Cleaning composition

Abstract

A cleaning composition comprising: (a) at least one salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid; (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one solvent containing at least one hydroxyl functional group. The cleaning composition may be particularly useful as a liquid cleaning composition for use in household cleaning applications, such as laundry. A method for laundering articles using the cleaning composition and the use of the salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid to improve the cleaning performance of a cleaning composition containing at least one enzyme are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent composition.In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition having improved properties for use in toilet care, manual dishwashing, laundry, clothing care, kitchen care, carpet cleaning, air freshener, vehicle care, polishing products, machine cleaning and maintenance, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, oil field chemical applications, marine applications, personal care and institutional / industrial cleaning.The detergent composition may be particularly useful for household cleaning applications, such as laundry. [Background technology]

[0002] Detergent compositions are well known for household use, particularly in laundry and dishwashing applications. Such compositions may be provided in the form of loose powders or liquids from which the user measures out a dose before each use.

[0003] Many consumers prefer to purchase cleaning compositions in unit dose form, where a single pre-measured tablet or pouch is added to a washing machine or dishwasher. Unit dose cleaning compositions often come in the form of compressed powder tablets or pouches containing a liquid encapsulated in a water-soluble polymer.

[0004] Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important with respect to consumer products, with many consumers striving to choose products that have a reduced environmental impact compared to well-established products. Therefore, it is highly desirable to provide cleaning compositions for a variety of uses that are produced from sustainable chemical feedstocks.

[0005] The sustainability of a product, such as a cleaning composition, can be measured by its renewable carbon index (RCI). The RCI of a product can be calculated by dividing the number of carbons derived from renewable sources by the total number of carbons in the active ingredients. A high RCI value means that the product, such as a cleaning active ingredient, contains a high percentage of carbon atoms derived from sustainable sources.

[0006] Laundry detergent compositions can also provide effective cleaning at low temperatures, thereby reducing the energy that must be used in the wash cycle and thereby providing a reduced environmental impact.

[0007] Modern laundry detergents typically contain linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) active ingredients. LAS is a preferred surfactant for such applications due to its good cleaning performance at low temperatures and relatively low cost. However, LAS is a synthetic anionic surfactant produced from petrochemical feedstocks and is currently not available from renewable sources. Therefore, the use of LAS in detergent compositions may not be able to provide a high RCI to the detergent composition. LAS also poses other environmental concerns due to its potential toxicity to aquatic organisms. Furthermore, LAS surfactants may adversely affect the performance of some enzymes in detergent compositions, for example, by reacting with and degrading the enzymes. Therefore, alternative detergent compositions that do not contain LAS are desirable.

[0008] Furthermore, what is important in the production of detergents is the safety of the ingredients used, and minimizing irritation to the skin and eyes as much as possible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel cleaning composition that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, whether described or not described herein.

[0010] Among other things, one object of the present invention is to provide novel cleaning compositions, and related methods and uses, that address at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art identified herein or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative to existing cleaning compositions. For example, an object of the present invention may be to provide a cleaning composition that is free of LAS, has a relatively high RCI, and provides good cleaning performance, especially at low temperatures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to aspects of the present invention there are provided cleaning compositions, methods and uses as set out in the accompanying claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, (a) at least one salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid; (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one solvent containing at least one hydroxy functional group; The present invention provides a cleaning composition comprising:

[0013] Component (a) is a surfactant formed from an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid (ACE).

[0014] The alkyl ether carboxylic acid of component (a) is suitably of formula (I) RO-(CH2CH2O) n -CH2COOH (I) (In the formula, R is a C8-C24 optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group; (n is the average value of 3 to 18) It has.

[0015] The alkyl ether carboxylic acid referred to herein as being present in the salt of component (a) is in its anionic form in the salt, i.e., the carboxylic acid is in a deprotonated form. Thus, the alkyl ether carboxylic acid of component (a) can be referred to as an alkyl ether carboxylate anion. Thus, the alkyl ether carboxylate of component (a) suitably has formula (Ia): RO-(CH2CH2O) n -CH2COO - (Ia)

[0016] Suitably, R is a C10-C18 optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group, suitably a C12-C16 optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably linear.

[0017] The R group is suitably an alkyl group, preferably a straight chain alkyl group.

[0018] The value of n represents the average level of ethoxylation of the R group in formula (Ia) above. This can be considered the average ethoxylation of the fatty alcohol from which the alkyl ether carboxylate is derived. Because n is an average value, component (a) can contain compounds having more or fewer CH2CHO groups than specified, provided that the average number of these groups present in component (a) is within the stated range. Suitably, n is 3 to 8, suitably 4 to 6. For example, n can be about 5. In such an example, the alkyl ether carboxylic acid can be laureth-5 carboxylic acid.

[0019] The alkyl ether carboxylic acid of component (a) can be selected from any one or more of laureth-4 carboxylic acid, laureth-5 carboxylic acid, laureth-6 carboxylic acid, laureth-8 carboxylic acid, laureth-10 carboxylic acid, laureth-11 carboxylic acid, trideceth-7 carboxylic acid, trideceth-8 carboxylic acid, C11-15 pareth-7 carboxylic acid, C12-13 pareth-5 carboxylic acid, C12-15 pareth-5 carboxylic acid, C12-15 pareth-6 carboxylic acid, C14-15 pareth-8 carboxylic acid, deceth-7 carboxylic acid, myreth-5 carboxylic acid, or capryleth-9 carboxylic acid.

[0020] The alkanolamine of component (a) can be selected from monoalkanolamines, dialkanolamines, trialkanolamines, N-alkylalkanolamines, or N-hydroxyalkylalkanolamines, or mixtures thereof. A suitable N-alkylalkanolamine is methylalkanolamine. A suitable N-hydroxyalkylalkanolamine is N-hydroxymethylalkanolamine.

[0021] The alkanolamine of component (a) is suitably a monoalkanolamine or a dialkanolamine. The alkanolamine of component (a) is suitably a monoalkanolamine or a dialkanolamine having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Suitably, the alkanolamine is selected from monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, monobutanolamine, and diethanolamine, or a mixture thereof.

[0022] Preferably, the alkanolamine is a monoalkanolamine, suitably a monoalkanolamine having 2 to 4 carbons, hi some embodiments, the alkanolamine is monoethanolamine (MEA).

[0023] The alkanolamines referred to herein as being present in the salts of component (a) are in their cationic form, i.e., the form containing the protonated nitrogen. Thus, the alkanolamines of component (a) can be referred to as alkanolammonium ions.

[0024] Suitably, component (a) comprises at least one salt of a monoalkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid of formula (I).

[0025] In some embodiments, component (a) comprises a salt of monoethanolamine and laureth-5 carboxylic acid.

[0026] Component (a) is suitably present in an amount of at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 20% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0027] Component (a) is suitably present in an amount of up to 50%, up to 40%, or up to 30% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0028] Component (a) is suitably present in an amount of from 10 to 50%, from 10 to 40%, or from 15 to 35% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0029] The present inventors have found that the salts of alkanolamines and alkyl ether carboxylic acids as defined above can provide the main active ingredient of detergent compositions that exhibit high cleaning performance without the use of LAS components and can provide the detergent compositions with relatively high RCI values ​​overall, and the detergent compositions can exhibit particularly good cleaning performance at relatively low temperatures in laundry applications.

[0030] Suitably, the cleaning composition contains less than 10 wt%, less than 5 wt%, or less than 1 wt% of (linear and branched) alkylbenzene sulfonates. Specifically, the cleaning composition preferably contains less than 10 wt%, less than 5 wt%, or less than 1 wt% of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, and preferably contains no branched alkylbenzene sulfonates. Preferably, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkylbenzene sulfonates. Suitably, the cleaning composition contains neither linear nor branched alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0031] As described above, component (a) is formed from an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid (ACE). Component (a) can be formed prior to combining with the remaining components of the cleaning composition. That is, the cleaning composition can be formed by combining component (a) with components (b) and (c), as well as any other components of the cleaning composition. In some embodiments, component (a) can be formed in situ in the cleaning composition by combining the alkanolamine and alkyl ether carboxylic acid separately with the remaining components of the cleaning composition. In such embodiments, the alkanolamine and alkyl ether carboxylic acid react to form a salt of component (a).

[0032] The cleaning composition of this first embodiment includes at least one surfactant, component (b). Component (b) is different from component (a). Therefore, component (b) does not include a salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid. The at least one surfactant suitably includes a nonionic surfactant. Suitable nonionic surfactants are known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] Such nonionic surfactants can improve the cleaning performance of the detergent composition, especially for cleaning oil and grease stains on fabrics.

[0034] Suitable nonionic surfactants include alkyl alkoxylates, alkenyl alkoxylates, C6-C22 alcohol condensates with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers; C14-C22 medium-chain branched alcohols, C14-C22 medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, alkyl polysaccharides (e.g., alkyl polyglycosides), methyl ester ethoxylates, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, ether-terminated poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants, acyl polyethoxylated glycerol esters (e.g., cocoyl POE-glycerol esters), and mixtures thereof.

[0035] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant may be a condensation product of a straight or branched chain fatty alcohol containing 6 to 24 carbon atoms with 4 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide having an HLB of 8 to 15.

[0036] Preferably, the or each nonionic surfactant comprises an alkoxylated compound. Preferably, the alkoxylated nonionic surfactant comprises at least two alkoxy residues, preferably at least two ethoxy residues.

[0037] Suitable alkoxylated nonionic surfactants include any compound containing one or more alkylene oxide residues and a hydrophobic group. Preferred nonionic surfactants are compounds containing one or more ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide residues and a hydrophobic group. Suitable nonionic surfactants can be formed by the reaction of an aliphatic alcohol, acid, or amide with an alkylene oxide. Preferably, the hydrophobic group contains a hydrocarbon chain having at least 4 carbon atoms, preferably at least 5 carbon atoms, and more preferably at least 6 carbon atoms. Preferably, the hydrophobic group contains 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 21 carbon atoms, and most preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferably, the hydrophobic group is an alkyl group. The nonionic surfactant component (b) can contain more than one hydrophobic residue.

[0038] Preferred nonionic surfactants for use herein are alkoxylated alcohols prepared from C8-C24 alcohols and 2 to 18 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide.

[0039] Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants are alkoxylated alcohols, such as C12-16 or C12-18 alcohols ethoxylated with about 7 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide or C10 alcohols ethoxylated with 5 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide.

[0040] Such ethoxylated alcohols may also be present in the composition as the remaining starting material for the alkyl ether carboxylic acid component used to form component (a), which is the salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid.

[0041] Component (b) is suitably present in an amount of at least 1%, at least 2%, or at least 5% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0042] Component (b) is suitably present in an amount of up to 30%, up to 20%, or up to 15% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0043] Component (b) is suitably present in an amount of from 1 to 30%, from 2 to 20%, or from 5 to 15% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0044] Suitably, the surfactant of component (b) is obtained from renewable sources.

[0045] The nonionic surfactant of component (b) suitably improves the cleaning performance of the detergent composition.

[0046] The cleaning composition of this first embodiment includes component (c), at least one solvent containing at least one hydroxyl functional group. Suitable such solvents include monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, and alkoxy alcohols. Preferred solvents are miscible with water.

[0047] Suitable simple monohydric alcohols include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and butanol.

[0048] Preferably, component (c) comprises a polyhydric alcohol or an alkoxy alcohol.

[0049] Suitable alkoxy alcohols include diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, and 2-butoxyethanol.

[0050] One particularly preferred alkoxy alcohol for use herein is 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol.

[0051] Suitable polyhydric alcohols include glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol. A preferred polyhydric alcohol is propylene glycol or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0052] In some embodiments, component (c) is propylene glycol. Suitably, the propylene glycol is obtained from renewable sources.

[0053] Component (c) can include propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, or mixtures thereof.

[0054] In some embodiments, component (c) includes propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol.

[0055] In some embodiments, component (c) comprises propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0056] In some embodiments, component (c) comprises 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol and dipropylene glycol.

[0057] In some embodiments, component (c) can include a second solvent in addition to the solvent containing at least one hydroxyl functional group. The second solvent can be a water-immiscible solvent. Suitable such solvents can be selected from one or more of hydrocarbon oils, alkyl carbonates, synthetic and vegetable oils, essential oils, oily esters, silicone oils, or perfumes.

[0058] Suitably, component (c) is present in an amount of at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 15% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0059] Suitably, component (c) is present in an amount of up to 45%, up to 40%, or up to 35% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0060] Suitably, component (c) is present in an amount of from 5 to 45%, from 10 to 40%, or from 15 to 35% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0061] The cleaning composition of this first aspect can include (d) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid. The amine and fatty acid referred to herein as being present in the salt of component (d) are recognized as being in their anionic form, i.e., the amine is protonated and the fatty acid is deprotonated. Such salts of amines and fatty acids are sometimes known as alkanolamine soaps.

[0062] The amine is preferably a primary amine.

[0063] Suitably, the amine has 2 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 12 carbon atoms, for example 2 to 6 carbon atoms, 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Most preferably, the amine has 2 carbon atoms.

[0064] Preferably, the amine is an alkanolamine. The amine can be a monoalkanolamine, a dialkanolamine, a trialkanolamine, an N-alkylalkanolamine, or an N-hydroxyalkylalkanolamine. A suitable N-alkylalkanolamine is a methylalkanolamine or a mixture thereof. A suitable N-hydroxyalkylalkanolamine is an N-hydroxymethylalkanolamine. Preferably, the amine is a monoalkanolamine.

[0065] The amine of component (d) is suitably a monoalkanolamine or a dialkanolamine. The amine of component (d) is suitably a monoalkanolamine or a dialkanolamine having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Suitably, the amine is selected from monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, monobutanolamine, and diethanolamine, or a mixture thereof.

[0066] Preferably, the amine is a monoalkanolamine, suitably a monoalkanolamine having 2 to 4 carbons. In some embodiments, the alkanolamine is monoethanolamine (MEA).

[0067] Component (d) comprises a salt of an amine and a fatty acid. Although fatty acids are mentioned, it is understood that the material can comprise a mixture of components. Suitably, at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 12 carbon atoms.

[0068] Fatty acids can include mixtures of compounds, typically mixtures of isomers and / or homologues.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will recognize that natural sources of fatty acids often contain mixtures.

[0070] Suitably, the fatty acid comprises a compound of formula RCOOH, where R is an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group. Preferably, R is an unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group. In a preferred embodiment, R is an alkyl group.

[0071] Preferred fatty acids are saturated fatty acids.

[0072] Although the fatty acids may contain some unsaturated components, predominantly saturated compounds are preferred. Suitably, at least 50%, suitably at least 75%, or at least 90% of the fatty acid molecules are saturated. Preferably, all or substantially all of the fatty acid molecules are saturated.

[0073] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the fatty acid molecules have between 12 and 18 carbon atoms.

[0074] Preferably, at least 90% of the fatty acid molecules are saturated C12-C18 fatty acids.

[0075] In some embodiments, the fatty acids are derived from palm kernel oil or coconut oil and therefore contain a high proportion of C12 fatty acid chains.

[0076] In some embodiments, component (d) is a salt of a monoalkanolamine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules have 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0077] In such embodiments, component (d) is suitably a salt of monoethanolamine and a fatty acid derived from palm kernel oil or coconut oil.

[0078] Component (d) may be present in the cleaning composition as a foam control agent.

[0079] Component (d) is suitably present in an amount of at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 20% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0080] Component (d) is suitably present in an amount of up to 50%, up to 40%, or up to 30% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0081] Component (d) is suitably present in an amount of from 10 to 50%, from 10 to 40%, or from 15 to 35% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0082] Suitably, component (d) is obtained from renewable sources.

[0083] The cleaning composition of this first aspect can include at least one additional nitrogen-containing surfactant, component (e). When present in the cleaning composition, component (e) comprises one or more surfactants that are different surfactants from components (a), (b), and (d).

[0084] Preferably, component (e) comprises one or more nitrogen-containing surfactants selected from alkanolamides, amine oxides, and amphoteric or zwitterionic compounds, or mixtures thereof. The nitrogen-containing surfactants of component (e) can provide improved cleaning performance at relatively low temperatures, are suitably gentle to skin and eyes, and can improve the wetting properties of the detergent composition.

[0085] In some embodiments, component (e) comprises an alkanolamide.

[0086] In some embodiments, component (e) comprises an amine oxide.

[0087] In some embodiments, component (e) comprises an amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactant, preferably a betaine.

[0088] Preferably, component (e) comprises a betaine or an amine oxide.

[0089] In some embodiments, component (e) includes a betaine and an alkanolamide.

[0090] In some embodiments, component (e) includes alkanolamides, amine oxides, and betaines.

[0091] In some embodiments, component (e) includes a betaine and an amine oxide.

[0092] In some embodiments, component (e) comprises an amine oxide and an alkanolamide.

[0093] Alkanolamide refers to the reaction product of an alkanolamine and a fatty acid donor (e.g., a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester, or a triglyceride). The alkanolamide can be referred to as a fatty acid alkanolamide. The reaction product of a fatty acid and an alkanolamine suitably comprises primarily fatty acid alkanolamides. The reaction product can include some ester compounds formed by the fatty acid and the alkanolamine. Thus, the reaction product of a fatty acid and an alkanolamine can be a mixture of fatty acid alkanolamides and fatty acid aminoesters.

[0094] Alkanolamides can be prepared from monoalkanolamines or dialkanolamines.

[0095] Preferably, the alkanolamides are prepared from monoalkanolamines.

[0096] In some embodiments, the alkanolamide is prepared from a dialkanolamine.

[0097] Preferably, the alkanolamide comprises the reaction product of a fatty acid donor and an alkanolamine selected from monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, monobutanolamine, and diethanolamine, or mixtures thereof.

[0098] Preferably, the alkanolamide comprises the reaction product of a fatty acid donor and monoisopropanolamine. The alkanolamide is therefore suitably a fatty acid alkanolamide comprising a fatty acid moiety.

[0099] Suitably, the fatty acid moiety is derived from a fatty acid of the formula RCOOH, where R is an optionally substituted alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyalkenyl group, such as a hydroxystearic acid group. Preferably, R is an unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group. In a preferred embodiment, R is an alkyl group.

[0100] Preferably, R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 36 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, for example 10 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0101] In some preferred embodiments, the fatty acid moiety comprises predominantly C12 fatty acids.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will recognize that natural sources of fatty acids typically contain a mixture of compounds.

[0103] Preferably, the fatty acid moiety is a coconut fatty acid or a palm kernel fatty acid. In such embodiments, the alkanolamide can be formed by the reaction of an alkanolamine with free coconut or palm kernel fatty acid or a coconut or palm kernel fatty acid ester, such as a monoester or triglyceride compound.

[0104] Preferably, the alkanolamide is formed by the reaction of a coconut fatty acid ester with monoisopropanolamine.

[0105] Suitably the alkanolamide has the formula (II) [ka] (In the formula, R 1 is alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl, and hydroxyalkenyl containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms; R 2 is a hydroxyalkyl group containing 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms, and R 3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group, or R 2 has the same meaning as Preferably, R 2 is a hydroxyisopropyl group, in which case the molecule can be called an alkanoylisopropanolamide. 3 is hydrogen.

[0106] Suitable examples of such fatty acid alkanolamides include cocamide MIPA (i.e., EMPILAN® CIS), cocamide MEA (i.e., EMPILAN® CME / T), cocamide DEA (i.e., EMPILAN® 2502), cocamide methyl MEA, lauramide MEA, lauramide DEA, lauramide MIPA, myristamide MEA, myristamide DEA, myristamide MIPA, stearamide MEA, stearamide DEA, stearamide MIPA, hydroxystearamide MEA, isostearamide DEA, A, N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl lauramide, oleamide MEA, oleamide DEA; oleamide MIPA, soyamide MEA, soyamide DEA, soyamide MIPA, behenamide MEA, behenamide DEA, palmitamide MEA, palmitamide DEA, ricinoleamide MEA, ricinoleamide DEA, ricinoleamide MIPA, tallowamide MEA, tallowamide DEA, undecylenamide MEA, undecylenamide DEA, N-lauroyl-N-methylglucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methylglucamide, or mixtures thereof.

[0107] In embodiments in which component (e) comprises an alkanolamide, the alkanolamide is preferably cocamide MIPA.

[0108] Preferred amine oxides for use herein are oxides of tertiary amines. Preferably, the amine oxide is an oxide of a tertiary alkylamine or alkenylamine having 6 to 36 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, for example 10 to 20 carbon atoms or 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0109] Preferably, the amine oxide is an oxide of a tertiary alkylamine. The amine oxide may comprise a mixture of compounds, suitably a mixture of homologues. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that amines obtained from natural sources typically comprise a mixture of compounds.

[0110] Preferably, the amine oxide comprises a mixture of C12-C18 amine oxides.

[0111] In some embodiments, component (e) comprises an amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactant.

[0112] Amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactants for use as component (e) in the compositions of the present invention include those having alkyl or alkenyl groups of 7 to 22 carbon atoms and having the overall structural formula (III): [ka] (In the formula, R 1 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and R 2 and R 3 are each independently an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or carboxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, m is 2 to 4, n is 0 or 1, X is an alkylene group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxyl, and Y is -CO2 or -SO3. Examples of such a system include:

[0113] Such amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactants may be in the range of 7 to 22 carbon atoms, R 1 It is possible to include compounds of the above formula having different numbers of carbon atoms in the groups. For example, R 1 is derived from natural sources such as coconut fatty acid derivatives.

[0114] Suitable nitrogen-containing surfactants for use as component (e) include those of formula (IV): [ka] and simple betaines of formula (V) [ka] (wherein m is 2 or 3) Examples of the amidobetaine include the following:

[0115] In both formula (IV) and formula (V), R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 is as defined above. R 1 In particular, R 1 C derived from coconut so that at least half, preferably at least three-quarters, of the groups have 10 to 14 carbon atoms. 12 Alkyl groups and C 14 R can be a mixture of alkyl groups. 2 and R 3 is preferably methyl.

[0116] In some preferred embodiments, R 1 is R 1 R can be a C8 alkyl group so that at least half, preferably at least three-quarters, of the groups have 8 carbon atoms. 2 and R 3 is preferably methyl.

[0117] In some preferred embodiments, R 1 is R1 R may be a C alkyl group, such that at least half, preferably at least three-quarters, of the groups have 10 carbon atoms. 2 and R 3 is preferably methyl.

[0118] In some preferred embodiments, R 1 is R 1 R can be a mixture of C8 and C10 alkyl groups, such that at least half, preferably at least three-quarters, of the groups have 8 to 10 carbon atoms. 2 and R 3 is preferably methyl.

[0119] Suitable amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactants for use as component (e) include those represented by formula (VI) or formula (VII): [ka] (wherein m is 2 or 3) or a variant thereof, wherein: -(CH2)3SO3 - teeth, [ka] (In the formula, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 is as defined above) has been replaced by] Examples include:

[0120] Suitable amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactants for use as component (e) include amphoacetates and diamphoacetates. Amphoacetates generally conform to the following formula (VIII): [ka]

[0121] Diamphoacetates generally have the following formula (IX): [ka] wherein R is an aliphatic group of 7 to 22 carbon atoms and M is a cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium, or substituted ammonium. matches.

[0122] Suitable acetate-based amphoteric surfactants include lauroamphoacetate; alkylamphoacetates; cocoampho(di)acetate; cocoamphoacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; sodium cocoamphoacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; disodium capryloamphodiacetate; disodium lauroamphoacetate; sodium lauroamphoacetate, and disodium wheat germ amphodiacetate.

[0123] Suitable betaine surfactants include alkylamidobetaines; alkylbetaines, C 12 / 14Alkyldimethyl betaine;Cocoamidopropyl betaine;Tallow bis(hydroxyethyl) betaine;Hexadecyl dimethyl betaine;Cocodimethyl betaine;Alkylamidopropyl sulfobetaine;Alkyldimethylamine betaine;Cocoamidopropyl dimethyl betaine;Alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine betaine;Cocamidopropyl betaine;Lauryl betaine;Laurylamidopropyl (laurylamidopropl) betaine, Cocoamido betaine, Laurylamido betaine, Alkylamino betaine;Alkyl Amidobetaine;Cocobetaine;Laurylbetaine;Dimethicone Propyl PG-Betaine;Oleylbetaine;N-Alkyldimethylbetaine;Cocobiguamide derivatives, C8 amidobetaine;C12 amidobetaine;Lauryldimethylbetaine;Alkylamidopropylbetaine;Amidobetaine;Alkylbetaine;Cetylbetaine;Oleamidopropylbetaine;Isostearamidopropylbetaine;Lauraamidopropylbetaine;2-Alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine;2-Alkyl N-carboxyethyl-N-hydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine;2-Alkyl-N-sodium carboxymethyl-N-carboxymethyloxyethylimidazolinium betaine;N-Alkylamidopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)-ammonium betaine;N-Alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)-ammonium betaine;Cocodimethyl betaine;Anzamidopropyl betaine;Isostearamidopropyl betaine;Myristamidopropyl betaine;Palmitami C12-C18 amidopropyl betaine; cocamidopropyl hydroxylsultaine; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; cocoamidosulfobetaine; alkylamidobetaines; C12 / 18 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine betaine; lauryl dimethyl betaine; ricinoleamidobetaine; tallowaminobetaine; octylamidopropyl betaine; decylamidopropyl betaine; C8 amidopropyl betaine; C10 amidopropyl betaine; C8-C10 amidopropyl betaine, and C12-C18 amidopropyl betaine.

[0124] Suitable glycinate-based amphoteric surfactants include cocoamphocarboxyglycinate; tallowamphocarboxyglycinate; capryloamphocarboxyglycinate, oleoamphocarboxyglycinate, bis-2-hydroxyethyl tallowglycinate; laurylamphoglycinate; tallowpolyamphoglycinate; cocoamphoglycinate; oleic polyamphoglycinate; NC 10 / 12 Fatty acid amidoethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-glycinate;NC 12 / 18 Fatty acid amidoethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-glycinate, and dihydroxyethyl tallow glycinate.

[0125] Preferred acetate-based amphoteric surfactants for use as component (e) include sodium lauroamphocaetate, disodium lauroamphoacetate, and mixtures thereof.

[0126] Preferred betaine surfactants for use as component (e) are the amidobetaines. Particularly preferred compounds include cocoamidopropylbetaine and amidopropylbetaine prepared from C8 and / or C10 fatty acids.

[0127] Preferably, component (e) comprises one or more of: an alkanolamide reaction product of a fatty acid having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms with a monoalkanolamine; an amine oxide having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms; and an amidobetaine prepared from a C6-C20 fatty acid.

[0128] Preferably, component (e) is selected from amine oxides having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, amidobetaines prepared from C6-C20 fatty acids, or mixtures thereof.

[0129] In some embodiments, component (e) comprises an anionic surfactant. Suitable anionic surfactants can be selected from one or more of acyl isethionates, alkyl acyl isethionates, non-acylated alkyl isethionates, acyl taurates, acyl alkyl taurates, acyl and alkyl glutamates, acyl and alkyl sarcosinates, acyl and alkyl glycinates, acyl and alkyl alaninates, and acyl and alkyl aspartates.

[0130] In such embodiments, component (e) is suitably selected from one or more acyl taurates, acyl alkyl taurates, or acyl glutmates.

[0131] In embodiments where component (e) comprises an acyl taurate and / or an acyl alkyl taurate, the acyl taurate and / or acyl alkyl taurate is suitably one or more of the formula (X): [ka] (In the formula, X is hydrogen, a metal ion, or an optionally substituted ammonium ion; R 22 is optionally substituted C3-C 35 is a hydrocarbyl group, R 12 , R 13 , R 14 , and R 15 each independently represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group; R 16 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group) is a compound of

[0132] X can be hydrogen, a metal ion, or an optionally substituted ammonium ion. Suitable metal cations include alkali metal cations, such as sodium, lithium, and potassium cations, and alkaline earth metal cations, such as calcium and magnesium cations. Suitably, X is an alkali metal cation or an optionally substituted ammonium cation. Preferably, X is a potassium or sodium cation. Most preferably, X is a sodium cation.

[0133] R 22 is optionally substituted C3-C 35 is a hydrocarbyl group. Suitably, R 22 is optionally substituted C5-C 29 Hydrocarbyl groups, suitably optionally substituted C-C 17 It is a hydrocarbyl group.

[0134] Preferably, R 22 is optionally substituted C3-C 35 Alkyl or alkenyl groups, optionally substituted C5-C 29 Alkyl or alkenyl group, or optionally substituted C7-C 17 It is an alkyl or alkenyl group.

[0135] Preferably, R 22 is C3-C 35 Alkyl or alkenyl groups, C5-C 29 Alkyl or alkenyl groups, or C7-C 17 It is an alkyl or alkenyl group.

[0136] Appropriately, R 22 is unsubstituted C3-C 35 Alkyl or alkenyl groups, unsubstituted C5-C 29 Alkyl or alkenyl groups, or unsubstituted C7-C 17 It is an alkyl or alkenyl group.

[0137] R 22may be provided by a mixture of more than one of the above groups.

[0138] R 22 is preferably an alkyl group or a mixture of alkyl groups having the above carbon numbers.

[0139] Preferably, R 22 The group contains less than 5% by weight of alkenyl groups, suitably less than 1% by weight of alkenyl groups, suitably substantially free of alkenyl groups.

[0140] Preferably, R 22 is unsubstituted C7-C 17 It is an alkyl group.

[0141] R 22 is suitably the residue of a fatty acid. Fatty acids obtained from natural oils often contain a mixture of fatty acids. For example, fatty acids obtained from palm oil contain C 12 Lauric acid, C 14 Myristic acid, C 16 Palmitic acid, C8 caprylic acid, C 10 Capric acid and C 18 It contains a mixture of fatty acids, including stearic acid and oleic acid. 22 may be provided by the residue of a mixture of said fatty acids. 22 is the residue of hydrogenated fatty acid, and therefore R 22 is substantially free of alkenyl groups. For example, R 22 can be provided by residues resulting from the hydrogenation of coconut oil. 22 is C 12 Lauric acid, C 14 Myristic acid, C 16 Palmitic acid, C8 caprylic acid, C 10 Capric acid, and C 18 It can be provided by the residue of a mixture of stearic acid. 22 is suitably derived from palm oil, C8, C 10 , C 12 , C 14 , C 16 , and C 18It may be a mixture of alkyl groups, suitably linear alkyl groups. Fatty acids derived from coconut oil contain at least 85% by weight of fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Thus, R 22 Suitably at least 85 wt. % C 12 -C 18 Suitably, in said mixture, R 22 Most of the groups are C 12 It is an alkyl group.

[0142] R 22 may comprise residues of one or more naturally occurring fatty acids and / or one or more synthetic fatty acids. Suitably, R 1 is provided by one or more naturally occurring fatty acids.

[0143] In some embodiments, R 22 may consist essentially of residues of a single fatty acid.

[0144] R 22 Examples of fatty acids from which the present invention can be derived include coconut acid, hexanoic acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, gadoleic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, docosahexanoic lignoceric acid; naturally occurring fatty acids such as those obtained from rice bran oil, oat oil, malt oil, hemp seed oil, coconut oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, butterfat, palm oil, olive oil, corn oil, linseed oil, peanut oil, fish oil, and rapeseed oil; synthetic fatty acids made as chains of a single length or a selected distribution of chain lengths; and mixtures thereof.

[0145] R 22 can be provided by fatty acids obtained from coconut oil and / or palm kernel oil.

[0146] R 22 can be provided by lauric acid.

[0147] R12 , R 13 , R 14 , R 15 , and R 16 Suitable C1-C4 alkyl groups for may be selected from n-propyl, ethyl, or methyl, for example ethyl or methyl, most preferably methyl.

[0148] In some embodiments, R 16 is methyl.

[0149] In some embodiments, R 12 , R 13 , R 14 , and R 15 is hydrogen, and the compound of formula (X) is an acyl N-alkyl taurate surfactant. 16 is preferably n-propyl, ethyl, or methyl. Preferably, R 16 is ethyl or methyl, most preferably methyl. Thus, in such embodiments, the compound of formula (X) is preferably an acyl N-methyl taurate surfactant.

[0150] In some embodiments, R 12 , R 13 , R 14 , and R 15 One of the groups represents an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group and the remaining groups represent hydrogen. For example, R 12 can represent an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group, and R 13 , R 14 , and R 15 can all represent hydrogen. For example, R 14 can represent an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl group, and R 12 , R 13 , and R 15 can all represent hydrogen.

[0151] Preferably, R 12 represents a methyl group, and R 13 , R 14, and R 15 all represent hydrogen, or R 14 represents a methyl group, and R 12 , R 13 , and R 15 All represent hydrogen.

[0152] The acyl alkyl taurate surfactant can include a mixture of more than one taurate compound of formula (X). For example, an isomeric mixture of acyl N-alkyl alkyl taurate compounds can be present. Such a mixture can include, for example, an isomeric mixture of acyl N-alkyl alkyl taurate compounds (wherein R 12 represents a C1-C4 alkyl group (suitably methyl), R 13 , R 14 , and R 15 are all hydrogen), and acyl N-alkyl alkyl taurate compounds (wherein R 14 represents a C1-C4 alkyl group (suitably methyl), R 12 , R 13 , and R 15 are all hydrogen).

[0153] Suitably, such a mixture comprises at least 90% of the compound (wherein R 12 is methyl and R 14 is hydrogen) and at most 10% of compounds 12 is hydrogen and R 14 is methyl).

[0154] Preferably, the acyl alkyl taurate surfactant comprises one or more taurate compounds of formula (X) selected from sodium lauroyl methyl taurate, sodium cocoyl methyl taurate, sodium oleoyl methyl taurate, sodium myristoyl methyl taurate, sodium lauroyl N-methyl methyl taurate, sodium cocoyl N-methyl methyl taurate, sodium oleoyl N-methyl methyl taurate, and sodium myristoyl N-methyl methyl taurate. Sodium lauroyl methyl taurate and sodium cocoyl methyl taurate are particularly preferred.

[0155] In embodiments in which component (e) comprises an acyl glutamate, the acyl glutamate is suitably of formula (XI) [ka] (In the formula, Each X is hydrogen, a metal ion, or an optionally substituted ammonium ion; R 23 is optionally substituted C3-C 35 is a hydrocarbyl group) The compound is one or more of the following:

[0156] Suitably, X is as further defined above in relation to compounds of formula (X).

[0157] Appropriately, R 23 is R of the compound of formula (X) 22 is as defined above.

[0158] R 23 can be provided by fatty acids obtained from coconut oil and / or palm kernel oil.

[0159] Appropriately, R 23 is provided by lauric acid. Suitably, component (e) comprises sodium lauroyl glutamate.

[0160] In those embodiments in which component (e) comprises an anionic surfactant, the anionic surfactant is suitably selected from sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl taurate, and sodium cocoyl methyl taurate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, or mixtures thereof.

[0161] Suitably, component (e) has a percent renewable carbon index (%RCI) of at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 98%, preferably at least 99%. Preferably, component (e) has a %RCI of 95-100%, preferably 99-100%. Preferably, component (e) has a %RCI of about 100%.

[0162] Component (e) is suitably present in an amount of at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, or at least 4% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0163] Component (e) is suitably present in an amount of up to 15%, up to 10%, or up to 8% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0164] Component (e) is suitably present in an amount of from 1 to 20%, from 2 to 20%, from 3 to 15%, from 4 to 10%, or from 4 to 8% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0165] Suitably, component (e) is obtained from renewable sources.

[0166] The detergent composition of this first aspect can include at least one enzyme, component (f). Suitable enzymes for use in detergent compositions, e.g., laundry detergent compositions, are known in the art. Component (f) can be selected from proteases, amylases, mannanases, or lipases, or mixtures thereof. The enzyme of component (f) can improve the cleaning performance of the detergent composition, particularly in laundry detergent applications, especially at relatively low wash temperatures. The inventors have found that the combination of components (a), (b), and (c) with component (f) can advantageously and unexpectedly provide improved cleaning performance. This is likely due to the detergent composition of the present invention being more compatible with such enzymes than known detergent compositions containing, for example, LAS. This improved compatibility with the enzyme and the resulting improved enzyme performance are likely due, inter alia, to the use of component (a), a salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid.

[0167] Protease enzymes appear to be most adversely affected when combined with LAS in a cleaning composition. Therefore, the use of protease enzymes in the cleaning composition of this first aspect may be particularly advantageous compared to known cleaning compositions that include a protease enzyme and an LAS. Such cleaning compositions may be particularly effective at removing proteinaceous materials from a target.

[0168] The or each enzyme of component (f) may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount from 0.05 to 1.00% or from 0.10 to 0.70% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0169] The cleaning compositions of this first aspect suitably have a Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) of at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, or at least 60%. Methods for determining the renewable carbon content of the above ingredients, and thus such cleaning compositions, are known in the art.

[0170] The cleaning composition may contain some water (g). The cleaning composition suitably contains less than 20 wt. % water, suitably less than 15 wt. % water, less than 10 wt. % water, or less than 9 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. The cleaning composition may contain at least 0.1 wt. % water, at least 0.5 wt. % water, or at least 1 wt. % water.

[0171] Suitably, the cleaning composition comprises 0.5 to 10 wt % water or 0.5 to 9 wt % water.

[0172] The relatively low amount of water included in the cleaning composition suitably enables the composition to be compatible with the water-soluble film of the sachet or capsule unit dose.

[0173] The cleaning compositions of the present invention may optionally contain one or more additional ingredients.

[0174] Suitable additional ingredients can include any ingredient commonly used in cleaning compositions.

[0175] Suitable additional ingredients may include cationic surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, scents, perfume carriers, chelating agents, bleaches, bleach activators, biocides, dyes, pigments, fragrances, pH adjusters, builders (preferably silicates or zeolites), peroxide compounds (especially hydrogen peroxide), chlorine bleaches, perborate compounds, bleach activators, and catalysts.

[0176] The composition of the first aspect, when it is a dishwashing composition, may include any of these ingredients.

[0177] Preferably, the composition of the first aspect of the present invention is a laundry detergent composition.

[0178] Additional ingredients suitable for inclusion in laundry compositions are known to those skilled in the art and include chelants, builders, bleaches, bleach activators, pigments, dispersants, polymeric dispersants, dyes, dye transfer inhibitors, fragrances, fragrance delivery systems, enzyme stabilizers, biocides, probiotics, preservatives, pH adjusters, phosphates, silicates, zeolites, peroxide compounds (especially hydrogen peroxide, chlorine bleaches), perborate compounds, percarbonate compounds, bleach activators and catalysts, cationic surfactants, redeposition additives, brighteners, suds suppressors, fabric softeners, and hydrotropes.

[0179] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the first aspect include an anti-redeposition agent. These compounds help keep salt in solution during the machine wash cycle.

[0180] Suitable anti-redeposition agents are known to those skilled in the art. Such components often include polyimines. One suitable compound is sold under the trade name Sokalan HP20, which is an ethoxylated polyethylene polyimine.

[0181] Anti-redeposition agents are typically included in amounts of 0.1 to 2 wt. %.

[0182] Preferably, the composition of the first aspect comprises a chelating agent. Suitable chelating agents will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0183] Suitable chelating agents include ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, methylglycine diacetate, glutamic acid N,N-diacetate, iminodisuccinic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid, etidronic acid, citric acid, and anions, salts, and mixtures thereof.

[0184] Preferred chelating agents for use herein are phosphonate chelating agents.

[0185] Chelating agents are typically included in amounts of 0.1 to 2% by weight.

[0186] Other preferred ingredients for inclusion in the composition of the first embodiment include probiotics, dye transfer inhibitors, and cleaning performance boosting polymers. Cleaning performance boosting polymers are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the composition of the first embodiment may include polyacrylates, polycarboxylates, cellulose derivatives, terephthalic acid-based polyesters, ethylene / propylene glycol-based polymers, poly(vinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly(vinylpyridine N-oxide) (PVP-NO), poly(vinylpyridine betaine), biodegradable polymeric dispersants (e.g., polyamino acid polymers such as polyaspartate and polysaccharides such as oxidized starch), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyalkylene glycols, and copolymers of alkylene oxides and vinyl acetates, modified ethoxylated urethanes, or multifunctional polyethyleneimines.

[0187] Dye transfer inhibitors are also known to those skilled in the art.

[0188] The cleaning composition of this first aspect is suitably in liquid form. This means that the composition is liquid at temperatures encountered during normal storage and / or prior to use of the composition, such as ambient or room temperature (e.g., 15°C to 25°C or 18°C ​​to 22°C). Preferably, the composition is liquid at temperatures above 0°C. Liquid cleaning compositions preferably have a melting point of at least 0°C.

[0189] The cleaning compositions of this first aspect may be suitable for any one or more of the following uses: toilet care, manual dishwashing, laundry, garment care, kitchen care, carpet cleaning, vehicle care, polish products, machine cleaning and maintenance, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, oilfield chemical applications, marine applications, personal care and institutional / industrial cleaning.

[0190] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention are sufficiently non-irritating and non-toxic to be readily handled by the user.

[0191] Suitably, the cleaning composition is readily soluble and / or dispersible in water.

[0192] Suitably, the cleaning composition of this first aspect is a liquid laundry cleaning composition.

[0193] The cleaning composition of this first aspect is suitably provided in unit dose form.

[0194] In some embodiments, the present invention provides liquid laundry compositions in unit dose form.

[0195] The compositions of the present invention are highly effective cleansers and have low water content, therefore they contain high levels of active ingredients, which allows them to be provided in small unit doses.

[0196] Preferably, each unit dose has a mass of 5 to 100 g, preferably 5 to 75 g, more preferably 10 to 50 g, suitably 15 to 40 g, preferably 20 to 30 g.

[0197] The unit dose of the cleaning composition is suitably provided in a water-soluble film sachet that dissolves upon exposure to water and releases the cleaning composition from the sachet upon use. Suitable water-soluble film sachets are known in the art and can be formed from polyvinyl alcohol.

[0198] In such embodiments, the cleaning composition suitably comprises less than 10% by weight water or less than 9% by weight water, in order for the composition to be compatible with such water-soluble films in a sachet or capsule unit dose.

[0199] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a unit dose cleaning product comprising a portion of the cleaning composition according to the first aspect and a wrapper.

[0200] Suitably, the portion of the cleaning composition is an amount adequate to clean a standard load of laundry.

[0201] The cleaning composition portion can be in solid or liquid form, preferably in liquid form.

[0202] A portion of the cleaning composition is suitably surrounded by a wrapper. Suitably, the cleaning composition is sealed by the wrapper.

[0203] The wrapper is suitably made from a thin flexible film.

[0204] In some embodiments, the wrapper may comprise a water-soluble film (eg, of polyvinyl alcohol) that is intended to be thrown into a washing machine.

[0205] In some embodiments, the wrapper may include a protective polymeric film that is to be removed before loading into the washing machine. Such a film is suitably brittle and made of a material that protects the enclosed cleaning composition from moisture and air.

[0206] In some embodiments, the unit dose cleaning product may include a water-soluble wrapper and a protective polymeric film wrapper.

[0207] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaged cleaning product comprising a container and a cleaning composition according to the first aspect. Preferred features of the second aspect are as defined in relation to the first aspect.

[0208] Suitably, the packaged cleaning composition comprises a plurality of unit doses of the cleaning composition according to the first aspect. In some embodiments, the unit doses are provided in a water-soluble film sachet as described above. For example, a suitable water-soluble film sachet can be formed from polyvinyl alcohol.

[0209] In such embodiments, the cleaning composition suitably comprises less than 10% by weight water or less than 9% by weight water, in order for the composition to be compatible with such water-soluble films in a sachet or capsule unit dose.

[0210] In some embodiments, each unit dose form may include a protective polymeric film wrapper.

[0211] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of laundering an article, comprising the steps of loading the article into a washing machine, adding a cleaning composition to the washing machine, and running a wash cycle of the washing machine, wherein the cleaning composition comprises: (a) at least one salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid; (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one solvent containing at least one hydroxy functional group; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0212] The cleaning composition used in the method of this third aspect may have any of the suitable features and advantages discussed in relation to the first aspect.

[0213] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a detergent composition in toilet care, manual dishwashing, laundry, garment care, kitchen care, carpet cleaning, vehicle care, polish products, machine cleaning and care, pesticide, insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, oil field chemical applications, marine applications, personal care or institutional / industrial cleaning, wherein the detergent composition comprises: (a) at least one salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid; (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one solvent containing at least one hydroxy functional group; Provide for use, including

[0214] The cleaning composition used in the method of this fourth aspect may have any of the suitable features and advantages discussed in relation to the first aspect.

[0215] Preferably, the use of this fourth aspect is in laundry.

[0216] Suitably, use of this fourth aspect provides improved cleaning performance, suitably in laundry applications, suitably without the use of LAS surfactants.

[0217] In some embodiments, the cleaning composition comprises at least one enzyme, component (f), and use of this fourth aspect provides improved cleaning performance of the at least one enzyme, suitably compared to a similar cleaning composition comprising a LAS surfactant.

[0218] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid to improve the cleaning performance of a detergent composition comprising at least one enzyme.

[0219] The salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid may have any of the suitable features and advantages described above in relation to component (a) of the cleaning composition of the first aspect. The at least one enzyme of the cleaning composition may have any of the suitable features and advantages described above in relation to component (f). Suitably, the cleaning composition of use of this fifth aspect is a cleaning composition according to the first aspect comprising component (f).

[0220] Suitably, the improvement in cleaning performance of a detergent composition comprising at least one enzyme is compared to a similar detergent composition comprising an LAS surfactant but not comprising the salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid described herein, and suitably, the salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid is used to replace such an LAS surfactant in said detergent composition.

[0221] Suitably, the improvement in cleaning performance of detergent compositions comprising at least one enzyme is provided in removing protein-based materials from objects, suitably fabrics.

[0222] In some embodiments, the improvement in cleaning performance of the cleaning composition is the maintenance of the cleaning performance of the cleaning composition over time, for example, during storage of the cleaning composition. Suitably, the cleaning performance of the cleaning composition is maintained even after storage of the cleaning composition at temperatures above 0°C, suitably below 50°C, for at least one week, at least two weeks, or at least one month. Cleaning performance tends to decrease significantly over time in similar cleaning compositions containing LAS surfactants. Suitably, the cleaning performance is maintained to a greater extent than in similar cleaning compositions containing LAS surfactants but not including the salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid described herein.

[0223] Suitably, the cleaning compositions of the present invention lose not more than 20% of their cleaning performance, suitably not more than 10% of their cleaning performance, after 1 month of storage at 40° C., suitably as measured by the method of Laundry Performance Evaluation Test 2 described below. Similar cleaning compositions containing LAS surfactants may lose 30% or more of their cleaning performance in such a test after 1 month of storage at 40° C.

[0224] Said maintenance of cleaning performance over time can be brought about by improved stability of at least one enzyme, such that the activity / effectiveness of at least one enzyme is substantially maintained over said period, which activity / effectiveness of such enzymes tends to decrease significantly over time in similar cleaning compositions containing LAS surfactants.

[0225] Thus, the present invention provides the use of a salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid as defined herein for maintaining the activity of at least one enzyme in a cleaning composition. Preferably, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkylbenzene sulfonates (such as LAS surfactants). Suitably, the activity of the enzyme is substantially maintained after storage of the cleaning composition at a temperature above 0°C, suitably below 50°C, for at least one week, at least two weeks, or at least one month. Suitably, the activity of the at least one enzyme is maintained to a greater extent than in a similar cleaning composition comprising an LAS surfactant but not the salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid as defined herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0226] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0227] [Example] Preparation of Examples 1, 2, 1e and 2e The following examples and comparative examples of the present invention were prepared by the following procedure using the ingredients listed in Table 1 in the amounts indicated. The amounts listed in the table refer to the amount of active ingredient, disregarding any impurities or by-products. Examples 1e and 2e have the same composition as Examples 1 and 2, respectively, except that the listed enzyme ingredients are included and the corresponding amount of propylene glycol is removed. Examples 1 and 1e were prepared by charging propylene glycol to a 1-liter jacketed reaction vessel equipped with an overhead stirrer. The temperature was set to 20-25°C and monoethanolamine (MEA) was added. Distilled palm kernel fatty acid topping was added gradually, ensuring that the batch temperature did not exceed 30°C. After the temperature stabilized at 20-25°C, a blend of C12-18 amine oxide, alcohol ethoxylate (C12-C18*7EO), and propylene glycol was added, followed by the preformed MEA salt of laureth-5-carboxylic acid (see below). The enzyme (if present) was added, followed by the phosphonate (Dequest 2066), anti-redeposition polymer (Sokolan HP20), color (optional), and fragrance (optional). The formulation was stirred at 20-25°C until homogeneous and then discharged from the reaction vessel.

[0228] Dequest 2066 is a product of Italmatch (Genova, Italy).

[0229] Sokolan HP20 is a product of BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany).

[0230] Using a similar procedure, Examples 2 and 2e were prepared by replacing the C12-18 amine oxide with the amount of cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) shown in Table 1.

[0231] Comparative Examples 1 and 1e were prepared by a similar procedure, omitting the C12-18 amine and replacing the MEA salt of laureth-5-carboxylic acid with the LAS surfactant MEA dodecylbenzenesulfonate in the amount shown in Table 1.

[0232] Preparation of MEA salt of laureth-5-carboxylic acid The MEA salt of laureth-5-carboxylic acid was prepared from Empicol CED5, a commercially available mixture containing laureth-5 carboxylic acid (approximately 75.5% by weight), laureth-5 (unreacted starting material), NaCl (a reaction by-product), and water. MEA was added to Empicol CED5 until the mixture reached a neutral pH, resulting in an MEA salt of laureth-5-carboxylic acid containing approximately 76% by weight of the active material.

[0233] Formulation Examples 3-10 were prepared by procedures similar to those described above for Examples 1, 2, 1e, and 2e. In Examples 3-10, the salts of alkanolamines and alkyl ether carboxylic acids were formed in situ from the alkanolamine (MIPA or MEA) and alkyl ether carboxylic acid (laureth-5-carboxylic acid or laureth-11-carboxylic acid) by adding both components to the formulation in the amounts set forth in Table 1b below.

[0234] The RCI values ​​of the different components and the overall cleaning composition are also listed in Table 1, which shows that the inventive examples have an increased RCI compared to the comparative examples containing LAS surfactants. This higher RCI indicates that the inventive compositions may be more environmentally sustainable than LAS-containing cleaning compositions. [Table 1]

[0235] The materials in Table 1a above are present as 100% active by weight unless otherwise stated in Table 2.

[0236] [Table 2] JPEG2025542341000014.jpg247170

[0237] Abbreviations used in Tables 1a and 1b are defined in Table 2. [Table 3]

[0238] Washing performance evaluation test 1 The laundry cleaning performance of Examples 1, 1e, 2 and 2e and Comparative Examples 1 and 1e was evaluated on a panel of different stain types using the Linitest procedure described below.

[0239] The Linitest procedure evaluates the ability of detergent formulations to remove applied soil from fabrics. Soiled fabric swatches were washed in a laboratory washing apparatus (Linitest, SDL Atlas) under specified conditions of temperature, detergent solution, wash time, and water hardness. The Linitest machine rotates closed canisters (8 x 500 mL) in a constant temperature water bath at 40 ± 2 RPM.

[0240] The cleaning conditions for the cleaning test were as shown in Table 3. [Table 4]

[0241] For each run, four swatches of the same type were placed in each closed canister in the Linitest washing machine. Each swatch was 6 cm x 6 cm in size and simulated a different type of fabric and soil stain. Further details about the stain types of the different swatches and their product codes are given in Table 4. The swatches were commercially available from the CFT Center for Test Materials (Vlaardingen, Netherlands).

[0242] After the wash cycle, the wash solution was drained and the swatches were rinsed under running cold tap water and then dried on a clothesline in a fume hood (in the dark, with the fume hood airflow switched on).

[0243] The effectiveness of test detergents on a given type of swatch (e.g., specific fabric and stain type) was evaluated by reflectance measurements. A Datacolor 400 high-performance reflectance-only benchtop spectrophotometer was used. The spectrophotometer had a D65 light source and a UV cutoff filter (400 nm). Reflectance measurements were obtained by the spectrophotometer using the Y value of the Y, x, y color coordinate measurement (following the AISE protocol standard for laundry cleaning testing).

[0244] Measurements were taken of the soiled swatches before washing and the clean swatches after washing. Measurements were taken at a defined set of different locations for each swatch, and the average value was used to generate the results. The results discussed herein were generated by averaging the measurements (before and after washing) for the four swatches used in each test. The cleaning power was calculated as a percentage change in reflectance compared to the initial reflectance before the wash cycle using the following formula:

number

[0245] A positive value in the above detergency calculation means that the swatch material became more reflective after cleaning. This represents that the stain was removed or partially removed from the swatch by the detergent composition during the test. In some cases, where the detergent composition was ineffective in cleaning the swatch, it may produce a negative detergency value due to an apparent decrease in the reflectance of the swatch compared to before the test. This is believed to be due to the redeposition of soil / stain on the swatch during the test, which may actually further reduce the reflectance of the swatch.

[0246] [Table 5]

[0247] The results for each swatch / stain type in these tests are presented for the Examples and Comparative Examples in the bar graphs in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows good cleaning performance (as measured by the detergency measurements and calculations discussed above) for Examples 1, 2, 1e, and 2e of the present invention across a variety of stains. For some of these stains, Swatches E-101 through CS-06, the cleaning performance of Examples 1, 2, 1e, and 2e was comparable to or better than Comparative Examples 1 and 1e, which contained an LAS surfactant, demonstrating that the present invention can provide detergent compositions with good cleaning performance that can be produced from more sustainable sources. The results for Swatches CS-37 and PC-S-37 show that the cleaning performance of Examples 1, 2, 1e, and 2e was significantly better than Comparative Examples 1 and 1e, which contained an LAS surfactant. Thus, at least for these specific stains, the compositions of the present invention can provide superior cleaning performance compared to similar compositions containing an LAS surfactant. The results for Swatches CS-38 through PC-05 show that enzyme-containing Examples 1e and 2e provided significantly improved cleaning performance compared to the comparative examples (e.g., LAS-based formulations with and without enzyme). The results indicate that adding enzyme to the comparative detergent compositions (i.e., comparing Comparative Example 1 with Comparative Example 1e) provided little or no improvement in cleaning performance for these stains. The improved results obtained with enzyme-containing Examples 1e and 2e suggest that the cleaning activity of the enzyme is retained in the compositions of the present invention to a much greater extent than in LAS-containing detergent compositions, providing significant performance benefits to said compositions.

[0248] Washing performance evaluation test 2 - Performance after aging To test the stability of the example formulations in maintaining laundry performance over time, Examples 1, 2, 1e, and 2e, Comparative Examples 1 and 1e, and the control sample (see Table 5) were aged under controlled conditions and then subjected to the same laundry cleaning performance test described above (Laundry Performance Evaluation Test 1) and compared to unaged samples of each example and control formulation. The aged samples were obtained by storing the formulations at 40° C. for one month. The aged samples are designated "Aged" in the results shown in FIG. 2. [Table 6]

[0249] These wash performance tests were conducted using the following fabric swatches described above and in Table 4: W10-Z, CS-06, CS-37, CS-38, C-05, PC-05, PC-S-37, and PC-S-38. The results of the wash performance tests before and after aging are shown in Figure 2, where the results using the different swatches are collated into a single bar for each example (unaged and aged) to show overall performance.

[0250] The results, shown in Figure 2, demonstrate that the reduction in performance after aging is significantly less for Examples 1, 2, 1e, and 2e than for the control formulation containing an alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant. Thus, the formulations of Examples 1, 2, 1e, and 2e of the present invention appear to offer the advantage of maintaining cleaning performance after aging to a greater extent than similar formulations containing alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0251] In particular, the results of Examples 1e and 2e for swatches C-05 and PC-05, which contain stains that require enzyme action for effective cleaning, show only a slight decrease in cleaning performance after aging, whereas a much more significant decrease in performance was observed with the control formulation after aging. Thus, these results demonstrate that the formulations of the present invention can advantageously maintain enzyme activity during aging, especially for stains that require enzyme action for effective cleaning, compared to formulations containing alkylbenzene sulfonates, which suffer a significant decrease in performance after aging.

[0252] Film Stability Stability testing was performed using formulations Examples 1, 1e, 2, and 2e, all of which were packaged in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film. The packaged liquid laundry detergent samples were stored at 40°C. No deterioration of the packaging was observed after 3 months, indicating that the formulations were highly compatible with the PVA film.

[0253] These results demonstrate that the combination of ingredients in the detergent compositions of the present invention provides good, and in some cases improved, cleaning performance compared to known laundry compositions containing LAS, particularly in tackling protein-based stains. This performance is obtained while suitably enabling a high RCI% to be achieved, thus reducing the environmental impact of such detergent compositions. Furthermore, the detergent compositions of the present invention can be used in water-soluble film sachets and remain stable during storage.

[0254] While several preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0255] Throughout this specification, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" mean including the specified components, but not excluding the presence of other components. The terms "consisting essentially of" or "consists essentially of" mean including the specified components, but excluding other components, except for materials present as impurities, unavoidable materials present as a result of the process used to provide the components, and components added for purposes other than achieving the technical effect of the invention. Typically, when referring to a composition, a composition consisting essentially of a set of components will contain less than 5% by weight, typically less than 3% by weight, and more typically less than 1% by weight of unspecified components.

[0256] The terms "consisting of" or "consists of" mean including the specified ingredients, but excluding the addition of other ingredients.

[0257] Wherever appropriate and depending on the context, use of the terms "comprises" or "comprising" can also be taken to include or include the meaning of "consists essentially of" or "consisting essentially of" and can also be taken to include the meaning of "consists of" or "consisting of."

[0258] For the avoidance of doubt, when the amount of an ingredient in a composition is stated as % by weight, this means the weight percent of the specified ingredient relative to the total composition referred to.

[0259] Any features described herein may be used individually or, where appropriate, in combination with one another, particularly in the combinations set forth in the appended claims. Any feature of each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the present invention described herein should also be construed as applicable to any other aspect or exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where appropriate. In other words, those skilled in the art reading this specification should consider any feature for each exemplary embodiment of the present invention to be interchangeable and combinable between different exemplary embodiments.

[0260] The reader's attention is drawn to all articles and documents related to this application that have been filed contemporaneously or earlier hereto and that have been made available to public inspection herewith, and the entire contents of such articles and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0261] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are incompatible.

[0262] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each disclosed feature is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0263] The invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments, and extends to any novel single or any novel combination of features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims and drawings), or to any novel single or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. (a) at least one salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid; (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one solvent containing at least one hydroxy functional group; A cleaning composition comprising:

2. The alkyl ether carboxylic acid of component (a) is represented by formula (I): RO-(CH ２ CH ２ O) ｎ -CH ２ COOH(I) (In the formula, R is a C8-C24 optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group; n is an average value of 3 to 18) The cleaning composition of claim 1 , wherein

3. 3. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkanolamine of component (a) is a monoalkanolamine or dialkanolamine having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

4. 4. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein component (a) is present in an amount of 10 to 50% by weight of the cleaning composition.

5. 5. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, comprising less than 5% by weight of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate.

6. 6. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (b) is a nonionic surfactant.

7. 7. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein component (b) is present in an amount of 2 to 20% by weight of the cleaning composition.

8. 8. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein component (c) is present in an amount of 5 to 45% by weight of the cleaning composition.

9. (d) Salts of amines and fatty acids The cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:

10. 10. The cleaning composition of claim 9, wherein component (d) is present in an amount of 10 to 40% by weight of the cleaning composition.

11. (e) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant The cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:

12. 12. The cleaning composition of claim 11, wherein component (e) is present in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight of the cleaning composition.

13. (f) at least one enzyme The cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising:

14. 14. The cleaning composition of claim 13, wherein component (f) is selected from a protease, an amylase, a mannanase, a lipase, or a mixture thereof.

15. 15. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, having a renewable carbon index of at least 40%.

16. The cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising less than 10% by weight of water.

17. The cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which is in the form of a liquid.

18. The cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which is provided in a unit dose form.

19. A packaged cleaning product comprising a container and the cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. 1. A method of laundering an article, comprising the steps of loading the article into a washing machine, adding a cleaning composition to the washing machine, and running a wash cycle of the washing machine, wherein the cleaning composition: (a) at least one salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid; (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one solvent containing at least one hydroxy functional group; The method comprising:

21. 1. Use of a detergent composition in toilet care, manual dishwashing, laundry, clothing care, kitchen care, carpet cleaning, air freshener, vehicle care, polish products, machine cleaning and care, pesticide, insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, oil field chemical applications, marine applications, personal care, or institutional / industrial cleaning, wherein said detergent composition comprises: (a) at least one salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid; (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one solvent containing at least one hydroxy functional group; The use.

22. Use of a salt of an alkanolamine and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid to improve the cleaning performance of a detergent composition containing at least one enzyme.

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