Fragrance preparations

Abstract

The present invention provides an aromatic preparation that is excellent in long-lasting fragrance-releasing properties.　The aromatic preparation according to the present invention comprises a fragrance composition and a diffusing member. The fragrance composition comprises a fragrance, water and a water-soluble solvent. The diffusing member is immersed at least partially in the fragrance composition during the use of the aromatic preparation. The water-soluble solvent comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methoxy-1-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-butyl acetate, and the diffusing member comprises a resin material.

Description

air freshener

[0001] The present invention relates to a fragrance. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-192183, filed on November 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Aromatic agents equipped with a rod-shaped volatilizing member for volatilizing fragrance components and deodorizing components into space have been used. One of the main proposals is to impregnate a rod-shaped volatilizing member with a fragrance composition in which fragrance components and the like are dissolved in an organic solvent such as an isoparaffin-based solvent or a glycol ether-based solvent, and then volatilize the fragrance components and the like from the volatilizing member (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] JP 2018-11868 A JP 2018-53174 A

[0004] However, in the conventional air fresheners equipped with a rod-shaped volatilizing member as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is room for improvement in the durability of the fragrance of the fragrance, etc. The present invention provides an air freshener that has excellent durability of the fragrance.

[0005] The present invention has the following aspects. [1] An air freshener comprising: a fragrance composition containing a fragrance, water, and a water-soluble solvent; and a volatilizing member at least partially immersed in the fragrance composition; wherein the water-soluble solvent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methoxy-1-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-butyl acetate; and the volatilizing member comprises a resin material. [2] The air freshener described in [1], wherein the volatilizing member comprises a plurality of chemical fibers as the resin material. [3] The air freshener described in [2], wherein the chemical fibers comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester fibers, polyurethane fibers, acrylic fibers, melamine fibers, polyimide fibers, polyamide fibers, phenolic fibers, epoxy fibers, nylon fibers, vinylon fibers, polyacetal fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, vinyl chloride fibers, and acetate fibers. [4] The air freshener according to [3], in which a cured resin-based adhesive is fixed between a plurality of the chemical fibers. [5] The air freshener according to [4], in which the resin-based adhesive includes at least one selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resin and melamine. [6] The air freshener according to any one of [1] to [5], in which the volatilizing member has a rod-shaped molded body as the resin material. [7] The air freshener according to [6], in which the rod-shaped molded body has a plurality of streak-like projections protruding from the surface of the rod-shaped molded body and extending in the axial direction of the rod-shaped molded body; and streak-like fine grooves formed between the plurality of streak-like projections. [8] The air freshener according to any one of [1] to [7], in which the proportion of water in the fragrance composition is 10 to 50% by mass of the total amount of the fragrance composition. [9] The air freshener according to any one of [1] to [8], in which the proportion of the water-soluble solvent in the fragrance composition is greater than the proportion of water in the fragrance composition.

[0006] According to the present invention, an aromatic agent having excellent long-lasting fragrance is provided.

[0007] In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits. For example, "A to B%" means A% or more and B% or less.

[0008] The air freshener of the present invention comprises a fragrance composition containing a fragrance, water, and a water-soluble solvent, and a volatilizing member at least partially immersed in the fragrance composition. The water-soluble solvent contains at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methoxy-1-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-butyl acetate, and the volatilizing member comprises a resin material.

[0009] Aqueous fragrance compositions in which fragrances are solubilized in water using conventional surfactants have difficulty in increasing the fragrance content compared to conventional oil-based fragrance compositions in which fragrances are dissolved in isoparaffinic solvents without using surfactants. Therefore, they are unable to produce a strong fragrance. On the other hand, oil-based fragrance compositions do not produce a sufficient fragrance compared to aqueous fragrance compositions.

[0010] Under these circumstances, the inventors came up with the idea of ​​volatilizing a fragrance composition containing a fragrance, water, and a water-soluble solvent such as 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol using a volatilizing member having a resin material in order to improve the intensity of the fragrance. The inventors discovered that adopting such a technical means has the unexpected effect of improving not only the intensity of the fragrance but also the long-lasting fragrance of the aromatic agent, and thus completed the present invention.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the fragrance will be described in detail, but these descriptions are representative examples of embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these contents as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0012] (Fragrance Composition) The fragrance composition contains a fragrance, water, and a water-soluble solvent. The water-soluble solvent includes at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methoxy-1-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-butyl acetate. By volatilizing this fragrance composition from a volatilization member containing a resin material, it is possible to provide an air freshener that has excellent long-lasting fragrance release, such as that of a fragrance.

[0013] The water-soluble solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, the water-soluble solvent preferably contains 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, and it is more preferable to use 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol alone.

[0014] The fragrance may be a natural fragrance, a single fragrance isolated from a natural fragrance, a synthetic single fragrance, or a blend of these. Conventionally known oil-based fragrances can be used without any restrictions as the fragrance.

[0015] The flavoring agent is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include animal-derived flavoring agents, plant-derived flavoring agents, synthetic flavoring agents, and extracted flavoring agents. One type of flavoring agent may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0016] Examples of animal-based fragrances include, but are not limited to, musk, spirit cat's fragrance, and dragon's fragrance. Examples of plant-based fragrances include, but are not limited to, abies oil, accion oil, almond oil, angelica root oil, peper oil, bergamot oil, perch oil, bois basil oil, kajabuchi oil, gananga oil, capsicum oil, caraway oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, celery oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, cognac oil, coriander oil, cumin oil, camphor oil, dill oil, estgolan oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, garlic oil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, hop oil, lemon oil, lemongrass oil, nutmeg oil, mandarin oil, peppermint oil, orange oil, sage oil, star anise oil, and turpentine. The animal-derived flavorings and plant-derived flavorings may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0017] Artificial fragrances such as synthetic fragrances and extracted fragrances are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include hydrocarbon fragrances such as pinene and limonene; alcohol fragrances such as linalool, tetrahydrolinalool, geraniol, citronellol, 2-isobutyl-4-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol, menthol, borneol, benzyl alcohol, anise alcohol, and β-phenethyl alcohol; phenol fragrances such as anethole and eugenol; and alcohols such as 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal, n-butyraldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, hexylaldehyde, citral, citronellal, benzaldehyde, cinnamic aldehyde, and cumin aldehyde. Examples of suitable artificial fragrances include aldehyde-based fragrances; ketone-based fragrances such as 1-(2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethan-1-one, carvone, menthone, camphor, acetophenone, and ionone; lactone-based fragrances such as γ-butyl lactone, coumarin, and cineole; ester-based fragrances such as methyl dihydrojasmonate, 1,1-dimethyl-2-phenylethyl acetate, 2,2,2-trichloro-1-phenylethyl acetate, hexyl acetate, octyl acetate, benzyl acetate, styrallyl acetate, cinnamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, butyl propionate, and methyl benzoate; and benzopyran-based fragrances such as galaxolide. These artificial fragrances may be used singly or in combination.

[0018] Among these, limonene is preferred as a hydrocarbon fragrance. Preferred alcohol fragrances include linalool, tetrahydrolinalool, geraniol, citronellol, 2-isobutyl-4-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol, and β-phenethyl alcohol. Preferred aldehyde fragrances include 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal, citral, and citronellal. Preferred ketone fragrances include 1-(2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethan-1-one. Preferred ester fragrances include methyl dihydrojasmonate, 1,1-dimethyl-2-phenylethyl acetate, 2,2,2-trichloro-1-phenylethyl acetate, hexyl acetate, styrallyl acetate, cinnamyl acetate, and linalyl acetate. Galaxolide is a preferred benzopyran-based fragrance.

[0019] The proportion of the fragrance in the fragrance composition is preferably 1 to 20 mass%, more preferably 3 to 15 mass%, and even more preferably 5 to 10 mass%, of the total amount of the fragrance composition. When the proportion of the fragrance is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above-mentioned numerical range, the intensity of the scent of the fragrance is likely to be improved. When the proportion of the fragrance is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above-mentioned numerical range, a transparent and uniform fragrance composition is likely to be obtained.

[0020] The proportion of the water-soluble solvent in the fragrance composition is preferably 40 to 90% by mass, more preferably 50 to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 55 to 70% by mass, of the total amount of the fragrance composition. When the proportion of the water-soluble solvent is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above-mentioned numerical range, a transparent and uniform fragrance composition is likely to be obtained. When the proportion of the water-soluble solvent is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above-mentioned numerical range, it is thought that the durability of the good fragrance release is likely to be improved.

[0021] The proportion of water in the fragrance composition is preferably 10 to 50% by mass, more preferably 20 to 40% by mass, and even more preferably 25 to 35% by mass, of the total amount of the fragrance composition. When the proportion of water is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, the persistence of the pleasant fragrance tends to be improved. In addition, risks during storage are reduced. When the proportion of water is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, a transparent and uniform fragrance composition is likely to be obtained.

[0022] In the fragrance composition, the proportion of the water-soluble solvent is preferably greater than the proportion of water. When the proportion of the water-soluble solvent is greater than the proportion of water, a transparent and uniform fragrance composition is more likely to be obtained.

[0023] The fragrance composition may further contain other components in addition to the fragrance, water-soluble solvent, and water, as long as the effects of the invention are not impaired. Examples of other components include, but are not limited to, other solvents such as alcohols and glycol ethers, nonionic and anionic surfactants, insecticides, antibacterial agents, pest repellents, deodorizers, stabilizers, UV absorbers, antioxidants, pH adjusters, and colorants.

[0024] (Volatilization Member) When using the fragrance, the volatilization member is at least partially immersed in the fragrance composition. By immersing the fragrance composition in the volatilization member, the fragrance composition is drawn up into the volatilization member by capillary force. The drawn-up fragrance component is evaporated from the volatilization member.

[0025] The volatilizing member includes a resin material, which is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, polyester resin, acrylic resin, melamine resin, polyimide, polyamide, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, nylon, vinylon, polyacetal, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, acetate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, vinyl chloride, and vinylidene fluoride.

[0026] The resin material may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, the use of a polyester resin alone, an acrylic resin alone, a nylon alone, a polyethylene alone, a polypropylene alone, a polyacetal alone, a combination of a polyester resin and polyethylene, or a combination of a polyester resin and polypropylene is preferred, the use of a polyester resin alone, a polyacetal alone, or a combination of a polyester resin and polypropylene is more preferred, and the use of a polyester resin alone or a polyacetal alone is even more preferred.

[0027] The polyester resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate. One type of polyester resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0028] The form of the volatilization member is typically exemplified by volatilization member A having a plurality of chemical fibers as a resin material, and volatilization member B having a rod-shaped molded body as a resin material. The volatilization member A having chemical fibers and the volatilization member B having a rod-shaped molded body may be used alone or in combination.

[0029] The chemical fiber-containing volatilization member A typically contains a plurality of chemical fibers. Any conventionally known chemical fiber can be used as the chemical fiber without any restrictions. Examples of the chemical fiber include, but are not limited to, polyester fiber, polyurethane fiber, acrylic fiber, melamine fiber, polyimide fiber, polyamide fiber, phenol fiber, epoxy fiber, nylon fiber, vinylon fiber, polyacetal fiber, polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber, rayon fiber, vinyl chloride fiber, and acetate fiber. Details of the polyester resin are as described above.

[0030] The chemical fibers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, the use of polyester fibers alone, acrylic fibers alone, nylon fibers alone, polyethylene fibers alone, polypropylene fibers alone, a combination of polyester fibers and low-melting-point polyester fibers, or a combination of polyester fibers and rayon fibers is preferred, the use of polyester fibers alone, polyethylene fibers alone, polypropylene fibers alone, a combination of polyester fibers and low-melting-point polyester fibers, or a combination of polyester fibers and rayon fibers is more preferred, and the use of polyester fibers alone is even more preferred.

[0031] The cross-sectional shape of the chemical fiber is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the chemical fiber may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The cross-sectional shape of the chemical fiber may be appropriately changed depending on the evaporation rate of the fragrance composition. For example, by appropriately changing the cross-section of the chemical fiber, the capillary force when the fragrance composition is absorbed may be appropriately changed. The length, diameter, and cross-sectional area of ​​the chemical fiber are also not particularly limited. The length, diameter, and cross-sectional area of ​​the chemical fiber can be appropriately changed depending on the evaporation rate of the fragrance composition.

[0032] The chemical fiber-containing volatilizing member A can be obtained, for example, by processing a chemical fiber bundle, which is a bundle of multiple chemical fibers, into a rod shape. The processing method is not particularly limited, and various conventionally known techniques can be applied, including the following methods: Method A1: A method comprising immersing the chemical fiber bundle in a binder solution containing a resin-based adhesive, followed by heating and / or drying to partially bond the chemical fibers together. Method A2: A method comprising heating a chemical fiber bundle including at least core-sheath composite fibers a, which have a core with a higher melting point than the sheath and a sheath made of a thermoplastic resin with a lower melting point, to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin in the sheath, to partially bond the chemical fibers together.

[0033] In both methods A1 and A2, a plurality of voids can be formed in the axial and radial directions in the volatilization member A containing chemical fibers. The amount of volatilization of the fragrance composition due to capillary action can be controlled by the voids formed in the axial and radial directions. Each method will be described in detail below.

[0034] In Method A1, multiple chemical fibers can be bonded together by curing a resin-based adhesive through heating and / or drying. After impregnating the spaces between multiple fibers in a chemical fiber bundle with a binder solution, the resin-based adhesive cures to partially bond the multiple chemical fibers. The resulting volatilization member A1 containing chemical fibers is then cut to the desired length. The solvent in the binder solution used during immersion is removed during heating and drying. As a result, multiple voids are formed in the axial and radial directions.

[0035] In the volatilization member A1 obtained by method A1, a cured resin-based adhesive is fixed between a plurality of chemical fibers, so that the volatilization member A1 has a plurality of chemical fibers and a cured resin-based adhesive fixed between the plurality of chemical fibers.

[0036] The resin adhesive in the binder solution is not particularly limited, and various resin adhesives can be used. Although not particularly limited, for example, polyurethane resin and melamine are preferable, and polyurethane resin is more preferable.

[0037] The polyurethane resin is not particularly limited, but is typically obtained by reacting a polyol with a polyisocyanate. One type of polyurethane resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0038] The polyol is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include glycols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol; polyols such as trimethylolpropane, glycerin, and pentaerythritol; polyol compounds having ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units; high-molecular-weight diols such as polyether diols and polyester diols; bisphenols such as bisphenol A and bisphenol F; and dimer diols in which the carboxyl groups of dimer acids are converted to hydroxyl groups. One type of polyol may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0039] The polyisocyanate is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and alicyclic diisocyanates. The diisocyanate is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include tolylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, dimethyl diisocyanate, lysine diisocyanate, hydrogenated 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, hydrogenated tolylene diisocyanate, and adducts, biurets, and isocyanurates thereof. The polyisocyanate may be a trifunctional or higher polyisocyanate compound such as triphenylmethane triisocyanate or polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate. One type of polyisocyanate may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0040] In the composition of the binder solution in Method A1, the blending ratio of the resin of the resin-based adhesive and the solvent is not particularly limited. It may be set appropriately taking into consideration the amount of voids formed by solvent removal and the amount of volatilization of the fragrance composition due to capillary action. The ratio of the chemical fiber and the resin of the resin-based adhesive is not particularly limited. It may be set appropriately taking into consideration the amount of voids formed by solvent removal and the amount of volatilization of the fragrance composition due to capillary action. For example, the resin of the resin-based adhesive may be 1 to 30 parts by mass, 5 to 20 parts by mass, 8 to 15 parts by mass, etc. per 100 parts by mass of chemical fiber.

[0041] In method A2, a sheath-core composite fiber a having a core with a higher melting point than the sheath and a sheath made of a thermoplastic resin with a lower melting point is used as part of a chemical fiber bundle. The chemical fiber bundle uses a single-core chemical fiber b other than the sheath-core composite fiber a. When heated, the thermoplastic resin in the sheath of the sheath-core composite fiber a in the chemical fiber bundle functions as a binder, partially bonding the chemical fibers together. At this time, multiple voids are formed in the axial and radial directions. The volatilization member A2 containing chemical fibers is then obtained by cutting to the desired length.

[0042] The resin of the core of the sheath-core composite fiber a is not particularly limited, but typically includes polyester resin. The low-melting-point thermoplastic resin of the sheath of the sheath-core composite fiber a is not particularly limited, but examples include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and low-melting-point polyester resins. Of these, sheath-core composite fibers a1, which have a polyester resin in the core and a low-melting-point polyester resin in the sheath with a melting point lower than that of the core, are easily available. The single-core chemical fiber b is not particularly limited, but typically includes polyester fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polyolefin fibers. Of these, single-core polyester fiber b1 is easily available.

[0043] In the chemical fiber bundle in method A2, the blending ratio of the sheath-core conjugate fiber a and the single-core chemical fiber b is not particularly limited. It may be set appropriately taking into consideration the amount of volatilization of the fragrance composition due to capillary action. For example, when using a chemical fiber bundle containing the above-mentioned sheath-core conjugate fiber a1 and the single-core polyester fiber b1, the ratio of the sheath-core conjugate fiber a1 to the single-core polyester fiber b1 is not particularly limited, but may be 30 to 60 parts by mass, 35 to 55 parts by mass, 40 to 50 parts by mass, etc. of the sheath-core conjugate fiber a1 per 100 parts by mass of the single-core polyester fiber b1.

[0044] The volatilizing member A containing chemical fibers described above may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0045] The volatilization member B having a rod-shaped molded body is made by molding a resin material into a rod shape. The resin material of the volatilization member B is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyester resin, acrylic resin, melamine resin, polyimide, polyamide, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, nylon, vinylon, polyacetal, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, acetate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, vinyl chloride, and vinylidene fluoride. The volatilization member B having a rod-shaped molded body is obtained by molding a resin material into a rod shape using various molding methods such as extrusion molding and injection molding, and then cutting it to the desired length.

[0046] The cross-sectional shape of the volatilization member B having a rod-shaped molded body is not particularly limited as long as it is rod-shaped. Examples include a polygonal prism such as a cylindrical, triangular prism, quadrangular prism, or hexagonal prism. The cylindrical shape includes not only those whose bottom shape is a perfect circle or ellipse, but also those whose bottom shape is approximately circular overall even if there are small irregularities.

[0047] The cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the volatilization member are not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the volatilization member may be appropriately changed depending on the volatilization rate of the fragrance composition. For example, grooves may be formed on the surface to absorb the fragrance composition, or streak-like protrusions may be formed on the surface.

[0048] Forming a plurality of streak-like grooves on the surface of the rod-shaped molded body is important in controlling the amount of volatilization of the fragrance composition by capillary action. For example, a volatilization member B1 having a plurality of streak-like protrusions protruding from the surface of the rod-shaped molded body and extending in the axial direction of the rod-shaped molded body, and streak-like fine grooves formed between the plurality of streak-like protrusions, is useful in utilizing capillary action.

[0049] The volatilization member B having the rod-shaped molded body described above may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0050] When multiple volatilizing members are used, they may all have the same shape, or some may have different shapes. A single volatilizing member may be used, or multiple volatilizing members may be used. The number of volatilizing members used may be appropriately determined depending on the appearance, the shape of the volatilizing member, and the volatilization rate of the fragrance composition. Using multiple volatilizing members makes it easier for the fragrance composition to volatilize in terms of quantity.

[0051] The volatilizing member may contain materials other than chemical fibers as long as the effects of the invention are not impaired. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, ceramic fibers, natural fibers such as plants and pulp, and wood-based materials such as wood chips, rattan, bamboo, sora, and rayon fibers.

[0052] (Container) The air freshener may further include a container for storing the fragrance composition. When the air freshener is used, the volatilization member is at least partially immersed in the fragrance composition stored inside the container. The volatilization member is inserted into the container through an opening of the container, thereby being partially immersed in the fragrance composition. The fragrance and the like of the impregnated fragrance composition are volatilized from the portion of the volatilization member exposed to the outside of the container.

[0053] The shape of the container and its opening is not particularly limited. It can be set appropriately taking into consideration the appearance. The material of the container is also not particularly limited. The container may be made of plastic, glass, or ceramic. The container may be transparent, opaque, or translucent. The material of the container can also be set appropriately taking into consideration the appearance.

[0054] (Mechanism of Action) The air freshener according to one embodiment described above comprises a fragrance composition containing a fragrance, water, and a water-soluble solvent, and a volatilizing member at least partially immersed in the fragrance composition, the volatilizing member having a resin material. The water-soluble solvent includes at least one selected from the group consisting of 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methoxy-1-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-butyl acetate. The evaporation of this aqueous fragrance composition from the volatilizing member containing the resin material improves the intensity and preference of the fragrance, and also improves the persistence of the good fragrance release.

[0055] Although specific embodiments have been described above, each embodiment is presented as an example and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Each embodiment described in this specification can be modified in various ways within the scope of the effects of the invention and can be combined with features described in other embodiments within the scope of feasibility.

[0056] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0057] Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-3 Fragrance compositions of each example were prepared according to the formulations shown in Table 1. 50 mL of each fragrance composition was poured into the opening of a transparent glass container (volume 95 mL, inner diameter of opening 20 mm, inner diameter of bottom 45 mm, height 75 mm). Six rod-shaped volatilization members were then inserted into the opening of the container. The positions of the volatilization members were adjusted so that the volatilization members spread around the entire circumference of the container opening. The fragrance composition was then impregnated into each volatilization member. A volatilization member containing polyester fibers was used as the rod-shaped volatilization member. It was cylindrical, with a diameter of 2.5 mm and a length of 190 mm. The volatilization member was polyester fiber processed into a rod shape, and the polyester fibers were partially bound with a cured polyurethane resin, a resin-based adhesive.

[0058]

[0059] The meanings of the abbreviations and the raw materials used are as follows: Fragrance 1: Green fruity fragrance Fragrance 2: Floral fruity fragrance Fragrance 3: Citrus herb fragrance MMB: 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol Isoparaffin solvent: ISOPAR L (product of ExxonMobil Corporation) Glycol ether solvent: Dowanol DPnB (product of The Dow Chemical Company)

[0060] The main ingredients of fragrance 1 are: linalool, styrallyl acetate, geraniol, citral, and hexyl acetate. The main ingredients of fragrance 2 are: galaxolide, 1-(2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethan-1-one, 2-isobutyl-4-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol, β-phenethyl alcohol, methyl dihydrojasmonate, 1,1-dimethyl-2-phenylethyl acetate, tetrahydrolinalool, citronellol, 2,2,2-trichloro-1-phenylethyl acetate, and 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal. The main ingredients of fragrance 3 are: linalool, citral, limonene, geraniol, and linalyl acetate.

[0061] <Sensory test and evaluation method for fragrance> The fragrance preference and intensity of each example fragrance was evaluated by 13 panelists at the beginning, middle, and end of use. Here, the beginning of use is immediately after the fragrance composition starts to diffuse. The middle of use is when 30% of the fragrance composition in the container has decreased. The end of use is when 70% of the fragrance composition in the container has decreased. After each period, the fragrance was poured into a container with 16.8 ml of water. ３ The samples were placed in an enclosed space (2.7 m wide, 2.7 m deep, 2.3 m high) and the fragrance ingredients were allowed to volatilize within the space for one hour. Afterwards, 13 panelists evaluated the fragrance preference and intensity according to the following criteria, and the average scores were calculated. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0062] (Evaluation criteria for fragrance preference) 5: Like. 4: Somewhat like. 3: Neither like nor dislike. 2: Somewhat dislike. 1: Dislike.

[0063] (Evaluation criteria for fragrance strength) 5: Strong 4: Slightly strong 3: Just right 2: Slightly weak 1: Weak

[0064] (Selectivity of Fragrance Release) Regarding the persistence of fragrance release, panelists were asked to select the fragrance that released the best for each example of the air freshener during the mid-term of use (if there was no difference, they were asked to select "no difference"). The number of selections was divided by the total number of panelists to calculate the selectivity of fragrance release. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0065]

[0066] In Example 1, higher ratings were obtained in terms of fragrance intensity than in Comparative Example 1, in which the same fragrance was used, at all stages, including the initial, middle, and final stages. Furthermore, the selectivity for fragrance release was also overwhelmingly higher than in Comparative Example 1, at all stages, including the initial, middle, and final stages. In Example 2, higher ratings were obtained in terms of fragrance intensity than in Comparative Example 2, in which the same fragrance was used, at all stages, including the initial, middle, and final stages. Furthermore, the selectivity for fragrance release was also overwhelmingly higher than in Comparative Example 2, at all stages, including the initial, middle, and final stages. In Example 3, higher ratings were obtained in terms of fragrance preference and intensity than in Comparative Example 3, in which the same fragrance was used, at all stages, including the initial, middle, and final stages. Furthermore, the selectivity for fragrance release was also overwhelmingly higher than in Comparative Example 3, at all stages, including the initial, middle, and final stages.

[0067] From the above results, it was confirmed that an air freshener with excellent fragrance persistence could be provided. Furthermore, the air fresheners of all Examples were highly rated for fragrance preference and strength. Generally speaking, unpleasant scents tend to be "high in intensity but low in preference." Examples 1-3 can be said to be good air fresheners because they achieved high intensity while also being sufficiently likable.

[0068] <Measurement and Evaluation of Flash Point> The flash points of the fragrance compositions of Examples 1-3 were measured using a tag closed-type tester and a Cleveland open-type tester. As a result, no flash points were measured for the fragrance compositions of Examples 1-3 using either test method. This confirmed that there was no flash point. This result confirmed that the risk was low.

[0069] According to the present invention, an aromatic agent having excellent long-lasting fragrance is provided.

Claims

DEPCT681. Fragrance preparations consisting of: fragrance components comprising perfume, water, and water-soluble solvents, and volatile components at least partially immersed in the fragrance components, where at least one water-soluble solvent is included, chosen from a group consisting of 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methoxy-1-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-butanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-butyl acetate, and the volatile components contain resin materials.

2. Fragrance preparations 3. Fragrance preparations under Patent 1 where the volatile components contain more than one chemical fiber such as resin material.

4. Fragrance preparations under Patent 2 where the chemical fibers consist of at least one type selected from a group comprising polyester fibers, polyurethane fibers, acrylic fibers, melamine fibers, polyimide fibers, polyamide fibers, phenolic fibers, epoxy fibers, nylon fibers, vinylon fibers, polyacetal fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, vinyl chloride fibers, and acetate fibers.Fragrance preparations under claim 3 where the cured product of a resin-based adhesive is bonded between more than one chemical fiber.

5. Fragrance preparations under claim 4 where the resin-based adhesive consists of at least one type selected from a group of polyurethane resins and melamine.

6. Fragrance preparations under claim 1 where the volatile component has a rod-shaped resinous material.

7. Fragrance preparations under claim 6 where the rod-shaped material has more than one fibrous projection extending from the surface of the rod-shaped material and extending in the axial direction of the rod-shaped material, and fine fibrous grooves formed between more than one fibrous projection.

8. Any one of the fragrance preparations under claims 1 to 7 where the proportion of water in the fragrance composition is 10% to 50% by mass of the total volume of the fragrance composition. 9.Fragrance preparations under any one of the claims 1 through 7 in which the proportion of water-soluble solvent in the fragrance composition is higher than the proportion of water in the fragrance composition;