Laundry compositions

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry composition comprising from 0.1 to 50 wt.% of one or more galactaric acid derivatives as structurally defined herein; to a method for the removal of soil involving the laundry composition; and to the use of a galactaric acid derivative in a laundry process to improve soil removal from fabrics.

Description

[0001] LAUNDRY COMPOSITIONS

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to the field of laundry compositions. The compositions are particularly useful for the laundering of clothes, for example in laundry compositions.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Consumer detergent products, particularly those relating to laundry purposes, need to address a range of cleaning challenges, along with optionally providing other benefits, for example fabric care. There are usually a number of different soil / stain types that need to be removed by a laundry composition, and such soils I stains might be present on a range of different fabrics. Furthermore, such laundry detergent products are required to work across a broad range of conditions (for example water hardness, temperature, washing machine type, etc.)

[0006] Such laundry detergent products may be in the form of a liquid, a powder, a bar, beads, pastille amongst other common formats.

[0007] Typical stains that need to be removed from fabrics can include “particulate”-type soils, comprising clay or iron-oxide based stains amongst others. Iron-oxide containing soils usually have a pronounced colour, with a red or yellow colouring often resulting due to the presence of iron oxide. Stains comprising such soils are therefore usually very visible and therefore are highly desired to be removed by consumers.

[0008] However, despite the prior art there remains an unmet need for improved removal of certain types of soil / stain. In particular “particulate”-type soils (typically comprising iron oxide compounds) can be a challenge as they are not easily removed by common laundry cleaning ingredients such as surfactants.

[0009] We have surprisingly found that the inclusion of galactaric acid derivatives in a typical laundry composition are a means to enhance particulate-soil removal. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In a first aspect of the invention a laundry composition is provided comprising from 0.1 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.2 to 15 wt.%, more preferably 0.25 to 10 wt.%, most preferably from 0.5 to 6 wt.% of one or more galactaric acid derivatives, wherein the galactaric acid derivatives comprise one or more: i. diacetal galactaric acid derivatives of the following structure:

[0011] wherein Ri and R2 are each individually linear or branched, preferably linear, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain of Ci to C13, preferably from C2 to C11, more preferably from C3 to Cg; wherein M is a monovalent cationic species, preferably hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, more preferably sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, most preferably sodium; ii. monoacetal galactaric acid derivatives of the following structures:

[0012] wherein R3 is a linear or branched, preferably linear, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain of Ci to C13, preferably from C2 to C11, more preferably from C3 to C9; wherein M is a monovalent cationic species, preferably hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, more preferably sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, most preferably sodium; iii. mixtures of i) and ii), wherein the wt.% ratio of i) to ii) is from 1 :99 to 99:1 , preferably from 2:98 to 98:2, more preferably from 3:97 to 97:3.

[0013] More preferably the galactaric acid derivatives comprise one or more: i. diacetal galactaric acid derivatives of the following structures

[0014] wherein Ri and R2 are each individually linear or branched, preferably linear, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain of Ci to C13, preferably from C2 to C11, more preferably from C3 to C9; wherein M is a monovalent cationic species, preferably hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, more preferably sodium; ii. monoacetal galactaric acid derivatives of the following structures: wherein R3 is a linear or branched, preferably linear, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain of Ci to C13, preferably from C2 to C11, more preferably from C3 to Cg; wherein M is a monovalent cationic species, preferably hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, more preferably sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, most preferably sodium; iii. mixtures of i) and ii), wherein the wt.% ratio of i) to ii) is from 1 :99 to 99:1 , preferably from 2:98 to 98:2, more preferably from 3:97 to 97:3.

[0015] Preferably if the galactaric acid derivative is a diacetal galactaric acid derivative, then the sum total number of carbon atoms in R1 and R2 is from 7 to 18.

[0016] Preferably the weight ratio of galactaric acid derivatives to total surfactant level in the composition is from 1:1 to 1 :50, more preferably from 1 :2 to 1 :40, most preferably 1:3 to 1:30.

[0017] Preferably the laundry composition comprises one or more surfactants selected from anionic, nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactants, wherein if present, then the anionic surfactant is present at a level of from 1 to 80 wt.%, preferably from 2 to 50 wt.%, more preferably from 3 to 30 wt.% and is preferably selected from linear alkyl benzenesulphonate, secondary alkane sulphonate, sodium laureth ether sulphate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium oleyl sulphate and sodium oleyl ether sulphate, methyl ester sulphonate, secondary alkyl sulphate (SALS), cardanol ether sulphate and a rhamnolipid; wherein if present, then the nonionic surfactant is present at a level of from 1 to 80 wt.%, preferably from 2 to 50 wt.%, more preferably from 3 to 30 wt.% and is preferably selected from an alcohol ethoxylate, an alcohol propoxylate, a methyl ester ethoxylate and an alkyl poly glycoside; wherein if present, then the amphoteric surfactant is present at a level of from 0.1 to 15 wt.%, preferably from 0.5 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 1 to 5 wt.% and is preferably selected from alkylbetaines and the alkyl sulphobetaines, more preferably carbobetaines and lauramine oxide.

[0018] Preferably the laundry composition additionally comprises an enzyme, preferably comprising from 0.05 to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 wt.% of an enzyme, wherein the enzyme is preferably selected from one or more of a protease, amylase, mannanase, cellulase, lipase, pectate lyase, laccase, phosphodiesterase and mixtures thereof. Preferably the laundry composition comprises a rheology modifier, preferably comprising from 0.1 to 10 wt.% of a rheology modifier, wherein the rheology modifier is preferably selected from polyacrylate polymers, hydrogenated castor oil derivatives, polycarboxylate polymers, polysaccharides, polymeric gums, and mixtures thereof.

[0019] Preferably the laundry composition comprises from 0.05 to 8 wt.%, preferably from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 to 2 wt.% of a sequestrant, preferably the sequestrant is selected from HEDP, DTPMP, EDTA, MGDA, GLDA or citric acid.

[0020] Preferably the laundry composition comprises one or more of: a) a soil release polymer, and / or b) an imine-based antiredeposition polymer, wherein a) the soil release polymer is preferably present at a level of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, wherein the soil release polymer is preferably selected from copolyesters of dicarboxylic acids and polydiols, more preferably a copolyester formed by condensation of terephthalic acid ester and 1 ,2-propanediol; and wherein b) the imine-based antiredeposition polymer is preferably present at a level of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, and wherein the imine-based antiredeposition polymer is preferably selected from ethoxylated polyethylene imine, propoxylated polyethylene imine, ethyoxylated polypropylene imine, propoxylated polypropylene imine and mixtures thereof, wherein the polymer preferably has a weight average molecular weight from about 300 to about 10000.

[0021] Preferably the laundry composition comprises a fragrance, preferably comprising from 0.001 and 2.0wt% of a fragrance, more preferably 0.01 and 1.5wt% and most preferably 0.1 and 1.0wt%. Preferably the fragrance comprises greater than 50wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 60wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 70wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 80wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 90% biodegradable materials and most preferably the fragrance consists of 100wt% biodegradable materials.

[0022] Preferably the laundry composition is in the form of a liquid, solid, powder, pastille, bead or paste.

[0023] In a second aspect of the invention a method is provided for the removal of soils from fabrics during a laundry process, the method comprising laundering fabrics with a composition comprising galacturonic acid derivatives as defined in the first aspect of the invention. In a third aspect of the invention the use of a laundry composition as described herein for improved soil removal in a laundry process is provided.

[0024] A method is provided according to the second aspect, or a use according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the soil removed is a particulate soil, preferably a red-coloured soil, more preferably a soil containing iron oxide.

[0025] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of.” In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Similarly, all percentages are weight / weight percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

[0027] Galactaric Acid Derivatives

[0028] Pectin is a common polysaccharide found in many plants in nature. Various sources of pectin are available, including apples, citrus peel, gooseberries, quince, pears and plums. The main component of pectin is galacturonic acid, which typically exists as polygalacturonic acid.

[0029] Polygalacturonic acid can be hydrolysed to galacturonic acid monomers using any known method, for example chemical hydrolysis using an appropriate acid or enzymatic hydrolysis, or a combination of the two (Food Chemistry 2006, 96, 3, 477-484).

[0030] Once the galacturonic acid is extracted it is then oxidised to galactaric acid using heterogeneous catalytic oxidation. Galacturonic acid can be oxidized into galactaric acid via mild and green catalytic oxidation using air or oxygen as the sole green oxidant (e.g. React. Chem. Eng., 2018, 3, 540-549 / GreenChem., 2018, 20, 2763-2774 / WO 2016 / 056907). The galactaric acid is then optionally esterified to form galactarate di-esters (e.g. methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, butyl, or higher esters).

[0031] The galactaric acid is then subsequently acetalized to provide the galactaric acid derivatives.

[0032] The acetalization is carried out by derivatizing with fatty aldehydes, ketones, or acetal derivatives thereof with the desired carbon chain length as required. This is typically done in the presence of a solvent and an acid catalyst (e.g. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2016, 4, 7, 3812-3819).

[0033] The acetal groups can attach at any pair of hydroxyl groups, leading to 5, 6 or 7 membered rings. It is also possible that mixtures of mono- and / or di-acetals of galactarate esters are possible. ion

[0034] The laundry composition is suitable for use in laundry, for example for use in laundering clothes in a washing machine or for laundering clothes by hand in a bowl, bucket or other receptacle.

[0035] The laundry composition may be in the form of a liquid, solid, powder, pastille, bead or paste. Preferably it is in the form of a liquid.

[0036] If the laundry composition is a liquid then it may be either aqueous or non-aqueous. Furthermore if it is non-aqueous it may preferably be in the form a single unit dose product.

[0037] Examples of liquid laundry detergents include heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents for use in the wash cycle of automatic washing machines, as well as liquid fine wash and liquid colour care detergents such as those suitable for washing delicate garments (e.g. those made of silk or wool) either by hand or in the wash cycle of automatic washing machines.

[0038] Anionic surfactants

[0039] Anionic Surfactant are described in Anionic Surfactants Organic Chemistry (Surfactant Science Series Volume 56) edited By H.W.Stache (Marcel Dekker 1996).

[0040] Preferably, the composition comprises from 1 to 80% wt. anionic surfactant based on the total weight of composition. Non-soap anionic surfactants for use in the invention are typically salts of organic sulphates and sulphonates having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkaryl sulfonates, alphaolefin sulfonates and mixtures thereof. The alkyl radicals preferably contain from 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulphates may contain from one to ten ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule, and preferably contain one to three ethylene oxide units per molecule. The counterion for anionic surfactants is generally an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium; or an ammoniacal counterion such as monoethanolamine, (MEA) diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA).

[0041] Mixtures of such counterions may also be employed.

[0042] The compositions according to the invention may include alkylbenzene sulfonates, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulphonated at the “para" position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbons. The linear alkyl chain typically has a chain length of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, with the predominant materials having a chain length of about C12. Each alkyl chain homologue consists of a mixture of all the possible sulphophenyl isomers except for the 1 -phenyl isomer. LAS is normally formulated into compositions in acid (i.e. HLAS) form and then at least partially neutralized in-situ.

[0043] Some alkyl sulphate surfactant (PAS) may be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulphates with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18.

[0044] Also commonly used in laundry liquid compositions are alkyl ether sulfates having a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 10 to 18, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon 30 atoms and containing an average of 1 to 3EO units per molecule. A preferred example is sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) in which the predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 3EO units per molecule.

[0045] The alkyl ether sulphate may be provided in a single raw material component or by way of a mixture of components.

[0046] Preferred anionic surfactants also include the C16 / 18 alkyl ether sulphates

[0047] Preferred anionic surfactants also include rhamnolipids. Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

[0048] Non-ionic surfactants

[0049] Preferably, the composition comprises from 1 to 80% wt. non-ionic surfactant based on the total weight of composition. Suitable non-ionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene compounds, i.e. the reaction product of alkylene oxides (such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or mixtures thereof) with starter molecules having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom which is reactive with the alkylene oxide. Such starter molecules include alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols. Where the starter molecule is an alcohol, the reaction product is known as an alcohol alkoxylate. The polyoxyalkylene compounds can have a variety of block and heteric (random) structures. For example, they can comprise a single block of alkylene oxide, or they can be diblock alkoxylates or triblock alkoxylates. Within the block structures, the blocks can be all ethylene oxide or all propylene oxide, or the blocks can contain a heteric mixture of alkylene oxides. Examples of such materials include Cs to C22 alkyl phenol ethoxylates with an average of from 5 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol; and aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates such as Cs to Cis primary or secondary linear or branched alcohol ethoxylates with an average of from 2 to 40 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0050] A preferred class of additional nonionic surfactant for use in the invention includes aliphatic Cs to Cis, more preferably C12 to C15 primary linear alcohol ethoxylates with an average of from 3 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0051] The alcohol ethoxylate may be provided in a single raw material component or by way of a mixture of components.

[0052] A further preferred non-ionic surfactant class are the C / is Alcohol ethoxylates.

[0053] A further preferred non-ionic surfactant class is the methyl ester ethoxylates, wherein the alkyl chain preferably comprises C to Cis aliphatic hydrocarbons, with an average of from 6 to 14 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, more preferably 8 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0054] A further class of non-ionic surfactants are the alkyl poly glycosides.

[0055] Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used. Preferably, the selection and amount of total surfactant is such that the composition is isotropic in nature.

[0056] Amphoteric surfactants

[0057] A composition of the invention may contain one or more amphoteric (such as zwitterionic surfactants), preferably wherein if present, the amphoteric surfactant is present at a level of from 0.1 to 15 wt.%, preferably from 0.5 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 1 to 5 wt.% and is preferably selected from alkyl betaines and the alkyl sulphobetaines (sultaines), more preferably carbobetaines and lauramine oxide.

[0058] Further specific amphoteric surfactants include alkyl amine oxides, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkylamphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, acyl taurates and acyl glutamates.

[0059] The amphoteric surfactant preferably comprises alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms preferably selected from C12, C14, C16, C18 and C18:1, the term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals.

[0060] Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

[0061] A composition of the invention may comprise an effective amount of one or more enzyme preferably selected from the group comprising, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, xylanases, xantanase, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, carrageenases, mannanases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, p-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, tannases, amylases, nucleases (such as deoxyribonuclease and / or ribonuclease), phosphodiesterases, or mixtures thereof.

[0062] Preferably the composition comprises from 0.05 to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 wt.% of an enzyme, wherein the enzyme is preferably selected from one or more of a protease, amylase, mannanase, cellulase, lipase, pectate lyase, laccase, phosphodiesterase and mixtures thereof. Examples of preferred enzymes are sold under the following trade names Purafect Prime®, Purafect®, Preferenz® (IFF), Savinase®, Progress® Uno, Pectawash®, Mannaway®, Lipex ®, Lipoclean ®, Whitzyme ® Stainzyme®, Stainzyme Plus®, Natalase ®, Mannaway ®, Amplify ® Xpect ®, Celluclean ® (Novozymes), Biotouch (AB Enzymes), Lavergy ® (BASF).

[0063] Rheology Modifier

[0064] Compositions of the invention preferably comprises from 0.1 to 10 wt.% of a rheology modifier

[0065] A composition of the invention may comprise one or more polymeric thickeners. Suitable polymeric thickeners for use in the invention include polymeric gums, polycarboxylate polymers, more preferably polyacrylate polymers, more preferably hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) copolymers. Exemplary HASE copolymers for use in the invention include linear or crosslinked copolymers that are prepared by the addition polymerization of a monomer mixture including at least one acidic vinyl monomer, such as (meth)acrylic acid (i.e. methacrylic acid and / or acrylic acid); and at least one associative monomer. The term “associative monomer” in the context of this invention denotes a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated section (for addition polymerization with the other monomers in the mixture) and a hydrophobic section. A preferred type of associative monomer includes a polyoxyalkylene section between the ethylenically unsaturated section and the hydrophobic section. Preferred HASE copolymers for use in the invention include linear or crosslinked copolymers that are prepared by the addition polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid with (i) at least one associative monomer selected from linear or branched C8-C40 alkyl (preferably linear C12-C22 alkyl) polyethoxylated (meth)acrylates; and (ii) at least one further monomer selected from C1-C4 alkyl (meth) acrylates, polyacidic vinyl monomers (such as maleic acid, maleic anhydride and / or salts thereof) and mixtures thereof. The polyethoxylated portion of the associative monomer (i) generally comprises about 5 to about 100, preferably about 10 to about 80, and more preferably about 12 to about 60 oxyethylene repeating units.

[0066] Compositions of the invention may have their rheology further modified by use of one or more external structurants which form a structuring network within the composition. Examples of such materials include hydrogenated castor oil, polysaccharides, microfibrous cellulose and citrus pulp fibre. The presence of an external structurant may provide shear thinning rheology and may also enable materials such as encapsulates and visual cues to be suspended stably in the liquid.

[0067] Mixtures of the above described materials may also be used. The claimed rheology modifier is preferably selected from polyacrylate polymers, polycarboxylate polymers, hydrogenated castor oil derivatives, polycarboxylate polymers, polysaccharides, microfibrous cellulose, polymeric gums, and mixtures thereof.

[0068] Compositions of the invention preferably comprise from 0.05 to 8 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 to 2 wt.% of a sequestrant.

[0069] Compositions of the invention may also optionally contain organic detergent builder or sequestrant material. Examples include the alkali metal, citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyacetyl carboxylates. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, and citric acid. Other examples are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type sequestering agents sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates.

[0070] Preferably the sequestrant is selected from HEDP, DTPMP, EDTA, MGDA, GLDA or citric acid.

[0071] Cleaning polymers

[0072] A multitude of cleaning polymers may be used in the laundry composition.

[0073] One suitable class of cleaning polymers for use in the invention are soil release polymers (SRP). Soil release polymers help to improve the detachment of soils from fabric by modifying the fabric surface during washing. The adsorption of a SRP over the fabric surface is promoted by an affinity between the chemical structure of the SRP and the target fibre.

[0074] SRPs for use in the invention may include a variety of charged (e.g. anionic) as well as noncharged monomer units and structures may be linear, branched or star-shaped. The SRP structure may also include capping groups to control molecular weight or to alter polymer properties such as surface activity. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the SRP may suitably range from about 1000 to about 20,000 and preferably ranges from about 1500 to about 10,000.

[0075] SRPs for use in the invention may suitably be selected from copolyesters of dicarboxylic acids (for example adipic acid, phthalic acid or terephthalic acid), diols (for example ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) and polydiols (for example polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol). The copolyester may also include monomeric units substituted with anionic groups, such as for example sulfonated isophthaloyl units. Examples of such materials include oligomeric esters produced by transesterification / oligomerization of poly(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether, dimethyl terephthalate (“DMT”), propylene glycol (“PG”) and poly(ethyleneglycol) (“PEG”); partly- and fully-anionic-end-capped oligomeric esters such as oligomers from ethylene glycol (“EG”), PG, DMT and Na-3,6-dioxa-8-hydroxyoctanesulfonate; nonionic-capped block polyester oligomeric compounds such as those produced from DMT, Me-capped PEG and EG and / or PG, or a combination of DMT, EG and / or PG, Me-capped PEG and Na-dimethyl-5-sulfoisophthalate, and copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate.

[0076] Other types of SRP for use in the invention include cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic polymers, C1-C4 alkylcelluloses and C4 hydroxyalkyl celluloses; polymers with poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobic segments such as graft copolymers of poly(vinyl ester), for example Ci-Ce vinyl esters (such as poly(vinyl acetate)) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones; poly(vinyl caprolactam) and related co-polymers with monomers such as vinyl pyrrolidone and / or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate; and polyester-polyamide polymers prepared by condensing adipic acid, caprolactam, and polyethylene glycol.

[0077] Preferred SRPs for use in the invention include copolyesters formed by condensation of terephthalic acid ester and diol, preferably 1 ,2 propanediol, and further comprising an end cap formed from repeat units of alkylene oxide capped with an alkyl group. Examples of such materials have a structure corresponding to general formula (I): in which R1and R2independently of one another are X-(OC2H4)n-(OC3H6)m ■ in which X is C1-4 alkyl and preferably methyl; n is a number from 12 to 120, preferably from 40 to 50; m is a number from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 7; and a is a number from 4 to 9. Because they are averages, m, n and a are not necessarily whole numbers for the polymer in bulk.

[0078] Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

[0079] The overall level of SRP, when included, is preferably at a level of from 0.01 to 5wt%, wherein the soil release polymer is preferably selected from copolyesters of dicarboxylic acids and polydiols, more preferably a copolyester formed by condensation of terephthalic acid ester and 1,2-propanediol.

[0080] A further class of cleaning polymers suitable for use in the invention includes anti-redeposition polymers. Anti-redeposition polymers stabilise the soil in the wash solution thus preventing redeposition of the soil.

[0081] Preferred anti-redeposition polymers include alkoxylated polyethyleneimines and alkoxylated oligoamines. Alkoxylated oligoamines are preferably selected from sulphated zwitterionic ethoxylated hexamethylenediamine, ethoxylated hexamethylene diamine, ethoxylated tetraethylene pentaamine, ((C2H5O)(C2H4O)n)(CH3)-N+-CxH2x-N+-(CH3)- bis((C2H5O)(C2H4O)n). The preferred degree of ethoxylation of from 15 to 25 EO groups per NH. Zwitterionic character may be achieved by alkylation, preferably methylation of the N groups.

[0082] The anti-redeposition polymer is preferably imine-based and is preferably present at a level of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, and wherein the imine-based antiredeposition polymer is preferably selected from ethoxylated polyethylene imine, propoxylated polyethylene imine, ethyoxylated polypropylene imine, propoxylated polypropylene imine and mixtures thereof, wherein the polymer preferably has a weight average molecular weight from about 300 to about 10000.

[0083] Polyethyleneimines are materials composed of ethylene or propylene imine units -CH2CH2NH- or -CH2CH2CH2NH- and, where branched, the hydrogen on the nitrogen may be replaced by another chain of imine units.

[0084] Preferred alkoxylated polyethyleneimines for use in the invention have a polyethyleneimine backbone of about 300 to about 10000 weight average molecular weight (Mw). The polyethyleneimine backbone may be linear or branched. It may be branched to the extent that it is a dendrimer. The alkoxylation may typically be ethoxylation or propoxylation, or a mixture of both. Where a nitrogen atom is alkoxylated, a preferred average degree of alkoxylation is from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25 alkoxy groups per modification. A preferred material is ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, with an average degree of ethoxylation being from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25 ethoxy groups per ethoxylated nitrogen atom in the polyethyleneimine backbone.

[0085] Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

[0086] As used herein the terms fragrance and perfume are used interchangeably.

[0087] Preferably the laundry composition comprises a fragrance, preferably wherein the fragrance is included between 0.001 and 2.0wt%, more preferably 0.01 and 1.5wt% and most preferably 0.1 and 1.0wt%. Preferably the fragrance comprises greater than 50wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 60wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 70wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 80wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 90% biodegradable materials and most preferably the fragrance consists of 100wt% biodegradable materials.

[0088] Preferably the fragrance comprises at least one note (compound) from: alpha-isomethyl ionone, benzyl salicylate; citronellol; coumarin; hexyl cinnamal; linalool; pentanoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester; octanal; benzyl acetate; 1,6-octadien-3-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, 3-acetate; cyclohexanol, 2-(1 ,1- dimethylethyl)-, 1-acetate; delta-damascone; beta-ionone; verdyl acetate; dodecanal; hexyl cinnamic aldehyde; cyclopentadecanolide; benzeneacetic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester; amyl salicylate; beta-caryophyllene; ethyl undecylenate; geranyl anthranilate; alpha-irone; betaphenyl ethyl benzoate; alpa-santalol; cedrol; cedryl acetate; cedry formate; cyclohexyl salicyate; gamma-dodecalactone; and, beta phenylethyl phenyl acetate.

[0089] A composition of the invention may contain optional ingredients to enhance performance and / or consumer acceptability. Examples of such ingredients include anti-foams, fluorescers, shading dyes, preservatives, anti-microbials (e.g. bactericides), foam boosting agents, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-oxidants, sunscreens, anticorrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids, dyes / colorants, pearlisers and / or opacifiers and microcapsules. Each of these ingredients will be present in an amount effective to accomplish its purpose. Generally, these optional ingredients are included individually at an amount of up to 5% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

[0090] If an anti-foam is included it is preferably a fatty acid soap. Suitable fatty acids in the context of this invention include aliphatic carboxylic acids of formula RCOOH, where R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl chain containing from 6 to 24, more preferably 10 to 22, most preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 double bond. Preferred examples of such materials include saturated C12-18 fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid or stearic acid; and fatty acid mixtures in which 50 to 100% (by weight based on the total weight of the mixture) consists of saturated C12-18 fatty acids. Such mixtures may typically be derived from natural fats and / or optionally hydrogenated natural oils (such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil or tallow).

[0091] Method of preparation

[0092] In one aspect of the present invention, the method of removal of soil from a fabric is herein described. The laundry composition is added to a wash liquor, for example via the dispensing drawer of a washing machine, via a dosing ‘ball’ / ‘cap’ or simply by adding directly to the wash liquor. Fabrics to be laundered are also added to the wash liquor and the resulting combination of wash liquor and fabrics agitated. The wash liquor is subsequently drained and one or more rinsing steps undertaken, wherein clean water (i.e. water substantially free from a laundry composition) is then added to the fabrics. A final rinse step whereby a fabric conditioning composition is added to the rinse liquor may optionally be undertaken. After the final rinse the fabrics are drained of rinse liquor and drained in a conventional manner, for example by line drying or trying in a tumble dryer.

[0093] Use of the invention to improve soil removal from fabrics

[0094] In one aspect of the invention, fabrics are treated with a laundry composition. The treatment is preferably during a washing process. This may be hand washing or machine washing. Preferably the laundry composition is used in the washing stage of the laundry process to remove the soil from the fabric.

[0095] The invention will be further described with the following non-limiting examples. les

[0096] An experiment has been carried out to demonstrate the use of a galactaric acid derivative in a laundry detergent context. Analytical Methods

[0097] GC-MS analyses was performed on a Interscience Trace 1300 with AS3000 II auto sampler (He-carrier gas, flow 1.2 mL / min, split flow 50 mL / min; Restek GC column Rxi-5ms 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 pm; GC program: hold 2 min at 70 °C, ramp 10.0 °C / min, final temperature 300 °C) connected to an Interscience Trace ISQ 7000 (El, mass range 35-800 Dalton, 200 Ms sample speed). Sample preparation: before analysis the sample was silylated by dissolving the sample into pyridine, adding N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) and subsequently heating the sample to 70 °C for 15 min.

[0098] 1H-NMR (400.17 MHz) & 13C NMR (100.62 MHz) were recorded on a Bruker Avance III spectrometer and internally referenced to the residual solvent signal. NMR spectra were recorded at 298K.

[0099] The synthesis of several compounds was carried as follows:

[0100] Example 1: Synthesis of diethyl galactarate

[0101] Before use the reactor was first cleaned with boiling water followed by boiling ethanol to remove most traces of water. Then, before the reactor was cooled down, ethanol (7892.00 g, 171.291 mol), galactaric acid (420.00 g, 1.939 mol, 97%) and hydrogen chloride (11.6M) (84.587 g, 2.32 mol) were added. The temperature of the resulting suspension was around 40°C. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux, which was reached 50 min after the reagents were added into the reaction. After 22 hours the temperature of the heating mantle was lowered to 80°C. When the reflux ceased the reaction mixture was drained from the bottom into a Buchner filter on top of a suction flask. The residue from this filtration was dried in vacuo at 40 °C until a constant weight. Analyses showed that the obtained powder was pure galactaric acid (80.300 g, 0.382 mol).

[0102] The filtrate was drained into two 5 L bottles and set away into a cooling cell (5°C) for 4 days. Both bottles were filtrated separately and washed with 500 ml_ ethanol. The collected powder was combined and dried in vacuo at 40 °C until a constant weight was obtained: 373.7 grams. Analyses showed that the obtained white powder is pure diethyl galactarate (373.700 g, 1.404 mol) yield: 72.4%.

[0103] 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) 54.84 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 4.79 (dd, J = 6.1 , 2.6 Hz, 2H), 4.33 - 4.26 (m, 2H), 4.12 (qt, J = 7.1 , 3.7 Hz, 4H), 3.85 - 3.74 (m, 2H), 1.21 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 6H).

[0104] 13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO) 6 174.11, 71.70, 70.64, 60.57, 14.65.

[0105] Example 2: synthesis of GalX-octyl-di-acetals

[0106] Example 2.1: synthesis of diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetals

[0107] A 250mL round bottom flask was charged with 1,1 -diethoxy-octane (cas 54889-48-4, 99%) (21.279 g, 104.114 mmol, 2.800 eq); diethyl galactarate (10.000 g, 37.184 mmol, 1.000 eq); p- Toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.359 g, 1.859 mmol, 0.050 eq) and 100 ml toluene. The resulting suspension was heated to reflux for 22 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and the toluene solution was washed with 100 ml sodium bicarbonate, and 100 mL brine. The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 and the solvent was removed in vacuo resulting in 23.63 g of a brown sticky semi-solid.

[0108] GC-MS (El): m / z 485 [M-H]+. The GC-MS spectrum revealed 3 closely eluting peaks with an equal molecular ion, corresponding to the 3 different diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetals, and only a small peak corresponding to the diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetals. Example 2.2: saponification of diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetal diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetals (5.000 g, 7.870 mmol, 1.000 eq) was dissolved in a 1 :1 mixture of ethanol (12.5 mL) and water (12.5 ml_). The mixture was stirred to give an almost clear yellow solution. Next, NaOH (0.800 g, 19.601 mmol, 2.491 eq) was added, and the resulting mixture was heated to reflux (mantle temperature 90 °C). After 2h at reflux, a lighter yellow clear solution formed, together with a dark-red organic layer, and heating was stopped. The solution was cooled to room temperature, and the ethanol was removed using a rotary evaporator. The resulting mixture was added dropwise into a vigorously stirred beaker containing 200 mL acetone. Slight yellow solid particles formed during addition. Stirring was stopped after 30 min, and the solid powder was collected by filtration over a type-3 paper filter, and dried in a vacuum oven, at 40 °C, until constant weight. The final product, diNa-GalX-octyl-di-acetal (4.11 g), was obtained as an off-white powder. The outcome of this reaction was confirmed using the ethyl signals in the1H-NMR. Example 3: synthesis of GalX-octyl-mono-acetal

[0109] Example 3.1: synthesis and separation of diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal

[0110] 1,1 -diethoxy-octane (cas 54889-48-4, 99%) (13.122 g, 0.049 mol, 1.500 eq), diethyl galactarate (8.900 g, 0.032 mol, 1.000 eq,) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.313 g, 0.002 mol, 0.050 eq) were dissolved in toluene (58.1 mL) in a 250 mL round bottom flask and heated to reflux for 24 hours. The resulting dark red clear solution was cooled to room temperature and triethyl amine (0.225 mL, 0.002 mol, 0.050 eq) was added for neutralization. The toluene was removed on the rotary evaporator, yielding a red oil that solidifies upon cooling.

[0111] The resulting solid mass was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with water (2 x

[0112] 100 mL and brine (1 x 50 mL). The red organic layer was dried over MgSC>4 and filtrated. The solvent was removed from the filtrate in vacuo, yielding a red liquid that crystalized into a brown solid mass (16.27g) over night. The crude solid product was dissolved in a minimal amount of chloroform, and silica gel was added until the sample was dry. The chloroform was removed under reduced pressure at a rotary evaporator, to give the silica-coated product as a dry powder. The silica-coated sample was place in a solid loader.

[0113] Purification was performed on a Buchi Reveleris, using hexane / EtOAc as the eluent (0-40% EtOAc). Purification was performed over a 120g silica gel column, using the solid loader. Samples were fractionated according to the ELSD detector, and checked afterwards by TLC (Heptane: EtOAc = 6:4); stained with permanganate.

[0114] The resulting diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetal fractions were combined into a yellow I orange solid (9.85g yield 59%). The resulting diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal fractions were combined into a slight yellow oil (2.92g yield 23%), which crystalized over 2 days at RT.

[0115] The GC-MS spectrum of the diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetal fraction revealed closely eluting peaks with an equal molecular ion, corresponding to the different diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetals, and no peak corresponding to the diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetals. GC-MS (El): m / z 485 [M-H]+.

[0116] The GC-MS spectrum of the diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal fraction revealed closely eluting peaks with an equal molecular ion, corresponding to the different diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetals, and no peak corresponding to the diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetals. GC-MS (El): m / z 505 [M-CH3]+.

[0117] Example 3.2: saponification of diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal DiEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal (2.920 g, 0.008 mol, 1.000 eq) was dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of ethanol (10 mL) and water (10 mL) in a 250 mL round bottom flask. The mixture was stirred to give an almost clear colorless solution. Next, NaOH (0.614 g, 0.015 mol, 2.000 eq) was added, and the resulting mixture was heated to reflux (mantle temperature 90 °C). After 2h, the solution cooled to room temperature, and the ethanol was removed using a rotary evaporator. The resulting mixture was added dropwise into a vigorously stirred beaker containing 100 mL acetone. White solids formed during addition. Stirring was stopped after 30 min, the acetone was decanted, and 100 mL fresh acetone was added. After stirring for 30 min, the resulting white solid powder was collected by filtration over a type-3 glass filter, and dried in a vacuum oven, at 40 °C, until constant weight. The final product, GalX-octyl-mono-acetal (1.94 g yield 71 %) was obtained as a white powder.

[0118] Example 4: synthesis of GalX-octyl-mono-acetal

[0119] Example 4.1: synthesis and purification of diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal

[0120]

[0121] 1,1 -diethoxy-octane (cas 54889-48-4, 99%) (32.162 g, 0.159 mol, 2.400 eq) and p- toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (76.7 mg, 0.397 mmol, 0.006 eq) were dissolved in toluene (359.9 mL) in a 1000ml round bottom flask. Subsequently diethyl galactarate (19.815 g, 0.066 mol, 1.000 eq) was added to the reaction solution. The reaction was heated to 130°C and was stirred at reflux for 2h. The reaction mixture was then cooled down to room temperature and triethylamine (0.055 mL, 0.397 mmol, 0.006 eq) was added to neutralize the p-toluenesulfonic acid. The clear yellow solution was evaporated to dryness using a rotary evaporator giving a yellow oil (53.668g).

[0122] The resulting oil was dissolved in 100mL ethylacetate and was washed with brine (3x150mL). The organic phase was dried over MgSC and evaporated to dryness giving a yellow oil (38.66g). Purification was performed on a Buchi Reveleris, using hexane I EtOAc as the eluent (0-40% EtOAc). Purification was performed over a 120g silica gel column and the sample was directly used on the column. Samples were fractionated according to the ELSD detector, and checked afterwards by TLC (Heptane: EtOAc = 6:4); stained with permanganate.

[0123] The resulting diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal fractions were combined, resulting in 10.17g diEt- GalX-octyl-mono-acetal (yield 39%).

[0124] The GC-MS spectrum of the diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal fraction revealed closely eluting peaks with an equal molecular ion, corresponding to the different diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetals, and only a small peak corresponding to the diEt-GalX-octyl-di-acetals. GC-MS (El): m / z 505 [M- CH3]+.

[0125] Example 4.2: saponification of diEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal

[0126] DiEt-GalX-octyl-mono-acetal (9.805 g, 0.025 mol, 1.000 eq) was dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of ethanol (34 mL) and water (34 mL) in a 250mL round bottom flask. The mixture was stirred to give an almost clear slightly yellow solution. Next, NaOH (2.062 g, 0.051 mol, 2.000 eq) was added, and the resulting mixture was heated to reflux (mantle temperature 90 °C). After 2h, the solution cooled to room temperature, and the ethanol was removed using a rotary evaporator. The resulting mixture was added dropwise into a vigorously stirred beaker containing 300 mL acetone. White solids formed during addition. Stirring was stopped after 30 min, the acetone was decanted, and 300 mL fresh acetone was added. After stirring for 30 min, the resulting white solid powder was collected by filtration over a type-3 glass filter, and dried in a vacuum oven, at 40 °C, until constant weight. The final product, GalX-octyl-mono-acetal (8.54 g), was obtained as a white powder.

[0127] Example 5: synthesis of GalX-butyl / decyl

[0128] Example 5.1: synthesis of diEt-GalX-butyl / decyl-mono / di-acetal

[0129] Rx= N-non-1-yl or N-prop-1-yl

[0130] Ry= N-non-1-yl or N-prop-1-yl The bottle was charged with diethyl galactarate (25.000 g, 0.091 mol, 1.000 eq), decanal (33.1 mL, 0.171 mol, 1.875 eq) and butanal (16.0 mL, 0.171 mol, 1.875 eq), next under stirring MgSO4(12.059 g, 0.100 mol, 1.100 eq) and H2SO4(18M) (7.7 mL, 0.137 mol, 1.500 eq) were added. During addition of the sulfuric acid, the white very viscous white suspension turned brown immediately, and heat development was noticed. The resulting brown suspension quickly became less viscous within a few minutes. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 60 min, after which the mixture again became more viscous. To the resulting brown suspension, solid Na2CO3 (14.553 g, 0.137 mol, 1.500 eq) was added to neutralize the sulfuric acid catalyst, and the suspension was stirred for 15 min. The organic layer was diluted with 200 mL chloroform, and the organic phase was extracted with sat. NaHCCh followed by brine to remove salts. The pH after the brine extraction was neutral. Next, the organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered over a type-3 glass filter, and concentrated under vacuum on a rotary evaporator at 40°C. The product was obtained as 48.56 g of a light brown oil. The resulting product was analyzed by GC-MS, revealing the presence of a complex mixture of diacetals and monoacetals.

[0131] Example 5.2: saponification of diEt-GalX-butyl / decyl-mono / di-acetal

[0132] To the product of example 5.1 (48.560 g, theoretical maximum 0.091 mol, 1.000 eq), a 1:1 mixture of ethanol (60 mL) and water (60 ml_) was added in a 500 mL round bottom flask. The mixture was stirred to give an almost clear yellow mixture. Next, NaOH (7.433 g, 0.182 mol, 2.000 eq) was added, and the resulting mixture was heated to reflux (mantle temperature 90°C). After 2h at reflux, a lighter yellow clear solution formed, together with a dark-yellow organic layer, and heating was stopped. The solution cooled to room temperature, and the ethanol was removed using a rotary evaporator. The resulting mixture was added dropwise into a vigorously stirred beaker containing 600 mL acetone. Yellow oils formed during addition. Stirring was stopped, the acetone was decanted, and 400 mL fresh acetone was added. Solid yellow particles formed, and the procedure was repeated once more with 400 mL fresh acetone. The resulting yellow solid powder was collected by filtration over a type-3 glass filter, and dried in a vacuum oven, at 40 °C, until constant weight. The final product, GalX-butyl / decyl-mono / di-acetal (26.3 g), was obtained as a yellow powder. Example 6: synthesis of GalX-heptyl / octyl

[0133] Example 6.1: synthesis of diEt-GalX-heptyl / octyl-mono / di-acetal

[0134] RX= N-hex-1-yl or N-hept-1-yl

[0135] Ry= N-hex-1-yl or N-hept-1-yl

[0136] The bottle was charged with diethyl galactarate (30.000 g, 0.109 mol, 1.000 eq), heptanal (30.1 mL, 0.205 mol, 1.875 eq) and octanal (32.4 mL, 0.205 mol, 1.875 eq), next under stirring

[0137] MgSO4(14.471 g, 0.120 mol, 1.100 eq) and H2SO4(18M) (9.3 mL, 0.164 mol, 1.500 eq) were added. During addition of the sulfuric acid, the white very viscous white suspension turned brown immediately, and heat development was noticed. The resulting brown suspension quickly became less viscous within a few minutes. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 60 min, after which the mixture again became more viscous. To the resulting brown suspension, 100 mL chloroform and solid sodium Na2COs (17.464 g, 0.164 mol, 1.500 eq) was added to neutralize the sulfuric acid catalyst, and the suspension was stirred for 30 min. The organic layer was diluted with 50 mL chloroform, and the organic phase was extracted with sat. NaHCOs to remove salts, followed by extraction with brine. The pH after the brine extraction was neutral. Next, the organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered over a type-3 glass filter, and concentrated under vacuum on a rotary evaporator at 40°C. The product was obtained as a thin light orange oil (60.8g, maximum purity 85%). The resulting product was analyzed by GC-MS, revealing the presence of a complex mixture of diacetals and monoacetals.

[0138] Example 6.2: saponification of diEt-GalX-heptyl / octyl-mono / di-acetal

[0139] RX= N-hex-1-yl or N-hept-1-yl

[0140] Ry= N-hex-1-yl or N-hept-1-yl

[0141] To the product of example 6.1 (60.800 g, theoretical maximum 0.109 mol, 1.000 eq), a 1:1 mixture of ethanol (60 mL) and water (60 mL) was added in a 250 mL round bottom flask. The mixture was stirred to give an almost clear yellow mixture. Next, NaOH (8.700 g, 0.213 mol, 1.949 eq) was added, and the resulting mixture was heated to reflux (mantle temperature 90°C). After 2h at reflux, a lighter yellow clear solution formed, together with a dark-yellow organic layer, and heating was stopped. The solution cooled to room temperature, and the ethanol was removed using a rotary evaporator. The resulting mixture was extracted 2x with 100 mL diethylether to remove any side products and the organic phase was discarded. The (extracted) aqueous phase was slowly added dropwise into a vigorously stirred beaker containing 400 mL acetone. White solids formed during addition, but started to oil out. Stirring was stopped, the liquid was decanted, and 400 mL fresh acetone was added. The resulting white solid powder was collected by filtration over a type-3 glass filter, and the residual bright white powder was dried in a vacuum oven, at 40 °C, until constant weight. The final product, GalX-heptyl / octyl-mono / di- acetal (27.1 g), was obtained as a white powder.

[0142] Example 7: effect of galactaric acid derivatives on soil removal

[0143] An experiment has been carried out to demonstrate the use of a galactaric acid derivative in a laundry detergent context.

[0144] GalX-heptyl / octyl-di-acetal was synthesized according to example 5 using an equimolar amount of octanal instead of decanal and an equimolar amount of heptanal instead of butanal, GalX- butyl / decyl-di-acetal was synthesized according to example 5 and GalX-octyl-mono-acetal was synthesized according to example 4.

[0145] The compositions of table 1 were then produced using these materials:

[0146] Table 1 - example compositions produced:

[0147] A base level of a standard Laundry Liquid (200ppm or 0.2gpL) is used as the control. This control is a 4:3:3 surfactant mix of LAS / C12-15 SLES 3EO / C12-15 7EO nonionic. The test materials are added at 100ppm / 0.1gpl_ on top of the control formulation (i.e. to give a total ingredient loading of 300ppm or 0.3gpL). Thus a single variable test was carried to demonstrate the effect of the galactaric acid derivative materials.

[0148] Example 7.1 - bottle wash test

[0149] The control and example compositions 1 and 2 were then tested for Indian Red soil removal. Polyester fabric swatches were pre-stained with Indian Red soil and placed into 100ml bottles. The appropriate formulations were added to separate bottles, each containing a soiled polyester swatch. The bottles were then placed on a roller mixer at 60rpm for 45 minutes. Samples were then removed from the jars, squeezed manually to remove excess liquid and placed in 200ml deionised water for 1 minute, removed and squeezed manually again to removed excess water before being laid flat to dry overnight.

[0150] The intensity of staining was measured -optically using a X-Rite spectrometer, fitted with a 10mm aperture, readings were standardised using a piece of clean white Knitted Polyester (KPE) before reading the stain spots, according to a standard Stain Removal Index (SRI) measure. SRI measurements were calculated by reading each ‘spot’ before and after the cleaning process, the DE* reading from each was recorded. 4 spots were present on each cloth and 2 pots were measured for each study, therefore providing 8 measurements in each case. The SRI is equal to 100 minus the DE* reading on the X-rite for each measurement. Delta SRI was calculated from SRI post-wash minus the SRI pre-wash, therefore the greater the Delta SRI value the greater the amount of soil removed. These numbers were then averaged across all 8 data points and the standard deviation calculated to give the error bars. The results are shown in table 2.

[0151] Table 2 - cleaning results from stain removal test Example 8 - lintiest washing study

[0152] Mixed loads of fabrics (cotton and polyester) were prepared and Red Pottery Clay applied. The control and compositions 2 and 3 were used to wash the fabrics and the difference in stain removal index measured for the Red Pottery Clay. The following results were obtained:

[0153] Table 3 - cleaning results from stain removal test

[0154] The single variable test examples show the positive effect of the galactaric acid derivatives on soil removal.

[0155] Example 9 - exemplar laundry compositions

[0156] Table 4 - exemplar laundry liquid compositions

[0157] Example 10 - further exemplar laundry compositions

[0158] Table 5 - exemplar laundry powder compositions

Claims

Claims1. A laundry composition comprising from 0.1 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 0.2 to 15 wt.%, more preferably 0.25 to 10 wt.%, most preferably from 0.5 to 6 wt.% of one or more galactaric acid derivatives, wherein the galactaric acid derivatives comprise one or more of: diacetal galactaric acid derivatives of the following structureswherein Ri and R2 are each individually linear or branched, preferably linear, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain of Ci to C13, preferably from C2 to C11 , more preferably from C3 to Cg; wherein M is a monovalent cationic species, preferably hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, more preferably sodium; ii. monoacetal galactaric acid derivatives of the following structures:wherein R3 is a linear or branched, preferably linear, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain of Ci to C13, preferably from C2 to C11, more preferably from C3 to C9; wherein M is a monovalent cationic species, preferably hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, more preferably sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, most preferably sodium; iii. mixtures of i) and ii), wherein the wt.% ratio of i) to ii) is from 1 :99 to 99:1 , preferably from 2:98 to 98:2, more preferably from 3:97 to 97:3.

2. A laundry composition according to claim 1, wherein the galactaric acid derivatives comprise one or more of: i. diacetal galactaric acid derivatives of the following structureswherein Ri and R2 are each individually linear or branched, preferably linear, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain of Ci to C13, preferably from C2 to C11 , more preferably from C3 to C9; wherein M is a monovalent cationic species, preferably hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, more preferably sodium; ii. monoacetal galactaric acid derivatives of the following structures:wherein R3 is a linear or branched, preferably linear, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, alkyl chain of Ci to C13, preferably from C2 to C11, more preferably from C3 to C9; wherein M is a monovalent cationic species, preferably hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, more preferably sodium, potassium or ammonium cations, most preferably sodium; iii. mixtures of i) and ii), wherein the wt.% ratio of i) to ii) is from 1 :99 to 99:1 , preferably from 2:98 to 98:2, more preferably from 3:97 to 97:3.

3. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein if the galactaric acid derivative is a diacetal galactaric acid derivative, then the sum total number of carbon atoms in R1 and R2 is from 7 to 18.

4. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim wherein the weight ratio of galactaric acid derivatives to total surfactant level in the composition is from 1:2: to 1 :50, more preferably from 1 :2 to 1 :40, most preferably from 1 :3 to 1 :30.

5. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition comprises one or more surfactants selected from anionic, nonionic and / or amphoteric surfactants, wherein if present, then the anionic surfactant is present at a level of from 0.1 to 80 wt.%, preferably from 2 to 50 wt.%, more preferably from 3 to 30 wt.% and is preferably selected from linear alkyl benzenesulphonate, secondary alkane sulphonate, sodium laureth ether sulphate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium oleyl sulphate and sodium oleyl ether sulphate, methyl ester sulphonate, secondary alkyl sulphate (SALS), cardanol ether sulphate and a rhamnolipid; wherein if present, then the nonionic surfactant is present at a level of from 1 to 80 wt.%, preferably from 2 to 50 wt.%, more preferably from 3 to 30 wt.% and is preferably selected from an alcohol ethoxylate, an alcohol propoxylate, a methyl ester ethoxylate and an alkyl poly glycoside; wherein if present, then the amphoteric surfactant is present at a level of from 0.1 to 15 wt.%, preferably from 0.5 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 1 to 5 wt.% and is preferably selected from alkylbetaines and the alkyl sulphobetaines, more preferably carbobetaines and lauramine oxide.

6. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising an enzyme, preferably comprising from 0.05 to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 wt.% of an enzyme, wherein the enzyme is preferably selected from one or more of a protease, amylase, mannanase, cellulase, lipase, pectate lyase, laccase, phosphodiesterase and mixtures thereof.

7. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim comprising a rheology modifier, preferably comprising from 0.1 to 10 wt.% of a rheology modifier, wherein the rheology modifier is preferably selected from polyacrylate polymers, polycarboxylate polymers, hydrogenated castor oil derivatives, polysaccharides, microfibrous cellulose, polymeric gums, and mixtures thereof.

8. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim comprising from 0.05 to 8 wt.%, preferably from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 to 2 wt.% of a sequestrant, preferably the sequestrant is selected from HEDP, DTPMP, EDTA, MGDA, GLDA or citric acid.

9. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim comprising one or more of: a) a soil release polymer, and / or b) an imine-based antiredeposition polymer, wherein a) the soil release polymer is preferably present at a level of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, wherein the soil release polymer is preferably selected from copolyesters of dicarboxylic acids and polydiols, more preferably a copolyester formed by condensation of terephthalic acid ester and 1,2-propanediol; and wherein b) the imine-based antiredeposition polymer is preferably present at a level of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, and wherein the imine-based antiredeposition polymer is preferably selected from ethoxylated polyethylene imine, propoxylated polyethylene imine, ethyoxylated polypropylene imine, propoxylated polypropylene imine and mixtures thereof, wherein the polymer preferably has a weight average molecular weight from about 300 to about 10000.

10. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim comprising a fragrance, preferably comprising from 0.001 and 2.0wt% of a fragrance, more preferably 0.01 and 1.5wt% and most preferably 0.1 and 1.0wt%. Preferably the fragrance comprises greater than 50wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 60wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 70wt% biodegradable materials, more preferablygreater than 80wt% biodegradable materials, more preferably greater than 90% biodegradable materials and most preferably the fragrance consists of 100wt% biodegradable materials.

11. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim in the form of a liquid, solid, powder, pastille, bead or paste.

12. A method for the removal of soil from fabrics during a laundry process, wherein the composition of any one of claims 1 to 11 is used to launder fabrics.

13. Use of a galactaric acid derivative as defined in any of the claims 1 to 11 in a laundry process to improve soil removal from fabrics.

14. A method according to claim 12, or a use according to claim 13, wherein the soil removed is a particulate soil, preferably a red-coloured soil, more preferably a soil containing iron oxide.

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