Biocidal composition comprising an alkoxylated amine and an organic solvent

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions comprising a specific alkoxylated amine (a) of the formula NR1R2R3, where R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the claims and the description and a specific organic solvent (b) as defined in the claims and the description, to a kit of parts comprising at least two parts, where the first part comprises at least one of said alkoxylated amines (a) and the second part comprises at least one of said said organic solvents (b); to a mixture consisting of said alkoxylated amine (a) and said organic solvent (b), to the use of said composition for combatting microbes, and to the use of said organic solvent (b) for improving the antimicrobial activity of said alkoxylated amine (a).

Description

[0001] Biocidal composition comprising an alkoxylated amine and an organic solvent

[0002] The present invention relates to compositions comprising a specific alkoxylated amine (a) and a specific organic solvent (b), both as defined below, to a kit of parts comprising at least two parts, where the first part comprises at least one of said alkoxylated amines and the second part comprises at least one of said said organic solvents; to a mixture consisting of said alkoxylated amine and said organic solvent, to the use of said composition for combatting microbes, and to the use of said organic solvent for improving the antimicrobial activity of said alkoxylated amine.

[0003] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0004] A number of products and materials is susceptible to microbial attack or degradation, which attack not only reduces the economic value of such products or materials, but may even pose a health hazard for the user. Microbial degradation in aqueous systems can become manifest in many forms, such as loss of viscosity, emulsion breaking, change of pH, color change, unpleasant odor, fouling, gas formation, slime formation, to name just a few and easily identifiable indicators. Some of these manifestation also occur in non-aqueous systems, e.g. fouling in fuels, heating oils, crude oils and the like. To avoid or suppress attack by microbials, antimicrobial agents, e.g. preservatives or biocides, are used in a vast range of application areas. Antimicrobial agents are either incorporated into susceptible products or materials to preserve them, or are used as such or in suitable formulations to treat infected products or materials. Examples for products, materials and formulations containing antimicrobial agents are homecare compositions and articles, compositions and articles for cleaning or disinfecting on an industrial scale, personal care compositions and articles, process water, water in fish or shrimp ponds, water in drinking troughs, metal working fluids; water based raw materials, polymer solutions, polymer dispersions, polymer emulsions, inorganic slurries, organic slurries, surfactant compositions; compositions for treating animal hide, leather, textiles, lumber, or paper or the precursor materials thereof during papermaking processes; crop protection compositions; pharmaceutical compositions; paints, glues, adhesives, sealants, dyes, pigments and dispersions thereof, inks and the like.

[0005] However, some established antimicrobial agents have been found to cause health risks. For instance, formaldehyde-releasing antimicrobials have lost acceptance because formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and as having reproductive toxicity. Halogenated organic antimicrobials, too, have lost ground because they exhibit a certain level of toxic effects, especially when combined with certain other ingredients usually present in the compositions which they are to preserve. Some isothiazolinones have sensitization potential and may thus be problematic for users who suffer from allergies.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for antimicrobial compositions which do not suffer from the above drawbacks.

[0007] US 2021 / 0171869 A1 relates to unit dose detergent packs comprising a detergent composition encapsulated in a pouch of a water-insoluble film, where the detergent comprises an alcohol ethoxy sulfate as surfactant, water and a tertiary amine having three arms comprising 1-25 moles of ethylene oxide functionality. The composition may also contain an organic solvent. The tertiary amines serve to control the rheology of unit dose detergent packs. An antimicrobial effect is not mentioned.

[0008] EP 3617297 relates to the use of a combinations of a polyalkoxylated amine, an alcohol polyalkoxylate and a polyalkoxylated polyalkylene imine to enhance the primary washing power of detergents when washing textiles against, in particular, surfactant- or enzyme-sensitive soiling. The composition may also contain an organic solvent. An antimicrobial effect is not mentioned.

[0009] Similarly, WO 2020 / 043460 relates to the use of monoamine-based alkoxylates to enhance the primary washing power of detergents when washing textiles. The composition may contain an organic solvent. An antimicrobial effect is not mentioned.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It was found that that certain alkoxylated amines as defined below, when combined with certain organic solvents, show antimicrobial activity. This is particularly surprising, since neither said alkoxylated amines nor said solvents, when used alone, show any noteworthy antimicrobial effect.

[0012] The invention relates thus to a composition comprising

[0013] (a) at least one alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) NR1R2R3(I) where

[0014] R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H; -CH2CH2O-Bm-An-H or - CH2CH2O-Em+n-H; where

[0015] A is -CH2CH2O-;

[0016] B is -CH(Ra)-CH2-O- or -CH2-CH(Ra)-O-;

[0017] E is randomly distributed A and B;

[0018] Rais Ci-Ce-alkyl; m is 0 to 30; and n is 0 to 15; and where the sum of m + n is 5 to 40; and

[0019] (b) at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of

[0020] (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1) (B- 1 ) where

[0021] R4is hydrogen or Ci-Cs-alkyl;

[0022] R5is Ci-Cs-alkyl; and

[0023] R6is Ci-Cs-alkyl or Ci-Cs-hydroxyalkyl;

[0024] (b.2) carboxylic esters of the formula (B-2) where

[0025] R6is Ci-Cs-alkyl or Ci-Cs-hydroxyalkyl; and

[0026] R7is Ci-Cw-alkyl;

[0027] (b.3) Cs-Cs-alkanols;

[0028] (b.4) Cs-Cs-alkanediols;

[0029] (b.5) Ci-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-Cs-alkanediols;

[0030] (b.6) diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol with up to 10 repeat units or a polypropylene glycol with up to 10 repeat units;

[0031] (b.7) Ci-Cs-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0032] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8) where R8is Ci-Cs-alkyl; (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9) where

[0033] R9and R10are independently Ci-C4-alkyl or form together an oxo group; and

[0034] R11is Ci-C4-alkyl or Ci-C4-hydroxyalkyl;

[0035] (b.10) mono-, di- or triesters of glycerol with Ci-C4-carboxylic acids;

[0036] (b.11) 5- or 6-membered saturated cyclic mono- or diethers, optionally substituted by a methyl group, optionally substituted by 1 or 2 methyl groups; and

[0037] (b-12) phenyl-C2-C6-alkanols.

[0038] The invention relates further to a kit of parts comprising at least two parts, where the first part comprises at least one of said alkoxylated amines and the second part comprises at least one of said organic solvents, where the first part does not comprise any of said organic solvents; and where the second part does not comprise any of said alkoxylated amines; where the first and second parts contain said at least one alkoxylated amine and said at least one organic solvent in such amounts that when the first and the second part are mixed, the resulting overall weight ratio of said alkoxylated amine and said organic solvent is from 25:1 to 1 :25, preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, even more preferably from 5:1 to 1 :5, in particular from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0039] The invention relates moreover to a mixture consisting of at least one of said alkoxylated amines and at least one of said organic solvents, where the alkoxylated amine and the organic solvent are present in an overall weight ratio of preferably from 25:1 to 1 :25, more preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, even more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, particularly preferably from 5:1 to 1 :5, in particular from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0040] The invention relates to the use of said composition for combatting microbes, to the use of said composition as antimicrobial agent and to the use of said organic solvent for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of said alkoxylated amine. The invention relates also to a method for enhancing the antimicrobial, in particular the preserving, activity of said alkoxylated amine comprising using the same in combination with said organic solvent.

[0041] The invention relates also to a method for combating microbes, comprising applying the composition or the mixture of the invention to a surface, space or material to be protected or rid from microbial attack or infestation.

[0042] In an embodiment, the uses and methods of the invention do not encompass the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of the human (or animal) body.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Definitions

[0045] An antimicrobial agent or short antimicrobial is an agent that combats or controls microbes. Unless specified otherwise, in terms of the present invention, the expressions “microbicide” and “biocide” are used as synonyms for antimicrobials.

[0046] Microbes in the terms of the present invention are undesired harmful microorganisms and comprise bacteria, fungi (including yeasts and molds), microscopic algae, protozoans, spores thereof and, despite the fact that they are generally not considered as living beings, also viruses and prions. "Harmful " means that the microorganism have an unwanted presence or a detrimental effect on humans, their activities or the products they use or produce, or on animals, materials, plants or the environment.

[0047] An antimicrobial effect encompasses a preservative as well as a biocidal effect. Preservative or preserving effect in terms of the present invention means that the material or product as such comprising an antimicrobial agent is protected against deterioration by microbial attack. As a consequence, the thusly protected material or product has for example a longer storage stability. Just by way of example, an antimicrobial is used in a laundry detergent composition as a preservative to keep the composition storage-stable by avoiding or reducing the proliferation or growth of microbes present therein and thus avoiding or reducing the deterioration of the properties of the composition, such as the formation of malodours, a change in viscosity or pH, a phase separation etc. Biocidal effect in terms of the present invention means that the composition comprising an antimicrobial agent exerts its antimicrobial effect on a product or material treated with and different from this composition. To stay with the example of a laundry detergent composition containing an antimicrobial, this composition exerts a biocidal effect in terms of the present invention if microorganisms on or in laundry treated therewith are killed or hampered in their proliferation or growth by the application of said composition. Another example of a biocidal application is a disinfectant or sanitizer composition which exerts its biocidal effect on materials or products treated therewith. The biocidal effect has to be fast, since microbes on or in the treated materials or products have to be eliminated or reduced within seconds or minutes, whereas the preservative effect is a long-term effect, since it has to prevail throughout the shelf-life of the product, which can be years. Many antimicrobials have both a preservative and a biocidal effect, the prevalence depending mainly on the concentration of the antimicrobial in the composition.

[0048] The organic moieties mentioned below are collective terms for individual listings of the individual group members. The prefix Cn-Cmindicates in each case the possible number of carbon atoms in the group.

[0049] The term "alkyl" is used in the proper sense and refers to saturated straight-chain (linear) or branched non-cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having the indicated number of carbon atoms. Ci-C4-Alkyl denotes thus an alkyl radical with 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and tert-bu- tyl. Ci-Cs-Alkyl denotes an alkyl radical with 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples are, in addition for those mentioned above for Ci-C4-alkyl, n-pentyl, 1 -methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, 1,1 -dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl and other structural isomers thereof. Ci-Ce-Alkyl denotes an alkyl radical with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples are, in addition for those mentioned above for Ci-Cs-alkyl, n- hexyl, 1 -methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1 , 1 -dimethylbutyl, 1 ,2-dimethylbutyl, 1 ,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-di- methylbutyl, 1 -ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1 , 1 ,2-trimethylpropyl, 1 ,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1- ethyl-1 -methylpropyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl and other structural isomers thereof. Ci- Cs-Alkyl denotes an alkyl radical with 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples are, in addition for those mentioned above for Ci-Ce-alkyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl and (other) structural isomers thereof. Ci-C -Alkyl denotes an alkyl radical with 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples are, in addition for those mentioned above for Ci-Cs-alkyl, n-nonyl, n- decyl, 2-propylheptyl and (other) structural isomers thereof.

[0050] Ci-C4-Hydroxyalkyl denotes a linear or branched Ci-C4-alkyl radical, as defined above, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an OH group. Ci-Cs-Hydroxyalkyl denotes a linear or branched Ci-Cs-alkyl radical, as defined above, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an OH group. Examples are hydroxymethyl, 1 -hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxy- ethyl, 1-hydroxy-n-propyl, 2-hydroxy-n-propyl, 3-hydroxy-n-propyl, 1 -hydroxy- 1 -methylethyl, 2-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl, 1-hydroxy-n-butyl, 2-hydroxy-n-butyl, 3-hydroxy-n-bu- tyl, 4-hydroxy-n-butyl and the like. Oxo is a group =0. If for example in the definition of (B-9) R9and R10form together an oxo group, the compound (B-9) is in this case a 1 ,2-dioxolan-2-one substituted in the 4- position by R11.

[0051] In terms of the present invention, Ci-C4-carboxylic acids are compounds R-C(=O)OH, where R is H or Ci-Cs-alkyl. Examples are formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and isobutyric acid.

[0052] Examples for carboxamides of the formula (B-1) are N-methylacetamide, N,N-dime- thylacetamide, N-ethylacetamide, N,N-diethylacetamide, N-ethyl-N-methylacetamide, N-propylacetamide, N,N-dipropylacetamide, N-methyl-N-propylacetamide, N-ethyl-N- propylacetamide, N-isopropylacetamide, N,N-diisopropylacetamide, N-methyl-N-iso- propylacetamide, N-ethyl-N-isopropylacetamide, N-n-butylacetamide, N,N-di-n-butyla- cetamide, N-n-butyl-N-methylacetamide, N-n-butyl-N-ethylacetamide, N-n-butyl-N- propylacetamide, N-n-butyl-N-isopropylacetamide, N-methylpropanamide, N,N-dime- thylpropanamide, N-ethylpropanamide, N,N-diethylpropanamide, N-ethyl-N-methylpro- panamide, N-propylpropanamide, N,N-dipropylpropanamide, N-methyl-N-propylpro- panamide, N-ethyl-N-propylpropanamide, N-isopropylpropanamide, N,N-diiso- propylpropanamide, N-methyl-N-isopropylpropanamide, N-ethyl-N-isopropylpropana- mide, N-n-butylpropanamide, N,N-di-n-butylpropanamide, N-n-butyl-N-methylpropana- mide, N-n-butyl-N-ethylpropanamide, N-n-butyl-N-propylpropanamide, N-n-butyl-N-iso- propylpropanamide, N-methyllactamide (CH3CH(OH)C(O)N(H)CH3), N,N-dimethyllac- tamide, N-ethyllactamide, N,N-diethyllactamide, N-methyl-N-ethyllactamide, N-propyl- lactamide, N,N-dipropyllactamide, N-methyl-N-propyllactamide, N-ethyl-N-propyllac- tamide, N-isopropyllactamide, N,N-diisopropyllactamide, N-methyl-N-isopropyllactam- ide, N-ethyl-N-isopropyllactamide and the like.

[0053] Examples for carboxylic acid esters of the formula (B-2) are methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, n-hexyl acetate, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, isopropyl propionate, n- butyl propionate, n-hexyl propionate, 2-ethylhexyl propionate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, propyl lactate, isopropyl lactate, n-butyl lactate, n-hexyl lactate, 2-ethylhexyl lactate and the like.

[0054] Cs-Cs-Alkanols are compounds R-OH wherein R is a linear or branched Cs-Cs-alkyl group, as defined above. Examples are n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-buta- nol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, 1-octanol, 2-ethylhexa- nol and (other) structural isomers of the four last-mentioned 1-alkanols.

[0055] Cs-Cs-Alkanediols are compounds HO-A-OH, where A is linear or branched Cs-Cs-al- kanediyl (or Cs-Cs-alkylene), where the two OH groups are not geminally bound (i.e. are not bound to the same carbon atom). Examples are propylene glycol (1 ,2-propane- diol), 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,5-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol and the like.

[0056] Ci-Cs-Alkylmonoethers of C2-C8-alkanediols are compounds RO-A-OH, where A is 1 ,2- ethylene (-CH2CH2-) or is as defined for the Cs-Cs-alkanediols above, and R is Ci-Cs- alkyl. Examples are ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether (butyl glycol), ethylene glycol mono-sec-butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-isobutyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether, ethylene glycol monopentyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, ethylene glycol monoheptyl ether, ethylene glycol monooctyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-sec-butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-isobutyl ether, propylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether, propylene glycol monopentyl ether, propylene glycol monohexyl ether, propylene glycol monoheptyl ether, propylene glycol monooctyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol monomethyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol monoethyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol mono-n-propyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol monoisopropyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol mono-n-butyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol mono-sec-butyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol mono-isobutyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol mono-tert- butyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol monopentyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol monohexyl ether, 1 ,3- propanediol monoheptyl ether, 1 ,3-propanediol monooctyl ether and the like. In the alkylmonoethers of propyleneglycol, the alkyl group can be bound either to the oxygen atom in the 1- or to the oxygen atom in the 2-position. More frequently, however, it is bound to the to the oxygen atom in the 1 -position.

[0057] Polyethylene glycols with up to 10 repeat units are oligomers or polymers of the formula HO-A-[O-A]n-OH, where A is a 1 ,2-ethylene group (-CH2-CH2-), and n is from 2 to 9.

[0058] Polypropylene glycols with up to 10 repeat units are oligomers or polymers of the formula HO-A-[O-A]n-OH, where A is a 1 ,2-propylene group (-CH(CH3)-CH2- or -CH2- CH(CHs)-, and n is from 2 to 9.

[0059] Ci-Cs-Alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol are compounds RO-CH2CH2-O-CH2CH2- OH, where R is Ci-Cs-alkyl. Examples are diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether (also termed butyldiglycol), diethylene glycol mono-sec-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-isobutyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether, diethylene glycol monopentyl ether, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol monoheptyl ether, diethylene glycol monooctyl ether and structural isomers thereof.

[0060] Ci-Cs-Alkylmonoethers of dipropylene glycol are compounds RO-CH(Ra)CH(Rb)-O- CH(Rc)CH(Rd)-OH, where R is Ci-Cs-alkyl, one of Raand Rbis H and the other is methyl, and one of Rcand Rdis H and the other is methyl. Examples are dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n- propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-sec-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-isobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopentyl ether, dipropylene glycol monohexyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoheptyl ether, dipropylene glycol monooctyl ether and structural isomers thereof.

[0061] Examples for lactones of formula (B-8) are y-valerolacton (R8= methyl; also known as y-pentalactone), y-caprolactone (R8= ethyl; also known as y-hexalactone), y-heptalac- tone (R8= n-propyl), y-octalactone (R8= n-butyl) and y-nonalactone (R8= n-pentyl).

[0062] Examples of dioxolanes of the formula (B-9) are propylenecarbonate (4-methyl-1 ,3-di- oxolan-2-one; R9and R10form together an oxo group =0, R11= methyl), 4-ethyl-1 ,3-di- oxolan-2-one (R9and R10form together an oxo group =0, R11= ethyl), isopropy- lidenglycerol (R9, R10= methyl, R11= hydroxymethyl) and the like.

[0063] Examples of mono- di- or triesters of glycerol with Ci-C4-carboxylic acids are glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate and glycerol triacetate.

[0064] 5- or 6-membered saturated cyclic mono- or diethers are saturated heterocycles containing one or two oxygen atoms and 3, 4 or 5 carbon atoms as ring members. Examples are tetra hydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, 1 ,3-dioxane and 1 ,4-dioxane. As solvents (b.11), these rings may be substituted by a methyl group. Examples of such substituted rings are 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-methyltetrahydrofuran.

[0065] Phenyl-C2-C6-alkanols are alkanols with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, as defined in the following, carrying a phenyl group on one of the carbon atoms.

[0066] C2-Ce-Alkanols are compounds R-OH wherein R is a linear or branched C2-Ce-alkyl group, as defined above. Examples are ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol and structural isomers of the two last-mentioned 1 -alkanols.

[0067] Examples for phenyl-C2-Ce-alkanols are 2-phenylethan-1-ol, 1-phenyl-propan-1-ol, 1- phenyl-propan-2-ol, 3-phenyl-propan-1-ol, 1-pheny-butan-1-ol, 4-phenyl-butan-1-ol, 2- methyl-4-phenylbutan-2-ol and the like. Embodiments (E.x) of the invention

[0068] General and preferred embodiments E.x are summarized in the following, non-exhaus- tive list. Further preferred embodiments become apparent from the paragraphs following this list.

[0069] E.1 . A composition comprising

[0070] (a) an alkoxylated amine of the formula (I)

[0071] NR1R2R3(I) where

[0072] R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H; -CH2CH2O-Bm-An- H or -CH2CH2O-Em+n-H; where A is -CH2CH2O-;

[0073] B is -CH(Ra)-CH2-O- or -CH2-CH(Ra)-O-;

[0074] E is randomly distributed A and B;

[0075] Rais Ci-Ce-alkyl; m is 0 to 30; and n is 0 to 15; where the sum of m + n is 5 to 40; and

[0076] (b) an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1) (B- 1 ) where

[0077] R4is hydrogen or Ci-Cs-alkyl;

[0078] R5is Ci-Cs-alkyl; and

[0079] R6is Ci-Cs-alkyl or Ci-Cs-hydroxyalkyl;

[0080] (b.2) carboxylic esters of the formula (B-2) where R6is Ci-Cs-alkyl or Ci-Cs-hydroxyalkyl; and

[0081] R7is Ci-Cw-alkyl;

[0082] (b.3) Cs-Cs-alkanols;

[0083] (b.4) Cs-Cs-alkanediols;

[0084] (b.5) Ci-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-C8-alkanediols;

[0085] (b.6) diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol with up to

[0086] 10 repeat units or a polypropylene glycol with up to 10 repeat units;

[0087] (b.7) Ci-Cs-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0088] (b.8) lactones of formula (B8) where R8is Ci-Cs-alkyl;

[0089] (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9)

[0090] (B- 9) where

[0091] R9and R10are independently Ci-C4-alkyl or form together an oxo group; and

[0092] R11is Ci-C4-alkyl or Ci-C4-hydroxyalkyl;

[0093] (b.10) mono-, di- or triesters of glycerol with Ci-C4-carboxylic acids;

[0094] (b.11) 5- or 6-membered saturated cyclic mono- or diethers, optionally substituted by a methyl group, optionally substituted by 1 or 2 methyl groups;

[0095] (b.12) phenyl-C2-Ce-alkanols; and mixtures thereof.

[0096] E.2. The composition according to embodiment E.1, where one, two, three, four or all five of the following conditions (a), (b), (c), (d) and / or (f) apply:

[0097] (a) the composition is not a composition containing 1.0% by weight of 2-phe- noxyethanol, 0.5% by weight of PLF and 0.5% by weight of y-valerolactone in PEG 6000, relative to the total weight of the composition, where PEG 6000 is used as a 50% solution in water; or containing 1 .0% by weight of 2- phenoxyethanol, 0.75% by weight of PLF and 1.0% by weight of one of N,N-dimethyllactamide, butyldiglycol or butoxy-2-propanol, relative to the total weight of the composition; where PLF is a compound of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2and R3are -CFLCFLO-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, n is 5 and m is 14; and / or

[0098] (b) the composition is not a composition containing PLF and butyldiglycol; and / or

[0099] (c) the composition is not a composition containing PLF and isopropanol; and / or

[0100] (d) the composition is not a composition containing PLF and propylene glycol; and / or

[0101] (e) the composition is not a composition containing the reaction product of triethanolamine first alkoxylated with 10-12 mol of EO per mol of triethanolamine and then with 35 to 39 mol of PO per mol of triethanolamine; or of triethanolamine alkoxylated with 45 mol or 32 to 37 mol of PO per mol of triethanolamine; and propylene glycol in a molar ratio of 1 :1.4 to 1 :2.

[0102] E.3. The composition according to any of embodiments E.1 or E.2, where Rais methyl.

[0103] E.4. The composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, where m is 10 to 30 and n is 0 to 12.

[0104] E.5. The composition according to embodiment E.4, where m is 10 to 30 and n is 2 to 12.

[0105] E.6. The composition according to embodiment E.5, where m is 10 to 20 and n is 3 to 8.

[0106] E.7. The composition according to embodiment E.6, where m is 12 to 16 and n is 4 to 6.

[0107] E.8. The composition according to embodiment E.7, where m is 13 to 15 and n is 4 to 6; where specifically m is 14 and n is 5.

[0108] E.9. The composition according to embodiment E.5, where m is 12 to 16 and n is 2 to 3, where preferably m is 13 to 15 and n is 2 to 3.

[0109] E.10. The composition according to embodiment E.6, where m is 18 to 22 and n is 4 to 9; where preferably m is 18 to 22 and n is 4 to 6 or 7 to 8; where more preferably m is 19 to 21 and n is 4 to 6 or 7 to 8.

[0110] E.11. The composition according to embodiment E.5, where m is 25 to 29 and n is 8 to 12; where preferably m is 26 to 28 and n is 9 to 11 .

[0111] E.12. The composition according to embodiment E.4, where m is 10 to 25 and n is 0. E.13. The composition according to embodiment E.12, where m is 14 to 16 and n is 0. E.14. The composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, where R1, R2and R3are independently -CFLCFLO-An-Bm-H. E.15. The composition according to embodiment E.14, where R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 12 to 16, preferably 13 to 15; and n is 4 to 6.

[0112] E.16. The composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, where R6is Ci- Cs-hydroxyalkyl.

[0113] E.17. The composition according to any of embodiments E.1 to E.15, where R6is Ci- C4-alkyl or Ci-C4-hydroxyalkyl, preferably Ci-C2-alkyl or Ci-C2-hydroxyalkyl, specifically methyl (the carboxylic acid moiety being thus derived from acetic acid) or 1- hydroxyethyl (the carboxylic acid moiety being thus derived from lactic acid).

[0114] E.18. The composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0115] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0116] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0117] R6is 1 -hydroxyethyl;

[0118] (b.4) Cs-Cs-alkanediols;

[0119] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols;

[0120] (b.6) diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0121] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0122] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0123] (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0124] (b.11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltet- rahydrofuran;

[0125] (b.12) phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols; and mixtures thereof; preferably from the above-defined (b.1), (b.5), (b.7), (b.8), (b.9), (b.11), (b.12) or mixtures thereof; more preferably from the above-defined (b.1), (b.5), (b.7) or (b.8) or mixtures thereof.

[0126] E.19. The composition according to embodiment E.18, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0127] (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0128] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0129] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0130] R6is 1 -hydroxyethyl;

[0131] (b.4) C4-Ce-alkanediols;

[0132] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols;

[0133] (b.6) diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0134] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular except for butyldiglycol;

[0135] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl; (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0136] (b.11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltet- rahydrofuran; and

[0137] (b.12) phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols.

[0138] E.20. The composition according to embodiment E.19, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0139] (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0140] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0141] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0142] R6is 1 -hydroxyethyl;

[0143] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of Cs-alkanediols;

[0144] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of dipropylene glycol;

[0145] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0146] (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0147] (b.11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltet- rahydrofuran; and

[0148] (b.12) phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols.

[0149] E.21. The composition according to embodiment E.18, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0150] (b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl and R6is 1- hydroxyethyl;

[0151] (b.4) pentanediols;

[0152] (b.5) Cs-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols; in particular Cs-Cs-alkylmo- noethers of propylene glycol;

[0153] (b.6) dipropylene glycol;

[0154] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular except for butyldiglycol;

[0155] (b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl (y- valerolactone);

[0156] (b.9) the dioxolane of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is methyl (propylene carbonate);

[0157] (b.11) 2-methyltetrahydrofuran;

[0158] (b.12) phenyl-Cs-alkanols; and mixtures thereof.

[0159] E.22. The composition according to embodiment E.21 , where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0160] (b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl and R6is 1- hydroxyethyl; (b.5) 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2- butoxy-propan-1-ol or mixtures thereof; preferably 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol or 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol;

[0161] (b.6) dipropylene glycol;

[0162] (b.7) diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether or dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether;

[0163] (b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl (y- valerolactone);

[0164] (b.9) the dioxolane of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is methyl (propylene carbonate);

[0165] (b.11) 2-methyltetrahydrofuran;

[0166] (b.12) 3-phenyl-propan-1-ol; and mixtures thereof.

[0167] E.23. The composition according to embodiment E.22, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0168] (b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl and R6is 1- hydroxyethyl;

[0169] (b.5) 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2- butoxy-propan-1-ol or mixtures thereof; preferably 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol or 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol;

[0170] (b.7) dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether;

[0171] (b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl (y- valerolactone);

[0172] (b.9) the dioxolane of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is methyl (propylene carbonate);

[0173] (b.11) 2-methyltetrahydrofuran;

[0174] (b.12) 3-phenyl-propan-1-ol; and mixtures thereof.

[0175] E.24. The composition according to embodiment E.24, where the organic solvent is 1- butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-butoxy-propan-1-ol or a mixture thereof.

[0176] E.25. The composition according to embodiment E.25, where the organic solvent is 1- butoxy-propan-2-ol.

[0177] E.26. The composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 25:1 to 1 :25, preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20.

[0178] E.27. ,The composition according to embodiment E.26, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 10:1 to 1 :10.

[0179] E.28. The composition according to embodiment E.27, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :5. E.29. The composition according to embodiment E.28, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 3:1 to 1 :3.

[0180] E.30. The composition according to embodiment E.29, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0181] E.31. The composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, where

[0182] - in the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 12 to 16 and n is 4 to 6;

[0183] - the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactam- ide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2- ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol; and

[0184] - the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent are present in an overall weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :5, preferably from 3:1 to 1 :3, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0185] E.32. The composition according to embodiment E.31 , where in the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) m is 13 to 15 and n is 4 to 6.

[0186] E.33. The composition according to embodiment E.32, where in the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) m is 14 and n is 5.

[0187] E.34. The composition according to any of embodiments E.31 to E.33, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1- propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpro- pan-1-ol.

[0188] E.35. The composition according to embodiment E.34, where the organic solvent is 1- butoxy-propan-2-ol.

[0189] E.36. The composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, which is selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial concentrates, homecare compositions, compositions for cleaning or disinfecting on an industrial scale, personal care compositions, process water, water in fish or shrimp ponds, water in drinking troughs, metal working fluids; water based raw materials, polymer solutions, polymer dispersions, polymer emulsions, inorganic slurries, organic slurries, surfactant compositions; compositions for treating animal hide; compositions for treating leather; compositions for treating textiles during the manufacturing process thereof; compositions for treating lumber; compositions for treating paper or the precursor material during papermaking processes; crop protection compositions; pharmaceutical compositions; paints, glues, adhesives, sealants, dyes, pigments and dispersions thereof, inks, and wet wipes; where the composition is preferably a surfactant-containing composition, and is more preferably a washing, cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare or for l&l.

[0190] E.37. Kit of parts comprising at least two parts, where the first part comprises at least one alkoxylated amine as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.3 to E.15 and E.31 to E.33; the second part comprises at least one organic solvent as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.16 to E.25, E.31 , 34 and E.35; where the first part does not comprise any solvent as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.16 to E.25, E.31 , 34 and E.35; and where the second part does not comprise any alkoxylated amine as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.3 to E.15 and E.31 to E.33; where the first and second parts contain the at least one alkoxylated amine as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.3 to E.15 and E.31 to E.33 and the at least one solvent as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.16 to E.25, E.31 , 34 and E.35 in such amounts that when the first and the second part are mixed, the resulting overall weight ratio is as defined in any of embodiment E.26 to E.30.

[0191] E.38. Mixture consisting of at least one alkoxylated amine as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.3 to E.15 and E.31 to E.33 and at least one organic solvent as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.16 to E.25, E.31 , 34 and E.35.

[0192] E.39. The mixture according to embodiment E.38, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 25:1 to 1 :25.

[0193] E.40. The mixture according to embodiment E.39, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 20:1 to 1 :20.

[0194] E.41. The mixture according to embodiment E.40, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 10:1 to 1 :10.

[0195] E.42. The mixture according to embodiment E.41 , where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of 5:1 to 1 :5.

[0196] E.43. The mixture according to embodiment E.42, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of 3:1 to 1 :3.

[0197] E.44. The mixture according to embodiment E.44, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0198] E.45. The use of a composition as defined in any of embodiments E.1 to E.35, for combatting microbes; preferably for combatting microbes in a composition containing one or more surfactants, more preferably for combatting microbes in a washing, cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare or l&l.

[0199] E.46. The use according to embodiment E.45, as an antimicrobial agent. E.47. The use according to any of embodiments E.45 or E.46 as a preservative.

[0200] E.48. The use of a composition as defined in any of embodiments E.1 to E.35, as an antimicrobial agent.

[0201] E.49. The use according to embodiment E.48, in a composition containing one or more surfactants.

[0202] E.50. The use according to embodiment E.48 or E.49, in a washing, cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare or l&l.

[0203] E.51. The use according to any of embodiments E.48 to E.50, as a preservative.

[0204] E.52. The use of an organic solvent as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.16 to E.25, E.31 , 34 and E.35 for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of the alkoxylated amine as defined in any of embodiments E.1 , E.3 to E.15 and E.31 to E.33.

[0205] E.53. The use according to any of embodiment E.46 to E.52, where in the in the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm- H, m is 12 to 16, preferably m is 13 to 15; and n is 4 to 6; and the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0206] (b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl, and R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;

[0207] (b.4) pentane diols, in particular 1 ,2-pentane diol or neopentylglycol;

[0208] (b.5) C3-C4-alkylmonoethers of propylene glycol; in particular 1-butoxy-propan-2- ol or 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol;

[0209] (b.6) dipropylene glycol;

[0210] (b.7) Ci-C4-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether or dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether;

[0211] (b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl;

[0212] (b.9) propylene carbonate;

[0213] (b-11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltet- rahydrofuran; in particular 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; and

[0214] (b-12) phenylpropanol, in particular 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

[0215] E.54. The use according to embodiment E.53, where in the in the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, m is 13 to 15, specifically 14; and n is 4 to 6, specifically 5; and the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentane diol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, di- ethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y- valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpro- pan-1-ol.

[0216] E.55. The use according to any of embodiment E.45 to E.54, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent are used in an overall weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :5. E.56. The use according to embodiment E.55, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent are used in an overall weight ratio of from 3:1 to 1 :3.

[0217] E.57. The use according to embodiment E.56, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent are used in an overall weight ratio of from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0218] E.58. A method for combating microbes, comprising applying the composition or the mixture as defined in any of embodiments E.1 to E.44 to a surface, space or material to be protected or rid from microbes.

[0219] Unless specified otherwise, the below remarks to suitable and preferred alkoxylated amines (I), organic solvents, weight ratios in which these are used and compositions in which these are used apply both to the compositions of the inventions as well as to the mixture, uses and methods of the invention.

[0220] In a particular embodiment, the composition of the invention is not a composition containing 1.0% by weight of 2-phenoxyethanol, 0.5% by weight of PLF and 0.5% by weight of y-valerolactone in PEG 6000 (where PEG 6000 is used as a 50% solution in water), relative to the total weight of the composition; or containing 1.0% by weight of 2-phenoxyethanol, 0.75% by weight of PLF and 1.0% by weight of of one of N,N-dime- thyllactamide, butyldiglycol (diethylene glycol-mono-n-butyl ether) or butoxy-2-propanol (1-butoxy-2-propanol; propylene glycol-mono-n-butyl ether), relative to the total weight of the composition. PLF is Plurafac® LF 1430 (from BASF), which is in turn triethanolamine alkoxylated with 5 EG on average and 14 PO on average per OH group of triethanolamine; to be more precise a compound of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, n is 5 and m is 14.

[0221] In another particular embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the composition of the invention is not a composition containing PLF (as defined above) and butyldiglycol.

[0222] In another particular embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the composition of the invention is not a composition containing PLF (as defined above) and isopropanol.

[0223] In another particular embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the composition of the invention is not a composition containing PLF (as defined above) and propylene glycol.

[0224] In another particular embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the composition of the invention is not a composition containing the reaction product of triethanolamine first alkoxylated with 10-12 mol of EO per mol of triethanolamine and then with 35 to 39 mol of PO per mol of triethanolamine; or of triethanolamine alkoxylated with 45 mol or 32 to 37 mol of PO per mol of triethanolamine; and propylene glycol in a molar ratio of 1 :1.4 to 1 :2.

[0225] The alkoxylated amines (I) are known in the art and are either commercially available, e.g. Plurafac® LF 1430 from BASF, or can be prepared by standard methods of organic chemistry. To obtain for example compounds (I) in which Rais methyl, triethanolamine N(CH2CH2OH)3 is typically reacted with the necessary amounts of propylene oxide (PO) and / or ethylene oxide (EO). To obtain alkoxylated amines (I) in which R1, R2and R3are -CFkCtW-An-Bm-H or -CFkCtW-Bm-An-H and in which neither m nor n are 0, i.e. in which both A and B repeat units are present and arranged blockwise, triethanolamine is first reacted with EO and then with PO to afford compounds (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are -CFkCtW-An-Bm-H; or triethanolamine is first reacted with PO and then with EO to afford compounds (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are -CFkCtW-Bm-An-H. To obtain alkoxylated amines (I) in which R1, R2and R3are -CFkCtW-Em+n-H and in which neither m nor n are 0, i.e. compounds (I) with a random distribution of the A and B repeat units, triethanolamine is reacted with a mixture of EO and PO containing EO and PO in an amount corresponding to the desired m and n. To obtain compounds wherein n is 0, triethanolamine is reacted with the necessary amount of PO only. To obtain compounds wherein m is 0, triethanolamine is reacted with the necessary amount of EO only.

[0226] As becomes apparent from the above-described synthesis methods by which the alkoxylated amines (I) are typically prepared using EO and / or PO or another alkylene oxide for alkoxylation, m and n are generally average values, since the degrees of alkoxylation are in general statistical averages which, for a specific product, may be an integer or a fraction. Just by way of example, in an alkoxylated amine (I) in which in R1m is 14 and n is 5, some of the radicals R1, R2and / or R3may contain more than 14 B units or less than 14 B units and / or more than 5 A units or less than 5 A units, the average number m of repeat units B being however 14 and the average number n of repeat units A being 5.

[0227] Preferably, in units B Rais methyl, B thus being preferably derived from PO.

[0228] Preferably, m is 10 to 30 (on average) and n is 0 to 12 (on average). More preferably, m is 10 to 30 (on average) and n is 2 to 12 (on average). In a particular embodiment, m is 10 to 20 (on average) and n is 3 to 8 (on average), where more particularly m is 12 to 16 (on average) and n is 4 to 6 (on average), where specifically m is 13 to 15 (on average) and n is 4 to 6 (on average); and where very specifically m is 14 (on average) and n is 5 (on average). In another particular embodiment, m is 12 to 16 (on average) and n is 2 to 3 (on average), where specifically m is 13 to 15 (on average) and n is 2 to 3 (on average), and where very specifically m is 14 (on average) and n is 2.5 (on average).

[0229] In another particular embodiment, m is 18 to 22 (on average) and n is 4 to 6 (on average) or 7 to 8; (on average), where specifically m is 19 to 21 (on average) and n is 4 to 6 (on average) or 7 to 8 (on average), and where very specifically m is 20 (on average) and n is 5 (on average) or where very specifically m is 20 (on average) and n is 7.5 (on average).

[0230] In another particular embodiment, m is 25 to 29 (on average) and n is 8 to 12 (on average); where specifically m is 26 to 28 (on average) and n is 9 to 11 (on average), and where very specifically m is 27 (on average) and n is 10 (on average).

[0231] In another more preferred embodiment, m is 10 to 25 (on average) and n is 0. In particular, m is 14 to 16 (on average) and n is 0. Specifically, m is 15 (on average) and n is 0.

[0232] More preference is however given to m being 12 to 16 (on average) and n being 4 to 6 (on average). Specifically, m is 13 to 15 (on average) and n is 4 to 6 (on average); and very specifically m is 14 (on average) and n is 5 (on average).

[0233] Preferably, R1, R2and R3are independently -Ct^CtW-An-Bm-H. Preferably, n, m and Rain B have the above preferred meanings.

[0234] More preferably, R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 10 to 20 (on average) and n is 3 to 8 (on average). In particular, R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 13 to 15 (on average) and n is 4 to 6 (on average). Specifically, R1, R2and R3are -Ct^CtW-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 14 (on average) and n is 5 (on average).

[0235] In an alternative more preferred embodiment, R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 10 to 25 (on average) and n is 0. In an alternative particular embodiment, R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 14 to 16 (on average) and n is 0. In an alternative specific embodiment, R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 15 (on average) and n is 0.

[0236] In a preferred embodiment of solvents (B-1), R6is Ci-Cs-hydroxyalkyl, more preferably Ci-C4-hydroxyalkyl, even more preferably Ci-C2-hydroxyalkyl, specifically 1 -hydroxy- ethyl. In another preferred embodiment of solvents (B-1), R6is Ci-C4-alkyl or Ci-C4-hy- droxyalkyl, more preferably Ci-C2-alkyl or Ci-C2-hydroxyalkyl, specifically methyl or 2- hydroxyethyl. R4is preferably hydrogen or Ci-C4-alkyl, more preferably hydrogen or Ci-C2-alkyl, even more preferably Ci-C2-alkyl (i.e. methyl or ethyl), specifically methyl.

[0237] R5is preferably Ci-C4-alkyl, more preferably Ci-C2-alkyl (i.e. methyl or ethyl), specifically methyl.

[0238] Specifically, solvent (b.1) of formula (B-1) is N,N-dimethyllactamide.

[0239] In a preferred embodiment of solvents (B-2), R6is Ci-Cs-hydroxyalkyl, more preferably Ci-C4-hydroxyalkyl, even more preferably Ci-C2-hydroxyalkyl, specifically 1 -hydroxy- ethyl. In another preferred embodiment of solvents (B-2), R6is Ci-C4-alkyl or Ci-C4-hy- droxyalkyl, more preferably Ci-C2-alkyl or Ci-C2-hydroxyalkyl, specifically methyl or 2- hydroxyethyl.

[0240] R7is preferably C4-Cio-alkyl, more preferably Ce-C -alkyl, in particular Cs-alkyl, specifically 2-ethylhexyl.

[0241] Specifically, solvent (b.2) of formula (B-2) is 2-ethylhexyllactate.

[0242] The solvent (b.3) is preferably selected from C3-C4-alkanols, specifically from n-propa- nol and n-butanol.

[0243] Solvent (b.4) is preferably selected from C4-Ce-alkanediols, in particular from Cs-al- kanediols, specifically from 1 ,2-pentanediol and neopentylglycol (2,2-dimethylpropan- 1 ,3-diol).

[0244] Solvent (b.5) is preferably selected from Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols, more preferably C2-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols, in particular C3-C4-alkyl- monoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols, specifically from butoxypropanol (propyleneglycol mono-n-butyl ether), such as 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol or 2-butoxy-propan-1-ol or a mixture thereof; 1-butoxy-ethan-2-ol (butyl glycol; ethyleneglycol mono-n-butyl ether), or propoxypropanol (propyleneglycol mono-n-propyl ether), such as 1-propoxy-propan-2- ol or 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol or a mixture thereof. In the above examples, butoxy means n-butoxy and propoxy means n-propoxy. More specifically, solvent (b.5) is selected from 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol and 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol.

[0245] Solvent (b.6) is preferably selected from diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a number-average molecular weight of up to 200 or a polypropylene glycol (PPG) with a number-average molecular weight Mnof up to 200, more preferably from dipropylene glycol or a polyethylene glycol with a number-average molecular weight of up to 200, and is specifically dipropylene glycol. The number-average molecular weight is as determined by gel permeation chromatography using PEG standards. Dipropylene glycol can be used as one of the three isomers (2,2'-oxydi-1- propanol, 1,1'-oxydi-2-propanol (bis(2-hydroxypropyl) ether) or 2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-1- propanol) or as a mixture of 2 or 3 of the isomers. Generally, dipropylene glycol is used in form of a mixture of all three isomers.

[0246] Solvent (b.7) is preferably selected from Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, specifically from diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, diethylenegly- colmono-n-hexyl ether (hexyldiglycol) or dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether. In case of dipropylene glycol ethers, these can be based on single isomers of dipropylene glycol (see above) or on mixtures of 2 or 3 of these isomers. The ether group can be derived from either of the two hydroxyl groups. Generally, isomeric mixtures are used.

[0247] In solvents (b.8) of formula (B-8), R8is preferably linear Ci-C4-alkyl, specifically methyl.

[0248] Solvent (b.9) is preferably selected from propylene carbonate (4-methyl-1 ,3-dioxolan-2- one; R9and R10form together an oxo group; R11is methyl) or isopropylidenglycerol (2,2-dimethyl-4-(hydroxymethyl)-1 ,3-dioxolane; R9and R10are methyl; R11is hydroxymethyl). More preferably, solvent (b.9) is propylene carbonate.

[0249] Solvent (b.10) is preferably selected from glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate and glycerol triacetate and is specifically glycerol triacetate (triacetine).

[0250] Solvent (b.11) is preferably selected from 5-membered saturated cyclic monoethers, in particular from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, and is specifically 2-me- thyltetrahydrofuran.

[0251] Solvent (b.12) is preferably selected from phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols, more preferably from phenylpropanols, and is specifically 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

[0252] Among solvent groups (b.1) to (b.12), preference is given to groups (b.1), (b.4 to (b.9), (b.11) and (b.12).

[0253] In a specific embodiment, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 2-ethylhexyllactate, n-propanol, n-butanol, 1,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-butoxy-ethan-2-ol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, diethyleneglycolmono-n-hexyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, isopropylidenglycerol, triacetine, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof. More specifically, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dime- thyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, propoxy-propanol, in particular 1- propoxy-propan-2-ol or 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol or a mixture thereof; butoxy-propanol, in particular 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol or 2-butoxy-propan-1-ol or a mixture thereof; dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y- valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

[0254] Even more specifically, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N- dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy- propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

[0255] The organic solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0256] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0257] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0258] R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;

[0259] (b.4) Cs-Cs-alkanediols;

[0260] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols;

[0261] (b.6) diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0262] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0263] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0264] (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0265] (b.11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltetrahy- drofuran;

[0266] (b.12) phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols; and mixtures thereof.

[0267] In another preferred embodiment, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of

[0268] (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0269] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0270] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0271] R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;

[0272] (b.4) C4-Ce-alkanediols;

[0273] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols;

[0274] (b.6) diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0275] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular except for butyldiglycol; (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0276] (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0277] (b.11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltetrahy- drofuran; and

[0278] (b.12) phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols.

[0279] In yet another preferred embodiment, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of

[0280] (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0281] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0282] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0283] R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;

[0284] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of Cs-alkanediols;

[0285] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of dipropylene glycol;

[0286] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0287] (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0288] (b.11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltetrahy- drofuran; and

[0289] (b.12) phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols.

[0290] In yet another preferred embodiment, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of

[0291] (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0292] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0293] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0294] R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;

[0295] (b.4) Cs-Cs-alkanediols;

[0296] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols;

[0297] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0298] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl; and mixtures thereof.

[0299] In yet another preferred embodiment, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of

[0300] (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0301] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0302] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0303] R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;

[0304] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols; (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0305] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl; and mixtures thereof.

[0306] More preferably, the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0307] (b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl, and R6is 1- hydroxyethyl (i.e. N,N-dimethyllactamide);

[0308] (b.4) pentanediols, in particular 1 ,2-pentanediol or neopentylglycol;

[0309] (b.5) Cs-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols, preferably the C3-C4-alkylmo- noethers of propylene glycol; in particular 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-butoxy-propan- 1-ol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol or 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol; more particularly 1-butoxy- propan-2-ol or 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol;

[0310] (b.6) dipropylene glycol;

[0311] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular di- ethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether or dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether;

[0312] (b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl;

[0313] (b.9) propylene carbonate;

[0314] (b-11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltetrahy- drofuran; in particular 2-methyltetrahydrofuran;

[0315] (b-12) phenylpropanol, in particular 3-phenylpropan-1-ol; and mixtures thereof.

[0316] In an alternatively more preferred embodiment, the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0317] (b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl and R6is 1- hydroxyethyl (i.e. N,N-dimethyllactamide);

[0318] (b.5) Cs-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols, in particular 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol;

[0319] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular di- ethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether;

[0320] (b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl (i.e. y-valerolactone); and mixtures thereof.

[0321] Specifically, the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0322] (b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl and R6is 1- hydroxyethyl;

[0323] (b.5) 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-butoxy- propan-1-ol or mixtures thereof; preferably 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol or 1-butoxy- propan-2-ol;

[0324] (b.7) dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether;

[0325] (b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl (y-valerolactone); (b.9) the dioxolane of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is methyl (propylene carbonate);

[0326] (b.11) 2-methyltetrahydrofuran;

[0327] (b.12) 3-phenyl-propan-1-ol; and mixtures thereof.

[0328] In particular, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllac- tamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-propoxy-propan-1- ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-butoxy-propan-1-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycol- mono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof.

[0329] More particularly, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dime- thyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-pro- pan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3-phe- nylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof.

[0330] Even more particularly, the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N- dimethyllactamide, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetra- hydrofuran, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof.

[0331] In particular, in compounds (I) R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 13 to 15 (on average) and n is 4 to 6 (on average); and the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2- butoxy-propan-1-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydro- furan, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof. Specifically, in compounds (I) R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 14 (on average) and n is 5 (on average); and the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N, N-di- methyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy- propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3- phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof.

[0332] In another particular embodiment, in compounds (I) R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An- Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 14 to 16 (on average) and n is 0; and the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-butoxy-propan-1-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydro- furan, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof. Specifically, in compounds (I) R1, R2and R3are -Ct^CtW-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 15 (on average) and n is 0; and the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactam- ide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3-phenylpropan- 1-ol and mixtures thereof.

[0333] The alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of preferably from 25:1 to 1 :25, more preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, even more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, particularly preferably from 5:1 to 1 :5, in particular from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0334] In particular, in compounds (I) R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 13 to 15 (on average) and n is 4 to 6 (on average); the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethy- leneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof; and the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0335] In another particular embodiment, in compounds (I) R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An- Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 14 to 16 (on average) and n is 0; the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2- butoxy-propan-1-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydro- furan, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof; and the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0336] Specifically, in compounds (I) R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 14 (on average) and n is 5 (on average); the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1- propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono- n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof; and the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0337] In another specific embodiment, in compounds (I) R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm- H, where Rain B is methyl, m is 15 (on average) and n is 0; the organic solvent selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethy- leneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and mixtures thereof; and the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0338] Apart from components (a) and (b), the composition may moreover comprise an organic solvent different from component (b) (specific reference being here made of ethanol) and / or water.

[0339] The optimum relative and absolute amounts of components (a) and (b), the presence and amounts of the optionally present further solvents (different from (b)) and water depend on the nature of the composition.

[0340] Although not necessary, the composition of the invention may moreover comprise a “classical” antimicrobial agent, such as one or more of 4,4’-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (further names: 5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenoxy) phenol, Diclosan, DCPP), Tino- san® HP 100 (30wt.% of DCPP in in 1 ,2-propylene glycol); 2-phenoxyethanol (further names: phenoxyethanol, methylphenylglycol, phenoxetol, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, 2-(phenoxy) ethanol, 2-phenoxy-1-ethanol); 2- bromo-2-nitropropane-1 ,3-diol (further names: 2-bromo-2-nitro-1 ,3-propanediol, Brono- pol); glutaraldehyde (further names: 1-5-pentandial, pentane-1 , 5-dial, glutaral, glutardi- aldehyde); glyoxal (further names: ethandial, oxylaldehyde, 1 ,2-ethandial); 5-bromo-5- nitro-1 ,3-dioxane (further names: 5-bromo-5-nitro-m-dioxane, Bronidox®); phenoxypropanol (further names: propylene glycol phenyl ether, phenoxyisopropanol, 1-phenoxy- 2-propanol, 2-phenoxy-1-propanol); glucoprotamine (chemical description: reaction product of glutamic acid and alkylpropylenediamine, further names: Glucoprotamine 50); cyclohexyl hydroxyl diazenium-1-oxide, potassium salt (further names: N-cyclo- hexyl-diazenium dioxide, Potassium HDO, Xyligene); formic acid (further names: methanoic acid, Protectol® FM, Protectol® FM 75, Protectol® FM 85, Protectol® FM 99, Lutensol® FM) and its salts, e.g. sodium formiate); tetrahydro-3, 5-dimethyl-1 , 3, 5-thiadi- azine-2-thione (further names: 3,5-dimethyl-1 ,3-5-thiadiazinane-2-thione, dazomet); 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (further names: dichlorobenzyl alcohol, 2,4-dichloro-ben- zenemethanol, (2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-methanol, DCBA); 1-propanol (further names: n- propanol, propan-1-ol, n-propyl alcohol); 1 ,3,5-tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)-hexahydro-1 ,3,5- triazin (further names: hexahydrotriazine, tris(hydroethyl)-hexahydrotriazin, hexahydro- 1 ,3-5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, 2,2’,2”-(hexahydro-1 ,3,5-triazine-1 ,3,5- triyl)trietha- nol); 2-butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one (“BBIT”); 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (“MIT”); 2- octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (“OIT”); 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (“CIT” or “CMIT”); mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (“CMIT”) and 2-methyl-2H- isothiazol-3-one (“MIT”) (mixture of CMIT / MIT); 1 ,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (“BIT”); hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (trivial name “sorbic acid”) and its salts, e.g., calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate; potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate (potassium sorbate); lactic acid and its salts; L-(+)-lactic acid; especially sodium lactate; benzoic acid and salts of benzoic acid, e.g., sodium benzoate, ammonium benzo-ate, calcium benzoate, magnesium benzoate, MEA-benzoate, potassium benzoate; salicylic acid and its salts, e.g., calcium salicylate, magnesium salicylate, MEA salicylate, sodium salicylate, potassium salicylate, TEA salicylate; benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium bromide, benzalkonium saccharinate; didecyldimethylammonium chloride (“DDAC”); N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-do- decylpropane-1 ,3-diamine ("Diamine"); peracetic acid; hydrogen peroxide. If such a “classical” antimicrobial is present, due to the antimicrobial activity of the present combination of alkoxylated amine (I) and solvent (b), this can generally be used in distinctly smaller amounts than usually required in typical compositions in which these classical antimicrobials are present.

[0341] In a particular embodiment, the composition of the invention does not contain phenoxyethanol.

[0342] In yet another particular embodiment, the composition of the invention does not contain any of phenoxyethanol, glutaraldehyde, bronopol and BIT.

[0343] In yet another particular embodiment, the composition of the invention does not contain any of 2-phenoxyethanol, phenoxyisopropanol, 4,4’-dichloro 2’-hydroxydiphenylether, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 ,3-diol, glutaraldehyde, 2,4-dichlorobenzylalcohol, 1 ,3,5-tris- (2-hydroxyethyl)-1 ,3,5-hexahydrotriazine, formic acid and salts thereof, benzoic acid and salts thereof, sorbic acid and salts thereof, lactic acid and salts thereof, isothiazoli- nones selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT), 2-me- thyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT), 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (OIT), 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H- isothiazol-3-one (CMIT), and 2-butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one (BBIT); 3-iodo-2- propynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC), benzyl alcohol, pyridine-2-thiol 1-oxide and salts thereof; 2,2-dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide (DBNPA), N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpro- pane-1 ,3-diamine (Diamine), tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulphate(2:1) (THPS), 2,2-dithiobis[N-methylbenzamide] (DTBMA), and 2-bromo-2-(bromome- thyl)pentanedinitril (DBDCB). In yet another particular embodiment, the composition of the invention does not contain any of 4,4’-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (further names: 5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophe- noxy) phenol, Diclosan, DCPP), Tinosan® HP 100 (30wt.% of DCPP in in 1 ,2-propyl- ene glycol); 2-phenoxyethanol (further names: phenoxyethanol, methylphenylglycol, phenoxetol, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, 2-(phe- noxy) ethanol, 2-phenoxy-1-ethanol); 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 ,3-diol (further names: 2-bromo-2-nitro-1 ,3-propanediol, Bronopol); glutaraldehyde (further names: 1-5-pen- tandial, pentane-1 , 5-dial, glutaral, glutardialdehyde); glyoxal (further names: ethandial, oxylaldehyde, 1 ,2-ethandial); 5-bromo-5-nitro-1 ,3-dioxane (further names: 5-bromo-5- nitro-m-dioxane, Bronidox®); phenoxypropanol (further names: propylene glycol phenyl ether, phenoxyisopropanol, 1-phenoxy-2-propanol, 2-phenoxy-1-propanol); glucoprotamine (chemical description: reaction product of glutamic acid and alkylpropylenediamine, further names: Glucoprotamine 50); cyclohexyl hydroxyl diazenium-1-oxide, potassium salt (further names: N-cyclohexyl-diazenium dioxide, Potassium HDO, Xyli- gene); formic acid (further names: methanoic acid, Protectol® FM, Protectol® FM 75, Protectol® FM 85, Protectol® FM 99, Lutensol® FM) and its salts, e.g. sodium formiate); tetrahydro-3, 5-dimethyl-1 , 3, 5-thiadia-zine-2-thione (further names: 3,5-dime- thyl-1 ,3-5-thiadiazinane-2-thione, dazomet); 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (further names: dichlorobenzyl alcohol, 2,4-dichloro-benzenemethanol, (2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-methanol, DCBA); 1-propanol (further names: n-propanol, propan-1-ol, n-propyl alcohol); 1 ,3,5- tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)-hexahydro-1 ,3,5-triazin (further names: hexahydrotriazine, tris(hy- droethyl)-hexahydrotriazin, hexahydro-1 ,3-5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, 2, 2’, 2”- (hexahydro-1 ,3,5-triazine-1 ,3,5- triyl)triethanol); 2-butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one (“BBIT”); 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (“MIT”); 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (“OIT”); 5- chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (“GIT” or “CMIT”); mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H- isothiazol-3-one (“CMIT”) and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (“MIT”) (mixture of CMIT / MIT); 1 ,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (“BIT”); hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (trivial name “sorbic acid”) and its salts, e.g., calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate; potassium (E,E)- hexa-2,4-dienoate (potassium sorbate); lactic acid and its salts; L-(+)-lactic acid; especially sodium lactate; benzoic acid and salts of benzoic acid, e.g., sodium benzoate, ammonium benzo-ate, calcium benzoate, magnesium benzoate, MEA-benzoate, potassium benzoate; salicylic acid and its salts, e.g., calcium salicylate, magnesium salicylate, MEA salicylate, sodium salicylate, potassium salicylate, TEA salicylate; benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium bromide, benzalkonium saccharinate; didecyldimethylammonium chloride (“DDAC”); N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1 ,3-diamine ("Diamine"); peracetic acid; and hydrogen peroxide.

[0344] The composition of the invention can be a concentrate comprising the alkoxylated amine (a), the solvent (b) and optionally a carrier, such as a further organic solvent different from (b) and / or water; or can be an intermediate composition, i.e. a composition which is not yet the ready-to-use composition for the end user, but already comprises a part of the other components (i.e. components different from of the alkoxylated amine (I) and component (b)) of the final ready-to-use composition; or can be a ready-to-use- composition, i.e. a composition which is used as such and does not need any further dilution or addition of further substances.

[0345] Antimicrobial treatment is required in a vast field of application. In principle, any watercontaining system or material devoid of intrinsic protection (intrinsic protection can for example be present in systems which contain a sufficiently high amount of alcohol (generally ethanol) and / or surfactant to hinder microbial infestation, etc.) is prone to microbial attack / infestation.

[0346] Examples for such systems, materials or products needing antimicrobial protection and / or exerting themselves an antimicrobial action are homecare compositions (such as laundry compositions, e.g. detergents or fabric softeners; dishwashing compositions; cleaning compositions etc.), compositions for cleaning or disinfecting on an industrial scale (in contrast to home care carried out on a distinctly smaller scale), personal care compositions (including cosmetics), process water, water in fish or shrimp ponds, water in drinking troughs, metal working fluids; water based raw materials, polymer solutions, polymer dispersions, polymer emulsions, inorganic slurries, organic slurries, surfactant compositions; compositions for treating animal hide; compositions for treating leather; compositions for treating textiles during the manufacturing process thereof; compositions for treating lumber; compositions for treating paper or the precursor material during papermaking processes; crop protection compositions; pharmaceutical compositions; paints, glues, adhesives, sealants, dyes, pigments and dispersions thereof, inks, wet wipes (for personal care, for homecare etc.) and the like.

[0347] The composition of the invention is thus preferably selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial concentrates, homecare compositions (especially washing, cleaning and disinfection compositions for homecare), compositions for cleaning or disinfecting on an industrial scale, personal care compositions, process water, water in fish or shrimp ponds, water in drinking troughs, metal working fluids; water based raw materials, polymer solutions, polymer dispersions, polymer emulsions, inorganic slurries, organic slurries, surfactant compositions; compositions for treating animal hide; compositions for treating leather; compositions for treating textiles during the manufacturing process thereof; compositions for treating lumber; compositions for treating paper or the precursor material during papermaking processes; crop protection compositions; pharmaceutical compositions; paints, glues, adhesives, sealants, dyes, pigments and dispersions thereof, inks, and wet wipes.

[0348] Homecare compositions and compositions for cleaning or disinfecting on an industrial scale (also called industrial and institutional cleaning or l&l cleaning) overlap largely, only that l&l compositions are adapted to the use on a larger scale and are thus often more aggressive (e.g. by being more concentrated and / or by having a distinctly higher or lower pH than the respective homecare composition) and / or are less “pleasant”, e.g. in the sense of odor or aspect or touch. Moreover, they are suitable for clean-in-place (CIP), which is a method of automated cleaning the interior surfaces of pipes, vessels, equipments, filters and associated fittings and the like without major disassembly.

[0349] Examples for homecare and l&l compositions are dishwashing compositions (in liquid or gel form), laundry compositions (in liquid or gel form; for example laundry detergents, fabric softeners, rinsing compositions, bleacher compositions, stain remover compositions and the like), surface cleaning compositions (also termed hard surface cleaners; for example glass, floor, counter, bath(room), toilet bowl, sink, kitchen, appliance and furniture cleaning compositions; all-purpose cleaners; sanitary cleaners), non-cosmetic deodorants (e.g. air and / or surface deodorants), disinfectants (for example spray air disinfectants, and spray, liquid and paste / gel surface disinfectants), surface protecting and / or polishing compositions, rug shampoos, descaling agents, and compositions for wet wipes (e.g. for cleaning the floor, furniture, bath room surfaces etc.).

[0350] Personal care compositions are used for cleaning, washing, disinfecting, nurturing, grooming, protecting or embellishing the human body (and thus also include cosmetics). Examples are creams, lotions, ointments, other o / w or w / o emulsions, liquid or gellike soaps, shampoos, make-up and other decorative cosmetics, and compositions for wet wipes (e.g. for cleaning the nappy area). More specific examples are skin-washing and cleansing preparations in the form of soaps, syndets, washing gels, soapless detergents or washing pastes, bath preparations, e.g. foam baths, milks, oils, shower preparations; skin-care preparations, e.g. skin emulsions, multi-emulsions, powders, sprays or skin oils; cosmetic preparations, e.g. facial make-up in the form of day creams or powder creams, face powder (loose or pressed), rouge or cream make-up, eye-care preparations, e.g. eyeshadow preparations, mascara, eyeliner, eye creams or eye-fix creams; lip-care preparations, e.g. lipsticks, lip gloss, lip contour pencils, nailcare preparations, such as nail varnish, nail varnish removers, nail hardeners or cuticle removers; foot-care preparations, e.g. foot baths, foot powders, foot creams or foot balsams, special deodorants and antiperspirants or callus-removing preparations; light- protective preparations, such as sun milks, lotions, creams or oils, sunblocks or tropicals, pre-tanning preparations or after-sun preparations; skin-tanning preparations, e.g. self-tanning creams; depigmenting preparations, e.g. preparations for bleaching the skin or skin-lightening preparations; insect-repellents, e.g. insect-repellent oils, lotions, sprays or sticks; deodorants, such as deodorant sprays, deodorant aerosols, pump-action sprays, deodorant gels, sticks or roll-ons, also water-free deodorant aerosols or sticks; antiperspirants, e.g. antiperspirant sticks, creams or roll-ons; preparations for cleansing and caring for blemished skin, e.g. synthetic detergents (solid or liquid), peeling or scrub preparations or peeling masks; hair-removal preparations in chemical form (depilation), e.g. liquid hair-removing preparations, cream- or paste-form hair-removing preparations, hair-removing preparations in gel form or aerosol foams; shaving preparations, e.g. shaving soap, foaming shaving creams, non-foaming shaving creams, foams and gels, pre-shave preparations for dry shaving, aftershaves or aftershave lotions; fragrance preparations, e.g. fragrances (eau de Cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, parfum de toilette, perfume), perfume oils or perfume creams; cosmetic hairtreatment preparations, e.g. hair-washing preparations in the form of shampoos and conditioners, hair-care preparations, e.g. pre-treatment preparations, hair tonics, styling creams, styling gels, pomades, hair rinses, treatment packs, intensive hair treatments, hair-structuring preparations, e.g. hair-waving preparations for permanent waves (hot wave, mild wave, cold wave), hair-straightening preparations, liquid hairsetting preparations, hair foams, hairsprays, bleaching preparations, e.g. hydrogen peroxide solutions, lightening shampoos, bleaching creams, bleaching powders, bleaching pastes or oils, temporary, semi-permanent or permanent hair colorants, preparations containing selfoxidising dyes, or natural hair colorants, such as henna or camomile; antidandruff preparations in the form of shampoos, conditioners, hair tonics, styling creams or gels or treatments packs; oral care preparations such as (tooth) pastes, gels, mouth washes and sprays; disinfectants for mouth or skin.

[0351] Process water is for example process water used in food, feed, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industry (cooling and process water), or process water used in paper production, wood treatment, cooling water towers, air washers, air conditioners, printing fluids or oil production.

[0352] Crop protection compositions, which are often also termed plant protection compositions, are compositions which are effective against various harmful microorganisms, harmful invertebrate pests or undesired plants relevant for agriculture, e.g. harmful fungi, harmful invertebrate pests, such as harmful insects, arachnids, nematodes or molluscs, and weeds, which cause damage to agricultural plants, plant propagation materials, such as seeds, or harvested crops. Examples for crop protection compositions are fungicidal, insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal, moluscicidal or herbicidal compositions. The term encompasses also plant growth regulating compositions. Plant growth regulators are plant protection products used to influence plant growth and are used, for example, for increasing the stability of cereals by shortening the stalk length, thus reducing or preventing lodging, for improving the rooting of cuttings, reducing plant height in horticulture, preventing the germination of potatoes and the like. The term encompasses moreover compositions used in material protection for combating various harmful microorganisms and invertebrate pests, such as compositions for the treatment of lumber or the surroundings of lumber material against termites or compositions for the treatment of mosquito nets against harmful insects, such as Anopheles mosquitoes, and the like.

[0353] Among the above-listed compositions, composition which contain a surfactant are preferred, such as homecare and l&l compositions, especially surfactant containing washing, cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare or l&l applications.

[0354] Antimicrobial concentrate

[0355] In a preferred embodiment, the composition is an antimicrobial concentrate. Preferably, the antimicrobial concentrate comprises:

[0356] (a) 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition of an alkox- ylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0357] (b) 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0358] (c) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one further additive;

[0359] (d) 0 to 99.8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more organic solvents different from solvent (b), preferably as defined above; and

[0360] (e) 0 to 99.8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water.

[0361] More preferably, the antimicrobial concentrate comprises:

[0362] (a) 0.1 to 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0363] (b) 0.1 to 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0364] (c) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one further additive;

[0365] (d) 0 to 99.8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more organic solvents different from solvent (b), preferably as defined above; and

[0366] (e) 0 to 99.8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water.

[0367] The term “concentrate” is used in this context also for compositions in which components (a) and (b) do not constitute the major part (and thus do not form a concentrate in the proper sense). Nevertheless, it signals that components different from (a), (b) and the optional diluents (d) and (e), if at all present, do not predominate. Moreover, the term signals that the composition can consist of components (a) and (b) only.

[0368] Suitable and preferred components (a) and (b) and suitable and preferred weight ratios thereof are those mentioned above. Further additives (c) are for example agents which stabilize the concentrate, such as emulsifiers and / or hydrotropic agents, activity enhancers and pH modifiers.

[0369] Any emulsifiers usual in such systems can be used. A few non-limiting examples are carboxylic acids and their salts, alkyl phosphates or phosphoric acid esters, ethoxylated and / or propoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated and / or propoxylated polyethyleneglycols, ethoxylated and / or propoxylated fatty alcohols, fatty acid monoglycerides, fatty acid saccharose esters, fatty acid sorbitol esters, fatty acid sorbitan esters, fatty acid glucose esters, ethoxylated and / or propoxylated derivatives of the listed fatty acid polyol esters, fatty sulfates and sulfonates, ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated amides, polysiloxane / polyalkyl / polyether copolymers and derivatives, poly(oxyethylene)- poly(oxypropylene)-blockpolymers, zwitterionic surfactants that carry at least one quaternary ammonium group and at least one carboxylate and / or sulfonate group in the molecule.

[0370] Hydrotropic agents are compounds which solubilize hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solution by means other than micellar solubilization. Similar to surfactants, hydrotropes often (but not necessarily) consist of a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part, but in contrast to surfactants the hydrophobic part is generally too small to cause spontaneous self-aggregation. Examples are aromatic sulfonic acid salts, such as the alkali metal, earth alkaline metal or ammonium salts of p-toluenesulfonic acid (e.g. sodium, potassium, calcium or ammonium p-tosylate), of xylene sulfonic acids (e.g. the sodium, potassium, calcium or ammonium salts of o-, m- or p-xylene sulfonates) or of cumene sulfonic acids, generally of p-cumene sulfonic acid (e.g. the sodium, potassium, calcium or ammonium salts of p-cumenesulfonate); adenosine triphosphate (ATP); and urea.

[0371] Examples for activity enhancers are ethylhexylglycerine (3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)propan- 1 ,2-diol) and polyethyleneimines (PEI). Further details are given below in context with homecare compositions. pH modifiers are acids, bases and also buffers.

[0372] The acids can be inorganic or organic. Suitable inorganic acids are for example sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid, where sulfuric acid is generally preferred. Suitable organic acids are for example aliphatic, saturated non-substituted Ci-Ce- mono-, di- and tri-carboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid and glutaric acid; aliphatic, saturated Ci-Ce-mono-, di- and tricarboxylic acids carrying one or more OH groups, such as lactic acid, tartric acid and citric acid; aliphatic, unsaturated Ci-Ce-mono-, di- and tri-carboxylic acids such as sorbic acid; aromatic carboxylic acids, such as benzoic acid, salicylic acid and mandelic acid, and sulfonic acids, such as methanesulfonic acid or toluenesulfonic acid.

[0373] Suitable bases are in particular inorganic bases, such as the carbonates mentioned below in context with the sequestrant, e.g. sodium or potassium carbonate; further alkali metal and earth alkaline meal hydroxides, such as NaOH or KOH.

[0374] Suitable buffering agents are the typical systems, such as hydrogenphosphate / dihy- drogenphosphate buffer, carbonate / hydrogencarbonate buffer, acetic acid / acetate buffer or Tris buffer. Moreover, most of the above acids which are weak and the anion of which is not a strong salt also have buffering capacity.

[0375] Suitable organic solvents (d) are those mentioned above. A preferred solvent (d) is ethanol.

[0376] In a particular embodiment, the antimicrobial concentrate comprises:

[0377] (a) 5 to 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkox- ylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0378] (b) 5 to 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0379] (c) 0 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one further additive;

[0380] (d) 0 to 98% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more organic solvents different from solvents (b), preferably as defined above; and

[0381] (e) 0 to 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water;

[0382] In another particular embodiment, the antimicrobial concentrate comprises:

[0383] (a) 10 to 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0384] (b) 10 to 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0385] (c) 0 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one further additive;

[0386] (d) 0 to 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more organic solvents different from solvents (b), preferably as defined above; and

[0387] (e) 0 to 80% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water. Homecare and l&l

[0388] Examples for homecare and l&l compositions are listed above. Among these, preference is given to dishwashing compositions, laundry compositions, surface cleaning compositions, and rug shampoos.

[0389] Thus, in another preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention is selected from the group consisting of dishwashing compositions, laundry compositions, surface cleaning compositions, and rug shampoos. Such compositions preferably comprise:

[0390] (a) 0.001 to 19.999% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0391] (b) 0.001 to 19.999% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0392] (c) 0.1 to 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants;

[0393] (d) 0 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one organic solvent different from solvents (b), preferably as defined above;

[0394] (e) 0 to 6 by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one enzyme;

[0395] (f) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one sequestrant;

[0396] (g) 0 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one defoamer and / or foam stabilizer;

[0397] (h) 0 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a further additive; and

[0398] (i) 10 to 99.898% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water; where components (a) to (i) add to 100% by weight, and where the sum of the amounts of (a) and (b) does preferably not exceed 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0399] Suitable and preferred components (a) and (b) and suitable and preferred weight ratios thereof are those mentioned above.

[0400] Surfactants (or surface-active compounds) of component (c) can be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric (zwitterionic).

[0401] Anionic surfactants are, for example, of the sulfate, sulfonate or carboxylate type or mixed forms thereof. Examples are alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, olefin sulfonates, fatty acid salts, alkyl and alkenyl ether carboxylates or to an alpha-sulfonic fatty acid salt or an ester thereof.

[0402] More specific examples are alkylbenzenesulfonates having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical (e.g. sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate), alkyl sulfates having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical (e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate), alkyl ether sulfates having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical (e.g. sodium laureth sulfate;

[0403] SLES), and fatty acid salts derived from oils or fats, e.g. from palm oil or tallow and having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety (thus containing, inter alia, sodium oleate, linolate, palmitate, myristate, stearate etc.). The counter-cation is preferably an alkali metal cation, especially sodium or potassium, specifically sodium. Preferred carboxylates are alkali metal sarcosinates of formula R-CON(R’)CH2COO'M+wherein R’ is Cg-Ci7-alkyl or Cg-Cn-alkenyl, R’ is Ci-C4-alkyl and M+is an alkali metal cation, especially Na+.

[0404] Cationic surfactants are, for example, ammonium salts such as Cs-Cie-dialkyldime- thylammonium halides, dialkoxydimethylammonium halides or imidazolinium salts with a long-chain alkyl radical.

[0405] Non-ionic surfactants are, for example, a primary or secondary alcohol ethoxylate, especially a C8-C20 aliphatic alcohol ethoxylated with an average of from 1 to 20 mol of ethylene oxide per alcohol group. Preference is given to primary and secondary C10-C15 aliphatic alcohols ethoxylated with an average of from 1 to 10 mol of ethylene oxide per alcohol group. Non-ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants, for example alkylpolyglycosides, glycerol monoethers and polyhydroxyamides (glucamide), may likewise be used.

[0406] Amphoteric surfactants are, for example, derivatives of secondary or tertiary amines, for example Ce-Cis-alkyl betaines (e.g. cocoamidopropyl betaine; disodium cocoam- phodiacetate (DSCADA)) or Ce-Cis-alkyl sulfobetaines, or amine oxides such as alkyldimethylamine oxides.

[0407] Suitable organic solvents (d) are those mentioned above. A preferred organic solvent is ethanol.

[0408] Examples for enzymes of component (e) are those typically used in laundry, dishwashing or cleaning compositions.

[0409] Enzyme herein means catalytically active proteins which are characterized by an amino acid sequence. Variants of an enzyme may be described by a certain sequence identity of an amino acid sequence of the variant when compared to a respective starting se- quence. For calculation of sequence identities, in a first step a pairwise global sequence alignment has to be produced, meaning that two sequences have to be aligned over their complete length typically by using the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. (1979) 48, p. 443-453). Preferably, the program “NEEDLE” (The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite (EMBOSS)) is used for the purposes of the current invention, with using the programs default parameter (gap open=10.0, gap extend=0.5 and matrix=EBLOSUM62). In a second step, % identity is calculated: Coidentity = (identical residues I length of the alignment region which is showing the respective sequence of this invention over its complete length) *100.

[0410] The enzymes are preferably selected from hydrolases, such as proteases, esterases, glucosidases, lipases, DNAses, amylases, cellulases, mannanases, other glycosylhydrolases and mixtures of the aforementioned enzymes. All these hydrolases contribute to dissolution and removal of soil from protein-, grease- or starch-containing stains / resi- dues. For bleaching, it is also possible to use oxidoreductases. Particularly suitable are active enzymatic ingredients obtained from bacterial strains or fungi, such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Streptomyceus griseus and Humicola insolens.

[0411] Preferred hydrolases are selected from the group of enzymes acting on ester bonds (esterases) (E.C. 3.1), glycosylases (E.C. 3.2), and peptidases (E.C. 3.4). Enzymes acting on ester bonds (E.C. 3.1), are for example lipases and DNAses. Glycosylases (E.C. 3.2) are for example amylases, cellulases, and mannanases. Peptidases are for example proteases.

[0412] Suitable hydrolases are, for example, a-glucosidases (EC number 3.2.1.20), proteases (e.g. Ovozyme® (from Novozymes); EC number 3.2.1.20), amylases [e.g. Purastar® (from Genencor), Termamyl® (from Novozymes), Stainzyme® (from Novozymes), Du- ramyl® (from Novozymes)], mannanases [e.g. Purabrite® (from Genencor), Mannastar® (from Genencor), Mannaway® (from Novozymes)] and cellulases [e.g. Carezyme® (from Novozymes), Celluzyme® (from Novozymes), endolase, Puradax® (from Genencor)]. The suitable amylases include especially a-amylases (EC number 3.2.1.1), iso-amylases, pullulanases and pectinases. The cellulases used are preferably cellobiohydrolases, endoglucanases and p-glucosidases, which are also referred to as cellobiases, or mixtures thereof. Since different cellulase types differ by their CMCase and Avicelase activities, it is possible to establish the desired activities by means of controlled mixtures of the cellulases.

[0413] Suitable lipases are for example Lipex and Lipolase. Examples of lipolytically active enzymes are the known cutinases.

[0414] Peroxidases or oxidases have also been found to be suitable in some cases. In one aspect, the enzymes comprise at least one protease (EC 3.4). In a preferred embodiment, at least one protease is selected from serine proteases (EC 3.4.21), more preferably from subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62). At least one subtilisin may have SEQ ID NO:22 as described in EP 1921147 (which may be called BLAP WT herein), or is a variant thereof which is at least 80% identical SEQ ID NO:22 as described in EP 1921147 and has proteolytic activity. In one embodiment, a subtilisin is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 as described in EP 1921147 and is characterized by having amino acid glutamic acid (E), or aspartic acid (D), or asparagine (N), or glutamine (Q), or alanine (A), or glycine (G), or serine (S) at position 101 (according to BPN’ numbering), preferably R101 E.

[0415] In one embodiment, at least one subtilisin is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 as described in EP 1921147 having the mutations (according to BPN’ numbering) S3T + V4I + V205I. In one embodiment, at least one subtilisin is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 as described in EP 1921147 having the mutations (according to BPN’ numbering) S3T + V4I + R101 E + V205I. In one embodiment, at least one subtilisin is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 as described in EP 1921147 having the mutation (according to BPN’ numbering) S3T + V4I + V199M + V205I + L217D. In one embodiment, at least one subtilisin has an amino acid sequence being at least 80% identical with SEQ ID NO:22 as described in EP 1921147 having the mutations S3T + V4I + S9R + A15T + V68A + D99S + R101S + A103S + 1104V + N218D (according to the BPN’ numbering), at least one subtilisin has an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 as described in EP 1921147 and having the mutation R101 E together with one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of S156D, L262E, Q137H, S3T, R45E,D,Q, P55N, T58W,Y,L, Q59D,M,N,T, G61 D,R, S87E, G97S, A98D,E,R, S106A,W, N117E, H120V,D,K,N, S125M, P129D, E136Q, S144W, S161T, S163A.G, Y171 L, A172S, N185Q, V199M, Y209W, M222Q, N238H, V244T, N261T.D and L262N,Q,D (as described in WO 2016 / 096711 and according to the BPN’ numbering).

[0416] In one aspect, the enzymes comprise at least one amylase, preferably at least one alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1). Preferably, the enzymes comprise at least one alpha-amylase selected from hybrid amylases. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one hybrid amylase at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23 of WO 2014 / 183920. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one hybrid amylase 95% identical to SEQ ID NQ:30 of WO 2014 / 183921 .

[0417] In one aspect, detergent formulations comprise at least one lipase, preferably at least one triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3).

[0418] Preferably, the enzymes comprise at least one Thermomyces lanuginosus triacylglycerol lipase. In one embodiment, said lipase at least 80% identical to amino acids 1-269 of SEQ ID NO:2 of US5869438. In one embodiment, said lipase comprises at least the amino acid substitutions T231 R and N233R. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one lipase comprising T231 R and N233R and one or more of the following amino acid exchanges when compared to amino acids 1-269 of SEQ ID NO:2 of US5869438: Q4V, V60S, A150G, L227G, P256K.

[0419] In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one lipase at least 95% identical to the full length polypeptide sequence of amino acids 1-269 of SEQ ID NO:1 of WO 2015 / 01009, preferably comprising at least the amino acid substitutions N 11 K / A18K / G23K / K24A / V77I / D130A / V154I / V187T / T189Q or N11 K / A18K / G23K / K24A / L75R / V77I / D130A / V154I / V187T / T189Q.

[0420] In one aspect, the enzymes comprise at least one cellulase, preferably at least one beta-1 ,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), also called endoglucanase herein. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one Humicola insolens DSM 1800 endoglucanase at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence disclosed in Fig. 14A-E of WO 91 / 17244, preferably to the sequence according to amino acids 20-434. Preferably said endoglucanase having one or more substitutions at positions selected from 182, 223, and 231 , most preferably selected from P182S, A223V, and A231V. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one endoglucanase at least 80% identical to a polypeptide according to SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 95 / 02675. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one Bacillus sp. endoglucanase which is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence of position 1 to position 773 of SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 2004 / 053039. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one Thielavia terrestris endoglucanase which is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence of position 1 to position 299 of SEQ ID NO:4 of WO 2004 / 053039.

[0421] In one aspect, the enzymes comprise at least one mannanase, preferably at least one beta-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78). In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one beta-mannanase selected from GH5 family mannanase. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one beta-mannanase at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:12 of WO 2018 / 184767. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one beta-mannanase at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:16 of WO 2018 / 184767. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one beta-mannanase at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:20 of WO 2018 / 184767. Preferably, the enzymes comprise at least one mannanase 95% identical to a polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:20 of WO 2018 / 184767 having at least one substitution selected from A101V, E405G, and Y459F. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one beta-mannanase originating from Trichoderma organisms, such as those disclosed in WO 93 / 24622. Preferably, at least one beta-mannanase is 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:1 of WO 2008 / 009673. More preferably, the beta-mannanase according to SEQ ID NO:1 of WO 2008 / 009673 comprises at least one substitution selected from S3R, S66P, N113Y, V181 H, L207F, A215T and F274L.

[0422] In one aspect, detergent formulations comprise at least one DNAse. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one DNAse at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1-24 and SEQ ID NO: 27-28 of WO 2019 / 081724 and WO 2019 / 081721. Preferably, the enzymes comprise at least one DNAse comprising one or both motifs selected from SEQ ID NO:25 and SEQ ID NO:26 of WO 2019 / 081724. In one embodiment, the enzymes comprise at least one DNAse comprising one or more motifs selected from SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:74 and SEQ ID NO:75 of WO 2017 / 060493.

[0423] In case the composition is a dishwashing composition, this comprises preferably at least one protease and / or amylase. More preferably, it comprises an enzyme mixture. Preference is given, for example, to enzyme mixtures which comprise or consist of the following enzymes: protease and amylase, protease and lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes), protease and cellulase, protease and mannanase, amylase, cellulase and lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes), protease, amylase and lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes), protease, lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes) and cellulase, protease, lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes) and mannanase, protease, amylase, lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes) and mannanase.

[0424] Liquid automated dishwashing formulations usually comprise at least one subtilisin protease as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.10% to 0.25% by weight, more preferably about 0.12% to 0.21% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

[0425] Liquid automated dishwashing formulations usually comprise at least one alpha-amylase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.002% to 0.015%by weight, more preferably 0.004 to 0.01% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

[0426] Liquid manual dishwashing formulations usually comprise at least one subtilisin protease as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.005% to 0.15% by weight, more preferably about 0.01% to 0.1 % by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

[0427] Liquid manual dishwashing formulations usually comprise at least one alpha-amylase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.001 % to 0.015% by weight, more preferably 0.002% to 0.015% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation. Liquid manual dishwashing formulations usually comprise at least one triacylglycerol lipase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.001% to 0.005% by weight, more preferably 0.001% to 0.002% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation. Liquid manual dishwashing formulations usually comprise at least one endoglucanase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.001 % to 0.01% by weight, more preferably 0.002% to 0.009% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation. Liquid manual dishwashing formulations usually comprise at least one beta-man- nanase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.0005% to 0.005% by weight, more preferably 0.0005% to 0.002% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

[0428] In case of surface cleaning compositions, similar preferences apply.

[0429] In case the composition is a laundry composition, this comprises preferably at least one of amylases, lipases, proteases and cellulases. More preferably, it comprises an enzyme mixture. A few exemplary mixtures are: protease and amylase, protease and cellulase, cellulase and amylase, amylase, cellulase and lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes), protease, amylase and lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes), protease, lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes) and cellulase, protease, lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes) and mannanase, protease, amylase, lipase (or lipolytically active enzymes) and mannanase.

[0430] Liquid laundry formulations usually comprise at least one subtilisin protease as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.005% to 0.15% by weight, more preferably about 0.01% to 0.1% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation. Liquid laundry formulations usually comprise at least one alpha-amylase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.001 % to 0.015% by weight, more preferably 0.002% to 0.015% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

[0431] Liquid laundry formulations usually comprise at least one triacylglycerol lipase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.001% to 0.005% by weight, more preferably 0.001 % to 0.002% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation. Liquid laundry formulations usually comprise at least one endoglucanase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.001 % to 0.01% by weight, more preferably 0.002% to 0.009% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

[0432] Liquid laundry formulations usually comprise at least one beta-mannanase as disclosed herein in amounts of about 0.0005% to 0.005% by weight, more preferably 0.0005% to 0.002% by weight, all relative to the total weight of the detergent formulation.

[0433] The enzymes may be adsorbed onto carriers in order to protect them from premature decomposition. If the composition comprises one or more enzymes, it may also comprise enzyme stabilizers (for more details see component (h)).

[0434] Enzymes or enzyme packages suitable for such compositions are commercially available. Examples are the Lavergy® brands from BASF.

[0435] Sequestrants (f), also termed builders, structural substances, framework substances, complexing agents, chelators, chelating agents or softeners, bind alkaline earth metals and other water-soluble metal salts without precipitating. They help to break up soil, disperse soil components, help to detach soil and in some cases themselves have a washing effect. Many of the sequenstrants listed below are multi-functional, meaning that the substances have additional functions, such as a dispersing activity or anti-grey- ing properties.

[0436] Suitable sequestrants may be either organic or inorganic in nature. Examples are aluminosilicates, carbonates, phosphates and polyphosphates, polycarboxylic acids, polycarboxylates, hydroxycarboxylic acids, phosphonic acids, e.g. hydroxyalkylphosphonic acids, phosphonates, aminopolycarboxylic acids and salts thereof, and polymeric compounds containing carboxylic acid groups and salts thereof.

[0437] Suitable inorganic sequestrants are, for example, crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicates with ion-exchanging properties, such as zeolites. Crystalline silicates suitable as sequestrants are, for example, disilicates or sheet silicates, e.g. 5-Na2Si20s or B- Na2Si2C>5 (SKS 6 or SKS 7). Suitable inorganic sequestrant substances based on carbonate are carbonates and hydrogencarbonates. These can be used in the form of their alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium salts. Customary phosphates used as inorganic sequestrants are alkali metal orthophosphates and / or polyphosphates, for example pentasodium triphosphate.

[0438] Suitable organic sequestrants are, for example, C4-C3o-di-, -tri- and -tetracarboxylic acids, for example succinic acid, propanetricarboxylic acid, butanetetracarboxylic acid, cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid, and alkyl- and alkenylsuccinic acids with C2-C2o-alkyl or -alkenyl radicals. Suitable organic sequestrants are also hydroxycarboxylic acids and polyhydroxycarboxylic acids (sugar acids). These include C4-C20-hydroxycarboxylic acids, for example malic acid, tartaric acid, glutonic acid, mucic acid, lactic acid, glutaric acid, citric acid, tartronic acid, glucoheptonic acid, lactobionic acid, and sucrose- mono-, -di- and -tricarboxylic acid. Among these, preference is given to citric acid and salts thereof. Suitable organic sequestrants are also phosphonic acids, for example hydroxyalkylphosphonic acids or aminophosphonic acids, and the salts thereof. These in- elude, for example, phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid (2-phosphinobutane-1 ,2,4-tri- carboxylic acid; PBTC), aminotris-methylenephosphonic acid (N[CH2PO(OH)2]3), ami- notris(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt (ATMP; N[CH2PO(ONa)2]3), ethylenedia- minetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMPA), hexamethylenediamine(tetramethy- lenephosphonic acid), hexamethylenediamine(tetramethylenephosphonate), potassium salt (CioH(28-x)N2KxOi2P4 (X=6)), bis(hexamethylene)triamine(pentamethylene- phosphonic acid) ((HO2)POCH2N[(CH2)2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2), diethylenetriamine-penta- (methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMP; (HO)2POCH2N[CH2CH2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2), di- ethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt (CgH^s-xjNsNaxOisPs (x=7)); tetramethylene-triamine-pentaphosphonic acid, hydroxyethylamine diphos- phonic acid, 2-hydroxyethyliminobis(methylenephosphonic acid) (HOCH2CH2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2), morpholinomethanediphosphonic acid, 1-hydroxy-Ci- to Cw-alkyl-1 ,1-diphosphonic acids such as 1-hydroxyethane-1 ,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP; CH2C(OH)[PO(OH)2]2). Suitable organic sequestrants are moreover polyas- paratic acids. Polyaspartic acid include salts of polyaspartic acids. Salt forming cations may be monovalent or multivalent, examples being sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, ammonium, and the ammonium salt of mono-, di- and triethanolamine. Such polymers may be co-polymers, in particular of (a) L- or D-aspartic acid (preferably L- aspartic acid), (b) a carboxylic acid and (c) a diamone or an amino alcohol. Such copolymers generally comprise 70-95 mol% of (a), 5-30 mol% of (b) and 2-20 mol% of (c). The molar ratio of the carboxyl-containing compound (b) to the diamine or amino alcohol (c) is preferably between 5:1 and 1 :1.5 or between 3:1 and 1 :1.2, and more preferably between 3:1 and 1 :1 or 2:1 and 1 :1. Suitable organic sequestrants are additionally aminopolycarboxylic acids, such as nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), nitrilomonoacetic dipropionic acid, nitrilotripropionic acid, p-alaninediacetic acid (p-ADA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, 1 ,3-propylenediaminetet- raacetic acid, 1 ,2-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-(alkyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, N-(hydroxyalkyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, cy- clohexylene-1 ,2-diaminetetraacetic acid, iminodisuccinic acid, ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, serinediacetic acid, isoserinediacetic acid, L-asparaginediacetic acid, L-glu- taminediacetic acid, methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), and the salts of the aforementioned aminopolycarboxylic acids. Suitable organic sequestrants are additionally polymeric compounds containing carboxylic acid groups, such as acrylic acid homopolymers. The term "acrylic acid homopolymer" also comprises polymers in which some or all of the carboxylic acid groups are present in neutralized form. Suitable polymeric compounds containing carboxylic acid groups are also oligomaleic acids. Suitable polymeric compounds containing carboxylic acid groups are also terpolymers of unsaturated C4-C8-dicarboxylic acids. Suitable unsaturated C4-C8-dicarboxylic acids in this context are, for example, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, methylenemalonic acid and citraconic acid. Suitable polymeric compounds containing carboxylic acid groups are also homopolymers of the monoethylenically unsaturated Cs-Cs-monocarboxylic acids, for example acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, 2-ethylacrylic acid, 2-phenylacrylic acid, cinnamic acid, vinylacetic acid and sorbic acid, copolymers of dicarboxylic acids, for example of maleic acid and acrylic acid; terpolymers of maleic acid, acrylic acid and a vinyl ester of a Ci-Cs-carboxylic acid; and copolymers of maleic acid with C2-Cs-olefins.

[0439] Defoamer and / or foam stabilizer (g) are for example soaps, paraffins and silicone oils.

[0440] Further additives (h) are for example hydrotropic agents, acids, bases, buffering agents, enzyme stabilizers, bleaching agents, corrosion inhibitors, dyes, fragrances, thickeners, activity enhancers and inorganic salts.

[0441] Hydrotropic agents are compounds which solubilizes hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solution by means other than micellar solubilization. Similar to surfactants, hydrotropes often (but not necessarily) consist of a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part, but in contrast to surfactants the hydrophobic part is generally too small to cause spontaneous self-aggregation. Examples are aromatic sulfonic acid salts, such as the alkali metal, earth alkaline metal or ammonium salts of p-toluenesulfonic acid (e.g. sodium, potassium, calcium or ammonium p-tosylate), of xylene sulfonic acids (e.g. the sodium, potassium, calcium or ammonium salts of o-, m- or p-xylene sulfonates) or of cumene sulfonic acids, generally of p-cumene sulfonic acid (e.g. the sodium, potassium, calcium or ammonium salts of p-cumenesulfonate); adenosine triphosphate (ATP); and urea.

[0442] The acids can be inorganic or organic. Suitable inorganic acids are for example sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acd and phosphoric acid, where sulfuric acid is generally preferred. Suitable organic acids are for example aliphatic, saturated non-substituted Ci-Ce- mono-, di- and tri-carboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid and glutaric acid; aliphatic, saturated Ci-Ce-mono-, di- and tricarboxylic acids carrying one or more OH groups, such as lactic acid, tartric acid and citric acid; aliphatic, unsaturated Ci-Ce-mono-, di- and tri-carboxylic acids such as sorbic acid; aromatic carboxylic acids, such as benzoic acid, salicylic acid and mandelic acid; and sulfonic acids, such as methanesulfonic acid or toluenesulfonic acid. The organic acids mainly serve for adapting the pH of the composition, but some of them, e.g. the di-and tricarboxylic acids, can also act as sequestrants.

[0443] Suitable bases are in particular inorganic bases, such as the carbonates mentioned in context with the sequestrant, e.g. sodium or potassium carbonate; further alkali metal and earth alkaline meal hydroxides, such as NaOH or KOH. Suitable buffering agents are the typical systems, such as hydrogenphosphate / dihy- drogenphosphate buffer, carbonate / hydrogencarbonate buffer, acetic acid / acetate buffer or Tris buffer. Moreover, most of the above acids which are weak and the anion of which is not a strong salt also have buffering capacity.

[0444] If the composition comprises one or more enzymes, it may also comprise enzyme stabilizers, for example calcium propionate, sodium formate, boric acid or salts thereof, boronic acids and salts thereof, polyols, peptide aldehydes, and / or antioxidants.

[0445] Suitable boronic acids are for examples aromatic and heteroaromatic boronic acids, such as benzene boronic acid (BBA; also termed phenylboronic acid (PBA)), 4- formylphenylboronic acid (4-FPBA), 2-FPBA, 3-FPBA, 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid (4- CPBA), 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenylboronic acid (4-HMPBA), p-tolylboronic acid (p-TBA), (2-acetamidophenyl)-boronic acid, 2-bromophenylboronic acid, 3-bromophenylboronic acid, 4-bromophenylboronic acid, 2-chlorophenylboronic acid, 3-chlorophenylboronic acid, 4-chlorophenylboronic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenylboronic acid, 3,5-dichlorophenyl- boronic acid, 4-fluorophenylboronic acid, 3-chloro-4-fluorophenylboronic acid, 1 ,3,5-tri- methylphenylboronic acid, 3,5-bis-(trifluoromethyl)-phenylboronic acid, 4-methoxy- phenylboronic acid, 4-(methylthio)-phenylboronic acid, 3-aminophenylboronic acid, 4- (trimethylsilyl)-phenylboronic acid, 4,4-biphenyl-diboronic acid, 1-naphthylboronic acid, 2-naphthylboronic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthaleneboronic acid, 9-anthraceneboronic acid, 2-furanylboronic acid, 3-furanylboronic acid, 2-thienylboronic acid, 3-thienyl- boronic acid, 5-chlorothiopheneboronic acid, 3-bromothiopheneboronic acid, 5-bro- mothiopheneboronic acid, 5-methyl-2-thienylboronic acid, 4-methylthiopheneboronic acid, dimethylthiopheneboronic acid, 3-methoxy-2-thiopheneboronic acid, 2-benzo- furanylboronic acid, 4-dibenzofuranboronic acid, 1-benzothiophene-2-boronic acid, dibenzothiophene boronic acid, 1-thianthrenylboronic acid and 2-thianthrenylboronic acid. Further examples are p-methyl-phenylethylboronic acid, diphenyl boronic acid anhydride and octyl boronic acid. Suitable are also mixtures of two or more different boronic acids. Suitable salts of the above-mentioned boronic acids are for example the alkali metal salts, such as the sodium or potassium salts, the earth alkaline metal salts, such as the magnesium and calcium salts, and ammonium salts.

[0446] Suitable polyols are for example polyols containing from 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, hexyleneglycol, glycerol, sorbitol, mannitol, erythriol, glucose, fructose, and lactose.

[0447] Peptide aldehydes are oligopeptides with reduced C-terminus (i.e. in which the C(O)OH group is reduced to an aldehyde [CH(O)] group) Suitable peptide aldehydes are for example di-, tri- or tetrapeptide aldehydes and aldehyde analogues (either of the form B1-BO-R wherein, R is H, CH3, CX3, CHX2, or CH2X (where X = halogen), BO is a single amino acid residue including such with an optionally substituted aliphatic or aromatic side chain; and B1stands for one or more (e.g. 1 , 2 or 3) amino acid(s), optionally comprising an N-terminal protection group, or is a protease inhibitor of the protein type such as RASI, BASI, WASI (bifunctional alpha-amylase / subtilisin inhibitors of rice, barley and wheat) or CI2 or SSI.

[0448] A suitable bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide.

[0449] Moreover, as mentioned above, some enzymes have bleaching properties.

[0450] Dyes can be added to obtain a specific aesthetic appearance, but also be used as shading dyes for reducing or avoiding (auto-)oxidation of components of the composition, especially of unsaturated organic compounds, triggered by UV or visible light (e.g. if the container in which the composition is kept allows transmission of UV or visible light) and / or transition metal ion catalysis (if present). If used as shading dyes, these impart generally a violet or blue color. Shading dyes are particularly useful in laundry compositions, such as laundry detergents or textile softening compositions, where they can help avoiding yellowing of the textiles.

[0451] Examples for shading dyes are direct dyes (also known as substantive dyes; water soluble dyes with an affinity for fibres and which are taken up directly; generally azo dyes), e.g. violet 7, direct violet 9, direct violet 11 , direct violet 26, direct violet 31 , direct violet 35, direct violet 40, direct violet 41 , direct violet 51 , and direct violet 99; moreover direct violet 66; acid dyes, such as azine dyes, e.g. acid blue 98, acid violet 50, and acid blue 59, more preferably acid violet 50 and acid blue 98; or non-azine dyes, e.g. acid violet 17, acid black 1 and acid blue 29; hydrophobic dyes (dyes which do not contain any charged water solubilising group; generally selected from the groups of disperse and solvent dyes, in particular blue and violet anthraquinone and mono-azo dyes, e.g. solvent violet 13, disperse violet 27 disperse violet 26, disperse violet 28, disperse violet 63 and disperse violet 77; basic dyes (organic dyes which carry a net positive charge and deposit onto cotton), e.g. triarylmethane basic dyes, methane basic dye, anthraquinone basic dyes, basic blue 16, basic blue 65, basic blue 66, basic blue 67, basic blue 71 , basic blue 159, basic violet 19, basic violet 35, basic violet 38, basic violet 48; basic blue 3, basic blue 75, basic blue 95, basic blue 122, basic blue 124, basic blue 141 ; reactive dyes (dyes which contain an organic group capable of reacting with cellulose and linking the dye to cellulose with a covalent bond, and deposit onto cotton), e.g. reactive blue 19, reactive blue 163, reactive blue 182 and reactive blue, reactive blue 96; and dye conjugates (formed by binding direct, acid or basic dyes to polymers or particles via physical forces). Fragrances can be of natural or synthetic origin; their nature is in general not critical. Just by way of example, natural aromatic substances are, for instance, extracts from blossom (lilies, lavender, roses, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang), from stems and leaves (geranium, patchouli, petitgrain), from fruit (aniseed, coriander, carraway, juniper), from fruit peel (bergamot, lemons, oranges), from roots (mace, angelica, celery, cardamom, costus, iris, calmus), from wood (pinewood, sandalwood, guaiacum wood, cedarwood, rosewood), from herbs and grasses (tarragon, lemon grass, sage, thyme), from needles and twigs (spruce, pine, Scots pine, mountain pine), from resins and balsams (galbanum, elemi, benzoin, myrrh, olibanum, opoponax). Animal raw materials also come into consideration, for example civet and castoreum. Also just by way of example, synthetic aromatic substances are, for instance, products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol or hydrocarbon type. Aromatic substance compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethylphenyl glycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and ben-'zyl salicylate. The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether; the aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals having from 8 to 18 hydrocarbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hy- droxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonal; the ketones include, for example, the ionones, isomethylionone and methyl cedryl ketone; the alcohols include, for example, anethol, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenyl ethyl alcohol and terpinol; and the hydrocarbons include mainly the terpenes and balsams. It is preferable, however, to use mixtures of various aromatic substances that together produce an attractive scent. Ethereal oils of relatively low volatility, which are chiefly used as aroma components, are also suitable as perfume oils, e.g. sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, oil of cinnamon leaves, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil, labolanum oil and lavandin oil. Preference is given to the use of bergamot oil, dihydromyrcenol, lilial, lyral, citronellol, phenyl ethyl alcohol, hexyl cinnamalde- hyde, geraniol, benzyl acetone, cyclamen aldehyde, linalool, boisambrene forte, am- broxan, indole, hedione, sandelice, lemon oil, tangerine oil, orange oil, allyl amyl glycolate, cyclovertal, lavandin oil, muscatel sage oil, damascene, bourbon geranium oil, cyclohexyl salicylate, vertofix coeur, iso-E-Super, Fixolide NP, evernyl, iraldein gamma, phenylacetic acid, geranyl acetate, benzyl acetate, rose oxide, romillat, irotyl and floramat alone or in admixture with one another.

[0452] Further examples are alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde, 2-phenoxyethyl isobutyrate (Pheni- rat1), dihydromyrcenol (2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol), methyl dihydrojasmonate (preferably having a cis-isomer content of more than 60 wt.%) (Hedione9, Hedione HC9), 4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-1 ,3, 4, 6, 7, 8- hexahydrocyclopenta[g]benzopyran (Galaxolide3), tetrahydrolinalool (3,7-dimethyloctan-3-ol), ethyl linalool, benzyl salicylate, 2-methyl-3- (4-tertbutylphenyl)propanal (Lilial2), cinnamyl alcohol, 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexa- hydro-5-indenyl acetate and / or 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a hexahydro-6-indenyl acetate (Herbaflorat1), citronellol, citronellyl acetate, tetrahydrogeraniol, vanillin, linalyl acetate, styralyl acetate (1 -phenylethyl acetate), octahydro-2, 3,8, 8-tetramethyl-2-acetonaph- thone and / or 2-acetyl-1 ,2,3,4,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethylnaphthalene (Iso E Super3), hexyl salicylate, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate (Oryclone1), 2-tert-butylcyclo- hexyl acetate (Agrumex HC1), alpha-ionone (4-(2,2,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3- buten-2-one), nalpha- methylionone, alpha-isomethylionone, coumarin, terpinyl acetate, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexenecarboxalde- hyde (Lyral3), alphaamylcinnamaldehyde, thylene brassylate, (E)- and / or (Z)-3-methyl- cyclopentadec-5-enone (Muscenone9), 15-pentadec- 11 -enolide and / or 15-pentadec- 12-enolide (Globalide1), 15-cyclopentadecanolide (Macrolide1), 1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro- 3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone (Tonalide10), 2-isobutyl-4-methyltetra- hydro-2H-pyran-4-ol (Florol9), 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-2-buten-1- ol (Sandolene1), cis-3-hexenyl acetate, trans-3-hexenyl acetate, trans-2-cis--6-nonadi- enol, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde (Vertocitral1), 2,4,4,7-tetramethyl-oct- 6-en-3-one (Claritone1), 2,6-dimethyl-5-hepten-1-al (Melonal2), borneol, 3-(3-iso- propylphenyl)butanal (Florhydral2), 2-methyl-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)propanal (Helional3), 3-(4-ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal (Florazon1), 7-methyl-2H-1 ,5-ben- zodioxepin-3(4H)-one (Calone19515), 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl acetate (preferably with a content of cis-isomers of 70 wt.%) or more and 2,5,5-trimethyl-1 , 2, 3, 4, 4a, 5,6,7- octahydronaphthalen-2-ol (Ambrinol S1).

[0453] If trade names are specified above, these refer to the following sources:

[0454] 1Trade name of Symrise GmbH, Germany;

[0455] 2Trade name of Givaudan AG, Switzerland;

[0456] 3Trade name of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., USA;

[0457] 5Trade name of Danisco Seillans S.A., France;

[0458] 9Trade name of Firmenich S.A., Switzerland;

[0459] 10Trade name of PFW Aroma Chemicals B.V., The Netherlands.

[0460] The fragrances may optionally be incorporated in encapsulated form.

[0461] The thickeners serve to impart the desired viscosity to the composition of the invention.

[0462] Any known thickener (rheology modifier) is suitable in principle, provided that it does not exert any adverse effect on the efficacy of the composition. Suitable thickeners may either be of natural origin or of synthetic nature.

[0463] Thickeners of natural origin are mostly derived from polysaccharides. Examples are xanthan, gellan gum, carob flour, guar flour or gum, carrageenan, agar, tragacanth, gum arabic, alginates, modified starches such as hydroxyethyl starch, starch phosphate esters or starch acetates, dextrins, pectins and cellulose derivatives, such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose and the like. Further examples are bacterial cellulose, meaning any type of cellulose produced via fermentation of a bacteria of the genus Acetobacter such as CELLULON® (CPKelco U.S.) and including materials referred to as microfibri Hated cellulose or reticulated bacterial cellulose; and non-bacterial cellulose, e.g. cellulosic fibers extracted from vegetables, fruits or wood, e.g. Avicel® from FMC, Citri-Fi from Fiberstar or Betafib from Cosun.

[0464] Thickeners of natural origin are also inorganic thickeners, such as polysilicic acids and clay minerals, for example sheet silicates, and also the silicates mentioned for the builders. More specific examples are listed in the following table. Most are derived from smectite clays and silica derivatives.

[0465] Examples of synthetic thickeners are polyacrylic and polymethacrylic compounds, such as (partly) crosslinked homopolymers of acrylic acid, for example homopolymers of acrylic acid which have been crosslinked with an allyl ether of sucrose or pentaerythritol, or with propylene (carbomers), for example the Carbopol® brands from BF Goodrich (e.g. Carbopol® 676, 940, 941 , 934 and the like) or the Polygel® brands from 3V Sigma (e.g. Polygel® DA), copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acids, for example terpolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or maleic acid with methyl acrylate or ethyl acrylate and a (meth)acrylate which derives from long- chain ethoxylated alcohols, for example the Acusol® brands from Rohm & Haas (e.g. Acusol® 820 or 1206A), copolymers of two or more monomers which are selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and the Ci-C4-alkyl esters thereof, for example copolymers of methacrylic acid, butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate or of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate, for example the Aculyn® and Acusol® brands from Rohm & Haas (e.g. Aculyn® 22, 28 or 33 and Acusol® 810, 823 and 830), or crosslinked high molecular weight acrylic acid copolymers, for example copolymers of C -Cso-alkyl acrylates with one or more comonomers selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and the Ci-C4-alkyl esters thereof, said copolymers having been crosslinked with an allyl ether of sucrose or pentaerythritol (e.g. Carbopol® ETD 2623, Carbopol® 1382 or Carbopol® AQUA 30 from Rohm & Haas).

[0466] Suitable thickeners are moreover phospholipids, such as alkylated phosphatidyl choline, phosphobetaines or alkyl phosphate quaternary compounds.

[0467] Examples of synthetic thickeners are also reaction products of maleic acid polymers with ethoxylated long-chain alcohols, for example the Surfonic L series from Texaco Chemical Co. or Gantrez AN-119 from ISP; polyethylene glycols, polyamides, polyimines and polycarboxylic acids. Examples of synthetic thickeners are moreover dibenzylidene polyol acetal derivatives (DBPA derivative). These may comprise a dibenzylidene sorbitol acetal derivative (DBS). Said DBS derivative may be selected from the group consisting of: 1 ,3:2, 4- dibenzylidene sorbitol; 1 ,3:2,4-di(p-methylbenzylidene) sorbitol; 1 ,3:2,4-di(p-chloroben- zylidene) sorbitol; 1 ,3:2,4-di(2,4-dimethyldibenzylidene) sorbitol; 1 ,3:2,4-di (p-ethyl-ben- zylidene) sorbitol; 1 ,3:2,4-di(3,4-dimethyldibenzylidene) sorbitol; and mixtures thereof.

[0468] Suitable thickeners are moreover di-amido gellants, e.g. selected from those having a molecular weight from about 150g / mol to about 1,500g / mol, or even from about 500g / mol to about 900 g / mol. Such di-amido gellants may comprise at least two nitrogen atoms, wherein at least two of said nitrogen atoms form amido functional substitution groups. The amido groups may be different or identical. Examples are compounds of the formula Ra-C(=O)-NH-L-C(=O)-Rb, where Raand Raare amino functional end- groups or amido functional end groups, and L is a linking moiety of molecular weight from 14 to 500 g / mol. Raand Rbmay comprise a pH-tunable group, wherein the pH- tunable amido-gellant may have a pKa of from about 1 to about 30, or even from about 2 to about 10. The pH tunable group may comprise a pyridine. L may comprise a carbon chain comprising between 2 and 20 carbon atoms. L may comprise a pH-tunable group. The pH-tunable group may be a secondary amine.

[0469] Examples of synthetic thickeners are also non-polymeric crystalline, hydroxyl functional structurants . Said compound may comprise a crystallizable glyceride which can be pre-emulsified to aid dispersion into the final liquid detergent formulation. The crystallizable glycerides may comprise hydrogenated castor oil or "HCO" or derivatives thereof, provided that it is capable of crystallizing in the liquid formulation.

[0470] Also suitable are mixtures of the abovementioned thickeners.

[0471] Suitable activity enhancers are in particular PEI.

[0472] PEI are polymers of ethylenediamine and can be characterized by repeating groups of the empirical formula -[CH2-CH2-NH]n- wherein n ranges from approximately from 10 to 100,000, e.g. from 10 to 15000. PEI can be linear or branched (branched forms are not correctly reflected in the above formula; nevertheless the formula should also symbolize branched forms), where branching can result in dendrimers, star-like polymers, hyperbranched polymers and other branched forms. Branched polyethylenimines can be characterized by their degree of branching (DB). DB may be determined, for example, by13C-NMR spectrometry and is defined as follows:

[0473] DB = D +T / D+T+L wherein D stands for the fraction of tertiary amino groups, L (linear) stands for the fraction of secondary amino groups, and T (terminal) stands for the fraction of primary amino groups. Preferably, DB ranges from 0.1 to 0.95, more preferably from 0.25 to 0.90, in particular from 0.30 to 0.80, and specifically from 0.5-0.8.

[0474] Preferably, the PEIs used in the present compositions have weight average molecular weight Mwof from 500 to 1 ,000,000 g / mol, more preferably from 600 to 75,000 g / mol, and in particular from 800 to 25000 g / mol, as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC with PEG or PMMA standard; specifically with multi angle light scattering (MALS) detector of the intermediate respective polyalkylenimine, with 1.5% by weight aqueous formic acid as eluent and cross-linked poly-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as stationary phase).

[0475] In a specific embodiment, the PEIs used in the present compositions are grafted with ethylene oxide (EG) and / or propylene oxide (PO). Typically, the PEI is grafted with 5 to 100 mol of alkylene oxide per mol of PEI.

[0476] If present, the PEI is typically contained in the homecare or l&l composition in an amount of from 0.001 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.001 to 1 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0477] Suitable PEIs are commercially available, e.g. under the Lupasol® and Sokolan® HP brands from BASF.

[0478] Suitable inorganic salts are for example sodium chloride and calcium chloride.

[0479] In a particular embodiment, the composition of the invention is a dishwashing composition. Dishwashing compositions preferably comprise:

[0480] (a) 0.1 to 19.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0481] (b) 0.1 to 19.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0482] (c) 0.1 to 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants;

[0483] (d) 0 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one organic solvent different from (b), preferably as defined above;

[0484] (e) 0 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one enzyme;

[0485] (f) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one sequestrant;

[0486] (g) 0 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one defoamer and / or foam stabilizer; (h) 0 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a further additive; and

[0487] (i) 10 to 99.7% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water; where components (a) to (i) add to 100% by weight, and where the sum of the amounts of (a) and (b) does preferably not exceed 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0488] More particularly, the composition of the invention is a dishwashing composition comprising:

[0489] (a) 0.1 to 14.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition of an alkox- ylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0490] (b) 0.1 to 14.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0491] (c) 5 to 25% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants;

[0492] (d) 0 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one organic solvent different from (b), preferably as defined above;

[0493] (e) 0 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one enzyme;

[0494] (f) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one sequestrant;

[0495] (g) 0 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one defoamer and / or foam stabilizer;

[0496] (h) 0 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a further additive; and

[0497] (i) 10 to 94.8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water; where components (a) to (i) add to 100% by weight, and where the sum of the amounts of (a) and (b) does preferably not exceed 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0498] In another particular embodiment, the composition of the invention is a laundry composition. Laundry compositions preferably comprise:

[0499] (a) 0.1 to 19.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0500] (b) 0.1 to 19.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0501] (c) 0.1 to 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants; (d) 0 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one organic solvent different from (b), preferably as defined above;

[0502] (e) 0 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one enzyme;

[0503] (f) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one sequestrant;

[0504] (g) 0 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one defoamer and / or foam stabilizer;

[0505] (h) 0 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a further additive; and

[0506] (i) 10 to 99.7% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water; where components (a) to (i) add to 100% by weight, and where the sum of the amounts of (a) and (b) does preferably not exceed 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0507] Such laundry compositions are in liquid or gel form and are suitable both for machine washing as well as for manual laundry washing. As a matter of course, manual laundry compositions have to be adapted so as not to present any hazard for the user. For instance, the amount of optionally present acids and / or bases is such that the resulting pH does not harm the user’s skin.

[0508] Suitable and preferred components (a) to (h) are those listed above.

[0509] Examples for laundry compositions are laundry detergents, fabric softeners, rinsing compositions, bleacher compositions, and stain remover compositions.

[0510] Laundry detergents may further comprise as component (h) dye transfer inhibitors, anti-greying polymers, soil release polymers, anti-redeposition agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, ironing aids, skin benefit agents, antistatic agents, processing aids, such as electrolyts, pearlisers, opacifiers, sunscreens, and / or antioxidants.

[0511] The terms anti-greying and anti-redeposition agents are often used interchangeably. Suitable examples for such agents are the aforementioned PEIs in grafted (alkox- ylated) or ungrafted form, other alkyleneimine polymers, such as polypropyleneimine (PPI), also in grafted or ungrafted form, further ethoxylated hexamethylene diamine polymers which are quaternized and - optionally but preferably - sulfated, and graft polymer GP comprising as a graft base a polyether and as grafted side chains copolymers comprising at least one comonomer (CM) as described below. The ethoxylated hexamethylene diamine polymers preferably contain in average 10 to 50, more preferably 15 to 40 and even more preferably 20 to 30 EO (ethoxylate) groups per NH group, resulting in an average molecular weight Mw in the range from 2,000 to 10,000 g / mol, more preferably 3,000-8,000, most preferably 4,000-6,000. In a preferred embodiment the ethoxylated hexamethylene diamine is quaternized and also sulfated, preferably bearing 2 cationic ammonium groups and 2 anionic sulfate groups.

[0512] In the gaft polymer GP, the side chains comprise at least one comonomer (CM) selected from

[0513] CH2=CH-O-C(O)-Ra(CM-la)

[0514] CH2=CH-CH2-O-C(O)-Ra(CM-lb)

[0515] CH2=CZ-CO-ORb(CM-lc) wherein Rais selected from Ci-C2i-alkyl, for example methyl, n-propyl, n-pentyl, n-hep- tyl, n-nonyl, iso-nonyl, n-undecyl, n-tridecyl, n-pentadecyl, n-heptadecyl, or n-non- adecyl, Rbis selected from C2-C2o-alkyl, preferably with an even number of carbon atoms, for example ethyl, n- and iso propyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl or isodecyl, n-Ci2H2s, n-Ci4H29, n-CieH33 or n-CisHs?, and Z is selected from hydrogen and methyl, hydrogen bring preferred.

[0516] In the graft polymer GP, the polyethers bear at least 5 ether groups per mole and - if at all - only hydroxyl groups, for example one, two or three hydroxyl groups per molecule. Such hydroxyl groups may be primary or secondary hydroxyl groups, primary hydroxyl groups being preferred. The polyethers are preferably polyethylene glycols, for example with an average molecular weight Mnin the range of from 500 to 25,000 g / mol, preferably 1 ,000 to 15,000 g / mole and even more preferably 1 ,500 to 10,000 g / mol, e.g. 1 ,500 to 4,000 g / mol or 4,000 to 6,000 g / mol or 5,000 to 8,000 g / mol. Alternatively, the polyethers are preferably polypropylene glycols, for example with an average molecular weight Mnin the range of from 500 to 20,000 g / mol, preferably 2,000 to 10,000 g / mol and even more preferably 4,000 to 9,000 g / mol Alternatively, the polyethers are copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol units, for example random copolymers and preferably block copolymers, for example di-block copolymers and tri-block copolymers. Preferably, copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are block copolymers. The polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols and EO-PO block copolymers can be non-capped or end-capped with Ci-C2o-alkyl or C3-C2o-2-hydroxyalkyl.

[0517] Other examples for anti-greying agents are carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), ether sulfonic acid salts of starch, ether sulfonic acid salts of cellulose, acidic sulfuric acid ester salts of cellulose, acidic sulfuric acid ester salts of starch, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. Further examples for anti-greying agents are polyalkylene oxide polymers (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and / or butylene oxide polymers) grafted with methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and / or ethyl methacrylate.

[0518] In fabric softeners, at least a part of the detergent (c) described above is replaced by a softening agent.

[0519] Suitable softening agents are quaternary ammonium salts, especially quats or ester quats. Quats are compounds [NR1R2R3R4]+X wherein R1, R2, R3and R4are alkyl groups, where at least one, generally two is / are long-chained alkyl and the others are generally methyl or ethyl, and X' is a counter anion, such as chloride. Examples are DSDMAC (distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, also termed DODMAC (dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride)), TDMAC (ditallow di-methyl ammonium chloride), DHTDMAC (dehydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride) and DDAC- C10 (didecyldimethylammonium chloride. Esterquats are derived from alkanolamines in which at least one alkanol group is esterified with a fatty acid. Typically, esterquats are derived from methyl-triethanol-ammmonium salts, where 1 , 2 or 3 of the OH groups are esterified with a fatty acid, and from dimethyl-diethanol-ammonium salts, where 1 or 2 OH groups are esterified with a fatty acid. Preference is given to esterquats.

[0520] More particularly, the composition of the invention is a laundry composition comprising:

[0521] (a) 0.1 to 14.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition of an alkox- ylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0522] (b) 0.1 to 14.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0523] (c) 4 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants;

[0524] (d) 0 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one organic solvent different from (b), preferably as defined above;

[0525] (e) 0 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one enzyme;

[0526] (f) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one sequestrant;

[0527] (g) 0 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one defoamer and / or foam stabilizer;

[0528] (h) 0 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a further additive; and

[0529] (i) 10 to 95.8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water; where components (a) to (i) add to 100% by weight, and where the sum of the amounts of (a) and (b) does preferably not exceed 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0530] In a particular embodiment, the composition of the invention is a surface cleaning composition. Surface cleaning compositions preferably comprise:

[0531] (a) 0.1 to 19.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0532] (b) 0.1 to 19.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0533] (c) 0.1 to 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants;

[0534] (d) 0 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one organic solvent different from (b), preferably as defined above;

[0535] (e) 0 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one enzyme;

[0536] (f) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one sequestrant;

[0537] (g) 0 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one defoamer and / or foam stabilizer;

[0538] (h) 0 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a further additive; and

[0539] (i) 10 to 99.7% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water; where components (a) to (i) add to 100% by weight, and where the sum of the amounts of (a) and (b) does preferably not exceed 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0540] Such surface cleaning compositions are in liquid or gel form and are suitable for manual use. As a matter of course, surface cleaning compositions for household use have to be adapted so as not to present any hazard for the user. For instance, the amount of optionally present acids and / or bases is such that the resulting pH does not harm the user’s skin.

[0541] Suitable and preferred components (a) to (h) are those listed above.

[0542] Surface cleaning compositions may further comprise as component (h) anti-greying polymers and scale inhibitor or scale dispersing agents.

[0543] More particularly, the surface cleaning composition preferably comprises: (a) 0.1 to 14.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition of an alkox- ylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0544] (b) 0.1 to 14.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0545] (c) 0.1 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants;

[0546] (d) 0 to 8% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one organic solvent different from (b), preferably as defined above;

[0547] (e) 0 to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one enzyme;

[0548] (f) 0 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one sequestrant;

[0549] (g) 0 to 4% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one defoamer and / or foam stabilizer;

[0550] (h) 0 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a further additive; and

[0551] (i) 10 to 99.7% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water; where components (a) to (i) add to 100% by weight, and where the sum of the amounts of (a) and (b) does preferably not exceed 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0552] In a particular embodiment, the homecare or l&l composition is a refill concentrate. Refill concentrates contain all ingredients of the final ready-to-use product, but for water which is either essentially absent (“essentially” taking account of the fact that some of the ingredients may contain some residual water) or contained in amounts far below those of the final ready-to-use product. The end user has just to fill the refill concentrate into a suitable container and add the indicated amount of water.

[0553] Such refill concentrates preferably comprise: a) 0.1 to 19.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0554] (b) 0.1 to 19.9% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0555] (c) 0.1 to 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants;

[0556] (d) 0 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one organic solvent different from (b), preferably as defined above;

[0557] (e) 0 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one enzyme; (f) 0 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one sequestrant;

[0558] (g) 0 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one defoamer and / or foam stabilizer;

[0559] (h) 0 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a further additive; and

[0560] (i) 0 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water; where components (a) to (i) add to 100% by weight, and where the sum of the amounts of (a) and (b) does preferably not exceed 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0561] The combination of the antimicrobial agent and the alkoxylated amine (I) in crop protection compositions generally serves for preserving said composition. Crop protection compositions needing preservation generally contain water.

[0562] Examples for such compositions are e. g. solutions, emulsions, suspensions, pastes, capsules, and mixtures thereof. Examples for composition types are suspensions (e.g. SC, OD, FS), emulsifiable concentrates (e.g. EC), emulsions (e.g. EW, EO, ES, ME), capsules (e.g. CS, ZC), pastes, as well as gel formulations for the treatment of plant propagation materials such as seeds (e.g. GF). These and further compositions types are defined in the "Catalogue of pesticide formulation types and international coding system", Technical Monograph No. 2, 6th Ed. May 2008, CropLife International.

[0563] The compositions are prepared in a known manner, such as described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulation technology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001 ; or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005.

[0564] Suitable auxiliaries are solvents, liquid carriers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, wetters, adjuvants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, adhesion agents, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, feeding stimulants, compatibilizers, anti-freezing agents, anti-foaming agents, colorants, tackifiers and binders.

[0565] Suitable solvents and liquid carriers are water and organic solvents, such as mineral oil fractions of medium to high boiling point, e.g. kerosene, diesel oil; oils of vegetable or animal origin; aliphatic, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, e. g. toluene, paraffin, tetrahydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes; alcohols, e.g. ethanol, propanol, butanol, benzylalcohol, cyclo-'hexanol; glycols; DMSO; ketones, e.g. cyclo-'hexanone; esters, e.g. lactates, carbonates, fatty acid esters, gamma-butyrolactone; fatty acids; phospho- nates; amines; amides, e.g. fatty acid dhmethylamides; and mixtures thereof. Suitable surfactants are surface-active compounds, such as anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, block polymers, polyelectrolytes, and mixtures there_,of. Such surfactants can be used as emusifier, dispersant, solubilizer, wetter, penetration enhancer, protective colloid, or adjuvant. Examples of surfactants are listed in McCutcheon's, Vol.1: Emulsifiers & Detergents, McCutcheon's Directories, Glen Rock, USA, 2008 (International Ed. or North American Ed.).

[0566] Suitable anionic surfactants are alkali, alkaline earth or ammonium salts of sulf-'onates, sulfates, phosphates, carboxylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples of sulf-'onates are alkylarylsulfonates, diphenylsulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, lignine sulfonates, sulfonates of fatty acids and oils, sulfonates of ethoxylated alkylphenols, sulfonates of alkoxylated arylphenols, sulfonates of condensed naphthalenes, sulf-'onates of dodecyl- and tridecylbenzenes, sulfonates of naphthalenes and alkyhnaphtha-'lenes, sulfosuccinates or sulfosuccinamates. Examples of sulfates are sulfates of fatty acids and oils, of ethoxylated alkylphenols, of alcohols, of ethoxylated alcohols, or of fatty acid esters. Examples of phosphates are phosphate esters. Examples of carboxylates are alkyl carboxylates, and carboxylated alcohol or alkylphenol ethoxylates.

[0567] Suitable nonionic surfactants are alkoxylates, N-subsituted fatty acid amides, amine oxides, esters, sugar-based surfactants, polymeric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Examples of alkoxylates are compounds such as alcohols, alkylphenols, amines, amides, arylphenols, fatty acids or fatty acid esters which have been alkoxylated with 1 to 50 equivalents. Ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide may be employed for the alkoxyla- tion, preferably ethylene oxide. Examples of N-subsititued fatty acid amides are fatty acid glucamides or fatty acid alkanolamides. Examples of esters are fatty acid esters, glycerol esters or monoglycerides. Examples of sugar-based surfactants are sorbitans, ethoxylated sorbitans, sucrose and glucose esters or alkylpolyglucosides. Examples of polymeric surfactants are home- or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone, vinylalcohols, or vinylacetate.

[0568] Suitable cationic surfactants are quaternary surfactants, for example quaternary am-rnonium compounds with one or two hydrophobic groups, or salts of long-chain primary amines. Suitable amphoteric surfactants are alkylbetains and imidazolines. Suitable block polymers are block polymers of the A-B or A-B-A type comprising blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, or of the A-B-C type comprising alkanol, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide. Suitable polyelectrolytes are polyacids or polybases. Examples of polyacids are alkali salts of polyacrylic acid or polyacid comb polymers. Examples of polybases are polyvinylamines or polyethyleneamines. Suitable adjuvants are compounds which have a neglectable or even no pesticidal activity themselves, and which improve the biological performance of the polymeric, ionic compound comprising imidazolium groups on the target. Examples are surfactants, mineral or vegetable oils, and other auxilaries. Further examples are listed by Knowles, Adjuvants and additives, Agrow Reports DS256, T&F Informa UK, 2006, chapter 5. Suitable thickeners are polysaccharides (e.g. xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellu-'lose), anorganic clays (organically modified or unmodified), polycarboxylates, and silicates. Suitable anti-freezing agents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea and glycerin. Suitable anti-foaming agents are silicones, long chain alcohols, and salts of fatty acids. Suitable colorants (e.g. in red, blue, or green) are pigments of low water solubility and water-soluble dyes. Examples are inorganic colorants (e.g. iron oxide, titan oxide, iron hexacyanoferrate) and organic colorants (e.g. alizarin-, azo- and phthalocyanine colorants).

[0569] Suitable tackifiers or binders are polyvinylpyrrolidons, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, biological or synthetic waxes, and cellulose ethers.

[0570] The crop protection compositions contain of course at least one active agent suitable for combating harmul microorganisms, invertebrate pests or weeds, e.g. at least one fungicide, insecticide, acaricide, nematicide, moluscicide and / or herbicide; or for regulating the growth of plants.

[0571] Examples of fungicidally active substances comprise:

[0572] • acylalanines, such as benalaxyl, metalaxyl, ofurace or oxadixyl;

[0573] • amine derivatives, such as aldimorph, dodine, dodemorph, fenpropimorph, fenpropidin, guazatine, iminoctadine, spiroxamine or tridemorph;

[0574] • anilinopyrimidines, such as pyrimethanil, mepanipyrim or cyprodinil;

[0575] • antibiotics, such as cycloheximide, griseofulvin, kasugamycin, natamycin, polyoxin and streptomycin;

[0576] • azoles, such as bitertanol, bromoconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, dini- conazole, epoxiconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imazalil, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, pro- piconazole, prochloraz, prothioconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triflumizole or triticonazole;

[0577] • 2-methoxybenzophenones, such as those disclosed in EP-A 897 904 by the general formula (I), e.g. metrafenone;

[0578] • dicarboximides, such as iprodione, myclozolin, procymidone or vinclozolin;

[0579] • dithiocarbamates, such as ferbam, nabam, maneb, mancozeb, metam, metiram, propineb, polycarbamate, thiram, ziram or zineb;

[0580] • heterocyclic compounds, such as anilazine, benomyl, boscalid, carbendazim, carboxin, oxycarboxin, cyazofamid, dazomet, dithianon, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenarimol, fuberidazole, flutolanil, furametpyr, isoprothiolane, mepronil, nuarimol, picobenzamid, probenazole, proquinazid, pyrifenox, pyroquilon, quinoxyfen, silthi- ofam, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, tiadinil, tricyclazole or tri- forine;

[0581] • nitrophenyl derivatives, such as binapacryl, dinocap, dinobuton or nitrothal-isopro- pyi; • phenylpyrroles, such as fenpiclonil or fludioxonil;

[0582] • unclassified fungicides, such as acibenzolar-S-methyl, benthiavalicarb, carpropa- mid, chlorothalonil, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, diclomezine, diclocymet, diethofencarb, edifenphos, ethaboxam, fenhexamid, fentin acetate, fenoxanil, ferimzone, fluazinam, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, iprovalicarb, hexachlorobenzene, met- rafenone, pencycuron, propamocarb, phthalide, tolclofos-methyl, quintozene or zoxamide;

[0583] • strobilurins, such as those disclosed in WO 03 / 075663 by the general formula (I), for example azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metom- inostrobin, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin;

[0584] • sulfenic acid derivatives, such as captafol, captan, dichlofluanid, folpet or tol- ylfluanid;

[0585] • cinnamamides and analogous compounds, such as dimethomorph, flumetover or flumorph;

[0586] • 6-aryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, such as those disclosed, e.g., in

[0587] WO 98 / 46608, WO 99 / 41255 or WO 03 / 004465, in each case by the general formula (I);

[0588] • amide fungicides, such as cyflufenamid and (Z)-N-[D-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)- 2,3-difluoro-6-(difluoromethoxy)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide.

[0589] Examples of herbicides comprise:

[0590] • 1,3,4-thiadiazoles, such as buthidazole and cyprazole;

[0591] • amides, such as allidochlor, benzoylprop-ethyl, bromobutide, chlorthiamid, dimepiperate, dimethenamid, diphenamid, etobenzanid, flamprop-methyl, fosa- mine, isoxaben, metazachlor, monalide, naptalam, pronamide or propanil;

[0592] • aminophosphoric acids, such as bilanafos, buminafos, glufosinate-ammonium, glyphosate or sulfosate;

[0593] • aminotriazoles, such as amitrole, or anilides, such as anilofos or mefenacet;

[0594] • aryloxyalkanoic acid, such as 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, clomeprop, dichlorprop, dichlorprop- P, fenoprop, fluroxypyr, MCPA, MCPB, mecoprop, mecoprop-P, napropamide, naproanilide or triclopyr;

[0595] • benzoic acids, such as chloramben or dicamba;

[0596] • benzothiadiazinones, such as bentazon;

[0597] • bleachers, such as clomazone, diflufenican, fluorochloridone, flupoxam, fluridone, pyrazolate or sulcotrione;

[0598] • carbamates, such as carbetamide, clorbufam, chlorpropham, desmedipham, phen- medipham or vernolate;

[0599] • quinolinecarboxylic acids, such as quinclorac or quinmerac;

[0600] • dichloropropionic acids, such as dalapon;

[0601] • dihydrobenzofurans, such as ethofumesate;

[0602] • dhydrofuran-3-ones, such as flurtamone; • dinitroanilines, such as benefin, butralin, dinitramine, ethalfluralin, fluchloralin, isopropalin, nitralin, oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine, profluralin, trifluralin;

[0603] • dinitrophenols, such as bromofenoxim, dinoseb, dinoseb acetate, dinoterb, DNOC or minoterb acetate;

[0604] • diphenyl ethers, such as acifluorfen-sodium, aclonifen, bifenox, chlornitrofen, dif- enoxuron, ethoxyfen, fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, fomesafen, furyloxyfen, lactofen, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen or oxyfluorfen;

[0605] • dipyridyls, such as cyperquat, difenzoquat metilsulfate, diquat or paraquat dichloride;

[0606] • imidazoles, such as isocarbamid;

[0607] • imidazolinones, such as imazamethapyr, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethabenzme- thyl, imazethapyr, imazapic or imazamox;

[0608] • oxadiazoles, such as methazole, oxadiargyl or oxadiazone;

[0609] • oxiranes, such as tridiphane;

[0610] • phenols, such as bromoxynil or ioxynil;

[0611] • phenoxyphenoxypropionic acid esters, such as clodinafop, cyhalofop-butyl, diclo- fop-methyl, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fenthiaprop-ethyl, fluazifop-butyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P-methyl, isoxapyrifop, propaquizafop, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P-ethyl or quizalofop-P- tefuryl;

[0612] • phenylacetic acids, such as chlorfenac;

[0613] • phenylpropionic acids, such as chlorphenprop-methyl;

[0614] • ppi-active substances (ppi = preplant incorporated), such as benzofenap, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, flumipropyn, flupropacil, pyrazoxyfen, sulfentrazone or thidiazimin;

[0615] • pyrazoles, such as nipyraclofen;

[0616] • pyridazines, such as chloridazon, maleic hydrazide, norflurazon or pyridate;

[0617] • pyridinecarboxylic acids, such as clopyralid, dithiopyr, picloram or thiazopyr;

[0618] • pyrimidyl ethers, such as pyrithiobac acid, pyrithiobac-sodium, KIH-2023 or KIH- 6127;

[0619] • sulfonamides, such as flumetsulam or metosulam;

[0620] • triazolecarboxamides, such as triazofenamide;

[0621] • uracils, such as bromacil, lenacil or terbacil;

[0622] • furthermore benazolin, benfuresate, bensulide, benzofluor, bentazon, butamifos, cafenstrole, chlorthal-dimethyl, cinmethylin, dichlobenil, endothall, fluorbentranil, mefluidide, perfluidone, piperophos, topramezone and prohexadione-calcium;

[0623] • sulfonylureas, such as amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlo- rimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron-me- thyl, flazasulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, nico- sulfuron, primisulfuron, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, rimsulfuron, sulfome- turon-methyl, thifensulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron, tribenuron-methyl, triflusulfuron- methyl or tritosulfuron;

[0624] • plant protection active substances of the cyclohexenone type, such as alloxydim, clethodim, cloproxydim, cycloxydim, sethoxydim and tralkoxydim. Very particularly preferred herbicidal active substances of the cyclohexenone type are: tepraloxydim (cf. AGROW, No. 243, 11.3.95, page 21, caloxydim) and 2-(1-[2-{4-chlorphenoxy}- propyloxyimino]butyl)-3-hydroxy-5-(2H-tetrahydrothiopyran-3-yl)-2-cyclohexen-1- one, and of the sulfonylurea type is: N-(((4-methoxy-6-[trifluoromethyl]-1,3,5-tria- zin-2-yl)amino)carbonyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonamide.

[0625] Examples of insecticides comprise:

[0626] • organophosphates, such as acephate, azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, chlorfenvinphos, diazinon, dichlorvos, dimethylvinphos, dioxabenzofos, dicrotophos, dimethoate, disulfoton, ethion, EPN, fenitrothion, fenthion, isoxathion, malathion, methamidophos, methidathion, methyl parathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, ox- ydemeton-methyl, paraoxon, parathion, phenthoate, phosalone, phosmet, phos- phamidon, phorate, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, prothiofos, pirimiphos- ethyl, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion, sulprophos, triazophos, trichlorfon, tetrachlor- vinphos or vamidothion;

[0627] • carbamates, such as alanycarb, benfuracarb, bendiocarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, fenoxycarb, furathiocarb, indoxacarb, methiocarb, methomyl, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, thiodicarb or triazamate; pyrethroids, such as bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cycloprothrin, cypermethrin, deltame- thrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, cyhalothrin, lambda- cyhalothrin, permethrin, silafluofen, tau-fluvalinate, tefluthrin, tralomethrin, alpha- cypermethrin or zeta-cypermethrin; arthropodal growth regulators: a) chitin synthesis inhibitors, e.g. benzoylureas, such as chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, buprofezin, diofenolan, hexythi- azox, etoxazole or clofentezine; b) ecdysone antagonists, such as halofenozide, methoxyfenozide or tebufenozide; c) juvenile hormone mimics, such as pyriproxyfen, methoprene or fenoxycarb; d) lipid biosynthesis inhibitors such as spirodiclofen; neonicotinoids, such as flonicamid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thia- methoxam, nitenpyram, nithiazine, acetamiprid or thiacloprid; additional unclassified insecticides, such as abamectin, acequinocyl, acetamiprid, amitraz, azadirachtin, bensultap, bifenazate, cartap, chlorfenapyr, chlordimeform, cyromazine, diafenthiuron, dinotefuran, diofenolan, emamectin, endosulfan, ethiprole, fenazaquin, fipronil, formetanate, formetanate hydrochloride, gamma- HCH, hydramethylnon, imidacloprid, indoxacarb, isoprocarb, metolcarb, pyridaben, pymetrozine, spinosad, tebufenpyrad, thiamethoxam, thiocyclam, XMC and xy- lylcarb;

[0628] N-phenylsemicarbazones, such as those disclosed in EP-A 462 456 by the general formula (I), especially compounds of the general formula (A) in which R2and R3represent, independently of one another, hydrogen, halogen, CN, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkyl or C1-C4 haloalkoxy and R4represents C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkyl or C1-C4 haloalkoxy, e.g. compound IV, in which R2represents 3-CF3, R3represents 4-CN and R4represents 4-OCF3.

[0629] Examples for plant growth regulators comprise chlormequat chloride, mepiquat chloride, prohexadione-calcium, trinexapac ethyl or the group of the gibberellins. These include, e.g. the gibberellin GA1, GA3, GA4, GA5 and GA7, and the like, and the corresponding exo-16,17-dihydrogibberellins, and also the derivatives thereof, e.g. the esters with C1-C4 carboxylic acids.

[0630] Water-soluble concentrates (SL, LS) comprise for example:

[0631] (a) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkox- ylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0632] (b) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0633] (c) 5 to 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of the active substances;

[0634] (d) 5 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a wetting agent (e.g. alcohol alkoxylates);

[0635] (e) 3 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an antifreezing agent;

[0636] (f) water or a mixture of water and a water-soluble solvent (e.g. an alcohol; different from (b)) ad 100% by weight.

[0637] Emulsions (EW, EG, ES) comprise for example:

[0638] (a) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0639] (b) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b); (c) 5 to 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of the active substance;

[0640] (d) 1 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more emulsifiers (e.g. calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and castor oil ethoxylate);

[0641] (e) 3 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an antifreezing agent;

[0642] (f) 20 to 40% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a waterinsoluble organic solvent (e.g. aromatic hydrocarbon);

[0643] (g) water ad 100% by weight.

[0644] Suspensions (SC, OD, FS) comprise for example:

[0645] (a) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkox- ylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0646] (b) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0647] (c) 5 to 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of the active substance;

[0648] (d) 2 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of dispersants and / or wetting agents (e.g. sodium lignosulfonate and alcohol ethoxylate);

[0649] (e) 0.1 to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a thickener (e.g. xanthan gum);

[0650] (f) 3 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an antifreezing agent;

[0651] (g) water ad 100% by weight.

[0652] For FS type composition up to 40 wt% binder (e.g. polyvinylalcohol) is contained.

[0653] Gels (GW, GF) comprise for example:

[0654] (a) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkoxylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0655] (b) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0656] (c) 5 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of the active substance;

[0657] (d) 3 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of one or more dispersants (e.g. sodium lignosulfonate);

[0658] (e) 1 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a thickener (e.g. carboxymethylcellulose);

[0659] (f) 3 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an antifreezing agent;

[0660] (g) water ad 100% by weight. Microemulsions (ME) comprise for example:

[0661] (a) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an alkox- ylated amine (I) or a mixture of different alkoxylated amines (I) as defined above;

[0662] (b) 0.01 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a solvent or a mixture of different solvents as defined above for component (b);

[0663] (c) 5 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of the active substance;

[0664] (d) 5 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an organic solvent blend (e.g. fatty acid dimethylamide and cyclohexanone);

[0665] (e) 10 to 25% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of surfactant blend (e.g. alcohol ethoxylate and arylphenol ethoxylate);

[0666] (f) 3 to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of an antifreezing agent;

[0667] (g) water ad 100% by weight.

[0668] The above crop protection compositions may optionally comprise further auxiliaries, such as 0.1-1 wt% anti-foaming agents, and 0.1-1 wt% colorants.

[0669] Pharmaceutical compositions

[0670] Suitable pharmaceutical compositions may exist in a wide variety of forms, for example in the form of liquid preparations as a W / O, O / W, O / W / O, W / O / W or PIT emulsion and all kinds of microemulsions; in the form of a non-emulsified, water-based liquid, in the form of a gel, in the form of an oil, a cream, milk or lotion, in the form of a spray (spray with propellant gas or pump-action spray) or an aerosol, in the form of a foam, in the form of a paste, in the form of a wet wipe (such as for cleaning the nappy area).

[0671] The pharmaceutical compositions may be, for example, creams, gels, lotions, alcoholic and aqueous / alcoholic solutions, emulsions, wax / fat compositions, or ointments.

[0672] Personal care

[0673] Preserving personal care products from microbial degradation is imperative and simultaneously challenging, since most topical cosmetics and dermatological products contain significant amounts of water, thus providing a very hospitable environment for microbial growth. Many other ingredients in personal care products can also be a good source of nutrients to microbes. Moreover, shelf-life and pot life of personal care products are rather long as compared to, for example, food products. Generally, personal care products are neither sterilized and nor packed in hermetic conditions, and thus the presence of preservatives can hardly be dispensed with. On the other hand, the public regards preservatives in personal care products as problematic. The consumers expect the preservatives to be not only effective, but extremely mild during the whole shelf and pot life. Public opinion makes it very difficult to use formaldehyde donors, halogenated organic molecules and recently also parabens in personal care products. It is at least expected that the amounts of these preservatives is reduced to a minimum. Antimicrobials which are not or at least less hazardous, like 2- phenoxyethanol, are often not very effective and need to be used in rather high concentrations to achieve an acceptable antimicrobial effect. In personal care applications, high concentrations are however not acceptable. The present combination of alkoxylated amines (I) and the solvents of component (b) allows to avoid the usual antimicrobials or at least to reduce the amount thereof substantially, without compromising the desired antimicrobial effect.

[0674] Personal care compositions can be such for hygienic or cosmetic use. Examples for suitable personal care compositions are given above.

[0675] Suitable personal care compositions may exist in a wide variety of forms, for example in the form of liquid preparations as a W / O, O / W, O / W / O, W / O / W or PIT emulsion and all kinds of microemulsions; in the form of a non-emulsified, water-based liquid, in the form of a gel, in the form of an oil, a cream, milk or lotion, in the form of a spray (spray with propellant gas or pump-action spray) or an aerosol, in the form of a foam, in the form of a paste, in the form of a wet wipe (such as for cleaning the nappy area).

[0676] The personal care compositions may be, for example, creams, gels, lotions, alcoholic and aqueous / alcoholic solutions, emulsions, wax / fat compositions, or ointments.

[0677] Ingredients typically present in such personal care compositions and their amounts vary according to the specific formulation. Examples for such ingredients are solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, rheology modifiers (generally thickeners), conditioners, emollients, skin caring ingredients, lubricants, fillers, antioxidants, dermatologically active ingredients, fragrances and water.

[0678] For instance, in form of water- and oil-containing emulsions (e.g. W / O, O / W, O / W / O and W / O / W emulsions or microemulsions) the preparations generally contain at least one oil component, at least one emulsifier, water and optionally at least one further cosmetically acceptable adjuvants; for example, from 0.1 to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 15% by weight and especially from 0.5 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, from 1 to 60% by weight, especially from 5 to 50% by weight and preferably from 10 to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one oil component, from 0 to 30% by weight, especially from 1 to 30% by weight und preferably from 4 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one emulsifier, from 10 to 90% by weight, especially from 30 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of water, and from 0 to 88.9% by weight, especially from 1 to 50% by weight, of further cosmetically acceptable adjuvants.

[0679] Preparation intended mainly for cleaning, such as soaps, shower gels and shampoos, contain at least one or more surfactants, often of the anionic type, optionally in combination with such of the zwitterionic type; and water. Furthermore, they generally contain at least one of following components: emulsifier, sequestrant, fragrance, pH modifier (generally an organic acid and / or an inorganic base), inorganic salt (mostly NaCI), dye,

[0680] Of special importance are cosmetic preparations for the hair, especially with the purpose of antidandruff treatment, especially hair-washing preparations in the form of shampoos, hair conditioners, hair-care preparations, e.g. pre-treatment preparations, hair tonics, styling creams, styling gels, pomades, hair rinses, treatment packs, intensive hair treatments, hair-straightening preparations, liquid hair-setting preparations, hair foams and hairsprays. Of special interest are hair-washing preparations in the form of shampoos. Of special interest are moreover shower gels.

[0681] Shampoos as well as shower gels generally contain water and at least one anionic surfactant.

[0682] Suitable anionic surfactants are principally all those described above in context with homecare and l&l compositions which are cosmetically acceptable. In shampoos and in shower gels, it is useful to use surfactants which are good foam-formers.

[0683] Examples of suitable anionic surfactants in this context are alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkaryl sulfonates, alkanoyl isethionates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, N-alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof, especially sodium, magnesium, ammonium and mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts. The alkyl and acyl groups generally contain from 8 to 18, preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether phosphates and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof may contain from 1 to 20 ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule. Typical surfactants for use in shampoo compositions include sodium oleyl succinate, ammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate (sodium laureth sulfate), sodium lauryl ether sulfosuccinate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauryl isethionate, lauryl ether carboxylic acid and sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate. Mixtures of any of the foregoing anionic surfactants are also suitable. The overall amount of anionic surfactant in the shampoo compositions of the invention generally ranges from 0.5 to 45% by weight, e.g. from 1.5 to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0684] The shampoo or shower gel composition can moreover include non-ionic, amphoteric and / or cationic co-surfactants, which help impart aesthetic, haptic, combing, physical or cleansing properties to the composition.

[0685] Suitable non-ionic surfactants are those listed above, e.g. ethoxylated fatty alcohols, mono- or di-alkyl alkanolamides, such as coco mono- or di-ethanolamide and coco monoisopropanolamide; or alkyl polyglycosides (APGs) such as Oramix NS10 ex Seppic; Plantaren 1200 and Plantaren 2000 ex Henkel. The overall amount of non-ionic surfactant in the shampoo or shower gel compositions of the invention generally ranges from 0.5 to 8% by weight, preferably from 2 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0686] Suitable amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants are those listed above, e.g. alkyl amine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulfobetaines (sultaines), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, al- kylamphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, acyl taurates and acyl glutamates, wherein the alkyl and acyl groups have from 8 to 19 carbon atoms. Specific examples are lauryl amine oxide, cocodimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, co- camidopropyl betaine and sodium cocoamphoacetate. Mixtures of the foregoing amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants are also suitable. The overall amount of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant in the shampoo or shower gel compositions of the invention generally ranges from 0.5 to 8% by weight, preferably from 1 to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0687] Suitable cationic polymers are those listed above. Examples are copolymers of vinyl monomers having cationic amine or quaternary ammonium functionalities with water soluble spacer monomers such as (meth)acrylamide, alkyl and dialkyl (meth)acryla- mides, alkyl (meth)acrylate, vinyl caprolactone and vinyl pyrrolidine. The alkyl and dialkyl substituted monomers preferably have Ci-C?-alkyl groups, more preferably C1-C3- alkyl groups. Other suitable spacers include vinyl esters, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. The cationic amines can be primary, secondary or tertiary amines, depending upon the particular species and the pH of the composition. In general secondary and tertiary amines, especially tertiary, are preferred. Other examples are cationic polysaccharide polymers, such as cationic cellulose derivatives, cationic starch derivatives, and cationic guar gum derivatives. The overall amount of cationic surfactant in the shampoo or shower gel compositions of the invention generally ranges from 0.05 to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0.08 to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0688] The total amount of surfactant (including any co-surfactant and / or any emulsifier) in a shampoo or shower gel composition is generally from 1 to 50% by weight, preferably from 2 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0689] Other components which may be present in the shampoo or shower gel are for example suspending agents, such as polyacrylic acids, cross-linked polymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid with a hydrophobic monomer, copolymers of carboxylic acidcontaining monomers and acrylic esters, cross-linked copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylate esters, heteropolysaccharide gums and crystalline long chain acyl derivatives, the latter being preferably selected from ethylene glycol stearate, alkanolamides of fatty acids having from 16 to 22 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof; fragrances, dyes and pigments, pH adjusting agents, pearlescers or opacifiers, viscosity modifiers, and salts, such as as NaCI; in shampoos moreover natural hair nutrients or dermatologically active ingredients, such as botanicals, fruit extracts, caffeine, panthenol, sugar derivatives, amino acids, such as hydrolized keratine or glycine, vegetable or hydrogenated vegetable oils.

[0690] In ready-to-use compositions in which the antimicrobial agent (in combination with the alkoxylated amine (I)) is to exert a preservative effect, the antimicrobial agent and the alkoxylated amine (I) are of course contained in a preservative effective amount denotes. This is an amount that is sufficient to reduce the cell population of an unwanted microorganism under a predetermined threshold value to obtain shelf-stability over a certain period of time.

[0691] Thus, a "preservative-effective amount" can be e.g. defined as an amount sufficient to reduce the cell population by, for example, at least one, preferably at least two, in particular at least three log orders of the at least one of following microorganisms: Alcali- geneses faecalis, Aspergillus niger, Burkholderia cepacia, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida and Staphylococcus aureus, and in particular at least one of following microorganisms: Alcaligeneses faecalis, Burkholderia cepacia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida and Staphylococcus aureus.

[0692] Alternatively or additionally, a "preservative-effective amount" can be e.g. defined as an amount sufficient to reduce the cell population by, for example, at least one, preferably at least two, in particular at least three log orders of the at least one of following microorganisms: Aspergillus brasiliensis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Yarrowia lipolytica. The composition of the invention has a pH of preferably from 2 to 11, more preferably from 4 to 10, and in particular from 4 to 9. In the following, some exemplary formulations of the invention are listed to illustrate typical compositions.

[0693] Cleaning products (I) Laundry Detergent 1

[0694] (II) Laundry Detergent 2 (Ill) Laundry Detergent 3

[0695] (IV) Laundry Detergent 4

[0696] (V) Laundry Detergent 5

[0697] (VI) Laundry Detergent 6

[0698] (VII) Laundry Detergent 7

[0699] (VIII) Laundry Detergent 8

[0700] (IX) Laundry Detergent 9

[0701] (X) Laundry Detergent 10

[0702] (XI) Laundry Detergent 11

[0703] (XII) Laundry Detergent 12 (XIII) Laundry Detergent 13

[0704] (XIV) Laundry Detergent 14 (XV) Fabric Softener 1

[0705] (XVI) Fabric Softener 2 (XVII) Fabric Softener 3 (XVIII) Fabric Softener 4

[0706] (XIX) All Purpose Cleaner 1 (XX) All Purpose Cleaner 2

[0707] (XXI) All Purpose Cleaner 3

[0708] (XXII) Purpose Cleaner 4

[0709] (XXIII) All Purpose cleaner 5

[0710] (XXIV) All Purpose Cleaner 6

[0711] (XXV) Hard Surface Cleaner 1

[0712] (XXVI) Hard Surface Cleaner 2

[0713] (XXVII) Surface cleaner spray 1

[0714] (XXVIII) Surface cleaner spray 2

[0715] (XXIX) Surface cleaner spray 3 (XXX) Surface cleaner spray 4 (XXXI) Surface cleaner spray 5

[0716] (XXXII) Wet wipes 1

[0717] (XXXIII) Wet wipes 2

[0718] (XXXIV) Window Cleaner

[0719] (XXXV) Toilet cleaner

[0720] (XXXVI) Shoe deodorant

[0721] (XXXVII) Dish Wash 1

[0722] (XXXVIII) Dish Wash 2 (XXXIX) Dish Wash 3

[0723] (XL) Dish Wash 4

[0724] (XLI) Dish Wash 5

[0725] (XLII) Dish Wash 5

[0726] (XLIII) Dish Wash 6

[0727] (XLIV) Dish Wash 7

[0728] (XLV) Dish Wash 8

[0729] Personal care formulations (XLVI) O / W Emulsion for skin care

[0730] (XLVII) Wet Wipes

[0731] (XLVIII) W / 0 Lotion (XLIX) Roll-on Deodorant

[0732] (L) Shower Gel (LI) Shampoo

[0733] Industrial liquids

[0734] (Lil) Metal Working Fluid (in use) (LIII) Drilling Mud 1

[0735] (LI V) Drilling Mud 2

[0736] (LV) Workover Fluid used in Oilfield (LVI) Cooling water (LVII) Polymer emulsion

[0737] (LVIII) Cellulose pulp

[0738] (LIX) CaCO3Slurry (LX) Kaolin Slurry

[0739] (LXI) Starch solution

[0740] (LXI I) Pigment Slurry

[0741] (LXIII) Paint

[0742] (LXIV) Plant protection Product 1 (LXV) Plant protection Product 2

[0743] In the above tables (I) to (LXV), “compound of formula (I)” means alkoxylated amine of the above-depicted formula (I). Preferably, in the alkoxylated amine (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -ChkCFW-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 10 to 20 and n is 3 to 8; or m is 10 to 20 and n is 0. More preferably, in the alkoxylated amine (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -ChkChhO-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 13 to 15 and n is 4 to 6; or m is 14 to 16 and n is 0. Specifically, in the alkoxylated amine (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -ChkCFW-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 14 and n is 5; or m is 15 and n is 0.

[0744] In the above tables (I) to (LXV), “solvent “means solvent of component (b). In each of the above formulations 1 to 10 in each of the above tables I to LXV one of the following solvents (b) is used in each case: N,N-dimethyllactamide, 2-ethylhexyllactate, n-propa- nol, n-butanol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, neopentylglycol, 1-butoxy-ethan-2-ol, 1-propoxy-pro- pan-2-ol, 2-propoxy-propan-1-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 2-butoxy-propan-1-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, diethyleneglycolmono-n-hexyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, isopropy- lidenglycerol, triacetine.

[0745] Each of these solvents (b) is combined in each of the above formulations with one or more of the alkoxylated (I) as defined above. In particular, one of the following alkox- ylated amines (I) is used as compound (I): an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -Ch^ChhO-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 10 to 20 and n is 3 to 8; or m is 10 to 20 and n is 0. More particularly, one of the following alkoxylated amines (I) is used as compound (I): an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -ChkCFW-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 13 to 15 and n is 4 to 6; or m is 14 to 16 and n is 0. Specifically, each of these solvents (b) is combined in each of the above formulations with an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 14 and n is 5. Specifically, each of these solvents (b) is combined in each of the above formulations with an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 15 and n is 0. Specifically, each of these solvents (b) is combined in each of the above formulations with an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 20 and n is 5. Specifically, each of these solvents (b) is combined in each of the above formulations with an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 20 and n is 7.5. Specifically, each of these solvents (b) is combined in each of the above formulations with an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 27 and n is 10. Specifically, each of these solvents (b) is combined in each of the above formulations with an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 14 and n is 2.5. Specifically, each of these solvents (b) is combined in each of the above formulations with an alkoxylated amine (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 12 and n is 0.

[0746] In some of the above tables (I) to (LXV), the compositions contain mandatory components which fall under the definition of solvent (b) (e.g. in tables (V), (XXX), (XXXI), (XXXII), (XXXIII), (XXXVI), (XLIV), (XLV), (LXIV), (LXV): propylene glycol; in table XXIX: Dowanol DPM, which is dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether). In these cases the “solvent” component in the respective table is preferably different from said mandatory component (e.g. in tables (V), (XXX), (XXXI), (XXXII), (XXXIII), (XXXVI), (XLIV), (XLV), (LXIV), (LXV) the “solvent” component is not propylene glycol; and in table XXIX the “solvent” component is not dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether).

[0747] In the above tables, the % w / w are relative to the overall weight of the respective composition.

[0748] The invention relates moreover to a kit of parts comprising at least two parts, where the first part comprises at least one alkoxylated amine as defined above; the second part comprises at least one organic solvent as defined above for component (b); where the first part does not comprise any solvent as defined above for component (b); and where the second part does not comprise any alkoxylated amine as defined above; where the first and second parts contain the at least one alkoxylated amine and the at least one solvent (b) in such amounts that when the first and the second part are mixed, the resulting overall weight ratio is as defined above, i.e. from 25:1 to 1 :25, preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, even more preferably from 5:1 to 1 :5, in particular from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2. While in the above-described compositions components (a) and (b) are present as a physical mixture, in a kit of parts they are formulated separately, but provided in such a form that they nevertheless form a functional unity. They form thus a true combination through a purpose-directed application. The functional unity is expressed for example in the fact that the parts contain the alkoxylated amine (I) and the solvent of component (b) in such amounts that when mixed, they result in the desired weight ratio. Another way to express functional unity may be a use instruction explaining the combined use of the two or more parts of the kit. Yet another way to express functional unity may be a physical connection. For instance, the different parts of the kit may be bond to each other via an adhesive tape or strap or any other type of tie, or may be assembled in a common container, such as a box, package, basket etc. or packed together in a plastic foil.

[0749] In a preferred embodiment, the kit of parts is a kit of two parts, where the first part comprises at least one alkoxylated amine (I) as defined above; and the second part comprises at least one organic solvent of component (b).

[0750] The invention relates furthermore to a mixture consisting of at least one alkoxylated amine (I) as defined above and at least one organic solvent as defined above for component (b); where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of preferably from 25:1 to 1 :25, more preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, even more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, particularly preferably from 5:1 to 1 :5, in particular from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0751] The invention relates also to the use of the composition of the invention for combatting microbes; preferably for combatting microbes in a composition containing one or more surfactants, more preferably for combatting microbes in a washing, cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare; in particular as an antimicrobial agent, specifically as a preservative.

[0752] The invention relates also to the use of the composition of the invention as an antimicrobial agent; preferably as an antimicrobial agent in a composition containing one or more surfactants, more preferably as an antimicrobial agent in a washing, cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare; in particular as a preservative.

[0753] The invention relates also to the use of an organic solvent as defined above for component (b) for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of the alkoxylated amine (I) as defined above. The invention relates also to a method for enhancing the antimicrobial, in particular the preserving, activity of the alkoxylated amine (I) as defined above comprising using the same in combination with the organic solvent as defined above.

[0754] The invention relates also to a method for combating microbes, comprising applying the composition or the mixture of the invention to a surface, space or material to be protected or rid from microbial attack or infestation.

[0755] In a particular embodiment of the uses and methods of the invention, in the alkoxylated amine (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -Ct^CtW-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 12 to 16 and n is 4 to 6, and the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0756] (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), where

[0757] R4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

[0758] R5is methyl or ethyl; and

[0759] R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;

[0760] (b.4) C4-Ce-alkanediols;

[0761] (b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols;

[0762] (b.6) diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;

[0763] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular except for butyldiglycol;

[0764] (b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0765] (b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is Ci-C4-alkyl;

[0766] (b.11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltetrahy- drofuran; and

[0767] (b.12) phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols.

[0768] In a more particular embodiment of the uses and methods of the invention, in the alkoxylated amine (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 13 to 15 and n is 4 to 6, and the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of

[0769] (b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl, and R6is 1- hydroxyethyl;

[0770] (b.4) pentane diols, in particular 1 ,2-pentane diol or neopentylglycol;

[0771] (b.5) Cs-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols, preferably the C3-C4-alkylmo- noethers of propylene glycol; in particular 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol or 1-propoxy-pro- pan-2-ol;

[0772] (b.6) dipropylene glycol;

[0773] (b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular di- ethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether or dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether; (b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl;

[0774] (b.9) propylene carbonate;

[0775] (b-11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltetrahy- drofuran; in particular 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; and

[0776] (b-12) phenylpropanol, in particular 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

[0777] In a specific embodiment of the uses and methods of the invention, in the alkoxylated amine (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -Ct^CtW-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 14 and n is 5, and the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of N, N-di- methyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentane diol, neopentylglycol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-propoxy- propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

[0778] In the uses and methods of the invention, the alkoxylated amine (I) and the organic solvent are preferably used in a total weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :5, more preferably from 3:1 to 1 :3, and in particular from 2:1 to 1 :2.

[0779] The antimicrobial activity is in particular directed against fungi and bacteria as they typically occur in the compositions to be preserved against attack / infestation by microbes or on substrates, surfaces or materials to be disinfected, some few examples for fungi being Aspergillus brasiliensis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa or Yarrowia lipolytica, and some few examples for bacteria being Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas putida, to name just a few.

[0780] The invention is now illustrated by the following examples.

[0781] EXAMPLES

[0782] Alkoxylated amine (I):

[0783] PLF: Plurafac® LF 1430 from BASF (abbreviated as PLF): Triethanolamine alkoxylated with 5 EO on average and 14 PO on average per OH group of triethanolamine; to be more precise a compound (I) wherein R1, R2and R3are -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 14 and n is 5.

[0784] Solvents:

[0785] A: N,N-dimethyllactamide

[0786] B: Butyldiglycol : diethylene glycol-mono-n-butyl ether

[0787] C: Butoxy-2-propanol: 1-butoxy-2-propanol; 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol; propylene glycol- mono-n-butyl ether D: y-Valerolactone

[0788] E: Propylene carbonate

[0789] F: 1-Propoxy-propan-2-ol (propyleneglycol mono-n-propyl ether)

[0790] G: Dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether

[0791] H: Pentane-1 ,2-diol

[0792] I: Dipropylene glycol

[0793] J: Neopentylglycol

[0794] K: 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran

[0795] L 3-Phenylpropan-1-ol

[0796] All solvents are commercially available.

[0797] Example 1 Antimicrobial activity against fungi

[0798] 1.1 Preservative activity in a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution

[0799] The 50% PEG solution had a pH of 7.0. The PEG had a weight-average molecular weight of 6000.

[0800] The samples were contaminated with the fungus Aspergillus brasiliensis DSM 1988.

[0801] The samples were inoculated with the fungus at days 0 and 15 to obtain 1 - 3 x 105CFU / ml inoculation in the test sample consisting of the above-defined 50% PEG solution and stored at 25°C for 29 days. CFU / ml was determined at day 0, 7, 15, 22 and 29.

[0802] Any CFU value at d7, d14, d22 and d29 obtained with a PEG solution sample of the invention containing Plurafac® LF 1430 (PLF) and solvent A, B or C lower than the respective value of the comparative 1 (“Comp. 1”) example (PEG + 1.0% by weight of PLF) or the comparative 2, 3 or 4 “(Comp, x) examples (PEG + 1.5% by weight of solvent A, B or C) indicates a better performance of the inventive combination of PLF with the solvent A, B or C. All percentages are % by weight and are relative to the total weight of the respective composition (here the PEG solution sample).

[0803] Table 1.1

[0804] The results at d7, d14, d22 and d29 show that the combination of Plurafac® LF 1430 and solvents A and B overadditively enhances the preservative activity of the components. The results at d7 and d22 show moreover that the combination of Plurafac® LF 1430 and solvent C has a much faster-working activity than the components when used alone.

[0805] 1.2 Preservative activity in a liquid detergent composition A manual liquid detergent composition (LQD) of pH 7.0 containing the following components was used:

[0806] The samples were contaminated with a fungal mix consisting of:

[0807] Aspergillus brasiliensis DSM 1988 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa DSM 13621

[0808] Yarrowia lipolytica DSM 8218 The samples were inoculated with the fungal mix at day 0 and day 7 to obtain 1 - 4 x 105CFU / ml inoculation in the test sample consisting of the above-defined liquid detergent composition LQD and stored at 25°C for 21 days. CFU was determined before reinoculation at day 7, and on day 21.

[0809] Any CFU value at d7 and d21 obtained with a LQD sample of the invention containing Plurafac® LF 1430 (PLF) and solvent D lower than the respective value of the comparative 1 (“Comp. 1”) example (LQD + 2.5% by weight of PLF) or the comparative 2 or 3 (“Comp. 2” or “Comp. 3”) examples (LQD + 1.5% or 2.5% by weight of solvent D) indicates a better performance of the inventive combination. All percentages are % by weight and are relative to the total weight of the respective composition (here the phosphate buffer solution sample).

[0810] Table 1.2

[0811] The results at d7 and d21 show that the combination of Plurafac® LF 1430 and solvent D overadditively enhances the preservative activity of the components.

[0812] 1.3 Preservative activity in a liquid detergent composition

[0813] A liquid detergent composition (LQD) of pH 8.5 containing the following components was used:

[0814] The samples were contaminated with a fungal mix consisting of:

[0815] Aspergillus brasiliensis DSM 1988

[0816] Rhodotorula mucilaginosa DSM 13621

[0817] Yarrowia lipolytica DSM 8218

[0818] The samples were inoculated with the fungal mix at day 0 to obtain 1 - 4 x 105CFU / ml inoculation in the test sample consisting of the above-defined liquid detergent and stored at 25°C for 7 days. CFU was determined at day 7.

[0819] Any CFU value at d7 obtained with a LQD sample of the invention containing Plurafac® LF 1430 (PLF) and solvent A, B, C or D lower than the respective value of the comparative 1 (“Comp. 1”) example (LQD + 3.0% by weight of PLF) or the comparative 2, 3, 4 or 5 (“Comp. 2”, “Comp. 3”, “Comp. 4” or “Comp. 5”) examples (LQD + 1.5% or 2.0% by weight of solvent A, B, C or D) indicates a better performance of the inventive combination. All percentages are % by weight and are relative to the total weight of the respective composition (here the phosphate buffer solution sample).

[0820] Table 1.3

[0821] The results at d7 show that the combination of Plurafac® LF 1430 and solvent A, B, C or D overadditively enhances the preservative activity of the components.

[0822] 1.4 Preservative activity in a liquid detergent composition A liquid detergent composition (LQD) of pH 8.5 containing the following components was used:

[0823] The samples were contaminated with a fungal mix consisting of:

[0824] Aspergillus brasiliensis DSM 1988

[0825] Rhodotorula mucilaginosa DSM 13621

[0826] Yarrowia lipolytica DSM 8218

[0827] The samples were inoculated with the fungal mix at day 0 to obtain ca. 1 - 4 x 105CFU / ml inoculation in the test sample consisting of the above-defined liquid detergent and stored at 25°C for 7 days. CFU was determined at day 7.

[0828] Any CFU value at d7 obtained with a LQD sample of the invention containing Plurafac® LF 1430 (PLF) and solvent E, F, G, H, I, J, K or L lower than the respective value of the comparative 1 (“Comp. 1”) example (LQD + 3.0% by weight of PLF) or the comparative 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 (“Comp. 2”, “Comp. 3”, “Comp. 4”, “Comp. 5”, “Comp. 6”, “Comp. 7”, “Comp. 8” or “Comp. 9”) examples (LQD + 2.0% by weight of solvent E, F, G, H, I, J, K or L) indicates a better performance of the inventive combination. All percentages are % by weight and are relative to the total weight of the respective composition (here the phosphate buffer solution sample).

[0829] Table 1.4

[0830]

[0831] The results at d7 show that the combination of Plurafac® LF 1430 and solvent E, F, G, H, I, J, K or L overadditively enhances the preservative activity of the components.

Claims

Claims1. A composition comprising(a) at least one alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) NR1R2R3(I) whereR1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H; -CH2CH2O-Bm-An- H or -CH2CH2O-Em+n-H; where A is -CH2CH2O-;B is -CH(Ra)-CH2-O- or -CH2-CH(Ra)-O-;E is randomly distributed A and B;Rais Ci-Ce-alkyl; m is 0 to 30; and n is 0 to 15; where the sum of m + n is 5 to 40; and(b) at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of (b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1)whereR4is hydrogen or Ci-Cs-alkyl;R5is Ci-Cs-alkyl; andR6is Ci-Cs-alkyl or Ci-Cs-hydroxyalkyl;(b.2) carboxylic esters of the formula (B-2)whereR6is Ci-Cs-alkyl or Ci-Cs-hydroxyalkyl; andR7is Ci-Cw-alkyl;(b.3) Cs-Cs-alkanols;(b.4) Cs-Cs-alkanediols;(b.5) Ci-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-Cs-alkanediols;(b.6) diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol with up to10 repeat units or a polypropylene glycol with up to 10 repeat units;(b.7) Ci-Cs-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;(b.8) lactones of formula (B-8)where R8is Ci-Cs-alkyl;(b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9)(B- 9)whereR9and R10are independently Ci-C4-alkyl or form together an oxo group; andR11is Ci-C4-alkyl or Ci-C4-hydroxyalkyl;(b.10) mono-, di- or triesters of glycerol with Ci-C4-carboxylic acids;(b.11) 5- or 6-membered saturated cyclic mono- or diethers, optionally substituted by a methyl group; and(b-12) phenyl-C2-C6-alkanols.

2. The composition according to claim 1 , where Rais methyl.

3. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, where m is 10 to 20 and n is 3 to 8; or m is 10 to 25 and n is 0.

4. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, where R1, R2and R3are independently -CF^CFW-An-Bm-H.

5. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, where R1, R2and R3are independently -CF^CFW-An-Bm-H, m is 12 to 16 and n is 4 to 6; where preferably m is 13 to 15.

6. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of(b.1) carboxamides of the formula (B-1), whereR4is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;R5is methyl or ethyl; andR6is 1 -hydroxyethyl;(b.4) Cs-Cs-alkanediols;(b.5) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols;(b.6) diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;(b.7) Ci-Ce-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol;(b.8) lactones of formula (B-8), where R8is linear Ci-C4-alkyl;(b.9) dioxolanes of the formula (B-9), where R9and R10form together an oxo group; and R11is Ci-C4-alkyl;(b.11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltet- rahydrofuran; and(b.12) phenyl-C2-C4-alkanols.

7. The composition according to claim 6, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of(b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl, and R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;(b.4) pentane diols, in particular 1 ,2-pentane diol or neopentylglycol;(b.5) Cs-Cs-alkylmonoethers of C2-C3-alkanediols, preferably the C3-C4-alkylmo- noethers of propylene glycol; in particular 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol or 1- propoxy-propan-2-ol;(b.6) dipropylene glycol;(b.7) Ci-C4-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether or dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether;(b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl;(b.9) propylene carbonate;(b-11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltet- rahydrofuran; in particular 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; and(b-12) phenylpropanol, in particular 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

8. The composition according to claim 6, where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of(b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl, and R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;(b.4) pentane diols, in particular 1 ,2-pentane diol or neopentylglycol;(b.5) C3-C4-alkylmonoethers of propylene glycol; in particular 1-butoxy-propan-2- ol or 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol;(b.6) dipropylene glycol;(b.7) Ci-C4-alkylmonoethers of dipropylene glycol, in particular dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether;(b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl;(b.9) propylene carbonate;(b-11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltet- rahydrofuran; in particular 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; and(b-12) phenylpropanol, in particular 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

9. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 20:1 to 1 :20, preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10.

10. The composition according to claim 9, where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :5, preferably from 3:1 to 1 :3, in particular from 2:1 to 1 :2.11 . The composition according to any of the preceding claims, where- in the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, where Rais methyl, m is 12 to 16, preferably 13 to 15; and n is 4 to 6;- the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactam- ide, 1 ,2-pentane diol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2- ol, dipropylene glycol, diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol; and- the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent are present in an overall weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :5, preferably from 3:1 to 1 :3, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :2.

12. The composition according to claim 11 , where the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentane diol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyl- tetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

13. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, which is selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial concentrates, homecare compositions, compositions for cleaning or disinfecting on an industrial scale, personal carecompositions, process water, water in fish or shrimp ponds, water in drinking troughs, metal working fluids; water based raw materials, polymer solutions, polymer dispersions, polymer emulsions, inorganic slurries, organic slurries, surfactant compositions; compositions for treating animal hide; compositions for treating leather; compositions for treating textiles during the manufacturing process thereof; compositions for treating lumber; compositions for treating paper or the precursor material during papermaking processes; crop protection compositions; pharmaceutical compositions; paints, glues, adhesives, sealants, dyes, pigments and dispersions thereof, inks, and wet wipes; where the composition is preferably a composition containing one or more surfactants, and is more preferably a washing, cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare.

14. Kit of parts comprising at least two parts, where the first part comprises at least one alkoxylated amine as defined in any of claims 1 to 5 and 11 ; the second part comprises at least one organic solvent as defined in any of claims 1 , 6 to 8, 11 and 12; where the first part does not comprise any solvent as defined in any of claims 1 , 6 to 8, 11 and 12; and where the second part does not comprise any alkoxylated amine as defined in any of claims 1 to 5 and 11 ; where the first and second parts contain the at least one alkoxylated amine as defined in any of claims 1 to 5 and 11 and the at least one solvent as defined in any of claims 1 , 6 to 8, 11 and 12 in such amounts that when the first and the second part are mixed, the resulting overall weight ratio is as defined in claim 10.

15. Mixture consisting of at least one alkoxylated amine as defined in any of claims 1 to 5 and 11 and at least one organic solvent as defined in any of claims 1 , 6 to 8, 11 and 12; where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent of component (b) are present in an overall weight ratio of preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, even more preferably from 5:1 to 1 :5, in particular from 3:1 to 1 :3, specifically from 2:1 to 1 :2.

16. The use of a composition as defined in any of claims 1 to 14, for combatting microbes; preferably for combatting microbes in a composition containing one or more surfactants, more preferably for combatting microbes in a washing, cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare or for industrial and institutional application.

17. The use of a composition as defined in any of claims 1 to 14, as an antimicrobial agent; preferably as an antimicrobial agent in a composition containing one or more surfactants, more preferably as an antimicrobial agent in a washing,cleaning or disinfection composition for homecare or for industrial and institutional application.

18. The use according to any of claims 16 or 17, as a preservative.

19. The use of an organic solvent as defined in any of claims 1 , 6 to 8, 11 and 12 for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of the alkoxylated amine as defined in any of claims 1 to 5 and 11.

20. The use according to any of claims 17 to 19, where in the in the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -Ct^CtW-An-Bm-H, m is 12 to 16, preferably m is 13 to 15; and n is 4 to 6; and the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of(b.1) the carboxamide of the formula (B-1), where R4and R5are methyl, and R6is 1-hydroxyethyl;(b.4) pentane diols, in particular 1 ,2-pentane diol or neopentylglycol;(b.5) C3-C4-alkylmonoethers of propylene glycol; in particular 1-butoxy-propan-2- ol or 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol;(b.6) dipropylene glycol;(b.7) Ci-C4-alkylmonoethers of diethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol, in particular diethyleneglycolmono-n-butyl ether or dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether;(b.8) the lactone of formula (B-8), where R8is methyl;(b.9) propylene carbonate;(b-11) saturated cyclic ethers selected from tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltet- rahydrofuran; in particular 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; and(b-12) phenylpropanol, in particular 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.21 . The use according to claim 20, where in the in the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) R1, R2and R3are independently -CH2CH2O-An-Bm-H, m is 13 to 15, specifically 14; and n is 4 to 6, specifically 5; and the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyllactamide, 1 ,2-pentane diol, neopentylglycol, 1-propoxy-propan-2-ol, 1-butoxy-propan-2-ol, dipropylene glycol, diethylenegly- colmono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, y-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

22. The use according to any of claims 16 to 21 , where the alkoxylated amine of the formula (I) and the organic solvent are used in an overall weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :5, preferably from 3:1 to 1 :3, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :2.

23. A method for combating microbes, comprising applying the composition or the mixture as defined in any of claims 1 to 15 to a surface, space or material to be protected or rid from microbes.

Images