Detergents and cleaning compositions having improved cleaning performance

Abstract

The present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme, an effective amount of a particular type of enzyme enhancer, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, and a surfactant, as well as the use of the aforementioned detergents and cleaning compositions for preparing detergents and cleaning products for household, institutional and industrial applications. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for treating stained and / or soiled substrates using the enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of certain substances, as defined herein, for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing the enzyme performance in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance in detergents and cleaning compositions by adding an effective amount of a specific enzyme enhancer, for example, an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, to the aforementioned detergents and cleaning compositions.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme, an effective amount of a particular type of enzyme enhancer, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, and a surfactant, as well as the use of the aforementioned detergents and cleaning compositions for preparing detergents and cleaning products for household, institutional and industrial applications. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for treating stained and / or soiled substrates using the enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of certain substances, as defined herein, for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing the enzyme performance in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance in detergents and cleaning compositions by adding an effective amount of a specific enzyme enhancer, for example, an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, to the aforementioned detergents and cleaning compositions. [Background technology]

[0003] Detergents and cleaning compositions, particularly those for laundry and textile cleaning, dishwashing, etc., are mainly composed of surfactants or mixtures of surfactants, whose primary role is to remove dirt and water-insoluble substances such as grease from surfaces such as fabrics, clothing, dishes, and garments, as well as hard surfaces such as metals, plastics, glass, and ceramics. In addition to surfactants, modern detergents and cleaning formulations consist of builders, chelating agents, co-builders, other polymer additives used for specific cleaning or cleaning effects such as stain release and wrinkle prevention, color transfer prevention and rheological modification, as well as enzyme stabilizers. In addition to the aforementioned components, one or more enzymes are added to detergents and cleaning compositions as further active substances having a cleaning action.

[0004] Enzymes have been used in detergents and cleaning compositions since the early 20th century. Enzymes can be used to enhance the performance of cleaning or detergents. Enzymes are known as effective chemicals for breaking down stains and / or dirt when used with detergents and other cleaning agents. Enzymes improve cleaning by breaking down stains and / or dirt, making them more soluble, allowing surfactants to remove them from surfaces. Specifically, enzymes can provide desirable activity for removing, for example, protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or lipid-based (fat or oil-based) stains from substrates. As a result, enzymes have been used in a variety of cleaning applications to digest or break down stains and / or dirt such as grease, oils (e.g., vegetable oil or animal fat), proteins, and carbohydrates. For example, enzymes can be added as components to compositions for fabric care, textile cleaning, dishwashing, stationary cleaning, drain cleaning, floor cleaning, carpet cleaning, medical or dental instrument cleaning, meat cutting tool cleaning, and hard surface cleaning. Typical enzymes with a cleansing action include proteases, amylases, lipases, and cellulases.

[0005] For the time being, detergents and cleaning products must meet the heightened consumer expectations regarding improved cleaning performance.

[0006] The detergent and cleaning industry is in a perpetual search for ingredients that can address these issues.

[0007] Therefore, there is still a need for substances that can improve the enzyme performance in detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, there is a need for enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions that are not too complex, are highly effective, and avoid the use of environmentally and health-undesirable ingredients.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose enzyme detergent and cleaning composition that have excellent enzyme performance and improved cleaning performance.

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

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

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

[0012] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme enhancer, such as alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, to detergents and cleaning compositions containing enzymes has a positive effect on enzyme performance, in that it improves the performance of the enzymes contained therein or in enzyme mixtures. The enzymes in these detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit superior enzyme performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such enzyme enhancers.

[0013] Surprisingly, the cleaning performance of enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions in terms of stain removal and / or dirt removal was found to be improved by the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme enhancer, such as alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, compared to enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions without such enhancers.

[0014] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme enhancer, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, to a cellulase-containing detergent and cleaning composition, such as a fabric softener, improves the softness of laundry compared to a cellulase-containing detergent and cleaning composition that does not contain such an enzyme enhancer.

[0015] Therefore, detergents and cleaning compositions containing enzymes in combination with certain types of enzyme enhancers, as further defined herein, such as alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylates, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, exhibit improved overall cleaning performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such enzyme enhancers.

[0016] Conversely, for enhancing effects, the amount of enzymes and other components, such as enzyme stabilizers, used to improve the cleaning effectiveness in these detergents and cleaning compositions can be reduced without compromising cleaning performance. Even at low concentrations of enzyme enhancers, the detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit excellent stain and dirt removal and improved cleaning performance. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0017] The present invention has been made in view of the above aspects. To solve the above requirements, the present invention provides detergents and cleaning compositions having both improved enzymatic performance and improved cleaning performance with respect to improved dyeing and / or stain removal.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention, in a first aspect, provides a detergent and a cleaning composition, (a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b) (b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and At least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; and (c) To provide detergents and cleaning compositions that contain or consist of more than 3% by weight of a surfactant based on the total weight of the composition.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides the use of detergent and cleaning compositions as detergents and cleaning products, or for the preparation of detergents and cleaning products.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides detergents and cleaning products.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for treating a stained and / or soiled substrate, - A step of treating a substrate with a detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the present invention; and - A method comprising the step of rinsing the aforementioned substrate in water to remove the aforementioned composition or product.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention is the use of at least one enzyme enhancer, (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) ethylhexyl glycerin; (b V ) tropolone; and at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixtures thereof; provided for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0023] In a final aspect, the present invention is a method for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions, (i) providing a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme; and (ii) (b I ) at least one straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or at least one first straight-chain alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second straight-chain alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first straight-chain alkanediol; (b II ) glyceryl caprylate; (b III ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and The present invention provides a method comprising the step of adding an effective amount of at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixtures thereof.

[0024] The present invention is defined in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, preferred variations thereof, other purposes and advantages are also evident from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended examples and drawings.

[0025] All percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.

[0026] Numerical ranges listed herein and given in the form "x~y" include the value that defines the range, and each integer within the defined range. If multiple preferred numerical ranges are specified in this form, all ranges created by combining various endpoints are also included.

[0027] In the context of this invention, the term "comprising" means that the specified components are essential, but other components may be added and still be included in this invention.

[0028] The term "consisting of" as used in accordance with the present invention means that the total amount of components (a) to (c) in the composition totals 100% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and that the subject matter is closed-ended and may only include the explicitly listed limitations.

[0029] Whenever the word "comprising" is used, it is intended to encompass both meanings as alternatives; that is, unless the context otherwise indicates, the meaning can be either "comprising" or "consisting of."

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term "at least one" means that the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may contain one or a mixture of two, three, four, five, six or more different components from those following the aforementioned terms.

[0031] The terms "and / or" indicate that a combination exists or that an alternative is provided.

[0032] The term "optional" means that the following components may, but are not required to, be present in the detergent and cleaning composition, and that the description includes variants containing the compound or variants in which the compound is not present.

[0033] In the context of this invention, the term "stability" means resistance or degree of resistance to change, unfolding, disintegration, denaturation, or loss of activity / performance. A non-limiting example of stability is storage stability, which reflects the stability of polypeptides such as enzymes as a function of time, for example, the degree to which the activity of the aforementioned polypeptide is retained when it is held in a detergent or cleaning formulation. Stability is influenced by many factors, such as the presence of chelating agents, pH, temperature, and the detergent composition, such as the amount of builders and surfactants.

[0034] In the context of this invention, the term “boosting” means “improvement,” “enhancement,” or “increase.” Correspondingly, “boosting agent” is either a single agent or a mixture of substances that can “improve,” “enhance,” or “increase” a particular feature or property as defined herein. In particular, the boosting agents according to the present invention improve, enhance, or increase the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions, and thus result in improved cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0035] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to saturated hydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, including linear alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or cycloalkyl, alicyclic, or carbocyclic groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched alkyl groups (e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), and alkyl-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, the term "alkyl" includes both unsubstituted alkyls and substituted alkyls. As used herein, the term "substituted alkyl" refers to an alkyl group having substituents that substitute one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of a hydrocarbon skeleton. Examples of such substituents include alkenyls, alkynyls, halogens, hydroxyls, alkylcarbonyloxys, arylcarbonyloxys, alkoxycarbonyloxys, aryloxycarbonyloxys, carboxylates, alkylcarbonyls, arylcarbonyls, alkoxycarbonyls, aminocarbonyls, alkylaminocarbonyls, dialkylaminocarbonyls, alkylthiocarbonyls, alkoxyls, phosphates, phosphonates, cyanos, aminos, iminos, sulfhydryls, alkylthios, arylthiols, thiocarboxylates, sulfates, alkylsulfinyls, sulfonates, and nitros. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions, (a1) At least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b1) 1,2-heptanediol; and (c1) The present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising or containing more than 3% by weight of a surfactant based on the total weight of the composition.

[0038] Alternatively, in a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a detergent and a cleaning composition, (a2) At least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b2) 2,3-heptanediol; and (c2) The present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising or containing more than 3% by weight of a surfactant based on the total weight of the composition.

[0039] In a further alternative, the present invention, in a first aspect, is a detergent and a cleaning composition, (a3) At least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b3) A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; and (c3) The present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising or containing more than 3% by weight of a surfactant based on the total weight of the composition.

[0040] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions, (a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b) (b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and At least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; and (c) The present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising or containing more than 3% by weight of a surfactant based on the total weight of the composition.

[0041] In a preferred variation, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions, (a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b) (b I A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and At least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; and (c) The present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising or containing more than 3% by weight of a surfactant based on the total weight of the composition.

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

[0043] The term “detergents and cleaning compositions” as intended herein is understood to mean all products that are suitable for cleaning or washing and are commonly used. Detergents and cleaning compositions consist primarily of surfactants or mixtures of surfactants. In addition to surfactants, detergents and cleaning compositions typically consist of builders and chelating agents, cobuilders, and other polymer additives used for specific effects such as wrinkle prevention, color transfer prevention, and rheological modification. Detergents and cleaning compositions refer to compositions used to remove undesirable compounds from items to be cleaned, such as textiles (e.g., fabrics, clothing), dishes, floors, and hard surfaces (e.g., metals, plastics, and ceramics). These deposits can be caused by dirt or stains, bacteria, and other contaminants. Detergents are the most commonly used cleaning compositions for textiles. Detergents and cleaning compositions may be used for both household cleaning, facility cleaning, and industrial cleaning. Detergents and cleaning compositions also contain disinfectants that kill all vegetative cells, including recognized pathogenic microorganisms. Detergents and cleaning compositions may be used by the detergent composition itself, by detergent products, or by their solutions.

[0044] The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention are preferably used to remove stains and / or dirt from textiles, fabrics, laundry, dishes, clothing, medical and dental instruments, hard surfaces, and the like.

[0045] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms “cleaning” and “washing” are used synonymously and refer to the reduction and / or removal of deposits, i.e., the removal of undesirable compounds from items to be washed, such as textiles or surfaces, on tableware / dishes and other kitchenware, e.g., cutlery / silverware, pots, pans, bakeware, etc.

[0046] These deposits can be formed by stains caused by tea, chocolate, coffee, grass, red wine, grass / mud, fruit juice, blood, tomato puree, unused motor oil, salad dressing balsamic, cooked beef tallow, French squeeze mustard, makeup, etc., or by stains caused by grease, starch-based stains such as rice, pasta, protein-based stains such as egg yolk, chocolate, mayonnaise, lipstick starch-based stains, etc., and other stains remaining on the surface. Thus, deposits are any form of undesirable residue such as dirt, grime, food, and grease.

[0047] In the context of the present invention, the term “substrate” includes fabrics, textiles, laundry, dishes, clothing, any hard surface, medical and dental instruments, etc., which may be contaminated with dyes and / or stains and may be treated by washing or a washing process.

[0048] As used herein, the term “fabric cleaning” includes detergents and cleaning compositions or products designed for cleaning dyed and / or soiled materials. Such compositions or products include, but are not limited to, laundry detergent compositions, fabric softening compositions, fabric strengthening compositions, fabric freshening compositions, pre-washes, pre-wash treatments, laundry additives, spray products, dry cleaning agents or compositions, wash rinse additives, cleaning additives, post-rinse fabric treatments, ironing aids, unit-dose formulations, delayed-delivery formulations, detergents contained on or in porous substrates or nonwoven sheets, fibrous substrates, preferably the aforementioned fibers containing activators, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0049] As used herein, the term “fabric care” refers to a variety of fabric benefits, including smoothness, shape retention, elasticity, color preservation, and pilling control.

[0050] As used herein, the terms “dishware” or “ware” refer to solid surfaces such as countertops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, plumbing, kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliances, engines, circuit boards, and tableware. Examples of hard surfaces include healthcare surfaces such as medical or dental instruments, medical or dental devices, electronic devices used to monitor patient health, and the surfaces of floors, walls, or fixtures in structures where healthcare is performed, as well as food processing surfaces such as the surfaces of tools, machines, equipment, and structures used as part of food processing, preparation, or storage activities. In the context of the present invention, the term “ware” refers to items such as eating and cooking utensils, tableware, and other hard surfaces such as showers, sinks, toilet bathtubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, and floors.

[0051] As used herein, the term “surface” refers to solid surfaces such as countertops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, plumbing, kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliances, engines, circuit boards, and tableware. Examples of hard surfaces include healthcare surfaces such as medical or dental instruments, medical or dental devices, electronic devices used to monitor patient health, and the surfaces of floors, walls, or fixtures in structures where healthcare is performed, as well as food processing surfaces such as the surfaces of tools, machinery, equipment, and structures used as part of food processing, preparation, or storage activities.

[0052] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of enzyme enhancers specified herein or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers to detergents and cleaning compositions enhances, i.e., improves or enhances, the enzymatic performance of such detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0053] Based on these advantageous effects, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention provide both improved enzyme performance, improved stain removal, and improved stain removal, and thus provide improved overall cleaning performance.

[0054] Enzymes or enzyme preparations / components (a1, a2, a3, a)

[0055] The detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises, as component (a1, a2, a3, a), at least one enzyme, or an enzyme preparation containing at least one enzyme. The enzyme or enzyme preparation provides cleaning performance by removing dyes and / or stains, and / or fabric care benefits.

[0056] Enzymes are known as chemicals that are effective in breaking down dirt when used with detergents and other cleaning agents. Enzymes improve the cleaning of substrates by breaking down dirt, making them more soluble, and allowing surfactants to remove them from the surface. Specifically, enzymes can provide desirable activity for removing, for example, protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from substrates. In addition, enzymes also help improve cleaning results at lower temperatures. As a result, enzymes have been used in a variety of cleaning applications to digest or break down dirt such as grease, oil (e.g., vegetable oil or animal fat), proteins, and carbohydrates. For example, enzymes can be added as components to compositions for laundry, textiles, dishwashing, stationary cleaning, drain cleaning, floors, carpets, medical or dental instruments, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, and personal care.

[0057] Enzymes suitable for detergents and cleaning compositions may act by breaking down or altering one or more types of dirt residue encountered on an instrument or device, thereby removing the dirt, or by making the dirt more easily removed by the surfactant or other components of the cleaning composition. Both the breakdown and alteration of dirt residue can improve cleaning power by reducing the physicochemical forces binding the dirt to the instrument or device being cleaned, for example, making the dirt more water-soluble. For example, one or more proteases can cleave complex high-molecular-weight protein structures present in the dirt residue into simpler short-chain molecules, which in turn are more easily desorbed or solubilized from the surface, or otherwise more easily removed by a cleaning solution containing the aforementioned proteases.

[0058] The cleaning enzyme according to the present invention, as a component of detergents and cleaning compositions, has cleaning, decolorizing, stain removal, or other beneficial effects, and is for instruments, devices, or apparatus, such as medical or dental instruments or apparatus; or for laundry, textiles, clothing cleaning, stationary cleaning, drain pipes, carpets, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, personal care, etc.

[0059] Enzymes that can be used in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention include enzymes that provide desirable activity for removing protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or lipid-based (fat or oil-based) stains and / or stains from substrates; for washing, decolorizing, stain removal, disinfection soaking, for example, for soaking medical and dental instruments, devices, and apparatus; for soaking flatware, cookware, and tableware; or for soaking meat cutting apparatus; for washing machine dishes; for washing and washing and decolorizing laundry and textiles; for washing and decolorizing carpets; for cleaning in-place (CIP) and in-place decolorization; for washing and decolorizing food processing surfaces and equipment; for cleaning drain pipes; and for soaking for washing.

[0060] Suitable enzymes to be used in accordance with the present invention are selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectinate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNase and / or Rnase), phenol oxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, maranases, β-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases, and any mixtures thereof.

[0061] More preferably, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention is selected from the group consisting of protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, mannanase, pectinate lyase, and any mixture thereof.

[0062] The enzymes used in accordance with the present invention may be of any suitable origin, such as from plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, or yeast.

[0063] Proteases: Any protease or protease mixture from any source can be used in detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable within the desired pH range (approximately 6 to 9). For example, protease enzymes may be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as yeast, mold, or bacteria. Preferred protease enzymes include, but are not limited to, those derived from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Streptomyces griseus. Protease enzymes derived from Bacillus subtilis are most preferred. Proteases can be purified or be components of microbial extracts, and may be either wild-type or mutant (either chemically or recombinantly). Exemplary proteases are available from Novozymes under the trade names Alcalase®, Blaze®, Savinase®, Esperase®, Progress UNO®, Liquanase®, and Pristine®, respectively; and are also commercially available from DuPont / IFF under the trade names Preferred® P and Excellent® P.

[0064] Amylase: Any amylase or amylase mixture from any source can be used in detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable within the desired pH range (approximately 6 to 9). For example, the amylase enzyme may be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as yeast, mold, or bacteria. Preferred amylase enzymes include, but are not limited to, Bacillus, e.g., Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus stearothermophilus. The amylase enzyme derived from Bacillus subtilis is most preferred. The amylase may be purified or be a component of a microbial extract, and may be either wild-type or mutant (either chemical or recombinant). Preferred amylases are commercially available under the trade names Stainzyme® and Amplify® from Novozymes, and Preferredz® S from DuPont / IFF.

[0065] Lipase: Any lipase or lipase mixture from any source can be used in detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable within the desired pH range (approximately 6 to 9). For example, lipase enzymes may be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. Preferred protease enzymes include, but are not limited to, those derived from Pseudomonas, e.g., Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, or Humicola, e.g., Humicola lanuginose (typically produced recombinantly in Aspergillus oryzae). Lipase can be purified or be a component of a microbial extract, and may be either wild-type or mutant (either chemically or recombinantly). Preferred lipases are available from Novozymes under the trade name Lipex® and from DuPont / IFF under the trade name Preferredz® L.

[0066] Cellulase: Any cellulase or cellulase mixture from any source can be used in detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable within the desired pH range (approximately 6 to 9). For example, the cellulase enzyme may be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. Preferred cellulase enzymes include, but are not limited to, those derived from Humicola insolens, Humicola strain DSM1800, or cellulase 212-producing fungi belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and those extracted from the hepatopancreas of the marine mollusk Dolabella Auricula Solander. The cellulase may be purified or be a component of a microbial extract, and may be either wild-type or mutant (either chemically or recombinant). Preferred cellulases are commercially available under the trade names Celluclean® and Carezyme® from Novozymes, and Revitalez® from DuPont / IFF, respectively.

[0067] The choice of enzyme depends on the end-use conditions, including the physical product form, pH of use, temperature of use, and the type of dirt to be decomposed or modified, and is influenced by factors such as pH activity and / or optimal stability, thermal stability, and stability against active detergents, builders, etc. Enzymes may be selected to provide optimal activity and stability for any given set of practical conditions. In this regard, bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred.

[0068] Protease enzymes, amylase enzymes, and lipase enzymes are the most commonly used enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions. Protease enzymes are particularly advantageous for cleaning stains containing proteins, such as egg, milk, and meat residues. Amylase enzymes are particularly advantageous for removing starch-based stains such as pasta and rice. Lipase enzymes are particularly advantageous for cleaning stains containing fat / grease.

[0069] As those skilled in the art will understand, enzymes are designed to act on specific types of stains. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a protease enzyme may be used for dishwashing applications because it is effective at the high temperatures of a dishwasher and is effective in reducing protein-based stains. Protease enzymes are particularly advantageous for cleaning protein-containing stains such as blood, skin scales, mucus, grass, and food (e.g., eggs, milk, spinach, meat residue, tomato sauce).

[0070] According to the present invention, enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions can vary based on a specific cleaning application and the type of dirt to be cleaned. For example, the temperature of a particular cleaning application affects the enzyme selected for the enzyme composition according to the present invention. For dishwashing applications, e.g., cleaning substrates at temperatures above about 60°C, above about 70°C, or between about 65°C and 80°C, enzymes such as proteases are desirable due to their ability to maintain enzymatic performance at such high temperatures. For laundry applications, e.g., cleaning laundry at temperatures above about 40°C, above about 50°C, or between about 65°C and 90°C, enzymes such as proteases are desirable due to their ability to maintain enzymatic performance at such high temperatures.

[0071] Preferably, at least one enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, gluconases, peroxidases, or mixtures thereof.

[0072] In some variations, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition are proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, gluconases, peroxidases, mannanases, or any mixture thereof.

[0073] Preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition are a mixture of protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase and / or pectinate lyase.

[0074] Preferred cleaning enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions include hydrolases such as proteases, amylases, lipases, or combinations thereof.

[0075] Preferably, the enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition are protease, amylase, lipase, cellulose, peroxidase, gluconase, or any mixture thereof.

[0076] In a more preferred variation, the enzymes in the detergents and cleaning compositions disclosed herein are proteases, amylases, lipases, or any mixture thereof.

[0077] More preferably, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease, amylase, or a mixture thereof.

[0078] More preferably, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease, lipase, or a mixture thereof.

[0079] More preferably, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is selected from amylase, lipase, or a mixture thereof.

[0080] In some other embodiments, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease.

[0081] In several other variations, the enzyme in detergents and cleaning compositions is amylase.

[0082] In several other variations, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is lipase.

[0083] In several other variations, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is cellulase.

[0084] Preferred enzymes in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for cleaning medical or dental devices or instruments include proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases, or combinations thereof.

[0085] Preferred enzymes in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for food processing surfaces and equipment include proteases, lipases, amylases, gluconases, or combinations thereof.

[0086] Preferred enzymes in the detergents and compositions according to the present invention for laundry or textiles include proteases, cellulases, lipases, peroxidases, or combinations thereof.

[0087] Preferred enzymes in carpet detergents and compositions include proteases, amylases, or combinations thereof.

[0088] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention for meat cutting tools include proteases, lipases, or combinations thereof.

[0089] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention for hard surfaces include proteases, amylases, lipases, or combinations thereof.

[0090] Preferred enzymes in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention for wastewater use include proteases, amylases, lipases, or combinations thereof.

[0091] In the case of stain removers, the enzyme is preferably selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, mannanases, and pectin lyases.

[0092] For fabric softeners, the enzyme is preferably cellulase.

[0093] To enhance the bleaching effect, oxidoreductase is optionally added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention.

[0094] Oxidoreductase is selected from the group consisting of oxidases, oxygenases, catalases, peroxidases such as halo-, chloro-, bromo-, lignin-, glucose-, or manganese-peroxidases, dioxygenases, or laccases such as phenol oxidases and polyphenol oxidases, and any mixture thereof.

[0095] Commercially available enzymes are available in liquid or dry form (i.e., packs, powders, etc.) and are sold as raw material aqueous solutions or in various purified, processed, and formulated forms established in the prior art, generally containing about 0.1% to about 80% by weight of active enzymes in combination with stabilizers, buffers, cofactors, impurities, and inactive vehicles. Assuming that detergents and cleaning compositions have the desired enzymatic performance, the actual active enzyme content is not important and depends on the manufacturing method.

[0096] This includes, for example, solid enzyme preparations obtained by granulation, extrusion, or freeze-drying, or, particularly in the case of liquid or gel-like drugs, enzyme solutions that are advantageously as concentrated as possible, low in moisture, and / or containing added stabilizers. Alternatively, for both solid and liquid dosage forms, enzymes can be encapsulated, for example, by spray-drying or extruding the enzyme solution together with a natural polymer, or in the form of capsules, for example, with the enzyme enclosed in a coagulated gel, or in a core-shell type where the enzyme-containing core is coated with a protective layer that is impermeable to water, air, and / or chemicals. Further active substances, such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, pigments, bleaches, or dyes, may be applied to the superimposed layers. Such capsules are applied using methods known to themselves, for example, by vibration granulation or roll granulation, or by fluidized bed granulation. Advantageously, such granules are low in dust, for example, as a result of the application of polymer film-forming agents, and have storage stability due to the coating. Furthermore, it is possible to package two or more enzymes together so that a single granule exhibits multiple enzyme properties.

[0097] In a preferred modification according to the present invention, the enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition as a single enzyme.

[0098] In some other variations, the enzymes added to the detergent and cleaning composition are preferably an enzyme cocktail of two, three, four, or even more different enzymes. Typically, in the case of laundry detergents, the enzyme cocktail contains two (preferably proteases and amylases) to six enzymes.

[0099] In a more preferred variation, at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention as an enzyme preparation comprising a cocktail of different enzymes in a mixture of the enzyme or one or more stabilizers, preferably one or more enzyme stabilizers, and optionally a buffer, an additive, etc.

[0100] Preferably, enzyme stabilizers are added to enzyme preparations to stabilize the enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions from loss of activity (i.e., to maintain enzyme performance or enzyme retention). The enzymes are stabilized by the enzyme stabilizers through physical protection by a protective layer.

[0101] Negatively charged anionic surfactants capture Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the cleaning solution, forming complexes. This complex formation leads to a decrease in cleaning performance. To prevent this complex formation, chelating agents such as EDTA and HEDP are added to detergents and cleaning compositions. However, these chelating agents not only complexe Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the cleaning solution but also capture Ca ions and Mg ions from the surface of enzymes, which then leads to denaturation. Consequently, the enzymes lose their active form, which then leads to a decrease in enzyme activity. Therefore, enzyme stabilizers are added to detergents and cleaning compositions to protect the enzymes. Thus, chelating agents can capture only Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the cleaning solution but can no longer capture Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the surface of enzymes. Therefore, enzyme activity can be maintained by adding enzyme stabilizers.

[0102] Enzyme preparations can vary depending on the specific enzyme used.

[0103] At least one enzyme used herein is stabilized by the presence of a water-soluble source of calcium and / or magnesium ions in the final detergent, which provides such ions to the enzyme. Calcium ions are generally somewhat more effective than magnesium ions and are preferred herein when only one type of cation is used.

[0104] Typical detergents, especially liquids, contain 1 to 30 millimoles, preferably 2 to 20 millimoles, more preferably 5 to 15 millimoles, and most preferably 8 to 12 millimoles of calcium ions per liter of the final composition.

[0105] It should be understood that the aforementioned levels of calcium and / or magnesium ions are sufficient to provide enzyme stability. More calcium and / or magnesium ions may be added to the composition to provide an additional measure of grease removal performance. Therefore, as a general suggestion, the compositions herein typically contain 0.01% to 2% by weight of a water-soluble source of calcium or magnesium ions, or both. This amount may, of course, vary depending on the amount and type of enzyme used in the composition.

[0106] Additional enzyme stability may be provided by the presence of various other stabilizers disclosed in the art, particularly borate species.

[0107] One group of stabilizers is reversible protease inhibitors. Benzamidine hydrochloride, borax, boric acid, boronic acid, or salts or esters thereof, including derivatives having aromatic groups, are frequently used for this purpose. Typically, such enzyme stabilizers are used in a composition at a level of 0.05% to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.075% to 3% by weight, of boric acid or other borate compounds capable of forming boric acid in the composition (calculated based on boric acid). While boric acid is preferred, other compounds such as boron oxide, borax, and other alkali metal borates (e.g., sodium orthoborate, sodium metaborate, and sodium pyroborate, and sodium pentaborate) are also suitable. Substituted boric acids (e.g., phenylboronic acid, butaneboronic acid, and p-bromophenylboronic acid) can also be used instead of boric acid.

[0108] Furthermore, peptaldehydes, i.e., oligopeptides with a reduced C-terminus, particularly those with 2 to 50 monomers, or their bisulfite adducts, can be used for this purpose. Examples of peptidically reversible protease inhibitors include, but are not limited to, ovomucoids and leupeptins. Specific reversible peptide inhibitors for the protease subtilisin, as well as fusion proteins from proteases and specific peptide inhibitors, are also suitable for this purpose.

[0109] Further enzyme stabilizers include amino alcohols, such as mono-, di-, triethanolamine, and propanolamine, and mixtures thereof; aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12, such as succinic acid, other dicarboxylic acids, or salts of the above acids.

[0110] End-capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates are also suitable for this purpose.

[0111] Preferably, the enzyme stabilizer in the enzyme preparation is selected from the group consisting of polyols, e.g., glycols, e.g., monopropylene glycol, glycerin, mannitol, isomaltol, sorbitol, xylitol, treitol, erythritol, arabitol; amino alcohols, e.g., mono-, di-, triethanolamine and -propanolamine; aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12, e.g., succinic acid and its salts; dicarboxylic acids and their salts; terminally capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates; salts, preferably calcium and magnesium salts, e.g., calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate; reversible enzyme inhibitors, e.g., borate-containing compositions, e.g., 4-FBPA; boron-free inhibitors, e.g., disubstituted alaninamide, sodium formate; and any mixtures thereof.

[0112] Most preferably, the enzyme stabilizer in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention is selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate, and any mixture thereof.

[0113] Furthermore, the addition of the aforementioned enzyme stabilizer can prevent negatively charged anionic surfactants from forming complexes with Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the cleaning solution, thereby reducing or losing their cleaning performance.

[0114] Enzyme stabilizers or enzyme preparations containing enzyme stabilizers are added to detergents and cleaning compositions in such an amount that the enzyme stabilizer is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the enzyme stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.001 to 4% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Most preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition contains the enzyme stabilizer in an amount of 0.01 to 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0115] Alternatively, more preferably, at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention as an enzyme formulation in a mixture with a specific type of enzyme enhancer (b), such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as specified herein, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, and optionally a buffer, an additive, etc. Preferred combinations of the enzyme and a specific type of enzyme enhancer (b), such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, are described in detail below.

[0116] In a more preferred variation, at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention as an enzyme preparation in a mixture with one or more enzyme stabilizers and a specific type of enzyme enhancer (b), for example, an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers other than the enzyme stabilizer, and optionally a buffer.

[0117] Surprisingly, in such formulations, the addition of certain types of enzyme enhancers (b), such as alkanediols as defined herein, glyceryl caprylates, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, has been found to improve or enhance the enzyme stabilizing effect of the enzyme stabilizers identified above.

[0118] Unexpectedly, the combination of certain types of enzyme enhancers (b) as defined herein, such as alkanediols, glyceryl caprylates, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, with an enzyme stabilizer results in an improved enzyme stabilization effect in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions compared to the use of a single enzyme stabilizer without such an enzyme enhancer.

[0119] Certain enhancing effects may be observed when enzyme stabilizers (b1, b2, b3, b) such as alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme stabilizers are used in combination with enzyme stabilizers containing calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate, and any mixtures thereof.

[0120] With respect to detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the list of enzyme enhancers (b1, b2, b3, b) specified herein may be optionally combined with the list of enzyme stabilizers.

[0121] When one of the following enzyme enhancers (b1, b2, b3, b) is used in combination with one or more of the above-mentioned specific enzyme stabilizers, preferably calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate, and any mixture thereof, a significant improvement in enzyme stabilization is observed: • 1,2-pentanediol; • 1,2-Hexanediol; • 1,2-heptanediol; • 1,2-octanediol; • 1,2-nonanediol; • 1,2-decanediol; • 1,2-Undecanediol; • 1,2-dodecanediol; • 1,2-Tridecanediol; • 1,2-tetradecanediol; Glyceryl caprylate; ·4-hydroxyacetophenone; Ethylhexylglycerin; • Tropolone; • A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and tropolone; and A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol.

[0122] Therefore, the combined addition of enzyme enhancers and enzyme stabilizers as defined herein results in improved enzyme stability compared to the enzyme stabilization effect of each individual agent. Detergents and cleaning compositions containing the aforementioned mixtures exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such mixtures.

[0123] Enzyme enhancers / ingredients (b1, b2, b3, b)

[0124] The enzyme detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention further comprises at least one enzyme enhancer as component (b1, b2, b3, b).

[0125] In a preferred modification, the enzyme detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a mixture of enzyme enhancers as component (b).

[0126] An enzyme enhancer within the scope of the present invention is (b I(b) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b) II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; or any mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers.

[0127] The enzyme-enhancing components identified above (b1, b2, b3, b) were found to efficiently improve the performance of enzymes or enzyme mixtures in detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, the components identified above (b1, b2, b3, b) were found to significantly improve the removal of dyes and / or stains from substrates such as laundry, fabrics, textiles, dishes, clothing, surfaces, and medical and dental instruments. Furthermore, when used in combination with cellulase, the components identified above (b1, b2, b3, b) were found to efficiently improve softness in laundry.

[0128] Alkanediol (b1, b2, b3, b I ) Component (b) in the enzyme detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention is (b1) 1,2-heptanediol or (b2) 2,3-heptanediol, or (b3) a mixture containing both heptanediols, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol + 2,3-heptanediol.

[0129] 1,2-Heptanediol belongs to the category of alkanediols and is a linear alkanediol with the general formula: [ka] It has a carbon chain with seven carbon atoms, and the two functional OH groups of the alkanediol are located at the alpha and beta positions, chemically bonded to the C1 and C2 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain.

[0130] 2,3-Heptanediol belongs to the category of alkanediols and is a linear alkanediol with the general formula: [ka] It has a carbon chain with seven carbon atoms, and the two functional OH groups of the alkanediol are located in the beta and gamma positions, chemically bonded to the C2 and C3 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain.

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

[0132] Alkanediols are a class of organic compounds belonging to the glycol family, i.e., the alcohol family, in which two hydroxyl (-OH) groups are bonded to different carbon atoms in the carbon chain of a glycol molecule.

[0133] Straight-chain 1,2-alkanediols have been used as multifunctional surfactants for over 15 years. Short-chain 1,2-alkanediols are amphiphilic compounds and are therefore soluble in both water and oil, as are 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-heptanediol. In contrast, 1,2-octanediol is a solid and tends to precipitate or recrystallize in oily solutions and water at ≥0.5% concentrations. On the other hand, 1,2-decanediol is a solid and soluble only in oil. Apart from moisturizing, some 1,2-alkanediols are used as viscosity modifiers.

[0134] An enzyme enhancer (b) for detergents and cleaning compositions according to another variation of the present invention is, in the first alternative, at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 12 carbon atoms, even more preferably 7 to 11 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 7 to 10 carbon atoms. Most preferably, the at least one linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms. Most preferably, the at least one linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms.

[0135] Furthermore, in a second alternative of this other variation, the enzyme enhancer / component (b) may include, in combination with the second linear alkanediol, at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of preferably 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms) and at least one second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 2 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms). Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a mixture comprising the first and second alkanediols described herein.

[0136] Since the first linear alkanediol of the present invention can be selected from the same list and type of compounds as the linear alkanediols by other variations of the first alternative, the following refers to linear alkanediols in general, which may also be the first linear alkanediol. In mixtures of the first and second linear alkanediols, where they are specifically different, the terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish the two alkanediol components.

[0137] As used herein, the phrases “at least one linear alkanediol” or “at least one first linear alkanediol” mean that the composition may contain one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or two or more linear alkanediols, or two or more linear alkanediols or two or more first linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, i.e., two, three, four or more different linear alkanediols or first linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0138] The present invention provides for at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol, which consists of a chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms) linked to each other by single covalent bonds with two OH functional groups bonded to two different carbon atoms in the chain.

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

[0140] In a preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 13 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, and tridecanediol.

[0141] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, and decanediol.

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

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

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

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

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

[0147] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having 5 to 8 fewer carbon atoms, i.e., pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having 6 to 8 carbon atoms, i.e., hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, i.e., heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0148] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having 9 to 14 higher carbon atoms, i.e., nonanediols, decanediols, undecanediols, dodecanediols, tridecanediols, tetradecanediols and any mixtures thereof, or alkanediols having 9 to 13 carbon atoms, i.e., nonanediols, decanediols, undecanediols, dodecanediols, tridecanediols and any mixtures thereof. Selected from the group consisting of, or selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., nonanediols, decanediols, undecanediols, dodecanediols and any mixtures thereof, or selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., nonanediols, decanediols, undecanediols and any mixtures thereof, or selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., nonanediols, decanediols and any mixtures thereof.

[0149] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is one of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, or octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

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

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

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

[0153] In a second alternative, detergents and cleaning compositions according to another variation of the present invention include a mixture comprising, as an enzyme enhancer (b), at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms), and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, most preferably a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms).

[0154] This means that the enzyme enhancer (b) is an alkanediol mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more, i.e., two, three, four or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms. In this alternative, the first linear alkanediol may be any of the alkanediols described herein for linear alkanediols in general, and in particular for the first alternative of other variations.

[0155] For example, a mixture may contain one first linear alkanediol and one, two, three, or more second linear alkanediols; or a mixture may contain two first linear alkanediols and one, two, three, or more second linear alkanediols, provided that in each mixture, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol are different from one another.

[0156] The second linear alkanediol preferably consists of a chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms linked to each other by single covalent bonds, each having two OH functional groups bonded to two different carbon atoms in the chain.

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

[0158] In a preferred variation, at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 13 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, and tridecanediol.

[0159] In a more preferred variation, at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, and decanediol.

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

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

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

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

[0164] In the most preferred variation, at least one second linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention has a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediols, octanediols, and nonanediols.

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

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

[0167] The phrase "different from each other" means that the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in the mixture differ in terms of the length of their carbon chains, i.e., the number of carbon atoms, or in terms of their structural isomers.

[0168] Similarly, the number of carbon atoms in the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in the mixture may be the same. For example, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol may have a carbon chain of seven carbon atoms, but they may differ with respect to their structural isomers or their stereoisomers.

[0169] If both the first and second alkanediols are, for example, heptanediols, then, according to the second substitution of other variations, the second linear alkanediol, heptanediol, is a different structural isomer or stereoisomer from the first linear alkanediol.

[0170] In a preferred variation, detergents and cleaning compositions according to other variations of the present invention include a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, wherein the number of carbon atoms in the first and second alkanediols is the same or different.

[0171] When both the first and second alkanediols have the same number of carbon atoms, such a combination of alkanediols is also referred to herein as a “homoalkanediol mixture” or “homocombination.” For example, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol have carbon chains of seven carbon atoms, but they differ with respect to their structural isomers or their stereoisomers.

[0172] When the first and second alkanediols have different numbers of carbon atoms, such a combination of alkanediols is also referred to herein as a “heteroalkanediol mixture” or “heterocombination.” For example, the first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of seven carbon atoms, and the second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of eight carbon atoms. However, beyond this, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol may differ with respect to their structural isomers or their stereoisomers.

[0173] In a preferred variation, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions in which at least one linear alkanediol or a first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and tetradecanediol, and / or one or more second linear alkanediols are selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol and tetradecanediol.

[0174] Particularly preferred is an enzyme enhancer mixture in which at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms (5 to 8), and one or more second alkanediols are selected from alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms (9 to 14).

[0175] Most preferably, the enzyme enhancer mixture comprises at least a first linear alkanediol selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixtures thereof, and one or more second alkanediols selected from the group consisting of nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0176] In the context of this invention, the term "alkanediol" also includes its structural isomers or positional isomers. Structural isomers are compounds having the same molecular formula and different bonding identities. Positional isomers, a specific form of structural isomerism, are structural isomers that can be considered to differ only in the position of a functional group on the parent structure, in this case in particular, in the position of two alcohol functional groups.

[0177] Depending on the number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain of the alkanediol, various positional isomers of the alkanediol exist: (x,x+1) structural isomer; (x,x+2) structural isomer; (x,x+3) structural isomer, etc.; and alpha and omega structural isomers when the alcohol functional group is at the end of the carbon chain, where x represents the number of carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain to which the OH group of the alkanediol is chemically bonded. For example, if x is 1, the two OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded to carbon atoms C1 and C2 in the alkanediol chain; if x is 2, the two OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded to carbon atoms C2 and C3 in the alkanediol chain, and so on.

[0178] In the (x,x+1) structural isomer, the two OH functional groups are vicinal, bonded to two different adjacent carbon atoms in the chain. In the (x,x+2) structural isomer, the two OH functional groups are bonded to two different carbon atoms in the chain, separated by one carbon atom. In the (x,x+3) structural isomer, the two OH functional groups are bonded to two different carbon atoms in the chain, separated by two carbon atoms. In the alpha and omega structural isomers, the two functional groups are bonded to the first carbon atom and the terminal carbon atom.

[0179] In preferred variations of the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is preferably a vicinal (x,x+1)diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-diols, 2,3-diols, 3,4-diols, 4,5-diols, further (x,x+1)diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably an alpha,beta-1,2-structural isomer.

[0180] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the first linear alkanediol and / or second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is a vicinal (x,x+1)diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-diols, 2,3-diols, 3,4-diols, 4,5-diols, further (x,x+1)diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably an alpha, beta-1,2-structural isomer.

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

[0182] Therefore, according to a preferred modification of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, at least one linear alkanediol, a first linear alkanediol and / or a second linear alkanediol is an (x,x+1) structural isomer, where x represents the number of carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain to which the OH group of the alkanediol is chemically bonded, and is in particular a 1,2-alkanediol, a 2,3-alkanediol, a 3,4-alkanediol, or a mixture thereof, preferably a 1,2-alkanediol or a 2,3-alkanediol.

[0183] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is preferably a non-vicinal (x,x+2)diol selected from the group consisting of 1,3-diols, 2,4-diols, 3,5-diols, further (x,x+2)diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably an alpha, gamma-1,3-structural isomer.

[0184] According to the present invention, vicinal (x,x+1) diols such as alpha, beta, or beta, gamma, or gamma, delta are most preferred.

[0185] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol, particularly the first linear alkanediol and / or the second linear alkanediol, is a 1,2-alkanediol, a 2,3-alkanediol, a 3,4-alkanediol, or a mixture thereof, more preferably a 2,3-alkanediol.

[0186] 1,2-alkanediols of linear alkanediols, particularly a first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or a second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, may preferably be represented by the following formula: 1,2-pentanediol [ka] 1,2-Hexanediol [ka] 1,2-Heptanediol [ka] 1,2-Octanediol [ka] 1,2-nonanediol [ka] 1,2-Decanediol [ka] 1,2-Undecanediol [ka] 1,2-Dodecanediol [ka] 1,2-Tridecanediol [ka] 1,2-Tetradecanediol [ka]

[0187] The linear alkanediols of the present invention, particularly the 2,3-alkanediols, and especially the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, may preferably be represented by the following formula: 2,3 - Pentanediol

Chem.

Chem.

Chem.

Chem.

Chem.

Chem.

Chem.

Chem.

Chem.

Chem.

[0188] The 3,4-alkanediol of a linear alkanediol, preferably, the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and / or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, may preferably be represented by the following formula: 3,4-Hexanediol

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

[0189] In preferred variations of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 3,4-pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 3,4-Hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol, 1,2-Tridecanediol, 2,3-Tridecanediol, 3,4-Tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, 3,4-tetradecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0190] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol, 1,2-Tridecanediol, 2,3-Tridecanediol, 3,4-Tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, 3,4-tetradecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0191] More preferably, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0192] More preferably, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0193] More preferably, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0194] Most preferably, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0195] Most preferably, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0196] According to a preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition of the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0197] In a more preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0198] In a more preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0199] In a more preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0200] In a more preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0201] In the most preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0202] In the most preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0203] Of the aforementioned linear alkanediols or the first linear alkanediol, the following (x,x+1) structural isomers are preferred: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or mixtures thereof. The aforementioned alkanediols are liquid with a purity of 90-99%.

[0204] Of the aforementioned liquid alkanediols, 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, or mixtures of the aforementioned liquid alkanediols are particularly preferred.

[0205] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0206] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 1,2-Dodecanediol, 2,3-Dodecanediol 1,2-Tridecanediol, 2,3-Tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0207] More preferably, in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, and mixtures thereof, or from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, and mixtures thereof. However, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol may also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0208] More preferably, in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is an alpha, beta, or beta-gammadiol as one of 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture thereof. However, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol may preferably be an alpha, beta, or beta-gammadiol as one of 1,2-octanediol or 2,3-octanediol or a mixture thereof. A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol, or a mixture containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol, is also possible.

[0209] Most preferably, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or 1,2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or 1,2-octanediol or 2,3-octanediol or 1,2-nonanediol or 2,3-nonanediol.

[0210] Similarly, in a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0211] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures thereof, or preferably from the group consisting of 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and mixtures thereof, or preferably from the group consisting of 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0212] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 14 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or a 1,2-alkanediol having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or a 1,2-alkanediol having 7 to 11 carbon atoms, That is, selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 9 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0213] These alkanediols were found to exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to significantly improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, the aforementioned 1,2-alkanediols are particularly effective for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0214] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 5 to 8 fewer carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 6 to 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0215] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is any of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, or 1,2-octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0216] In the most preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least the first linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol.

[0217] These alkanediols were found to exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to significantly improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, 1,2-alkanediols with a lower number of carbon atoms are particularly effective for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0218] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 14 higher carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof, or 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 13 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol and any mixture thereof. Selected from the group consisting of substances, or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0219] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is any of 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, or 1,2-dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0220] According to a preferred modification, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, namely 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0221] These alkanediols were found to exhibit significant enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, 1,2-alkanediols with a higher number of carbon atoms, more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, are efficient for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0222] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 14 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 11 carbon atoms, That is, selected from the group consisting of 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 9 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0223] These alkanediols were found to exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to significantly improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, the aforementioned 2,3-alkanediols are particularly effective for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0224] In a more preferred variation, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 5 to 8 fewer carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 6 to 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0225] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is any of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, or 2,3-octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0226] In the most preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least the first linear alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol.

[0227] These alkanediols were found to exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to significantly improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, 2,3-alkanediols with a lower number of carbon atoms are particularly effective for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0228] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 14 higher carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof, or 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 13 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof Selected from the group consisting of compounds, or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0229] In a more preferred variation, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is any of 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, or 2,3-dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0230] According to a preferred modification, at least one linear alkanediol or at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0231] These alkanediols were found to exhibit significant enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, 2,3-alkanediols with a higher number of carbon atoms, more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, are efficient for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0232] In a preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 3,4-pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 3,4-Hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol, 1,2-Tridecanediol, 2,3-Tridecanediol, 3,4-Tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, 3,4-tetradecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0233] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol, 1,2-Tridecanediol, 2,3-Tridecanediol, 3,4-Tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, 3,4-tetradecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0234] More preferably, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0235] More preferably, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 3,4-Undecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0236] More preferably, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0237] Most preferably, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0238] Most preferably, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0239] According to a preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition of the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0240] According to a preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition of the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0241] In a more preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0242] In a more preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0243] In a more preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0244] In the most preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0245] In the most preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0246] Of the aforementioned second linear alkanediols, the following (x,x+1) structural isomers are preferred: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, or 2,3-tridecanediol. The aforementioned alkanediols are liquid with a purity of 90-99%.

[0247] Of the aforementioned liquid alkanediols, 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, or mixtures of the aforementioned liquid alkanediols are particularly preferred.

[0248] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 2,3-Hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-Undecanediol, 2,3-Undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-Tridecanediol, 2,3-Tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0249] More preferably, in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, and mixtures thereof, or from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, and mixtures thereof. However, the second linear alkanediol may also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0250] More preferably, in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is an alpha, beta, or beta-gammadiol as either 1,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or a mixture thereof. However, the second linear alkanediol may also preferably be an alpha, beta, or beta-gammadiol as either 1,2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or a mixture thereof. A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol, or a mixture containing 2,3-pentanediol and 1,2-hexanediol is also possible.

[0251] Most preferably, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or 1,2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 1,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-octanediol or 2,3-nonanediol.

[0252] Similarly, in a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0253] More preferably, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures thereof, or preferably from the group consisting of 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and mixtures thereof, or preferably from the group consisting of 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0254] In a more preferred variation, at least one second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 14 carbon atoms, namely 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, namely 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or a 1,2-alkanediol having 7 to 11 carbon atoms, namely 1,2-heptanediol Selected from the group consisting of tandiols, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 to 9 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0255] These alkanediols were found to exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to significantly improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, the aforementioned 1,2-alkanediols are particularly effective for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0256] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having fewer than 5 to 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 6 to 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0257] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is any of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, or 1,2-octanediol, or any mixture thereof. In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is any of 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0258] In the most preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol.

[0259] These alkanediols were found to exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to significantly improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, 1,2-alkanediols with a lower number of carbon atoms are particularly effective for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0260] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms (9 to 14), namely 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof, or from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms (9 to 13), namely 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol and any mixture thereof. or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0261] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is one of 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, or 1,2-dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0262] According to a preferred modification, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, namely 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0263] These alkanediols were found to exhibit significant enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, 1,2-alkanediols with a higher number of carbon atoms, more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, are efficient for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0264] In a more preferred variation, at least one second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 14 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 11 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-heptanediol Selected from the group consisting of tandiols, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 to 9 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0265] These alkanediols were found to exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to significantly improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, the aforementioned 2,3-alkanediols are particularly effective for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0266] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having fewer than 5 to 8 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 6 to 8 carbon atoms, namely 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof; or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 7 and 8 carbon atoms, namely 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0267] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is any of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, or 2,3-octanediol, or any mixture thereof. In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is any of 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0268] In the most preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol.

[0269] These alkanediols were found to exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to significantly improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, 2,3-alkanediols with a lower number of carbon atoms are particularly effective for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0270] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms (9 to 14), namely 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof, or from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms (9 to 13), namely 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol and any mixture thereof. or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol and any mixture thereof, or selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having 9 and 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol and any mixture thereof.

[0271] In a more preferred variation, the second linear alkanediol is one of 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, or 2,3-dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0272] According to a preferred modification, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 11, 12, 13 or 14 carbon atoms, i.e., 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0273] These alkanediols were found to exhibit significant enzyme performance-enhancing properties. In addition, these alkanediols were found to improve stain and / or dirt removal. Therefore, 2,3-alkanediols with a higher number of carbon atoms, more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, are efficient for use as enzyme enhancers and stain and / or dirt removal enhancers in enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions. Both improved enzyme performance and improved stain and / or dirt removal result in better cleaning performance in washing or cleaning processes.

[0274] In a more preferred variation, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, at least one linear alkanediol or a first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, and / or The second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0275] Therefore, in a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, comprising a mixture or combination containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols, comprises any one of the following mixtures / combinations: • A combination of 1,2-pentanediol and one of 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-hexanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-heptanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-octanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-nonanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-decanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-undecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-dodecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-tridecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-tetradecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, or 1,2-tridecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-pentanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-hexanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-heptanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-octanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-nonanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-decanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-undecanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-dodecanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-tridecanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-tetradecanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-pentanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-hexanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-heptanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-octanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-nonanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-decanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-undecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-dodecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • Combinations of 2,3-tridecanediol with one of the following: 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; • A combination of 2,3-tetradecanediol and one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, or 1,2-tridecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-pentanediol and one of 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-hexanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-heptanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-octanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-nonanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-decanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-undecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-dodecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-tridecanediol and one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 2,3-tetradecanediol and one of the following: 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, or 2,3-tridecanediol.

[0276] In a particularly preferred modification, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0277] In a more particularly preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises a mixture or combination containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols, comprising any one of the following mixtures / combinations: • A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol, or • A mixture containing 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol; or A mixture containing 1,2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0278] In the aforementioned homoalkanediol mixture, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol have the same number of carbon atoms.

[0279] Particularly preferred are mixtures containing 1,2-pentanediol in combination with 2,3-pentanediol, or mixtures containing 1,2-heptanediol in combination with 2,3-heptanediol, or mixtures containing 1,2-octanediol in combination with 2,3-octanediol and / or 3,4-octanediol.

[0280] Due to their remarkable enzyme-enhancing effects and enhanced staining and / or stain removal efficacy, homoalkanediol mixtures containing 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol, or homoalkanediol mixtures containing 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol, or homoalkanediol mixtures containing 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol are most preferred.

[0281] The specific homoalkanediol mixtures according to the present invention, comprising 1,2-alkanediols and 2,3-alkanediols, are characterized by a synergistically enhanced effect, namely, the alkanediol mixture synergistically enhances enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions compared to their respective single 1,2-alkanediol or 2,3-alkanediol substances.

[0282] The aforementioned synergistic effects or actions in enzyme enhancement were observed in homomixtures containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol.

[0283] The aforementioned synergistic effect in enzyme enhancement is also observed in homomixtures containing 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol.

[0284] Homo-mixtures containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are particularly beneficial because they exhibit a particularly remarkable synergistic enhancement effect on the enzymatic performance in detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0285] Alkanediol mixtures containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol, or alkanediol mixtures containing 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol, are particularly advantageous because they are effective in synergistically enhancing enzymes in enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0286] Furthermore, an alkanediol mixture containing 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol, or an alkanediol mixture containing 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol, synergistically improves the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0287] The enzyme-enhancing effect also applies to alkanediol mixtures containing 1,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol, or alkanediol mixtures containing 1,2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol.

[0288] The aforementioned synergistic improvement effect on the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions is particularly pronounced for homomixtures containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol, or homomixtures containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol, or homomixtures containing 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol.

[0289] The aforementioned specific homoalkanediol mixtures, including 1,2-alkanediols and their corresponding 2,3-alkanediols, exhibit remarkable synergistic enhancing activity, clearly superior to the individual corresponding 1,2-alkanediols or 2,3-alkanediols, even at the same concentration.

[0290] Therefore, in a particularly preferred modification, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, which comprises a mixture or combination containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols, may include any of the following mixtures / combinations: • A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 1,2-nonanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-pentanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-hexanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-octanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-nonanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-decanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-undecanediol; or • A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-dodecanediol; or A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-tridecanediol.

[0291] The aforementioned specific alkanediol mixture according to the present invention, comprising a first linear alkanediol and a second linear alkanediol, is characterized by a synergistically enhanced effect, namely, the alkanediol mixture synergistically improves the enzymatic performance in detergents and cleaning compositions compared to the corresponding individual 1,2-alkanediol and / or 2,3-alkanediol substances.

[0292] Therefore, in a particularly preferred modification, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, which comprises a mixture or combination containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols, may include the following mixtures / combinations: A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol.

[0293] Surprisingly, the aforementioned alkanediol mixture exhibits a particularly remarkable enzyme-enhancing effect.

[0294] In addition to the enzyme-enhancing effect described above, the aforementioned specific mixtures or combinations comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols simultaneously possess synergistic staining and / or stain-removing enhancement efficacy compared to the corresponding individual 1,2-alkanediol and / or 2,3-alkanediol substances.

[0295] More preferably, the enzyme enhancer mixture comprises at least a first linear alkanediol selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 5 to 8 fewer carbon atoms, and one or more second alkanediols selected from 1,2-alkanediols having 9 to 14 more carbon atoms.

[0296] Most preferably, the enzyme enhancer mixture comprises at least a first linear alkanediol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof, and one or more second alkanediols selected from the group consisting of 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0297] Most preferably, the enzyme enhancer blend comprises at least one first linear alkanediol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms (5 to 8), namely 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and any mixtures thereof, and one or more second alkanediols selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms (9 to 13), namely 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, and any mixtures thereof.

[0298] Surprisingly, such alkanediol mixtures, including short-chain and long-chain alkanediols, exhibit particularly remarkable enzyme-enhancing effects. In addition, such alkanediol mixtures also possess remarkable staining and / or stain-removing efficacy.

[0299] More preferably are alkanediol mixtures in which the difference between the number of carbon atoms of at least one first linear alkanediol and the number of carbon atoms of one or more second alkanediols is at least two carbon atoms. In these alkanediol mixtures, short-chain and long-chain alkanediols combine with each other, resulting in improved enzyme performance.

[0300] More preferably, the enzyme enhancer mixture is such that the difference between the number of carbon atoms of at least one first linear alkanediol and the number of carbon atoms of one or more second alkanediols is at least three carbon atoms. Such an alkanediol mixture exhibits a particularly pronounced enzyme-enhancing effect.

[0301] Such combinations may include any of the following mixtures / combinations: • A combination of 1,2-pentanediol and one of 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • A combination of 1,2-hexanediol and one of 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or • Combinations of 1,2-heptanediol with one of 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, and 1,2-tetradecanediol; and A combination of 1,2-octanediol and one of the following: 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0302] In a more preferred variation of the present invention, in detergents and cleaning compositions, the linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0303] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0304] Surprisingly, the addition of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, and other 2,3-alkanediols, such as 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and 2,3-tetradecanediol, to enzyme-containing detergents and cleaning compositions results in a significant enzyme enhancement compared to compositions without the addition of 2,3-alkanediols.

[0305] In a particularly preferred modification, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0306] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0307] Surprisingly, these short-chain 1,2-alkanediols were found to be particularly efficient enzyme enhancers and could be efficiently incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, these substances were found to exhibit significant stain and / or stain removal enhancement properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Therefore, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such substances.

[0308] In a particularly preferred modification, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0309] Surprisingly, these 1,2-alkanediols, which have carbon chains of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, were found to be particularly effective enzyme enhancers and could be effectively incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, these substances were found to exhibit remarkable stain and / or stain removal enhancement properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Therefore, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such substances.

[0310] In a particularly preferred modification, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0311] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0312] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0313] Surprisingly, these long-chain 1,2-alkanediols were found to be particularly suitable enzyme enhancers and can be efficiently incorporated into a wide range of detergent and cleaning compositions. In addition, these substances were found to exhibit significant stain and / or stain removal enhancement properties in detergent and cleaning compositions. Therefore, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such substances.

[0314] In the most preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of ≤1, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of ≤1 and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≤1 that are different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0315] 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≤1 are selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol (0.06), 1,2-hexanediol (0.58), 1,2-heptanediol (0.9), and any mixture thereof. The aforementioned 1,2-alkanediols are soluble in water.

[0316] The Pow value is the partition coefficient of a compound in a two-phase system consisting of two immiscible solvents, n-octanol and water, in equilibrium. Therefore, this value represents a comparison of the solubility of the solute in these two liquids. Thus, the partition coefficient measures the degree to which a chemical substance is hydrophilic or hydrophobic.

[0317] The log Pow value is a constant defined as follows: Log Pow = log10 (distribution coefficient) Partition coefficient, P = [n-octanol] / [water] In the formula, [] indicates the concentration of the solute in the organic and / or aqueous partition.

[0318] The log Pow value is determined at a standard temperature of 25°C.

[0319] A log Pow value of ≤ 1 means that the compound has a higher affinity for the aqueous phase (is more hydrophilic) and is therefore more soluble in water, while a log Pow value ≥ 1 indicates a higher concentration in the lipid phase (i.e., the compound is more lipophilic) and therefore more soluble in fatty solvents.

[0320] Surprisingly, 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≤1 were found to be particularly suitable enzyme enhancers and can be efficiently incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, the aforementioned 1,2-alkanediols were found to exhibit significant stain and / or stain removal enhancement properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Therefore, detergents and cleaning compositions containing 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≤1 exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such 1,2-alkanediols.

[0321] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of ≥1, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of ≥1 and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≥1 that are different from the first linear 1,2-alkanediol.

[0322] 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≥1 are selected from the group consisting of 1,2-octanediol (log Pow = 2.1), 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof. The aforementioned 1,2-alkanediols are soluble in fatty solvents, such as n-octanol.

[0323] Surprisingly, 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≥1 were found to be particularly suitable enzyme enhancers and can be efficiently incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, the aforementioned 1,2-alkanediols were found to exhibit significantly improved staining and / or stain removal properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Therefore, detergents and cleaning compositions containing 1,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of ≥1 exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such 1,2-alkanediols.

[0324] In the context of this invention, the term "alkanediol" also includes its stereoisomers. Stereoisomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ only in how their atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space. According to the definition above, the linear alkanediols of this invention, or the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, encompass the following stereoisomers, as described in detail above: 1,2-Alkanediol stereoisomers: (2S)-pentane-1,2-diol, (2R)-pentane-1,2-diol, (2S)-hexane-1,2-diol, (2R)-hexane-1,2-diol, (2S)-heptane-1,2-diol, (2R)-heptane-1,2-diol, (2S)-Octane-1,2-diol, (2R)-Octane-1,2-diol, (2S)-Nonane-1,2-Diol, (2R)-Nonane-1,2-Diol, (2S)-decane-1,2-diol, (2R)-decane-1,2-diol, (2S)-Undecane-1,2-Diol, (2R)-Undecane-1,2-Diol, (2S)-Dodecane-1,2-diol, (2R)-Dodecane-1,2-diol, (2S)-Tridecane-1,2-diol, (2R)-Tridecane-1,2-diol, (2S)-tetradecane-1,2-diol, (2R)-tetradecane-1,2-diol,

[0325] 2,3-Alkanediol stereoisomers: (2S,3S)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-octane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-octane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-Nonane-2,3-Diol, (2R,3R)-Nonane-2,3-Diol, (2S,3S)-decane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-decane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-Undecane-2,3-Diol, (2R,3R)-Undecane-2,3-Diol, (2S,3S)-dodecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-dodecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-Tridecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-Tridecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3S)-tetradecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-tetradecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-octane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-octane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-nonane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-nonane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-decane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-decane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-Undecane-2,3-Diol, (2R,3S)-Undecane-2,3-Diol, (2S,3R)-dodecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-dodecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-tridecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-tridecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-tetradecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-tetradecane-2,3-diol.

[0326] 3,4-Alkanediol stereoisomers: (3R,4R)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-Octane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-Octane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-Nonane-3,4-Diol, (3S,4S)-Nonane-3,4-Diol, (3R,4R)-Decane-3,4-Diol, (3S,4S)-Decane-3,4-Diol, (3R,4R)-Undecane-3,4-Diol, (3S,4S)-Undecane-3,4-Diol, (3R,4R)-Dodecane-3,4-Diol, (3S,4S)-Dodecane-3,4-Diol, (3R,4R)-Tridecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-Tridecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4R)-tetradecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4S)-tetradecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-octane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-octane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-Nonane-3,4-Diol, (3S,4R)-Nonane-3,4-Diol, (3R,4S)-decane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-decane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-Undecane-3,4-Diol, (3S,4R)-Undecane-3,4-Diol, (3R,4S)-dodecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-dodecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-tridecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-tridecane-3,4-diol, (3R,4S)-tetradecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-tetradecane-3,4-diol.

[0327] In the context of this specification, the terms “1,2-diol,” “2,3-diol,” or “3,4-diol” include both the corresponding S-configuration enantiomer and R-enantiomer, as well as any mixture of these S and R-configuration enantiomers, i.e., a mixture of racemic mixtures of each diol.

[0328] The alkanediol mixture of detergents and cleaning compositions according to the first aspect of the present invention contains 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, or even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0329] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are contained in the mixture in a ratio preferably in the range of 98:2 to 99.9:0.1.

[0330] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are included in the alkanediol mixture in a ratio preferably in the range of 95:5 to 99.9:0.1.

[0331] Preferably, 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are included in the mixture of detergents and cleaning compositions according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a ratio of ≥95:≤5, more preferably ≥96:≤4, even more preferably ≥97:≤3, and most preferably ≥98:≤2.

[0332] The majority of the mixture of detergents and cleaning compositions according to the first aspect of the present invention contains 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio of ≥95:≤5, including ratios of ≥95.5:≤4.5; ≥96:≤4; ≥96.5:≤3.5; ≥97:≤3; ≥97.5:2.5 and ≥98.0:≤2.0.

[0333] More preferably, the alkanediol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention has 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio of ≥98:≤2, such that ≥98.1:≤1.9; ≥98.2:≤1.8; ≥98.3:≤1.7; ≥98.4:≤1.6; ≥98.5:≤1.5; ≥98.6:≤1.4; The ratios include those of ≥98.7:≦1.3; ≥98.8:≦1.2; ≥98.9:≦1.1; ≥99:≦1.0; ≥99.1:≦0.9; ≥99.2:≦0.8, ≥99.3:≦0.7; ≥99.4:≦0.6; ≥99.5:≦0.5; ≥99.6:≦0.4; ≥99.7:≦0.3; ≥99.8:≦0.2 and ≥99.9:≦0.1.

[0334] The first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol, as defined in detail above, are present in the alkanediol mixture according to other modifications of the present invention in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, and even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0335] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol are preferably contained in the mixture in a ratio of 98:2 to 99.9:0.1.

[0336] In detergents and cleaning compositions according to other variations of the present invention, the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol are preferably included in the alkanediol mixture in a ratio in the range of 95:5 to 99.9:0.1.

[0337] Preferably, the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol are included in the mixture of detergents and cleaning compositions according to other variations of the present invention in a ratio of ≥95:≤5, more preferably ≥96:≤4, even more preferably ≥97:≤3, and most preferably ≥98:≤2.

[0338] Most of the mixtures of detergents and cleaning compositions according to other variations of the present invention contain a first linear alkanediol and a second linear alkanediol in a ratio of ≥95:≤5, including ratios such as ≥95.5:≤4.5; ≥96:≤4; ≥96.5:≤3.5; ≥97:≤3; ≥97.5:2.5 and ≥98.0:≤2.0.

[0339] More preferably, the majority of the alkanediol mixtures of detergents and cleaning compositions according to other variations of the present invention have a ratio of ≥98:≤2 between the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol, such as ≥98.1:≤1.9; ≥98.2:≤1.8; ≥98.3:≤1.7; ≥98.4:≤1.6; ≥98.5:≤1.5; ≥98.6:≤1.4 The ratios include the following: ≧98.7:≦1.3;≧98.8:≦1.2;≧98.9:≦1.1;≧99:≦1.0;≧99.1:≦0.9;≧99.2:≦0.8, ≧99.3:≦0.7;≧99.4:≦0.6;≧99.5:≦0.5;≧99.6:≦0.4;≧99.7:≦0.3;≧99.8:≦0.2 and ≧99.9:≦0.1.

[0340] Alternatively, the aforementioned range of ratios of the first and second alkanediols can be switched so that the second alkanediol is the main component and the first alkanediol is the minor component.

[0341] In an advantageous modification according to the present invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises a 1,2-alkanediol as the first linear alkanediol, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol, and a corresponding 2,3-alkanediol as the second linear alkanediol, for example 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol are present in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, and even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0342] In a more advantageous variation of the present invention, the alkanediol mixture includes a 1,2-alkanediol as the first linear alkanediol, such as 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol, and a corresponding 2,3-alkanediol as the second linear alkanediol, e.g. For example, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol exist in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, and even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0343] Similarly, for the aforementioned alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first linear alkanediol to the second alkanediol, or the range of such ratios, is also applicable.

[0344] In a further variation of the present invention, the alkanediol mixture is a 2,3-alkanediol, for example, 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol as the first linear alkanediol, and a corresponding 1,2-alkanediol, for example, as the second linear alkanediol. For example, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol exist in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, and even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0345] In a more advantageous variation of the present invention, the alkanediol mixture includes a 2,3-alkanediol as the first linear alkanediol, such as 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol, and a corresponding 1,2-alkanediol as the second linear alkanediol, e.g. For example, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol exist in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, and even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0346] Similarly, for the aforementioned alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first linear alkanediol to the second alkanediol, or the range of such ratios, is also applicable.

[0347] A more advantageous variation of the present invention includes an alkanediol mixture comprising a combination of a 1,2-alkanediol as a first linear alkanediol and a corresponding 2,3-alkanediol as a second linear alkanediol, for example, 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol, or 1,2-Hexanediol and 2,3-Hexanediol, or 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol, or 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol, or 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol, or 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol, or 1,2-Undecanediol and 2,3-Undecanediol, or 1,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol, or 1,2-Tridecanediol and 2,3-Tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol, The first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol exist in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:90:2, and even more preferably in the range of 10 to 95:5.

[0348] Similarly, for the aforementioned alkanediol mixture, the ratio of the first linear alkanediol to the second alkanediol, or the range of such ratios, is also applicable.

[0349] Preferred variations according to the present invention also include mixtures comprising 1,2-hexanediol as the first linear alkanediol and 1,2-octanediol as the second linear alkanediol in any ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, or even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0350] Therefore, according to another preferred modification, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions, (i) A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol contains 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, and even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5; or (ii) The present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions comprising a mixture containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols, wherein the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol are in a ratio in the range of 50:50 to 99.9:0.1, preferably in the range of 75:25 to 99:1, more preferably in the range of 80:20 to 98:2, and even more preferably in the range of 90:10 to 95:5.

[0351] These mixing ratios result in the aforementioned alkanediol mixture exhibiting synergistically enhanced enzyme enhancement and staining and / or stain removal effects compared to the corresponding individual alkanediols.

[0352] Alkanediols are obtained by synthesis from petrochemical or other fossil fuel sources by known methods such as olefin bishydroxylation, hydrolysis from epoxides, or various chemical transformations, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0241491 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0189995, or from bio-derived raw materials by fermentation, or from bio-based natural and renewable raw materials such as biomass by catalytic synthesis. The alkanediols used in accordance with the present invention include either petrochemically derived alkanediols or alkanediols derived from bio-based natural and renewable raw materials. Preferably, the alkanediols are from bio-based sources and are therefore bioalkanediols.

[0353] In addition to the specific alkanediols mentioned above, enzyme enhancers (b) of detergents and cleaning compositions according to other embodiments / modifications of the present invention include (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate, or (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone, or (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin, or (b V ) Tropolone, or any mixture of the aforementioned drugs.

[0354] Glyceryl caprylate (b II ) [ka] It is a natural emollient derived from glycerin and plant fatty acids, and usually appears as a white, waxy solid. This ingredient is used in many skincare products due to its emollient and moisturizing properties to help maintain the moisture balance in the skin. In addition, glyceryl caprylate (b II ) is used as an antimicrobial active ingredient in cosmetic preparations.

[0355] Surprisingly, glyceryl caprylate, an oily surfactant coemulsifier, was found to be another suitable enzyme enhancer within the scope of the present invention.

[0356] 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP)(b III ) [ka] It possesses antioxidant, fungicidal, and bacterial growth inhibitory properties, and is therefore used to stabilize cosmetic preparations.

[0357] Surprisingly, 4-HAP was found to be another suitable enzyme enhancer within the scope of the present invention.

[0358] Ethylhexylglycerin (EHG) (b IV ) [ka] Ethylhexylglycerin (EHG or octoxyglycerin) is a relatively new cosmetic ingredient used for its surfactant, dispersion, skin softening, skin conditioning, and antimicrobial properties. Ethylhexylglycerin is a glyceryl ether and vicinal diol.

[0359] Surprisingly, EHG was found to be suitable for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions within the scope of the present invention.

[0360] Tropolone (b V ) [ka] It is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chelating properties, and is therefore used in cosmetic formulations.

[0361] Surprisingly, troporon was found to act as an enzyme enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions within the scope of the present invention.

[0362] The above-mentioned specific enzyme enhancers (b II )(b III ), (b IV ) and (b V ) may be used in detergents and cleaning compositions either individually or in the form of a mixture of two or more enzyme enhancers.

[0363] In a particularly preferred modification, at least one enzyme enhancer (b) in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following mixtures / combinations: ·(b II ) Glyceryl caprylate and (b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone; ·(b II ) Glyceryl caprylate and (b IV A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin; ·(b II ) Glyceryl caprylate and (b V A mixture containing tropolone; ·(b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone and (b IV A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone and (b V ) A mixture containing tropolone; and ·(b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin and (b V A mixture containing tropolone.

[0364] With regard to the aforementioned enhancer mixtures, even synergistic enzyme-enhancing effects may be observed compared to the use of their individual components.

[0365] Similarly, and more preferably, the specific single enzyme enhancer described above (b II )(b III ), (b IV ) and (b V ) or two or three enzyme enhancers (b II )(b III ), (b IV ) and (b V) also includes one or two or more alkanediol enzyme enhancers as defined herein (b I A mixture of ) can be used in detergents and cleaning compositions. Preferably, such a mixture contains two or more enzyme enhancers as defined herein.

[0366] In a particularly preferred modification, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises any of the following enhancer mixtures / combinations: ·(b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol, and (b II ) A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate; ·(b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol, and (b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone; ·(b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol, and (b IV A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin; ·(b I) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol, and (b V A mixture containing tropolone.

[0367] In a preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following enhancer mixtures / combinations selected from the group consisting of: ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-pentanediol; ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-hexanediol; ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-heptanediol; ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-octanediol; ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-nonanediol; ·(b II ) A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-decanediol; ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-undecanediol; ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-dodecanediol; ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-tridecanediol; ·(b II A mixture containing glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol; ·(bIII )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol; ·(b III )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol; ·(b III )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol; ·(b III )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol; ·(b III )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol; ·(b III )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol; ·(b III )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol; ·(b III )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tridecanediol; ·(b III )A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ·(b IV )A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-pentanediol; ·(b IV )A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-hexanediol; ·(b IV )A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-heptanediol; ·(b IV )A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-octanediol; ·(b IV )A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-nonanediol; ·(b IV )A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-decanediol; ·(b IVA mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-undecanediol; ·(b IV A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-dodecanediol; ·(b IV A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-tridecanediol; ·(b IV A mixture containing ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-tetradecanediol; ·(b V A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-pentanediol; ·(b V A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-hexanediol; ·(b V A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-heptanediol; ·(b V A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-octanediol; ·(b V ) A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-nonanediol; ·(b V ) A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-decanediol; ·(b V A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-undecanediol; ·(b V A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-dodecanediol; ·(b V A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-tridecanediol; ·(b V A mixture containing tropolone and 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0368] Surprisingly, the specific combinations described above were found to be particularly effective enzyme enhancers and could be efficiently incorporated into a wide range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, these substances were found to exhibit significant stain and / or stain removal enhancement properties in detergents and cleaning compositions. Therefore, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to those without such enzyme-enhancing combinations.

[0369] Surprisingly, with the aforementioned enhancer mixtures, even synergistic enzyme-enhancing effects can be observed compared to the use of their individual components.

[0370] Most preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises a mixture of enzyme enhancers containing a 1,2-alkanediol combined with 4-hydroxyacetophenone selected from the group consisting of: ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol; ·(b IIIA mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tridecanediol; ·(b III A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tetradecanediol;

[0371] These enzyme-enhancing mixtures were found to exhibit a significant synergistic enzyme-enhancing effect with respect to the staining and / or dirt removal properties of detergents and cleaning compositions. Therefore, such detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit improved cleaning properties compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such enzyme-enhancing combinations.

[0372] Particularly significant enhancing effects were observed when the aforementioned enzyme-stabilizing mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone was added to detergents and cleaning compositions containing amylase.

[0373] However, particularly significant enzyme-enhancing effects may be observed with the following enzyme enhancers: • 1,2-heptanediol; • 1,2-octanediol; • 1,2-nonanediol; • 1,2-decanediol; • 1,2-Undecanediol; • 1,2-dodecanediol; • 1,2-Tridecanediol; • 1,2-tetradecanediol; Glyceryl caprylate; ·4-hydroxyacetophenone; Ethylhexylglycerin; • Tropolone; • A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and tropolone; and A mixture containing 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol.

[0374] With respect to detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the list of enzyme enhancers (b1, b2, b3, b) specified herein may be optionally combined with the list of enzymes specified herein.

[0375] In a particularly advantageous modification, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): • Protease + one or more of the following enzyme enhancers: (b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolon; or • Lipase + one or more of the following enzyme enhancers: (b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolon; or • Amylase + one or more of the following enzyme enhancers: (b I) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolon; or • Cellulase + one or more of the following enzyme enhancers: (b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolon; or • Mannanase + one or more of the following enzyme enhancers: (b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolon; or • Pectin lyase + one or more of the following enzyme enhancers: (b I) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined above, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV ) Ethylhexylglycerin; or (b V ) Tropolon.

[0376] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): • Protease + 1,2-pentanediol; • Protease + 1,2-hexanediol; • Protease + 1,2-heptanediol; • Protease + 1,2-octanediol; • Protease + Glyceryl Caprylate; • Protease + 4-hydroxyacetophenone; • Protease + ethylhexylglycerin; • Protease + tropolone; • A mixture containing protease, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing protease, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and tropolone; • A mixture containing protease + 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-pentanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-Hexanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-octanediol; • Amylase + Glyceryl Caprylate; Amylase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone; • Amylase + Ethylhexylglycerin; • Amylase + Tropolone; • A mixture containing amylase, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing amylase, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and tropolone; • Amylase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a mixture containing 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-pentanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-hexanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-octanediol; • Lipase + Glyceryl Caprylate; • Lipase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone; • Lipase + ethylhexylglycerin; • Lipase + tropolone; • A mixture containing alipase, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing lipase, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and tropolone; • A mixture containing lipase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-pentanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-hexanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-octanediol; Mannanase + Glyceryl Caprylate; Mannanase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone; Mannanase + ethylhexylglycerin; • Mannanase + Tropolone; • A mixture containing mannanase, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing mannanase, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and tropolone; A mixture containing mannanase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-pentanediol; • Pectinate lyase + 1,2-hexanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-octanediol; • Pectin lyase + glyceryl caprylate; • Pectin lyase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone; • Pectin lyase + ethylhexylglycerin; Pectin lyase + tropolone; • A mixture containing pectin lyase, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing pectin lyase + 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; or A mixture comprising pectin acid lyase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0377] Particularly preferred is the use of enzyme enhancer mixtures in detergents and cleaning compositions containing amylase: 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol, 4-Hydroxy-1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0378] Particularly preferred is the use of an enzyme enhancer mixture in detergents and cleaning compositions containing mannanase: 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol, 4-Hydroxy-1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0379] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition of the present invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b): • Protease + 1,2-heptanediol; • Protease + 1,2-octanediol; • Protease + 1,2-nonanediol; • Protease + 1,2-decanediol; • Protease + 1,2-undecanediol; • Protease + 1,2-dodecanediol; • Protease + 1,2-tridecanediol; • Protease + 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-octanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-nonanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-decanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-undecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-dodecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-Tridecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-octanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-nonanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-decanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-undecanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-dodecanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-tridecanediol; • Lipase + 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-octanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-nonanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-decanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-undecanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-dodecanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-tridecanediol; • Mannanase + 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-octanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-nonanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-decanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-undecanediol; Pectin lyase + 1,2-dodecanediol; • Pectin lyase + 1,2-tridecanediol; or Pectin lyase + 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0380] The aforementioned combination was found to provide excellent enzyme-enhancing performance in detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0381] However, the aforementioned combinations containing enzymes and enzyme enhancers not only have a remarkable enzyme-enhancing effect, but are also beneficial in laundry detergents, manual and automatic dishwashing detergents, hard surface cleaners, medical and dental instrument cleaners, stain removers, etc., because they exhibit improved stain and / or stain removal activity compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, resulting in improved cleaning performance when applied.

[0382] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b) selected from the group consisting of: • Protease + 1,2-heptanediol; • Protease + 1,2-octanediol; • Protease + 1,2-nonanediol; • Protease + 1,2-decanediol; • Protease + 1,2-undecanediol; • Protease + 1,2-dodecanediol; • Protease + 1,2-tridecanediol; • Protease + 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Protease + Glyceryl Caprylate; • Protease + 4-hydroxyacetophenone; • Protease + ethylhexylglycerin; • Protease + tropolone; • A mixture containing protease, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing protease, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and tropolone; • A mixture containing protease + 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-octanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-nonanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-decanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-undecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-dodecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-Tridecanediol; • Amylase + 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Amylase + Glyceryl Caprylate; Amylase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone; • Amylase + Ethylhexylglycerin; • Amylase + Tropolone; • A mixture containing amylase, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing amylase, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and tropolone; • Amylase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a mixture containing 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; • Cellulase + 1,2-heptanediol; • Cellulase + 1,2-octanediol; • Cellulase + 1,2-nonanediol; • Cellulase + 1,2-decanediol; • Cellulase + 1,2-undecanediol; • Cellulase + 1,2-dodecanediol; • Cellulase + 1,2-tridecanediol; or • Cellulase + 1,2-tetradecanediol. Cellulase + Glyceryl Caprylate; • Cellulase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone; Cellulase + ethylhexylglycerin; • Cellulase + Tropolone; • A mixture containing cellulase, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,2-octanediol; • A mixture containing cellulase + 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; and A mixture comprising cellulase + 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0383] The aforementioned combinations, comprising a protease, amylase, or cellulase and an enzyme enhancer, are particularly beneficial in laundry detergents, preferably fabric softeners, because they improve softness during washing.

[0384] Surfactants / ingredients (c1, c2, c3, c)

[0385] The detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one surfactant (c1, c2, c3, c).

[0386] Surfactants are added for many reasons, primarily for their cleaning and surfactant properties. They remove dirt from clothing and surfaces during the washing and cleaning process, keeping it suspended in the cleaning solution. Some surfactants also perform other functions, such as anti-foaming.

[0387] The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may contain any type of surfactant, namely anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants, and any mixture thereof.

[0388] Suitable surfactants that can be incorporated into the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention are as follows:

[0389] Anionic surfactants Suitable anionic surfactants for detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may include any conventional anionic surfactant. Typical examples of anionic surfactants include: C10-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; C10-C18 alkyl sulfates; C10-C18 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1-3 moles of ethylene oxide; C10-C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates; C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 1-10 moles of ethylene oxide; and any mixture thereof.

[0390] In preferred variations of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the anionic surfactant is, C10-C13 alkylbenzene sulfonates; C12-C15 alkyl sulfates; • C12-C14 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1-3 moles of ethylene oxide; C12-C16 alpha-olefin sulfonates; C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 3-10 moles of ethylene oxide; Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0391] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the anionic surfactant is, Dodecylbenzenesulfonate; Dodecyl sulfate; • Dodecyl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide; C12-C14 alpha-olefin sulfonates; • C18 alkyl carboxylate ethoxylated with 9-10 moles of ethylene oxide; Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0392] In the case of laundry detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of dodecylbenzenesulfonate, dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0393] For dishwashing detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0394] For hard surface cleaning detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate ethoxylated with 2 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0395] Cationic surfactants Suitable cationic surfactants for detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may include any conventional cationic surfactant. Typical examples of cationic surfactants include: • Quaternary C8-C18 alkylethanolamines; • Quaternary C8-C18 alkylammonium compounds; C8-C18 alkylammonium methosulfate; and any mixture thereof.

[0396] In preferred variations of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the cationic surfactant is • Quaternary C12-C18 alkylethanolamines; • Quaternary C12-C18 alkylammonium compounds; C12-C18 alkylammonium methosulfate; Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0397] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the cationic surfactant is • Quaternary C16-C18 alkylethanolamines; • Quaternary C16-C18 alkylammonium compounds; C14-C18 alkylammonium methosulfate; Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0398] In the case of hard surface cleaning detergents, the cationic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of quaternary C16-C18 alkylammonium compounds and any mixture thereof.

[0399] In the case of fabric softeners, the cationic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of C14-C18 alkylammonium methosulfates and any mixture thereof.

[0400] Nonionic surfactants Suitable nonionic surfactants for detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may include any conventional nonionic surfactant. Typical examples of nonionic surfactants include: C6-C18 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1-12 moles of ethylene oxide; • Alkoxylated C6-C18 fatty alcohols, for example C6-C18 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1-25 moles of ethylene oxide, C6-C18 fatty alcohols propoxylated with 1-15 moles of propylene oxide, C6-C18 fatty alcohols butoxylated with 1-10 moles of butylene oxide, and their combinations; • C6-C18 sophorolipids; • C6-C18 rhamnolipids; C5-C18 alkyl polyglycosides; C6-C18 alkanolamides; • C6-C18 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixture thereof.

[0401] In preferred variations of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is: C8-C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide; • Alkoxylated C8-C15 fatty alcohols, for example C8-C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1-25 moles of ethylene oxide, C8-C15 fatty alcohols propoxylated with 1-15 moles of propylene oxide, C8-C15 fatty alcohols butoxylated with 1-10 moles of butylene oxide, and their combinations; • C8-C18 sophorolipids; • C8-C18 rhamnolipids; C7-C15 alkyl polyglycosides; C8-C15 alkanolamides; • C8-C15 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0402] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is: • C10-C18 sophorolipids; • C10-C18 rhamnolipids; C8-C14 alkyl polyglycosides; Cocamide DEA / MEA; • C10-C14 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0403] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is: • C10-C18 sophorolipids; • C10-C18 rhamnolipids; C8-C14 alkyl polyglycosides; Selected from the group consisting of and any mixture thereof.

[0404] The aforementioned nonionic detergents are particularly useful for preparing "green" detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0405] In the case of laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, and hard surface cleaning detergents, the nonionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of C10-C18 sophorolipids, C10-C18 rhamnolipids, C8-C14 alkyl polyglycosides, and any mixture thereof.

[0406] In a more preferred variation, for laundry detergents, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C12-C14 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 7 moles of ethylene oxide, C13-C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 7 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0407] In a more preferred modification, for hard surface cleaning such as degreasing agents, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C9-C11 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide, C10 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0408] In a more preferred variation, for automatic dishwashing, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C12-C14 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 5 moles of ethylene oxide and / or propoxylated with 4 moles of propylene oxide.

[0409] Amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants Suitable amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants for detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may include any conventional amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant. Typical examples of amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants include: C10-C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide; C10-C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide; C10-C18 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; C10-C18 alkylbetaines; C10-C18 alkylamidobetaine; C10-C18 sulfobetaine; and any mixture of the above surfactants.

[0410] In preferred variations of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant is C10-C15 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide; C10-C15 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide; C10-C15 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; C10-C15 alkylbetaine; C10-C15 alkylamidobetaine; C10-C15 sulfobetaine; The group consists of the above surfactants and any mixture thereof.

[0411] In a more preferred variation of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant is, C12-C14 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide; C12-C14 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide; C12-C14 alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide; C12-C14 alkyl betaines; C12-C14 alkylamidobetaine; C12-C14 sulfobetaine; The group consists of the above surfactants and any mixture thereof.

[0412] For dishwashing detergents, the amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant is most preferably selected from the group consisting of C12-C14 alkyl betaines and any mixture thereof.

[0413] In a preferred modification, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention are C10-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; C10-C18 alkyl sulfates; C10-C18 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1-3 moles of ethylene oxide; C10-C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates; • C8-C18 alkyl carboxylates ethoxylated with 1-10 moles of ethylene oxide; and • The mixture comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of preferred variations thereof identified earlier, or a mixture of two or more anionic surfactants.

[0414] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention are • Quaternary C8-C18 alkylethanolamines; • Quaternary C8-C18 alkylammonium compounds; ·C8-C18 alkylammonium methosulfate; and • A cationic surfactant selected from the group consisting of preferred variations thereof identified above, or a mixture of two or more cationic surfactants.

[0415] In a more preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention are C8-C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide; • Alkoxylated C8-C15 fatty alcohols, for example C8-C15 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1-25 moles of ethylene oxide, C8-C15 fatty alcohols propoxylated with 1-15 moles of propylene oxide, C8-C15 fatty alcohols butoxylated with 1-10 moles of butylene oxide, and their combinations; • C8-C18 sophorolipids; • C8-C18 rhamnolipids; C7-C15 alkyl polyglycosides; C8-C15 alkanolamides; • C8-C15 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and • A nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of preferred variations thereof identified above, or a mixture of two or more nonionic surfactants.

[0416] The specific surfactants described above may be used either as a single surfactant from the same surfactant category (anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric / zwitterionic), or as a mixture of two, three, or more surfactants, or as a mixture of surfactants from different surfactant categories.

[0417] In the most preferred variation, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention include a combination mixture of one or more anionic surfactants and one or more nonionic surfactants as specified herein, i.e., a combination of one or more anionic surfactants and one or more nonionic surfactants.

[0418] Alternatively, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention include a combination mixture of one or more cationic surfactants and one or more nonionic surfactants as specified herein, i.e., a combination of one or more cationic surfactants and one or more nonionic surfactants.

[0419] The above numerical ranges, given in the form "Cx~Cy" and enumerated with respect to the number of carbon atoms in a surfactant, include the value defining the range and each integer within the defined range, such that the range C10~C18 includes C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, and C18. For example, the term "C10~C18 alkyl" includes decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, and octadecyl. Similarly, the term "C12~C14 alkyl" includes dodecyl, tridecyl, and tetradecyl. For example, the term "C6~C18 fatty alcohol" includes fatty alcohols having carbon chains with 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 carbon atoms. Similarly, the term "C6-C18 rhamnolipid" includes structures that contain rhamnolipids and carbon chains having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 carbon atoms.

[0420] Any further ingredients

[0421] Within the context of the present invention, it is possible, and in some cases advantageous, to combine the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention with other active substances and / or additives, depending on the purpose of the composition, to obtain ready-to-use compositions or formulations. The active ingredients provide the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention with desired properties and functionality. The terms “functional ingredient” or “functional additive” include ingredients that provide beneficial properties in a particular use. Some specific examples of functional ingredients are described in more detail below. However, a wide variety of other functional ingredients can also be used.

[0422] The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may contain any of the components commonly found in such compositions, such as organic solvents, builders, and further auxiliary agents, such as antifouling agents, thickeners, colorants, and fragrances.

[0423] Preferably, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may be advantageously combined with or modified by at least one active substance and / or at least one (functional) additive, such as solvents, builders, bleaches, stain removers, dispersants, anti-foaming agents, metal ion sequestering agents, chelating agents, anti-redeposition agents, anti-color transfer / color protection agents, dye scavengers, dyes, anti-graying agents, fluorescent whitening agents, ultraviolet light absorbers, thickeners or rheological modifiers, hydrotropes, solubility modifiers, pH adjusters, buffers, solvents, antistatic agents, anti-wrinkle agents, antimicrobial agents, odor removers / odor scavengers, ultraviolet light protection agents, fragrances, bactericides, disinfectants, water repellents, insect repellents, anti-pilling agents, scouring agents, antifungal agents, anti-allergic agents, and any mixtures thereof.

[0424] Chelating agents / metal ion sequestering agents

[0425] The detergents and cleaning compositions disclosed herein may optionally contain one or more chelating agents capable of complexing iron, manganese, and / or calcium ions. This also allows for water softening. In addition, negatively charged anionic surfactants capture Ca ions and / or Mg ions from the cleaning solution, forming complexes. This complex formation leads to a decrease in cleaning performance. To prevent this complex formation, chelating agents, such as those described below, are also added to the detergents and cleaning compositions. Thus, the addition of chelating agents ensures that the performance of the anionic surfactants in the detergents and cleaning compositions is not reduced.

[0426] Chelating agents may exist in the form of acids or salts, including alkali metals, ammonium, and their substituted ammonium salts, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0427] Preferably, the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of aminocarboxylates, phosphonates, or mixtures thereof.

[0428] The agents used herein include chemicals that interact with divalent ions, cations, and anions and tend to precipitate in saturated aqueous solutions thereof.

[0429] Useful aminocarboxylate chelating agents include, but are not limited to, the following: N-(1,2-dicarboxy-ethyl)-D,L-aspartic acid (IDS), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid (EDG), aspartic acid-N-monoacetic acid (ASMA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), aspartic acid-N-monopropionic acid (ASMP), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA), N-(2-sulfomethyl)aspartic acid (SMAS), N-(2-sulfoethyl)aspartic acid (SEAS), N-(2-sulfomethyl)glutamic acid (SMGL), N-(2-sulfoethyl) Chil(glutamic acid) (SEGL), N-methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA), α-alanine-N,N-diacetic acid (α-ALDA), serine-N,N-diacetic acid (SEDA), isoserine-N,N-diacetic acid (ISDA), phenylalanine-N,N-diacetic acid (PHDA), anthranilic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ANDA), sulfanilic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (SLDA), taurine-N,N-diacetic acid (TUDA), sulfomethyl-N,N-diacetic acid (SMDA), N-(hydroxyethyl)-ethylidenediamine triacetate (HEDTA), diethanolglycine (DEG), aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP).

[0430] Preferred chelating agents may contain amino groups, for example, amino-polycarboxylates or phosphonates. They may be monomer molecules containing one, two, or three amino groups (typically secondary or tertiary amino groups), and they may contain two, three, four, or five carboxyl groups or even more. The chelating agent may or may not contain phosphorus. Suitable chelating agents include those based on carboxylate groups, such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), NTA (2,2',2''-nitrilotriacetic acid), citrate, 2-hydroxypropane 1,2,3-tricarboxylate, DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), MGDA (methylglycine diacetic acid OT N,N'-bis(carboxymethyl)alanine), EGTA (ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid), EDDS (ethylenediamine N,W-nicuccinic acid), and GLDA (L-glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid). The composition may also preferably include other polycarboxylates such as PAA [poly(acrylic acid)], PAA / PMA [copoly(acrylic acid / maleic acid)], or mixtures thereof.

[0431] Another group of preferred chelating agents includes phosphonates. Aminoalkanes and / or hydroxyalkane phosphonates are preferably used as phosphonates. Suitable examples of these phosphonate chelating agents include HEDP (l-hydroxyethylidene 1,1-diphosphonic acid), EDTMP [ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid)], EDTMPA (ethylenediaminetetramethylene-tetraphosphonic acid), DTPMP (diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid), DTMPA (diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid))nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid)) (NTMP), 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonate (EDTMP), Examples include these and their higher homologues. Among hydroxyalkanephosphonates, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate (HEDP) is particularly important. The chelating agents may be contained in nitrogen, for example, EDTA, NTA, DTPA, PDTA, GLDA, MGDA, EDDS, EDTMP, EDTMPA, and DTPMP, or in ASMA, ASDA, ASMP, IDA, SMAS, SEAS, SMGL, SEGL, MIDA, α-ALDA, SEDA, ISDA, PHDA, ANDA, SLDA, TUDA, SMDA, HEDTA, DEG, ATMP, or mixtures thereof.

[0432] Particularly preferred chelating agents include, but are not limited to, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid (DTMPA, DTPMP), hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP), ethylenediamine N,N-nicuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA), 2-hydroxypyridine-N-oxide (HPNO), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (N,N-dicarboxymethylglutamate tetrasodium salt (GLDA)), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), sodium citrate, or mixtures thereof. The chelating agents may exist in their acidic form or as salts, and preferably, the chelating agents may exist as sodium salts, ammonium salts, or potassium salts.

[0433] Particularly preferred chelating agents include diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), and 1,1-hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP) or their alkali metal salts, potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts, ammonium salts, or substituted ammonium salts, or mixtures thereof. The most preferred chelating agent is phosphonate. Examples of phosphonate chelating agents include HEDP in its acidic form or in salt form with alkali metals, potassium, alkaline earth metals, ammonium, or substituted ammonium.

[0434] The most preferred chelating agents are GLDA, MGDA, sodium citrate, HEDP, and any mixture thereof.

[0435] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the chelating agent is typically present in an amount of 0.1 to 10.0% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, and more preferably 0.1 to 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0436] Preferably, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention contain at least 0.2% by weight, more preferably at least 0.3% by weight, even more preferably at least 0.5% by weight, and most preferably at least 0.6% by weight of a chelating agent based on the total weight of the composition, but typically contain 3% by weight or less, more preferably 2% by weight or less, and most preferably 1% by weight or less of a chelating agent.

[0437] However, in some automatic dishwashing gels, the amount of GLDA can be 30-40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0438] Antimicrobial agents

[0439] The detergent and cleaning composition may further contain one or more antimicrobial agents.

[0440] In the context of this invention, the term “antimicrobial component” refers to a group of substances, particularly agents that kill or stop or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and / or fungi, thereby preventing microbial contamination of a product. Without the addition of such agents, the product may spoil, exhibit changes in odor, discoloration, mold growth, gas formation, emulsion separation, or viscosity changes, making the product unacceptable to consumers.

[0441] Suitable antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanolamines, nitro derivatives, analides, organosulfurs and sulfur-nitrogen compounds, and various other compounds. Exemplary phenolic agents include pentachlorophenol, orthophenylphenol, and phenoxyethanol. Exemplary quaternary antimicrobial agents include benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, amine and nitro-containing antimicrobial compositions, such as hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, dithiocarbamates, such as sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, and various other materials whose antimicrobial properties are known in the art. Other exemplary antimicrobial agents include glutaraldehyde, bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol), silver, and isothiazolone, such as methylisothiazolinone, ethyl HCl lauroyl alginate sold under the trade name Neolone®, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol, or methylbenzyl alcohol.

[0442] In preferred variations of the present invention, the detergent and cleaning composition are further combined with benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, and any mixture thereof. The aforementioned substances have broad-spectrum activity against microorganisms and are added to the detergent composition to inhibit microbial decay and therefore for stabilization purposes.

[0443] In particular, antimicrobial agents are added to liquid detergents due to their higher water content, which makes such compositions susceptible to the invasion and growth of microorganisms.

[0444] If an antimicrobial agent is included in the detergent and cleaning composition of the present invention, it is preferably in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 15% by weight, particularly 0.001% to 10.0% by weight, and most particularly 0.001% to 5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0445] Enzymes are typically incorporated into detergents and cleaning compositions according to this disclosure in an amount sufficient to provide effective cleaning during the cleaning procedure. An effective cleaning amount means an amount that provides a clean, hygienic, and preferably non-corrosive appearance to the cleaned material, particularly medical or dental devices or instruments. An effective cleaning amount may also mean an amount that produces a cleaning effect, stain removal effect, dirt removal effect, whitening effect, deodorizing effect, or freshness-improving effect on a substrate, such as medical or dental devices or instruments. Such cleaning effects can be achieved with a small amount of enzyme, approximately 0.02% by weight of the detergent or cleaning composition.

[0446] In the detergents and cleaning compositions of this disclosure, adequate cleaning can typically be achieved when the enzyme is present in an amount of about 0.0001 to about 35% by weight, preferably about 2 to about 15% by weight, preferably about 3 to about 10% by weight, preferably about 4 to about 8% by weight, preferably about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, or about 8% by weight. Higher enzyme levels are typically desirable in highly concentrated cleaning formulations.

[0447] In the detergent and cleaning composition of the present invention, adequate cleaning can be achieved when the enzyme is present in an amount of 0.0001 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the enzyme is present in an amount of 0.0001 to 4% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention contains the enzyme in an amount of 0.001 to 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Most preferably, the enzyme is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.01 to 2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Even more preferably, the enzyme is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.05 to 2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0448] Typically, enzymes are present in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention in an amount of 0.05 to 2.0% by weight. Usually, proteases and amylases are used in higher concentrations in the detergent and cleaning compositions, i.e., based on the total weight of the composition, proteases in an amount of 0.4 to 1.5% by weight and amylases in an amount of 0.05 to 0.6% by weight.

[0449] In the case of enzyme cocktails, the above amounts refer to the total amount of enzymes in the mixture; that is, the amount is the sum of the amounts of all enzymes in the mixture.

[0450] A mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) according to a first aspect of the present invention is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In a preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition contains a mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) in an amount of 0.01 to 10.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In a more preferred variation, a mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2), or 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3), is advantageously used in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In an even more preferred variation, a mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2), or 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3), is advantageously used in detergents and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.3 to 3.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In the most preferred variation, a mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) is advantageously used in detergent and cleaning compositions in an amount of 0.5 to 1.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0451] With respect to the heptanediol mixture (b3), the above amount refers to the total content of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in the mixture; that is, this amount is the sum of the content of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in the mixture.

[0452] The present invention provides at least one enzyme enhancer (b) in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In a preferred variation, the detergent and cleaning composition contains at least one enzyme enhancer (b) in an amount of 0.01 to 10.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In a more preferred variation, at least one enzyme enhancer (b) is favorably used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In an even more preferred variation, at least one enzyme enhancer (b) is favorably used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.3 to 3.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In the most preferred variation, at least one enzyme enhancer (b) is favorably used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.5 to 1.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0453] For an alkanediol mixture containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols, the above amount is with respect to the total content of the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in the mixture; that is, this amount is the sum of the content of the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in the mixture.

[0454] With respect to an enzyme enhancer mixture containing two or more enhancers, the above amount refers to the total content of enhancers in the mixture, i.e., the amount is the sum of the content of each individual enhancer in the mixture.

[0455] In a particularly preferred variation according to the first aspect of the present invention, the detergent and cleaning composition contain, based on the total weight of the composition, 2,3-heptanediol (b3) of 2,3-heptanediol or a mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 10.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, even more preferably 0.3 to 3.0% by weight, and most preferably 0.5 to 1.0% by weight.

[0456] More preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition contains 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol (b3) of a mixture containing 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in an amount of 0.001 to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0.005 to 0.1% by weight, and most preferably 0.01 to 0.075% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or home care product.

[0457] In a particularly preferred variation of the present invention, the detergent and cleaning composition contains, based on the total weight of the composition or home care product, a 2,3-alkanediol as a linear alkanediol, or a mixture containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols, in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 10.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, even more preferably 0.3 to 3.0% by weight, and most preferably 0.5 to 1.0% by weight.

[0458] More preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition contains, based on the total weight of the composition or home care product, 2,3-alkanediol as a linear alkanediol, or a mixture containing at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediols, in an amount of 0.001 to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0.005 to 0.1% by weight, and most preferably 0.01 to 0.075% by weight.

[0459] Typically, at least one surfactant is present in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention in an amount of more than 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the surfactant is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 4 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention contains the surfactant in an amount of 10 to 60% by weight, more preferably 20 to 50% by weight, and most preferably 30 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0460] In contrast, the light-duty composition according to the present invention contains at least one surfactant in an amount of more than 3% to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the surfactant is present in an amount of 4 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The dishwashing and / or rinsing composition according to the present invention contains the surfactant in an amount of 5 to 20% by weight, preferably 6 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0461] Surprisingly, the detergents and cleaning compositions of this disclosure have been found to have superior cleaning performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions of the present invention that do not contain the enzyme enhancers.

[0462] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of certain types of enzyme enhancers, as defined herein, such as alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylates, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, to detergents and cleaning compositions containing enzymes or mixtures of enzymes has a positive effect in that it improves the performance of the enzymes in the enzymes or mixtures of enzymes contained therein. The enzymes in these detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit superior enzymatic performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such enzyme enhancers.

[0463] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of certain types of enzyme enhancers, as defined herein, such as alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylates, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, to enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions improves stain removal and / or stain removal compared to enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such enhancers.

[0464] While we do not wish to be bound by theory, alkanediols are thought to facilitate enzyme access to stains and / or dirt, and to be actively involved in micelle formation during washing and cleaning processes.

[0465] Unexpectedly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of certain types of enzyme enhancers, as defined herein, such as alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylates, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, to cellulase-containing detergents and cleaning compositions, such as fabric softeners, improves the softness of laundry compared to cellulase-containing detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such enzyme enhancers.

[0466] Therefore, detergents and cleaning compositions containing enzymes or mixtures of enzymes in combination with certain types of enzyme enhancers as defined herein, such as alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylates, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or mixtures of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, exhibit improved overall cleaning performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such enzyme enhancers.

[0467] Conversely, for the sake of enhancing the cleaning effect, the amounts of enzymes and other components used to increase the cleaning effectiveness in these detergents and cleaning compositions can be reduced in order to achieve a similar cleaning effect, i.e., without losing cleaning performance.

[0468] In addition, the addition of such enzyme enhancers as defined herein can even further improve the enzyme stabilizing effect of any additional enzyme stabilizers added to detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0469] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention can be used either by themselves or for the preparation of detergents and cleaning products.

[0470] The enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions or products specified herein can be used in a variety of cleaning methods. As used herein, the term “cleaning” means performing, facilitating, or assisting in the removal of dirt, bleaching, reduction of microbial populations, disinfection, etc. Preferably, the enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions or products are useful for textile cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, fabric care, household, institutional and industrial hard surface cleaning, such as clothing or other surfaces, and cleaning medical and dental instruments.

[0471] Preferably, the enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition or product may be used to clean, wash, or pre-soak medical or dental devices, instruments, or apparatus, including any of the various medical or dental instruments or devices that can benefit from cleaning with the enzymatic cleaning composition. Exemplary medical and dental instruments and devices include instruments, devices, tools, appliances, apparatus, and equipment used in medical or dental settings, including those that can be sterilized at low temperatures, immersed or washed and then heat-sterilized. Medical and / or dental instruments may be contaminated with blood, mammalian tissue including but not limited to human tissue, or other foreign matter.

[0472] Suitable examples of detergents and cleaning compositions or products include heavy-duty detergents, color care detergents, light-duty detergents, general-purpose detergents, fabric softeners, fabric laundry fragrances, fragrance lotions, laundry wipes, degreasing cleaners, stain removers (Press Potter, Vanish type), washing machine cleaners, general-purpose cleaners, hand dishwashing detergents, automatic dishwashing detergents, hard surface cleaners, glass and mirror cleaners, wet cleaning wipes, kitchen cleaners, cookware cleaners, oven cleaners, floor cleaners, wood floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, bathroom and shower cleaners, toilet cleaners, grout cleaners, disinfectants, drain cleaners, toilet rim block gels, air fresheners, furniture polishes, car shampoos, and medical cleaning products.

[0473] The aforementioned detergents and cleaning compositions or products refer to compositions or products in liquid, solid, tablet, encapsulated, diluted or concentrated form, and optionally in two-compartment or multi-compartment form.

[0474] As used herein, liquids include free-flowing liquids, as well as pastes, gels, foams, and mousses. Non-limiting examples of liquids include light-duty and heavy-duty liquid detergents and cleaning compositions, fabric conditioners, detergent gels commonly used in laundry, bleaches, and laundry additives. Gases, such as suspended bubbles, or solids, such as particles, may be contained within the liquids.

[0475] Solids used herein include powders, flakes, granules, pellets, tablets, microcapsules, beads, noodles, pearlescent balls, lozenges, packs, briquettes, bricks, blocks, or other solid forms known to those skilled in the art.

[0476] Solid detergents and cleaning compositions or products may be provided as compressed solid blocks, cast solid blocks, extruded pellets or blocks, or tablets. Furthermore, solid detergent compositions or products may be provided in unit dose form. A unit dose refers to a solid detergent or cleaning composition unit of a size such that the entire unit is used in a single cleaning cycle.

[0477] Solid detergents and cleaning compositions or products may be provided in the form of multi-use (e.g., multi-use) solids such as blocks or multiple pellets, which can be repeatedly used to produce aqueous use solutions of the detergent composition for multiple cycles or a predetermined number of dispensing cycles. Multi-use solid detergent compositions can be repeatedly used to produce aqueous detergent compositions, e.g., use solutions, for multiple cleaning cycles. Compressed solid detergent blocks are made suitable to provide stability such that the reactive components in the composition do not react with each other until the time of dilution and / or use. In some embodiments, the order in which the components are introduced to form a solid is not limited, as the amount of water introduced into the solid composition is minimal and / or no water. However, in some embodiments, compressed solid detergent blocks are made by using a binding system to minimize any damage to the coated granules that can be used. Advantageously, the compression process for producing compressed solid detergent blocks produces compressed solid detergent blocks and prevents the reaction or mixing of the components. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the solid detergent composition remains unreacted or unmixed until use, e.g., until dilution.

[0478] In a compression solid process, a fluid solid, such as a granular solid or other particulate solid containing a binder, is mixed under pressure. In a compression solid process, the fluid solid of the composition is placed into a mold (e.g., a mold or container). The method may include gently pressing the fluid solid in form to produce a solid cleaning composition.

[0479] Enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions or products may be supplied in concentrated form and diluted in a solution of use, or supplied as a solution of use. Preferably, the composition of use is diluted to a concentration of about 500 ppm to about 5000 ppm, more preferably about 750 ppm to about 4500 ppm, and most preferably about 1000 ppm to about 4000 ppm.

[0480] The enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions or products according to the present invention are used for household cleaning, medical cleaning, facility cleaning such as cleaning in schools, airports, and hospitals, or industrial cleaning.

[0481] The enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions or products according to the present invention can be prepared by combining and mixing various components according to commonly known methods. Preferably, the enzyme is added last to prevent denaturation or inactivation of the enzyme. Mixing can be carried out by any suitable automatic or manual method. For example, automatic or manual stirring can be performed. The enzyme detergent compositions can be prepared in a batch process or a continuous process.

[0482] Based on the aforementioned advantageous effects, detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, comprising a combination of an enzyme and an enzyme enhancer, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture with the aforementioned enzyme enhancer, are particularly efficient in cleaning and washing processes for efficiently removing dyes and / or stains from a substrate.

[0483] Therefore, in a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for treating a stained and / or soiled substrate, - A step of treating a substrate with a detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the present invention; and -The method comprises the step of rinsing the aforementioned substrate in water to remove the aforementioned composition or product.

[0484] Preferably, the method for treating a soiled / stained substrate is carried out in a wash containing a washing solution comprising water and an enzymatic detergent and washing composition according to the present invention. The washing solution may be applied to the substrate or the substrate may be immersed in the washing solution.

[0485] Alternatively, the method may involve directly applying an enzyme detergent and cleaning composition, i.e., an enzyme detergent and cleaning composition not dissolved without water, to part or all of the substrate in order to directly treat stains and / or dirt on the substrate. Such a process is preferably a pretreatment, which may be followed by treatment with or in a cleaning solution.

[0486] The method according to the present invention is applicable to both higher and lower temperatures. For dishwashing applications, for example, washing substrates at temperatures above about 60°C, above about 70°C, or between about 65°C and 80°C. For laundry applications, for example, washing laundry at temperatures above about 40°C, above about 50°C, or between about 65°C and 90°C.

[0487] Preferably, this method is applied at a low temperature where staining and / or stain removal is more problematic. Preferably, the processing temperature is below 50°C, preferably below 40°C, and more preferably below 30°C.

[0488] Surprisingly, the enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention have been found to be particularly efficient in removing stains and / or dirt at the aforementioned low temperatures.

[0489] Therefore, the method allows for the enzymatic removal of stains and / or dirt in a low-temperature range without considering the temperature sensitivity of the enzymes used.

[0490] This is particularly advantageous in the treatment of sensitive substrates that can only be washed or cleaned at low temperatures, such as wool, silk, and synthetic fibers like polyester, polyacrylic, and nylon.

[0491] Preferably, the base material is cotton.

[0492] More preferably, the base material is wool or silk.

[0493] More preferably, the base material is a blended fabric such as cotton and polyester, or a synthetic fiber such as polyester, polyacrylic, or nylon.

[0494] The use of the enzyme detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the present invention in the method according to the present invention enables improved removal of stains and / or dirt, and therefore results in improved overall cleaning performance.

[0495] Advantageously, based on the enzyme enhancement and staining and / or stain removal enhancement effects, as described above, the present invention further relates to enzyme enhancers, (b I ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined herein, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (bIII) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and With regard to the use of at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; This relates to uses for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions, and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0496] With respect to enzyme enhancers and preferred modifications thereof, refer to the above description relating to detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, which is equally effective in relation to the use of at least one enzyme enhancer to enhance the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or to improve the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions, in order to avoid repetition.

[0497] With respect to enzymes and their preferred modifications, refer to the above description of enzymes relating to detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, which is equally effective in relation to the use of at least one enzyme enhancer (b) to enhance the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or to improve the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions, in order to avoid repetition.

[0498] Preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectinate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNases and / or RNases), phenol oxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, maranases, β-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases, and any mixtures thereof.

[0499] More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, pectin lyases, and any mixture thereof.

[0500] Surprisingly, the use of at least one enhancer (b) identified herein has been found to improve enzyme performance, enhance the removal of stains and / or dirt in detergents and cleaning compositions, and result in an overall improvement in cleaning performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain the aforementioned enzyme enhancers. This excellent effect is based on the combination of enzyme and enzyme enhancer. This improvement also allows for a reduction in the amount of enzyme or enzyme stabilizer in detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0501] As described above regarding enzyme enhancers, based on their advantageous enzyme enhancement and staining and / or stain removal improvement effects, the present invention finally provides a method for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions, and / or improving the cleaning performance in detergents and cleaning compositions, (i) A step of providing a detergent and cleaning composition containing an enzyme; (ii) (b I) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined herein, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b II ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b III )4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b IV Ethylhexylglycerin; (b V ) Tropolone; and The present invention relates to a method comprising the step of adding an effective amount of at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixtures thereof.

[0502] With respect to enzyme enhancers and preferred modifications thereof, refer to the above description relating to detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, which is equally effective in relation to methods for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions, in order to avoid repetition.

[0503] With respect to enzymes and their preferred modifications, refer to the above description of enzymes related to detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, which is equally effective in relation to methods for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions and / or improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions, in order to avoid repetition.

[0504] Preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectinate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNases and / or RNases), phenol oxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, maranases, β-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases, and any mixtures thereof.

[0505] More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, pectin lyases, and any mixture thereof.

[0506] Surprisingly, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme enhancer, such as an alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethylhexylglycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers, to detergents and cleaning compositions containing enzymes has a positive effect in that it improves the performance of the enzymes contained therein or in the enzyme mixture. The enzymes in these detergents and cleaning compositions exhibit superior enzymatic performance compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain such enzyme enhancers. For enzyme enhancer mixtures as defined herein, even a synergistic enhancing effect was observed. In addition, the combination of enzyme enhancers and enzymes of the present invention contributes to improved staining and / or stain removal, resulting in improved cleaning performance of the detergents and cleaning compositions compared to detergents and cleaning compositions that do not contain the aforementioned enzyme enhancers.

[0507] Conversely, for the sake of enzyme enhancement, the amount of enzymes in these detergents and cleaning compositions, or other components that increase the effectiveness of the enzymes, such as enzyme stabilizers, can be reduced without compromising cleaning performance.

[0508] In addition, it has been found that adding an effective amount of a specific type of enzyme enhancer identified herein to detergents and cleaning compositions is not only suitable for enhancing enzyme performance but also beneficial for compensating for the reduction in surfactant content in the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. This effect is particularly pronounced when 1,2-alkanediols are used, as demonstrated in the following examples.

[0509] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following examples, but these examples are merely illustrative and the content of the present invention is not limited to the following examples. [Examples]

[0510] Example 1:

[0511] The following tests are conducted to demonstrate the effect of different enzyme enhancers according to the present invention on the performance of different enzymes, and therefore on the cleaning performance of the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention.

[0512] The detergents and cleaning compositions include laundry detergents, hand dishwashing detergents, and automatic dishwashing detergents.

[0513] The enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions are selected from proteases, amylases, lipases, or cellulases due to their different sensitivities (e.g., protease sensitivity, amylase sensitivity).

[0514] In parallel, the same comparative tests will be conducted under the same conditions for detergents and cleaning compositions containing the same enzyme or enzyme mixture but without enzyme enhancers.

[0515] The cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, as well as the comparative detergent and cleaning composition, is tested as described below.

[0516] [Example 1.1] Laundry detergent

[0517] The cleaning performance of laundry detergents will be analyzed according to the AISE standard (International Association of Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products) Laundry Detergent Testing Guidelines.

[0518] The washing performance test consists of evaluating the stain removal effectiveness of the tested laundry detergent against 14 different dyes.

[0519] Test conditions: Washing machine, Miele European Household front loader Water hardness: 2.5 mmol / l Water temperature: 40℃ Washing cycle: 6 cycles (heavy-duty detergent: cotton cycle; Light-duty detergent (for delicate cycles) Ballast load: 3kg, Clean White ballast load Ballast soil: 4 SBL 2004 sheets (100% cotton, approximately 8g of soiling per swatch) Dosage: Recommended dosage for normal / medium hardness soiling. Drying: Leave out overnight. Dyeing set: Brown, chocolate, coffee, grass, red wine, grass / mud, fruit juice, blood, tomato puree, unused motor oil, salad dressing balsamic, cooked beef tallow, French squeezed mustard, and makeup.

[0520] Measurement / evaluation is performed for each dye before washing (to verify the quality of the dyeing) and after washing.

[0521] The degree of stain removal can be evaluated by one of the following methods: (A) Sensory panel (scale 1-10: Scale 1: No washing; Scale 10: Complete removal); or (B) Spectrophotometer or digital image analysis system for determining the stain removal index (SRI) whiteness W

[0522] The results are statistically analyzed using Tukey's HSD test (HSD = truly significant difference) at a 95% confidence level. The HSD value highlights significant differences between each pair of products.

[0523] [Examples 1 and 2] Dishwashing detergent

[0524] The cleaning performance of dishwashing detergents is analyzed in accordance with the IKW recommendations for quality assessment of the cleaning performance of dishwashing detergents.

[0525] The test involves measuring the efficiency of dishwashing detergents through the stability of their foam while washing plates coated with a typical mixture of liquids, proteins, and carbohydrates (foaming test; foam duration).

[0526] Test conditions: Water hardness: 16±2°d Water temperature: 45±1℃ Test stains: (1) Low-fat stains: Composition as specified in the IKW recommendations; and (2) Normal soiling: Composition as specified in the IKW Recommendations The dirt is coated onto the center of the plate by an automatic dispenser. Dishwashing process: As described in the IKW recommendations.

[0527] Endpoint Identification: The dishwashing immersion solution was considered exhausted and the endpoint reached when the foam layer permanently decomposed on the surface of the dishwashing immersion solution. Record the number of plates washed per wash test in the test protocol.

[0528] For each type of stain, five washing tests will be conducted on each test product.

[0529] The products are compared based on the number of plates washed until the bubbles collapsed. Turkey's HSD statistical test is performed with a 95% confidence level.

[0530] [Example 1.3] Dishwashing detergent

[0531] The cleaning performance of dishwashing detergents is analyzed in accordance with the IKW recommendations for quality assessment of the cleaning performance of dishwashing detergents.

[0532] The cleaning performance test consists of evaluating the stain removal effectiveness of the tested dishwashing detergent against 14 different stains.

[0533] Test conditions: Washing machine, Miele dishwasher GSL or Miele GSL 2 Water hardness: For classic products: 1.8 mmol / l For multi-functional products: 3.5 mmol / l Water temperature: 45℃ during the main wash cycle Wash cycle: at least 3 cycles Dosage: Recommended dosage for normal / medium hardness soiling. Dyeing kit: Black tea (bleachable), Milk, milk skin (persistent / alkaline sensitive), Starch mix, pasta (starch-containing, amylase-sensitive), Egg yolk, cream blue, ground meat (protein-containing, protease-sensitive) Number of soiled items: 6 of each type

[0534] Measurement / evaluation is performed for each stain by either visual inspection with reference to a photographic catalog or by gravimetric measurement, as described in the IKW recommendations.

[0535] The results obtained are statistically processed using Tukey's HSD test (HSD = truly significant difference) at a 95% confidence level. The HSD value highlights significant differences between each pair of products.

[0536] As can be seen from the results, enzyme enhancers improve the removal of stains and / or dirt in enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions. The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention exhibit superior cleaning performance in terms of stain and / or dirt removal compared to the cleaning performance without the enzyme enhancer of the present invention. Conversely, this means that the enzyme performance in detergents and cleaning compositions is improved by the addition of the enzyme enhancer of the present invention, whereas the enzyme performance of detergents and cleaning compositions without the enzyme enhancer decreases over time.

[0537] Example 2: Evaluation of the laundry dye removal performance of the detergent and laundry composition according to the present invention

[0538] To evaluate the laundry stain removal performance, laundry detergent compositions containing enzyme blends were tested in combination with different enzyme enhancers. The laundry detergent compositions were blended with different enzyme enhancers as shown in the table below and evaluated compared to a laundry composition without enzyme enhancers (placebo) according to the spectrophotometric measurements described below.

[0539] The stain removal efficacy was tested according to the following test protocol.

[0540] Principle: The test consists of evaluating the stain removal efficacy of test detergents against 12 different dyes. The fabric dyes are artificially applied to specific fabric types and allowed to cure for a predetermined period of time. The size of each dye sample is specified to allow for reproducible readings (50 mm in diameter). These dye swatches are washed / immersed in the test detergents being compared, and the relative degree of stain removal is evaluated. The test allows for a comparison of the stain removal capabilities of products under the same conditions.

[0541] Dye selection: To test the effectiveness of the tested laundry detergent compositions, ready-made, standardized multi-sample and multi-spot monitors were used (selected and manufactured by Warwick Equest and CFT).

[0542] Dyeing instructions: CS-44 Chocolate Drink, Pure, Cotton, ·CS-07 grass, pure, cotton top, • PC-05 Blood, milk, ink (BMI), polyester / cotton top, ·WE5DASB Double Application Sheep Blood, Knitted Cotton, CS-68 chocolate ice cream, aged, cottony, • E-165 Chocolate pudding, on top of cotton, E-161 starch, cotton, CS-27 potato starch, coloring, cotton, CS-62 lard, colored with Sudan Red, on cotton, ·C-H126 "Vegetable oil", colored with purple dye, on cotton, • C-H141 sugar-free pectin, on cotton, C-H147 "Jam," forest fruit, on cotton.

[0543] The stains are manufactured using a reproducible method and have consistent quality. The stains are a mixture of "natural stains" and "standardized stains." The stains are uniformly distributed and colored before and after washing. Therefore, 12 different stain formulations can be tested simultaneously in a single test process. Certain stains are particularly sensitive to the enzymes specified in the table below: [Table 1]

[0544] Test conditions: Each of the 12 stained test sample groups was immersed in a metal wash pot containing 833.3 g of test solution at a temperature of 40°C for 30 minutes.

[0545] 833.3g of solution is composed of the following dilutions: 3g of liquid laundry with a hardness of 15°Hf.

[0546] Stir the test solution using Rotawash M228B / C.

[0547] After the test cycle is complete, remove the stained material from the wash pot and then lay it horizontally to dry.

[0548] Measurement / Evaluation: The average reflectance of the fabric is measured using a Ci62 spectrophotometer before the fabric is stained, after staining, and again after being treated with the test laundry detergent and washed. Three measurements are taken for each staining process. Product performance is evaluated by the instrument in terms of the Stain Removal Index (SRI). The SRI is on a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 means no stain removal and 100 means complete stain removal. As stated in ASTM D4265, the SRI is calculated according to the following formula:

number

number

[0549] To test the enhancing efficacy of different enzyme enhancers in detergent compositions, enzyme-containing laundry detergent formulations were used with the following compositions: [Table 2] * Medley Pure 300L is a blend of protease, amylase, pectin lyase, mannanase, and lipase enzymes.

[0550] The aforementioned laundry detergent formulations were mixed with different enhancers according to the present invention as shown in the table below, and their stain removal performance was evaluated according to the test method described above.

[0551] In the following table, the following abbreviations will be used: C5 = 1,2-pentanediol C6=1,2-Hexanediol C7 = 1,2-heptanediol C8 = 1,2-octanediol C10 = 1,2-decanediol 4HAP = 4-hydroxyacetophenone CG = Glyceryl Caprylate

[0552] 2.1 Stain removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols against amylase-sensitive staining [Table 3]

[0553] Surprisingly, the addition of 1,2-alkanediols to detergents and laundry compositions results in improved SRI for amylase-sensitive stains compared to detergents and laundry compositions without enzyme enhancers. As can be seen from Table 1, the more carbon chains in the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the SRI. Adding 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, or 1,2-decanediol to detergents or laundry formulations can significantly improve stain removal performance. The best enzyme-enhancing effect in terms of stain removal efficacy is shown to be that of 1,2-decanediol.

[0554] 2.2 Stain removal performance of 1,2-alkanediol mixtures against amylase-sensitive stains [Table 4]

[0555] As can be seen from Table 2, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediols surprisingly exhibits better stain removal performance compared to each of the single 1,2-alkanediols. In particular, 1,2-hexanediol combined with 1,2-octanediol has a higher SRI than 1,2-hexanediol alone. Furthermore, when 1,2-pentanediol is used in combination with 1,2-decanediol or 1,2-heptanediol, the enzyme-enhancing effect is also improved. When 1,2-decanediol is used with either 1,2-pentanediol or 1,2-heptanediol at concentrations of 1.0% or 0.75% by weight, respectively, a significant stain removal effect can be observed compared to the use of a single 1,2-alkanediol. Therefore, the use of 1,2-alkanediol mixtures in detergents and laundry compositions according to the present invention results in synergistic stain removal performance. 2.3 Stain removal performance of a mixture of 1,2-alkanediol and another enzyme enhancer against amylase-sensitive stains [Table 5]

[0556] As can be seen from Table 3, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediol + glyceryl caprylate or troporone surprisingly exhibits better stain removal performance for amylase-sensitive staining compared to each of the single 1,2-alkanediols. Therefore, the combined use of the 1,2-alkanediol according to the present invention with another enzyme enhancer results in synergistic stain removal performance.

[0557] 2.4 Stain removal performance of a mixture of 4-HAP and 1,2-alkanediol against amylase-sensitive staining [Table 6]

[0558] As can be seen from Table 4, the addition of 4-HAP to enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions results in an increase in SRI from 124.65 to 134.99. Surprisingly, the use of 4-HAP in combination with 1,2-alkanediols yields even higher SRIs (4-HAP + C5 = 139.10; 4-HAP + C7 = 142.55; 4-HAP + C10 = 143.11). The best performance is observed for mixtures of 4-HAP and 1,2-decanediol. All mixtures result in improved stain removal performance compared to the SRI of a single enzyme enhancer.

[0559] 2.5 Stain removal performance of 1,2-heptanediol for amylase-sensitive stains, depending on surfactant content. [Table 7]

[0560] As can be seen from Table 5, the addition of 1,2-heptanediol at a concentration of 1.0% by weight to the laundry detergent composition can compensate for the decrease in surfactant concentration. A test laundry detergent with one-fifth the surfactant content with added 1,2-heptanediol showed the same SRI as a laundry detergent with no decrease in surfactant content but without the enzyme enhancer. Therefore, the 1,2-alkanediol used according to the present invention is not only suitable for enhancing enzyme performance, but also for compensating for the decrease in surfactant content in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention.

[0561] 2.6 Removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols from lipase-sensitive stains [Table 8]

[0562] Surprisingly, the addition of 1,2-alkanediols to detergents and laundry compositions results in improved SRI for lipase-sensitive staining compared to detergents and laundry compositions without enzyme enhancers. As can be seen from Table 6, the more carbon chains in the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the SRI. Adding 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, or 1,2-decanediol to detergents or laundry formulations can significantly improve stain removal performance against lipase stains. The best enzyme-enhancing effect in terms of stain removal efficacy is shown to be that of 1,2-decanediol.

[0563] 2.7 Stain removal performance of 1,2-alkanediol mixtures against lipase-sensitive stains [Table 9]

[0564] As can be seen from Table 7, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediols surprisingly exhibits better stain removal performance compared to each of the single 1,2-alkanediols. In particular, 1,2-heptanediol combined with 1,2-pentanediol has a higher SRI than 1,2-heptanediol or 1,2-pentanediol alone. Furthermore, when 1,2-decanediol is used in combination with 1,2-pentanediol, the enzyme-enhancing effect is also improved compared to 1,2-decanediol or 1,2-pentanediol alone. Therefore, the use of 1,2-alkanediol mixtures in detergents and laundry compositions according to the present invention results in synergistic stain removal performance. 2.8 Stain removal performance of a mixture of 4-HAP and 1,2-alkanediol against lipase-sensitive staining [Table 10]

[0565] As can be seen from Table 8, the addition of 4-HAP itself to enzyme detergents and washing compositions does not have a stain removal effect against lipase-sensitive stains. However, the combined use of 4-HAP and 1,2-alkanediols results in an improved SRI, i.e., a synergistic stain removal effect, compared to the use of 1,2-alkanediols alone. Therefore, using a mixture of 4-HAP and a 1,2-alkanediol enzyme enhancer can significantly improve the stain removal effect against lipase stains.

[0566] 2.9 Stain removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols against protease-sensitive staining [Table 11]

[0567] Surprisingly, the addition of 1,2-alkanediols to detergents and laundry compositions results in improved SRI for protease staining compared to detergents and laundry compositions without enzyme enhancers. As can be seen from Table 9, the more carbon chains in the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the SRI. Adding 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, or 1,2-decanediol to detergents or laundry formulations can significantly improve the stain removal performance against protease staining. The best enzyme enhancement effect in terms of stain removal efficacy is shown to be that of 1,2-decanediol.

[0568] 2.10 Stain removal performance of 1,2-alkanediol mixtures against protease-sensitive staining [Table 12]

[0569] As can be seen from Table 10, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediols surprisingly exhibits better stain removal performance against protease staining compared to each of the single 1,2-alkanediols. Therefore, the use of the 1,2-alkanediol mixture in the detergents and laundry compositions according to the present invention results in improved stain removal performance.

[0570] 2.11 Removal performance of 1,2-alkanediols from mannanase-sensitive stains [Table 13]

[0571] Surprisingly, the addition of 1,2-alkanediols to detergents and laundry compositions results in improved SRI for mannanase staining compared to detergents and laundry compositions without enzyme enhancers. As can be seen from Table 11, the more carbon chains in the 1,2-alkanediol, the better the SRI. Adding 1,2-hexanediol or 1,2-heptanediol to detergents or laundry formulations can significantly improve stain removal performance against mannanase staining.

[0572] 2.12 Stain removal performance of a mixture of 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol against mannanase-sensitive staining [Table 14]

[0573] As can be seen from Table 12, the mixture of 1,2-alkanediols and 2,3-alkanediols surprisingly exhibits a higher SRI for mannanase-sensitive staining compared to each of the single 1,2-alkanediols. Therefore, the combined use of 1,2-alkanediols and 2,3-alkanediols according to the present invention results in synergistic stain removal performance.

[0574] 2.13 Stain removal performance of mixtures containing 1,2-alkanediols and 2,3-alkanediols against different enzyme-sensitive stains (as specified above) [Table 15]

[0575] As can be seen from Table 13, the combined use of 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in detergents and cleaning compositions results in a synergistic stain removal effect compared to the use of 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol individually.

[0576] 2.14 Stain removal performance of mixtures containing 1,2-alkanediols and 2,3-alkanediols against different enzyme-sensitive stains (as specified above) [Table 16]

[0577] As can be seen from Table 14, the combined use of 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol in detergents and cleaning compositions results in a synergistic stain removal effect compared to the use of 1,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol individually.

[0578] 2.15 Stain removal performance of a mixture of 1,2-alkanediol and ethylhexylglycerin against different enzyme-sensitive stains (as specified above) [Table 17]

[0579] As can be seen from Table 15, the combined use of 1,2-alkanediol and ethylhexylglycerin enhancers in detergents and cleaning compositions results in a synergistic stain removal effect compared to the use of 1,2-octanediol alone. Therefore, the mixture of the aforementioned enzyme enhancers in enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions significantly improves stain removal performance.

[0580] 2.16 Stain removal performance of a mixture of 1,2-alkanediol and troporone against different enzyme-sensitive stains (as specified above) [Table 18]

[0581] As can be seen from Table 16, the combined use of 1,2-alkanediol and tropolone enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions results in a synergistic stain removal effect compared to the use of 1,2-pentanediol alone. Only a low concentration of tropolone is required to improve the stain removal effect of 1,2-pentanediol. Therefore, the aforementioned mixture of enzyme enhancers in enzyme detergents and cleaning compositions is suitable for improving stain removal performance.

[0582] As can be seen from the results above, when the enhancers specified in this application are added to the enzyme detergent and cleaning composition, either alone or as a mixture of two enhancers, the stain removal performance is significantly improved. Therefore, the enzyme detergent and cleaning composition exhibits superior stain and stain removal and improved cleaning performance compared to detergent and cleaning composition without such enzyme enhancers, even at low addition rates of the enzyme enhancers or mixtures thereof.

[0583] Example 3: Analytical enzyme performance

[0584] The effects of different enzyme enhancers and their concentrations on enzyme performance will be evaluated using enzyme assays.

[0585] Enzyme assays are established, standardized experimental protocols for measuring the performance or concentration of enzymes in biochemical systems. Most enzyme assays are based on the detection of fluorescence, luminescence, or spectral photometric endpoint signals.

[0586] The enzyme enhancer according to the present invention and the enzymes specified herein are tested in a suitable buffer solution.

[0587] Three different enzymes, namely protease, amylase, and lipase, will be tested.

[0588] Enzyme compositions were prepared by varying the concentration of the enzyme enhancer. The amount of enzyme in the buffer system was kept constant.

[0589] The samples are analyzed for enzyme performance using appropriate enzyme assays. The results for each enzyme tested are collected.

[0590] In parallel, the same comparative tests will be conducted under the same conditions for the same enzyme or enzyme mixture, but without enzyme enhancers.

[0591] The comparative samples will be analyzed for enzyme performance under the same conditions as described for the previously mentioned samples. The results for each enzyme tested will be collected.

[0592] As can be seen from the results, the test enzyme combined with the enzyme enhancer exhibits improved enzyme performance compared to the corresponding enzyme without the enzyme enhancer. These results demonstrate that the enzyme enhancer of the present invention provides improved enzyme performance.

[0593] Example 4: Formulation Example

[0594] [Table 19]

[0595] [Table 20]

[0596] [Table 21]

[0597] [Table 22]

[0598] Table 23

[0599] Table 24

[0600] Table 25

[0601] Table 26

[0602] Table 27

[0603] Table 28

Claims

1. Detergents and cleaning compositions, (a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme preparation comprising at least one enzyme; (b) (b Ｉ ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b ＩＩ ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b ＩＩＩ ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b ＩＶ Ethylhexylglycerin; (b Ｖ ) Tropolone; and At least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; and (c) A detergent and cleaning composition comprising or containing more than 3% by weight of a surfactant based on the total weight of the composition.

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

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

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

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

5.

6. The at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants, and any mixture thereof; preferably - The anionic surfactant is C10-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; C10-C18 alkyl sulfates; - C10-C18 alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 1-3 moles of ethylene oxide; C10-C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates; - C8-C18 alkylcarboxylates ethoxylated with 1-10 moles of ethylene oxide; and selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; - The cationic surfactant is • Quaternary C8-C18 alkylethanolamines; • Quaternary C8-C18 alkylammonium compounds; C8-C18 alkylammonium methosulfates; and selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; - The nonionic surfactant is - C6-C18 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1-12 moles of ethylene oxide; ・Alkoxylated C6-C18 fatty alcohols, for example C6-C18 fatty alcohols ethoxylated with 1-25 moles of ethylene oxide, C6-C18 fatty alcohols propoxylated with 1-15 moles of propylene oxide, C6-C18 fatty alcohols butoxylated with 1-10 moles of butylene oxide, and their combinations; C6-C18 sophorolipids; C6-C18 rhamnolipids; C5-C18 alkyl polyglycosides; C6-C18 alkanolamides; C6-C18 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; and - The aforementioned amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactant, C10-C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide; C10-C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide; C10-C18 alkylamidopropyldimethylamine oxide; C10-C18 alkylbetaines; C10-C18 alkylamide betaines; C10-C18 sulfobetaine; Selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mixture is any mixture of the above-mentioned specific cationic, anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants.

7. Detergents and cleaning compositions according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising active substances and / or additives selected from the group consisting of solvents, builders, bleaches, stain removers, dispersants, anti-foaming agents, metal ion sequestering agents, chelating agents, anti-redeposition agents, anti-color transfer / color protection agents, dye scavengers, dyes, anti-graying agents, fluorescent whitening agents, ultraviolet light absorbers, thickeners or rheological modifiers, hydrotropes, solubility modifiers, pH adjusters, buffers, solvents, antistatic agents, anti-wrinkle agents, antimicrobial agents, odor removers / odor scavengers, ultraviolet light protection agents, fragrances, bactericides, disinfectants, water repellents, insect repellents, anti-pilling agents, scouring agents, antifungal agents, anti-allergic agents, and any mixtures thereof.

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

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

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

11. A detergent and cleaning product comprising a detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the detergent and cleaning composition or product is a heavy-duty detergent, a color care detergent, a light-duty detergent, a general-purpose detergent, a fabric softener, a fabric laundry fragrance, a fragrance lotion, laundry wipes, a stain remover (Press Potter, Vanish type), a degreasing cleaner, a washing machine cleaner, a home care product, a general-purpose cleaner, a hand dishwashing detergent, an automatic dishwashing detergent, a hard surface cleaner, a glass and mirror cleaner, a wet cleaning wipe, a kitchen cleaner, a cookware cleaner, Detergents and cleaning products, including oven cleaners, floor cleaners, wood floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, bathroom and shower cleaners, toilet cleaners, grout cleaners, disinfectants, drain cleaners, toilet rim block gels, air fresheners, furniture polishes, and car shampoos; medical cleaning products, all of the aforementioned products in liquid, solid, gel, stick, paste, spray, tablet, encapsulated, diluted or concentrated forms, and optionally in two-compartment or multi-compartment forms; and all of the aforementioned products for household, medical, institutional or industrial use.

12. A method for processing a stained and / or soiled substrate, - A step of treating the substrate with the detergent and cleaning composition described in any one of claims 1 to 9 or the product described in claim 11, A method comprising the step of rinsing the substrate in water to remove the composition or product.

13. (b Ｉ ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined in any one of claims 3 to 5, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b ＩＩ ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b ＩＩＩ ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b ＩＶ ) ethylhexyl glycerin; (b Ｖ ) Tropolone; and At least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixture thereof; Use for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions, and / or for improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions.

14. A method for enhancing the performance of enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions, and / or improving the cleaning performance of detergents and cleaning compositions, (i) A step of providing a detergent and cleaning composition containing an enzyme; (ii) (b Ｉ ) A mixture comprising at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as defined in any one of claims 3 to 5, or at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having carbon chains of 5 to 14 carbon atoms different from the first linear alkanediol; (b ＩＩ ) Glyceryl caprylate; (b ＩＩＩ ) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b ＩＶ Ethylhexylglycerin; (b Ｖ ) Tropolone; and A method comprising the step of adding an effective amount of at least one enzyme enhancer selected from the group consisting of any mixtures thereof.

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