does not contain anionic detergents.

[0071] The detergent of the present invention may contain one or more bleach catalysts. The bleach catalysts may be selected from bleach-accelerating transition metal salts or transition metal complexes, such as manganese-, iron-, cobalt-, ruthenium-, or molybdenum-salen or -carbonyl complexes. Complexes of manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, molybdenum, titanium, vanadium, and copper with nitrogen-containing tripodal ligands, as well as cobalt-, iron-, copper-, and ruthenium-amine complexes, may also be used as bleach catalysts.

[0072] The cleaning agents of the present invention may also contain one or more bleach activators, such as N-methylmorpholinium-acetonitrile salts ("MMA salts"), trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts, N-acylimides such as N-nonanoylsuccinimide, 1,5-diacetyl-2,2-dioxohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine ("DADHT"), or nitrile quats (trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts).

[0073] Further examples of suitable bleach activators are tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) and tetraacetylhexylenediamine.

[0074] The cleaning agent of the present invention may contain one or more corrosion inhibitors. In this case, this is understood to include compounds that inhibit metal corrosion. Examples of suitable corrosion inhibitors are triazoles, especially benzotriazoles, bisbenzotriazoles, aminotriazoles, and alkylaminotriazoles, as well as phenol derivatives such as hydroquinone, pyrocatechol, hydroxyhydroquinone, gallic acid, phloroglucinol, or pyrogallol.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention contains a corrosion inhibitor in a total amount in the range of 0.1 to 1.5 wt %.

[0076] The detergents of the invention may contain one or more builders selected from organic and inorganic builders. Examples of suitable inorganic builders are sodium sulfate or sodium carbonate, or silicates, especially sodium disilicate and sodium metasilicate, zeolites, sheet silicates, especially those of the formulae α-Na2SiO5, β-Na2SiO5, and δ-Na2SiO5, also fatty acid sulfonates, α-hydroxypropionic acid, alkali metal malonates, fatty acid sulfonates, alkyl and alkenyl disuccinates, tartaric acid diacetate, tartaric acid monoacetate, oxidized starch, and polymeric builders such as polycarboxylates, polyaspartic acid, or polyepoxysuccinic acid.

[0077] Examples of organic builders are especially polymers and copolymers, such as (co)polymer (B), including polymers and copolymers other than (co)polymer (B) or one additional (co)polymer (B). In one embodiment of the present invention, the organic builder is selected from polycarboxylates, such as alkali metal salts of (meth)acrylic acid homopolymers or (meth)acrylic acid copolymers, partially or fully neutralized with alkali.

[0078] Suitable comonomers for (meth)acrylic acid are monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, and citraconic acid. Suitable polymers have, in particular, average molecular weights M in the range of 2000 to 40000 g / mol, preferably 2000 to 10000 g / mol, in particular 3000 to 8000 g / mol. w Copolymeric polycarboxylates of the same molecular weight range are also suitable, in particular copolymeric polycarboxylates of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and copolymeric polycarboxylates of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid and / or fumaric acid.

[0079] Monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C 10 Mono or C4-C 10It is also possible to use copolymers of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids or their anhydrides, such as maleic acid, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid and citraconic acid, with at least one hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomer, such as those listed below.

[0080] Suitable hydrophobic monomers are, for example, isobutene, diisobutene, butene, pentene, hexane and styrene, olefins having 10 or more carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, such as 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene, 1-docosene, 1-tetracosene and 1-hexacosene, C 22 -α-olefins, C 20 ~C 24 It is a mixture of α-olefins and polyisobutenes having an average of 12 to 100 carbon atoms per molecule.

[0081] Suitable hydrophilic monomers include nonionic monomers having hydroxyl functionality or alkylene oxide groups, as well as monomers having sulfonate or phosphonate groups. Examples include allyl alcohol, isoprenol, methoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolybutylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypoly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide) (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolybutylene glycol (meth)acrylate, and ethoxypoly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide) (meth)acrylate. In this case, the polyalkylene glycol may contain 3 to 50, particularly 5 to 40, and more particularly 10 to 30 alkylene oxide units per molecule.

[0082] Particularly preferred sulfonic acid group-containing monomers herein are 1-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, methallyl sulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 2-sulfoethyl methacrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide, and salts of the above acids, for example, their sodium, potassium, or ammonium salts.

[0083] Particularly preferred phosphonate group-containing monomers are vinylphosphonic acid and its salts.

[0084] A further example of a builder is carboxymethyl inulin.

[0085] Additionally, amphoteric polymers can also be used as builders.

[0086] The detergent of the present invention may contain builders in a total amount of, for example, 10 to 70% by weight, preferably 10 to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive cleaning agent according to the present invention may comprise one or more co-builders.

[0088] The cleaning agent of the present invention may contain one or more antifoaming agents selected from, for example, silicone oil and paraffin oil.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention contains an antifoaming agent in a total amount in the range of 0.05 to 0.5% by weight.

[0090] The cleaning agents of the present invention may contain one or more enzymes, examples of which are lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, esterases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention may contain, for example, up to 5% by weight of an enzyme, preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight. The enzyme may, for example, be a carboxylic acid or a C4 to C 10 - They may be stabilized with sodium salts of dicarboxylic acids, with formates, acetates, adipates and succinates being preferred.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention may contain at least one zinc salt. The zinc salt may be selected from water-soluble and water-insoluble zinc salts. In this regard, in the context of the present invention, water-insoluble is used to refer to zinc salts having a solubility of 0.1 g / l or less in distilled water at 25°C. Therefore, zinc salts that are highly soluble in water are referred to as water-soluble zinc salts in the context of the present invention.

[0093] In one embodiment of the invention, the zinc salt is selected from zinc benzoate, zinc gluconate, zinc lactate, zinc formate, ZnCl2, ZnSO4, zinc acetate, zinc citrate, Zn(NO3)2, Zn(CH3SO3)2 and zinc gallate, preferably ZnCl2, ZnSO4, zinc acetate, zinc citrate, Zn(NO3)2, Zn(CH3SO3)2 and zinc gallate.

[0094] In another embodiment of the invention, the zinc salt is selected from ZnO, ZnO·aq, Zn(OH) 2 and ZnCO 3 . Preference is given to ZnO·aq.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, the zinc salt is selected from zinc oxide having an average particle size (weight average) in the range of 10 nm to 100 μm.

[0096] The cations in zinc salts can be present in complexed form, for example with ammonium or water ligands, and in particular in hydrated form. For simplicity of notation, in the context of the present invention, the ligand is generally omitted when it is a water ligand.

[0097] Depending on how the pH value of the mixture according to the invention is adjusted, the zinc salt may vary. Thus, for example, zinc acetate or ZnCl2 can be used to prepare the formulation according to the invention, which is converted in an aqueous environment at pH 8 or 9 to ZnO, Zn(OH)2 or ZnO·aq, which can exist in uncomplexed or complexed form.

[0098] The zinc salt may be present in the cleaning agent of the present invention that is solid at room temperature, and in such a cleaning agent of the present invention, the zinc salt is preferably present in the form of particles having an average diameter (number average) in the range of, for example, 10 nm to 100 μm, preferably 100 nm to 5 μm, as measured, for example, by X-ray scattering.

[0099] The zinc salt may be present in cleaning agents of the present invention that are liquid at room temperature, and in such cleaning agents of the present invention the zinc salt is preferably present in dissolved or solid or colloidal form.

[0100] In one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning agent according to the invention comprises a total amount of zinc salts in the range of 0.05 to 0.4% by weight, in each case based on the dry content of the cleaning agent.

[0101] Here, the fraction of zinc salts is given as zinc or zinc ions, which makes it possible to calculate the fraction of counterions.

[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention may comprise a zinc salt in combination with polyethyleneimine.

[0103] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning agent of the present invention may comprise a bismuth salt in combination with, for example, polyethyleneimine.

[0104] In another embodiment of the present invention, the detergent of the present invention does not contain any heavy metals other than zinc compounds. In the context of the present invention, this can be understood to mean that the detergent of the present invention does not contain any heavy metal compounds that do not act as bleach catalysts, in particular iron compounds and bismuth compounds. In the context of the present invention, "free of" with respect to heavy metal compounds is understood to mean that the content of heavy metal compounds that do not act as bleach catalysts is in the range of 0 to 100 ppm in total, based on the dry content, as measured by the leaching method. Preferably, the detergent of the present invention has a heavy metal content, excluding zinc, of less than 0.05 ppm, based on the dry content of the formulation. Therefore, the zinc fraction is not included.

[0105] In the context of the present invention, "heavy metals" refers to metals with a specific gravity of at least 6 g / cm 3 , excluding zinc. 3 In particular, heavy metals are metals such as bismuth, iron, copper, lead, tin, nickel, cadmium, and chromium.

[0106] Preferably, the cleaning agents of the present invention do not contain any measurable fraction of bismuth compounds, for example less than 1 ppm.

[0107] The detergents of the present invention are excellent for cleaning hard surfaces and fabrics, and may be used, for example, in dishwashing applications, preferably automatic dishwashing applications.

[0108] In one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning agent of the invention comprises one or more additional ingredients such as fragrances, dyes, organic solvents, buffers, disintegrants for tablets ("tabs"), and / or acids, such as methylsulfonic acid.

[0109] From the aqueous compositions of the present invention, detergent compositions for exemplary automatic dishwashing detergents can be formulated by mixing the ingredients according to Table F below.

[0110] [Table 1]

[0111] The exemplary detergent compositions for automatic dishwashing described above may further comprise a polymer (as described in detail above). Additionally, the exemplary detergent compositions for automatic dishwashing described above may, in one embodiment, be free of citrate and / or HEDP.

[0112] The laundry detergent according to the present invention is useful for washing all types of laundry and all types of fibers. The fibers may be of natural or synthetic origin, or may be a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. Examples of fibers of natural origin are cotton and wool. Examples of fibers of synthetic origin are polyurethane fibers such as Spandex® or Lycra®, polyester fibers, or polyamide fibers. The fibers may be single fibers or part of a textile such as knitwear, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric.

[0113] Another aspect of the present invention is a process for producing tablets for automatic dishwashing from powders or granules, said granules or powder being obtainable from the composition of the present invention, said process hereinafter also referred to as the pelletizing process according to the present invention.

[0114] The tablets of the present invention are preferably manufactured using a machine, such as a tablet press.

[0115] The pelleting process according to the present invention can be carried out by mixing the granules or powder of the present invention with at least one nonionic surfactant and optionally one or more additional substances, and then compressing the mixture to obtain tablets. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants and additional substances such as builders, enzymes, etc. are listed above. Particularly preferred examples of nonionic surfactants are hydroxy mixed ethers, such as the hydroxy mixed ethers of general formula (V):

[0116] Certain aspects of the present invention are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. [Example]

[0117] Percentages refer to weight percent unless otherwise specified.

[0118] First series of examples Example 1: 4805 g of an aqueous composition containing MGDA (40% Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt), pH 10.5) was charged into a crystallization vessel equipped with a three-stage pitched blade turbine (diameter of each stirring stage: 900 mm), baffles, a seed funnel, a condenser, and a vacuum pump. The composition was heated to 90 °C while stirring at 400 rpm. Under vacuum conditions, 1016 g of water was evaporated within 3 hours while stirring at 400 rpm (start of evaporation: 570 mbar abs, end of evaporation: 505 mbar abs). The Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt) concentration of the resulting solution was 50.4%. 40 g of orthorhombic crystals were charged at 90 °C and standard pressure while stirring at 400 rpm. After 20 minutes of stirring at 400 rpm, a slurry was obtained. Under vacuum conditions, 287 g of water was evaporated within 4 hours while stirring at 400 rpm (evaporation started at 505 mbar abs, and ended at 470 mbar abs). The resulting slurry had a Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt) concentration of 55%. The resulting slurry was processed in various ways. The slurry was discharged into a flask and allowed to cool to room temperature (25°C) without stirring. The resulting slurry no longer flowed even when the flask was inverted. A portion of 40 g of the slurry at 90°C was discharged and filled directly into a pouch, which was then sealed and cooled to room temperature. The remaining slurry in the container was cooled to room temperature (25°C) while stirring at 400 rpm and removed from the container at room temperature. The resulting slurry had a paste-like appearance, but remained flowable for more than a week even when the flask was inverted. A portion of 40 g of the slurry was filled into a pouch (made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) and the pouch was sealed.

[0119] Example 2: 4382 g of an aqueous composition containing MGDA (40% Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt)) was charged into a crystallization vessel equipped with a three-stage pitched blade turbine (each stirring stage had a diameter of 900 mm), baffles, a seed funnel, a condenser, and a vacuum pump. The composition was heated to 70°C while stirring at 400 rpm. 645 g of water was evaporated under vacuum while stirring at 400 rpm within 2.15 hours. The Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt) concentration of the resulting solution was 47%. 13 g of orthorhombic crystals were charged at 70°C and standard pressure while stirring at 400 rpm. After 30 minutes of stirring at 400 rpm, a slurry was obtained. A small amount of water (less than 1 g) was further evaporated while stirring at 400 rpm. The Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt) concentration of the resulting slurry was 47%. The slurry in the vessel was cooled to room temperature (25°C) within 3 hours while stirring at 400 rpm, then stirred at 400 rpm for 12 hours at room temperature, and then removed from the vessel into a flask at room temperature. The resulting slurry has a paste-like appearance but remains fluid even when the flask is inverted. The viscosity of the slurry was measured at various shear rates at room temperature using an Anton Paar rheometer (MCR series) with a coaxial cylinder system. The data are summarized in the following table.

[0120] [Table 2]

[0121] The product exhibited shear-thinning behavior.

[0122] Example 3: 4310 g of an aqueous composition containing MGDA (40% Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt)) was added to a crystallization vessel equipped with a three-stage pitched blade turbine (each stirring stage had a diameter of 900 mm), baffles, a seed funnel, a condenser, and a vacuum pump. The composition was heated to 70°C while stirring at 400 rpm. 770 g of water was evaporated under vacuum while stirring at 400 rpm within 2.5 hours. The Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt) concentration of the resulting solution was 49%. 13 g of orthorhombic crystals were added at 70°C and standard pressure while stirring at 400 rpm. After 30 minutes of stirring at 400 rpm, a slurry was obtained. A small amount of water (less than 1 g) was further evaporated while stirring at 400 rpm. The Fe-BV (MGDA trisodium salt) concentration of the resulting slurry was 47%. The slurry in the vessel was cooled to 50°C within 2 hours while stirring at 400 rpm, and then removed from the vessel into a flask at room temperature. The resulting slurry has a paste-like appearance but remains fluid even when the flask is inverted. The viscosity of the slurry was measured at various shear rates at 50°C using an Anton Paar rheometer (MCR series) with a coaxial cylinder system. The data are summarized in the following table:

[0123] [Table 3]

[0124] The product exhibited shear-thinning behavior.

[0125] Further Examples (Series No. 2) In a second series of (non-limiting) experiments, the use of compositions of the present invention containing aminocarboxylate chelating agents was outlined. Compositions of the present invention having a paste appearance were filled into molds or pouches. Compositions of the present invention having a paste appearance were also filled into molds or pouches together with other compounds, such as dyes, polymers, surfactants, sodium silicate (water glass), and / or percarbonate. It was found that components that are normally not very compatible with each other, such as the aminocarboxylate chelating agent MGDA and percarbonate, can be blended together without common problems such as yellowing. This can be confirmed, for example, by carrying out storage tests and measuring the color (b value) after certain predetermined time intervals.

[0126] Example A An aqueous composition containing MGDA (39.6 wt%) was prepared, and a sulfonated polycarboxylate polymer (sodium salt) was gradually dissolved therein with stirring at 80°C until the MGDA (FeBV, MGDA trisodium salt) content was approximately 59 wt% (final MGDA to polymer ratio 94:6 (wt / wt)). The resulting composition had a paste appearance. Approximately 15 g of the composition was poured into a silicone mold, which gave it a uniform, smooth surface.

[0127] Example B Example A was repeated, but the resulting composition was filled into a pouch (made of PVOH). The pouch thus obtained was almost transparent, showing a uniform distribution of the composition within the pouch.

[0128] Example C Example A was repeated. Approximately 15 g of the composition was filled into a silicone mold, and 0.5 g of sodium percarbonate was sprinkled onto the surface of the molded composition. No yellowing of the molded composition was observed at the border of the percarbonate pearl.

Claims

1. 1. A process for providing an aqueous composition comprising at least 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, comprising: - placing in a container an aqueous solution or slurry containing at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent in a content of at least 10-80 wt %, preferably 30-80 wt %; - heating said solution or slurry, while stirring, preferably at normal pressure, to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 70°C; removing at least a portion of the water at a pressure below the vapor pressure of the mixture at the selected temperature until a supersaturated solution is obtained with respect to the orthorhombic solid phase; Optionally, charging the orthorhombic crystals into a reactor at a temperature of at least 50°C; - optionally adding at least one further ingredient optionally selected from the list consisting of polymers, colorants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, inorganic compounds; Optionally, continuing to stir the solution or slurry for at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 10 minutes; removing further water with stirring, preferably until a content of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent of at least 45% by weight is reached, and optionally - cooling the resulting composition to room temperature while stirring, and optionally - filling the resulting composition into pouches or molds at room temperature or at an elevated temperature; The process includes:

2. 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the aminocarboxylate complexing agent is selected from methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) and their alkali salts, preferably MGDA trisodium salt.

3. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 55% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight of the at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

4. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition has a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas, preferably 50 to 3000 mPas, at a shear rate of 1000 to 1 1 / s and at a temperature in the range of 20°C to 90°C, and wherein the composition exhibits shear-thinning behavior.

5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition has a pH value in the range of 9 to 14, preferably 10 to 14.

6. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition has a residual moisture content in the range of 15 to 50%, preferably 20 to 50%.

7. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition has the appearance of a paste.

8. The process of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the composition exhibits shear-thinning properties.

9. The process of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition has a crystallinity of at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD).

10. 10. The process of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the composition has an orthorhombic content relative to the content of the crystalline phase of at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably at least 90%, as measured by XRD.

11. 11. A composition preferably having the appearance of a paste according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably at least 50% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, relative to the total weight of the composition, and preferably having a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas, preferably 50 to 3000 mPas, at a temperature range of 20° to 90°C, preferably at a shear rate of 1000 to 1 1 / s, and / or having a pH value in the range of 9 to 14, preferably 10 to 14, and / or exhibiting shear thinning properties.

12. 12. The composition of claim 11, consisting of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, and water.

13. 11. A composition obtained or obtainable by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least 45% by weight of at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent, preferably MGDA or its sodium salt, relative to the total weight of the composition.

14. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 11 to 13 in cleaning applications, preferably dishwashing applications, more preferably automatic dishwashing applications.

15. 14. A cleaning agent, preferably selected from dishwashing detergents and laundry detergents, more preferably a dishwashing detergent, in particular an automatic dishwashing detergent, comprising a composition comprising at least 45% by weight of a composition comprising at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent according to any one of claims 11 to 13, preferably obtained or obtainable by a process according to any one of claims 1 to xxxxxxxxx, and optionally an antimicrobial selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol; preferably said antimicrobial agent in an amount ranging from 2 ppm to 5% by weight of the composition; more preferably 0.1 to 2% phenoxyethanol.

16. 1. A container containing a detergent composition, preferably a unit dose of a detergent composition, more preferably a dishwashing detergent composition, comprising: the container comprises one or more compartments; at least one aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) in at least one compartment, said complexing agent (A) being present in an amount of at least 45 wt.%, based on the total weight of the detergent composition in the container; said at least one complexing agent (A) being dispersed homogeneously in one or more compartments of said container in an aqueous medium (M) and having, at ambient temperature, a gel-type form and / or the appearance of a paste, When multiple complexing agents (A) are present, the different complexing agents (A) may be mixed in one compartment, or when multiple compartments are present, may be separated into two or more separate compartments; The aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) is preferably at least one alkali metal salt of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA); The aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) is preferably partially neutralized with alkali, and optionally said aqueous medium (M) further comprises at least one further component, preferably uniformly dispersed in one or more compartments of said container, selected from surfactants, alkali metal silicates, polymers, preferably selected from polycarboxylates and polyaspartic acids, The container is preferably made from a polymer. The detergent composition further optionally comprises sodium hydroxide, percarbonate, an enzyme, and / or a polymer.

17. 17. The container of claim 16, wherein the aqueous medium (M) comprising the aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) has a viscosity in the range of 30 to 5000 mPas at a shear rate of 1000 to 1 1 / s, and a pH value in the range of 9 to 14, in the temperature range of 20°C to 90°C, and exhibits shear-thinning properties and / or has a pasty appearance.

18. 18. A container according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the container contains only one compartment containing the entire detergent composition.

19. 19. The container according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the container comprises at least two compartments, one compartment (C1) comprising an aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) in an aqueous medium, the aqueous medium comprising the aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A) being of gel type and / or having the appearance of a paste at ambient temperature, at least one further compartment (C2) comprising a solid composition and / or at least one further compartment (C3) being of gel type and / or having the appearance of a paste, and compartments (C2) and / or compartments (C3), which are distinct from one another, comprise at least one component selected from surfactants, polymers, builders and enzymes.

20. 20. The container of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the container comprises at least two compartments, the detergent composition further comprising an inorganic peroxide and / or a perfume, the inorganic peroxide and / or perfume being part of the compartment containing the aqueous medium comprising the aminocarboxylate complexing agent (A), the compartment being of gel type and / or having the appearance of a paste at ambient temperature, and the inorganic peroxide and / or perfume being in a separate phase from the aminocarboxylate complexing agent.

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