Compositions of guerbet alkyl sulfates and their use

Abstract

This invention deals with compositions of Guerbet alkyl sulfates and their uses, for example in laundry or dishwashing.

Description

[0001] Compositions of Guerbet alkyl sulfates and their use

[0002] This invention deals with specific compositions of Guerbet alkyl sulfates (in this present invention abbreviated as "inventive composition” or "compounds of the invention” whenever the inventive compositions are meant) comprising at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate, at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate and at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate, their uses and compositions including the inventive compositions, particularly as laundry detergent compositions.

[0003] Anionic surfactants, particularly the sulphonates such as linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) and the sulphates such as alkyl ether sulfates (AES) and primary alkyl sulphate (PAS), are the key ingredients of modern laundry detergents, providing excellent detergency performance on a wide range of soils and stains.

[0004] However, detergent formulators are continuously faced with the task to improve the environmental "footprint” of any product, be it in terms of its origin like being from natural or renewable resources, or compared to previous products, its production in terms of production efficiency and thus reduced usage of energy, its efficiency in usage such as reduced amounts for the same performance or higher performance at the same amount levels used, its persistence in the natural environment after its usage, especially its biodegradation, since recycling is technically very challenging and therewith economically not attractive.

[0005] Hence, due to the climate change, one of the most important targets of the detergent and cleaner (D&C) industry today is to significantly lower the CO2 emission per wash. Surfactants, such as LAS are based on fossil carbon sources and therefore their production is incompatible with the environmental-friendly aims of the D&C industry. AES might comprise 1 ,4-dioxane as by-product and therefore alternatives free of 1 ,4-dioxane are desired.

[0006] Additionally, the industry is looking for surfactants that provide a high degree of biodegradability after their use and release into the environment.

[0007] To overcome these problems, alternative surfactants that provide significant wash performance and which are (or can potentially be) based on non-fossil carbon sources and provide a high degree of biodegradability are of interest for the D&C industry.

[0008] One such alternative group of surfactants are Guerbet alkyl sulfates.

[0009] In the following, a summary of the current knowledge and most relevant publications in the field of the present invention, the use of Guerbet alkyl sulfates and similar compounds is given.

[0010] US2077005 A discloses 2-butyl-1 -octyl sulfate sodium salt and its use as detergent. JPH08188793 A discloses a detergent composition comprising primary alkyl sulfates with branching in the 2- position obtained by dimerization of linear alcohols in a Guerbet reaction and followed by sulfation. The primary alkyl sulfate has the structure R1-CH(R2)-CH2OSO3M. The total carbon number in the sum of R1 + R2 ranges from 10 to 18.

[0011] WO0114507 A1 discloses a surfactant composition comprising Guerbet-type alkyl sulfates and at least one other surfactant. The Guerbet-type alkyl sulfates comprise 12 to 22 carbon atoms. For example, a C16-Guerbet sulfate sodium salt (2-hexyl-1 -decyl sulfate sodium salt) is described.

[0012] US10570353 B2 discloses cold-water laundry detergents which comprises a lipase and an alkylene-bridged surfactant selected from the group consisting of a 2-hexy 1-1 -decyl sulfate, a 2-octyl-1 -decyl sulfate, and 2-hexyl-1 - dodecyl sulfate.

[0013] US11142729 B2 discloses methods for laundering a soiled textile article in water having a temperature less than 30° C in the presence of a detergent, wherein the detergent comprises 2-hexyl-1 -decyl sulfate, 2-octyl-1 -decyl sulfate, 2-hexyl-1 -dodecyl sulfate, 2-hexyl-1 -nonyl sulfate, 2-heptyl-1 -decyl sulfate, or 2-octyl-1 -undecyl sulfate.

[0014] In contrast to US2077005 A, JPH08188793 A, W00114507 A1 , US10570353 B2 and US11142729 B2 the present invention is not directed to a single Guerbet alkyl sulfate but to a combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates each having a defined length.

[0015] Thus, the present inventors surprisingly found that combining at least three Guerbet alkyl sulfates of different length, namely a C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate, will provide synergistic effects in wash properties over the ones observed for the single compounds. Resulting in a composition of surfactants that has significant wash performance and can potentially be based on non-fossil carbon sources and can potentially provide a significant degree of biodegradability.

[0016] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide novel compositions comprising

[0017] (i) at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof;

[0018] (II) at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof; and

[0019] (ill) at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof, and wherein the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates (C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof + C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof + C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof) has a total sulfation degree of more than 90%.

[0020] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a cleaning method and uses of the inventive composition in cleaning formulations and compositions. Thus, subjects of the present invention are the following Embodiments 1 to 15 as defined and further explained with further embodiments hereinafter and further exemplified in the experimental section:

[0021] Embodiment 1

[0022] A composition comprising, essentially consisting of or consisting of

[0023] (I) at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof;

[0024] (ii) at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof; and

[0025] (ill) at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof, and wherein the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates (C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof + C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof + C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof) has a total sulfation degree of more than 90%.

[0026] The inventive composition is directed to Guerbet alkyl sulfates. Basically, these compounds comprise at least one alkyl part (usually two alkyl parts each comprising at least four carbon atoms), a sulfate group and a branching carbon atom at 2-position connecting the alkyl groups. The branching degree at the 2-positi on is 100%. The Guerbet alkyl sulfates are derivatives of Guerbet alcohols.

[0027] Guerbet alcohols are special branched alcohols. They are primary alcohols that are branched in the 2-position. Guerbet alcohols are known to those skilled in the art and some are commercially available. They are obtained by the Guerbet reaction, a dimerization reaction. As part of the classic Guerbet reaction, a primary is converted into an alcohol of approximately twice the molecular weight, which is alkylated in the 2-position. An example of such reaction is n-butanol converted into 2-ethyl-hexan-1-ol, n-hexan-1-ol converted into 2-butyloctan-1-ol and n-octan- 1 -ol converted into 2-hexyl-decan-1-ol.

[0028] The primary (or secondary alcohols) used for the Guerbet reaction have at least one hydrogen atom on the carbon atom that is immediately adjacent to the carbon atom with the OH group. In many cases they carry two hydrogen atoms, i.e. the carbon atom with the OH group is then immediately adjacent to a methylene group.

[0029] The Guerbet reaction typically occurs in the presence of a base at elevated temperature with elimination of water and represents a simple way to convert linear alcohols into branched alcohols. Typically, only a single alcohol is used in the Guerbet reaction. However, it is also possible to use two different alcohols; in this case the reaction is known as a mixed Guerbet reaction.

[0030] Another approach is the use of two aldehydes (but not formaldehyde or acetaldehyde, at least one aldehyde has no branches in the 2-position), which are reacted in an aldol condensation and the obtained alpha, beta unsaturated aldehyde is hydrogenated and thereby converted into a saturated primary alcohol with 100% branching in the 2- position. The term "salts thereof”, as used herein, refers to compound complexes having an anionic part and a cationic part. The Guerbet alkyl sulfate represents the anionic part. It is noted that the stoichiometric ratios between the anionic and cationic part may be 1 :1 , but also ratios, such as 1 :2, 1 :3, 2:3, 2:1 , 3:1 and 3:2 are possible. In further preferred embodiments, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% of the Guerbet alkyl sulfates of the inventive composition are represent as a salt.

[0031] The sulfation may be accomplished by i) sulfation with sulfur trioxide on a falling film reactor followed by neutralization; ii) sulfation with chlorosulfonic acid followed by neutralization; or iii) sulfation with sulfamic acid in presence of urea.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the sulfation reaction based on sulfur trioxide is carried out using a falling film reactor. Such falling film reactors and their use for sulf(on)ation are well-known in the art and include Stepan's Falling Film Reactor (for example, as described in US3169142A) and Chemithon's Annular Film Reactor (for example, as described in US3427342A).

[0033] In further embodiments, the Guerbet alkyl sulfates of the invention are prepared from alcohols that are renewable compounds, preferably directly isolated from an organism such as bacteria, algae, fungi, plants or even higher organisms or are prepared from preceding compounds obtained from bacteria, algae, fungi, plants or even higher organisms. Renewable alcohols may be hexanol, heptanol or octanol which are prepared by biotechnological synthesis using Clostridium as described by Oh et al. (Oh et al., Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022; 10: 850370.), or microbial reductases of Crematogaster and Myrmica as described by Brand et al. (Brand et al., Journal of Chemical Ecology, volume 13, pages 357-361 , (1987)).

[0034] Thus, in preferred embodiments the amount of non-fossil carbon atoms in one or all Guerbet alkyl sulfates of the inventive composition is at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 40%, at least 70%, at least 95% or they solely comprise non-fossil derived carbon atoms compared to the total amount of carbon atoms in the Guerbet alkyl sulfates.

[0035] It is further noted that due to unique position of branching, Guerbet alcohols are more biodegradable than synthetic branched alcohols (O'Lenick, Journal of Surfactants and Detergent, 4 (2001), pp. 311 -315 and Wagner et al., Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, vol. 2, Wiley Interscience Publications (2005), pp. 26-46). As per literature, Guerbet alcohol up to C32 are readily biodegradable. C24 Guerbet alcohol showed biodegradation rate of 84% after 28 days (as published by ECHA). Therefore, the comparable biodegradability rates can be expected for the composition of the invention and in preferred embodiments the inventive composition demonstrates at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% or even more preferably at least 80% biodegradability according to standard OECD 301 F within 56 days, preferably within 28 days. For the purposes of this invention, aerobic biodegradation in wastewater according to OECD 301 F is expressed as a percentage of the theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD, which is measured by the elemental analysis of the compound of interest), which is needed to completely biodegrade the polymer sample. Thus, the amount of oxygen taken up by the microbial population during biodegradation of the test substance (corrected for uptake by blank inoculum, run in parallel) is expressed as a percentage of ThOD. The obtained values are preferably measured in triplicate using the OECD 301 F manometric respirometry method. The consumption of oxygen is determined by measuring the change in pressure in the apparatus using an OxiTop® C (Xylem 35 Analytics Germany Sales GmbH & Co KG). Details for the tests performed are given in the experimental section below.

[0036] The term "at least one”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more.

[0037] The terms "essentially consisting of' or "consisting essentially of', as used interchangeably herein, with respect to the Guerbet alkyl sulfate composition mean that the composition may comprise impurities or other types of Guerbet alkyl sulfates or derivatives thereof in an amount up to not more than 10% w / w, not more than 7% w / w, not more than 5% w / w, not more than 3% w / w, not more than 2% w / w, not more than 1 % w / w, not more than 0.5% w / w or not more than 0.1 % w / w.

[0038] The term "combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates (012 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof + C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof + C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof) has a total sulfation degree of more than 90%”, as used herein, means that the combination of different Guerbet alkyl sulfates of more than 90%, wherein the percentage of sulfation of each Guerbet alkyl sulfate is evaluated based on its weight percentage on the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates. In preferred embodiments, the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates has a total sulfation degree of more than 91 %, more than 92%, more than 93%, more than 94% and not more than 97% or not more than 96%. In even more preferred embodiments, each Guerbet alkyl sulfate (012 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof; 014 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof; 016 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof) has a total sulfation degree of at least 90%.

[0039] Embodiment 2

[0040] The composition according to Embodiment 1 , wherein

[0041] (i) the least one 012 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (1) wherein

[0042] R1 is 02 to 05 alkyl;

[0043] R2 is 05 to 08 alkyl; and M+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NH , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, wherein the sum of R1 and R2 (R1 +R2) results in 10 carbon atoms;

[0044] (II) the least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (2) wherein

[0045] R3 is 02 to 06 alkyl;

[0046] R4 is 06 to 010 alkyl; and

[0047] M+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NI , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, wherein the sum of R3 and R4 (R3+R4) results in 12 carbon atoms; and

[0048] (iii) the least one 016 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (3) wherein

[0049] R5 is 02 to 07 alkyl;

[0050] R6 is 07 to 012 alkyl; and

[0051] M+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NI , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, wherein the sum of R5 and R6 (R5+R6) results in 14 carbon atoms.

[0052] "Pronated amine”, as used herein, means any protonated amine, namely ammonium, primary, secondary and tertiary amines. Amines that can be protonated and can form a salt with the above-described compounds include methylamine, ethylmethylamine and trimethylamine.

[0053] The term "amino alcohol", as used herein, refers to a chemical entity containing both an amino group and a hydroxyl moiety. The skilled person knows that the amino groups of these compounds can be protonated.

[0054] Embodiment 3

[0055] The composition according to Embodiment 1 or 2 comprising at least two C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof. In preferred embodiments, the composition of the invention comprises, essentially consists of or consists of i) one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof, ii) two different C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof and ill) one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof.

[0056] Embodiment 4

[0057] The composition according to Embodiment 2 or 3, wherein M+is selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+and NH4+.

[0058] Embodiment 5

[0059] The composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein

[0060] (i) the least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (4) wherein

[0061] M+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NH4+, protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, preferably selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+and NH4+;

[0062] (ii) the least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (5) and / or Formula (6) wherein

[0063] M+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NH4+, protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, preferably selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+and NH4+; and (iii) the least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (7) wherein

[0064] M+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, Nf , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, preferably selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+and NI .

[0065] Embodiment 6

[0066] The composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein

[0067] (i) the content of the at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof is at least 10 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof,

[0068] (II) the content of the at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof is at least 20 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof, and

[0069] (iii) the content of the at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof is at least 10 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof.

[0070] Embodiment 7

[0071] The composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein

[0072] (I) the content of the at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 10 to 30 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof,

[0073] (II) the content of the at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 38 to 58 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof, and

[0074] (iii) the content of the at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 22 to 42 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof.

[0075] In further preferred embodiments, the content of the at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 13 to 27 wt%, 16 to 24 wt% and 18 to 22 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof. In further preferred embodiments, the content of the at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 41 to 55 wt%, 44 to 52 wt% and 46 to 50 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof.

[0076] In further preferred embodiments, the content of the at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 25 to 39 wt%, 28 to 36 wt% and 30 to 34 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof.

[0077] Embodiment 8

[0078] The composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the composition is a liquid composition.

[0079] "Liquid”, as used herein, means that a continuous phase or predominant part of the composition is liquid and that the composition is flowable at 20°C (i.e., suspended solids may be included). The term "liquid” also includes gels. "Gel”, as used herein, means a shear thinning, lamellar gel, with a pouring viscosity in the range of from 100 to 5000 mPa*s (milli Pascal seconds), more preferably less than 3000 mPa*s, most preferably less than 1500 mPa*s. The gel can be a thick liquid. A different type of liquid gel is shear-thinning, i.e. it is thick at low shear condition (e.g., at rest) and thin at high flow rate condition.

[0080] Embodiment 9

[0081] The composition according to Embodiment 8, wherein the liquid composition i) comprises Ca2+ions; and ii) comprises, by weight of the composition, from 5% to 95% of water.

[0082] In preferred embodiments, the inventive composition may comprise calcium (Ca2+) present in an amount ranging from 0.0001 % to 3%, preferably from 0.001 % to 1 % by weight of the composition.

[0083] In preferred embodiments, the lower limit of the calcium concentration is 0.0005%, 0.001 % or 0.005% by weight of the inventive composition. In other preferred embodiments, the upper limit of the calcium concentration is 2.5%, 2% or 1 .5% by weight of the inventive composition.

[0084] Further, in preferred embodiments the composition of the invention comprises magnesium (Mg2+) in an amount ranging from 0.0001 % to 3%, more preferably from 0.001 % to 1 % by weight of the composition.

[0085] In further embodiments, the liquid composition of the invention comprises, by weight of the composition, from 20% to 90%, 40% to 85%, 60% to 80% or 70% to 75% of water.

[0086] Embodiment 10 Use of the inventive composition in cleaning compositions, in fabric and home care products, in industrial and institutional cleaning products, in cosmetic formulations, as wetting agents, as crude oil emulsion breaker, as surfactant in enhanced oil recovery, as surfactant in corn oil separation, as surfactant in fermentation processes, as surfactant in flotation of mineral ores, in pigment dispersions for ink jet inks, in formulations for electro plating, in cementitious compositions, in gypsum compositions, as dispersant or wetting agent or emulsifier for agrochemical formulations.

[0087] A subject matter of the present invention is the use of the above-mentioned inventive composition comprising different Guerbet alkyl sulfates in fabric and home care products, in industrial and institutional cleaning products, in cosmetic formulations, as wetting agents, as crude oil emulsion breaker, in pigment dispersions for ink jet inks, in formulations for electro plating, in cementitious compositions, in gypsum compositions, and / or as dispersant or wetting agent or emulsifier for agrochemical formulations, preferably in cleaning compositions and / or in fabric and home care products, in particular cleaning compositions for improved clay removal or oily and fatty stain removal, wherein the cleaning composition is preferably a laundry detergent formulation and / or a manual dish wash detergent formulation, more preferably a liquid laundry detergent formulation and / or a liquid manual dish wash detergent formulation.

[0088] The inventive composition can be added to cosmetic formulations, as crude oil emulsion breaker, in pigment dispersions for ink jet inks, formulations for electro plating, in cementitious compositions. However, the inventive composition can also be added to (used in) washing or cleaning compositions.

[0089] Another subject-matter of the present invention is, therefore, a cleaning composition, fabric and home care product, industrial and institutional cleaning product, cosmetic formulation, wetting agent, crude oil emulsion breaker, pigment dispersion for ink jet inks, formulation for electro plating, cementitious composition and / or dispersant or wetting agent or emulsifier for agrochemical formulations, comprising the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates, as defined above.

[0090] Preferably, it is a cleaning composition and / or fabric and home care product, comprising the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates, as defined above, preferably for improved clay removal or oily and fatty stain removal, preferably a laundry detergent formulation and / or a manual dish wash detergent formulation, more preferably a liquid laundry detergent formulation and / or a liquid manual dish wash detergent formulation.

[0091] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning composition may be used for soil removal of particulate stains and / or oily and fatty stains, and additionally for whiteness maintenance, preferably in laundry care. In another embodiment, the cleaning composition of the present invention is a hard surface cleaning composition that may be used for cleaning various surfaces such as hard wood, tile, ceramic, plastic, leather, metal, glass.

[0092] In another embodiment, the cleaning composition of the present invention is a liquid or solid automatic dish wash detergent composition, preferably a solid automatic dish wash detergent composition, that may be used for cleaning dish ware, e.g., dish ware such as glasses, wherein the inventive composition is improving the removal of stubborn soils.

[0093] In another embodiment, the cleaning composition is designed to be used in personal care and pet care compositions such as shampoo compositions, body wash formulations, liquid or solid soaps.

[0094] In this invention, a preferred area of application for the use of the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates is the field of fabric and home care products and cleaning compositions, preferably cleaning compositions for industrial and institutional use and the use by consumers in their household.

[0095] Embodiment 11

[0096] The inventive use in cleaning compositions and / or in fabric and home care products, preferably in cleaning compositions for i) improved removal of oily / fatty stains, and / or ii) improved removal of sebum, and / or iii) clay removal, and / or iv) soil removal of particulate stains, and / or v) dispersion and / or emulsification of soils, and / or vi) modification of treated surface to improve removal upon later re-soiling, and / or vii) whiteness improvement and / or preferably in cleaning compositions for removal of oily / fatty stains, each of the before mentioned options i) to vii) preferably for use in a laundry detergent formulation and / or a manual dish wash detergent formulation and / or in a formulation suitable for (pre)-treatment of textiles and / or soap bars, more preferably in a liquid laundry detergent formulation and / or a liquid manual dish wash detergent formulation.

[0097] Embodiment 12

[0098] Cleaning composition, fabric and home care product, industrial and institutional cleaning product, wetting agent, cosmetic formulation, crude oil emulsion breaker, oil recovery formulation, formulation for corn oil separation, formulation for fermentation process, flotation agent of mineral ores, pigment dispersion for ink jet inks, formulation for electro plating, cementitious composition, gypsum composition, dispersant or wetting agent or emulsifier for agrochemical formulations, comprising at least one composition according to any of Embodiments 1 to 10, preferably cleaning composition and / or fabric and home care product and / or industrial and institutional cleaning product, comprising the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates, as defined above.

[0099] Embodiment 13

[0100] Cleaning composition of the invention further comprising i) at least one cleaning polymer or soil release polymer, and / or ii) at least one further (non Guerbet alkyl sulfate) surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and / or non-ionic surfactants and / or amphoteric surfactants and / or zwitterionic surfactants and / or cationic surfactants, and / or iii) an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol and 4,4'-dichoro 2- hydroxydiphenylether; preferably comprising 2-phenoxyethanol in an amount ranging from 2ppm to 5% by weight of the composition; more preferably comprising 0.1 to 2% of phenoxyethanol or preferably comprising 4,4'-dichoro 2-hydroxydiphenylether in a concentration from 0.001 to 3%, more preferably 0.002 to 1 %, even more preferably 0.01 to 0.6%, each by weight of the composition, and / or iv) at least one enzyme selected from the list consisting of lipases, hydro-lases, amylases, DNases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectate lyases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, preferably selected from one or more lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, more preferably at least one enzyme being selected from proteases, and / or v) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of builders, cobuilders, structurants or thickeners, clay soil removal / anti-redeposition agents, polymeric soil release agents, dispersants such as polymeric dispersing agents, polymeric grease cleaning agents, solubilizing agents, chelating agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizing systems, bleaching compounds, bleaching agents, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, brighteners, malodor control agents, pigments, dyes, opacifiers, hueing agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, chelating agents, suds boosters, suds suppressors (antifoams), color speckles, silver care, anti-tarnish and / or anti-corrosion agents, alkalinity sources, pH adjusters, pH-buffer agents, hydrotropes, scrubbing particles, antibacterial agents, anti-oxidants, softeners, carriers, processing aids, pro-perfumes, dye fixation agent and perfumes, vi) cosolvent selected from groups of aliphatic alcohols, diols (preferably propylene glycole), or triols comprising 2 to 5 carbon atoms or selected from group of ethylene glycole or diethylene glycol mono alkyl ether comprising 2 to 5 carbon atoms in alkyl moiety or selected from group of propylene glycole or dipropylene glycol mono alkyl ether comprising 2 to 5 carbon atoms in alkyl moiety, and / or vii) water.

[0101] In alternatively preferred embodiments, the cleaning composition of the invention does not comprise further (anionic) surfactants in addition to the Guerbet alkyl sulfates.

[0102] Embodiment 15

[0103] A cleaning method comprising contacting a cleaning composition of the invention with an object that requires cleaning, preferably a laundry or a hard surface household item.

[0104] The term "cleaning”, as used herein, refers to performing or aiding in any soil removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, or combination thereof. This includes to rinse a fabric with water or to wash the fabric with the inventive liquid cleaning composition by means of a washing machine, automatic dish washer or by hand. It is preferred that the cleaning is carried out at a temperature of 60 °C or less, more preferably at a temperature of 40 °C or less, most preferably at a temperature of 30 °C or less. In other preferred embodiments, the cleaning method is performed under water conserving conditions. This means that not more than 60%, not more than 70%, not more than 80%, not more than 90% or not more than 95% of the water generally recommended for a given cleaning procedure is used for the cleaning method of the present invention.

[0105] The following examples shall further illustrate the present invention without restricting the scope of the invention.

[0106] The specific embodiments as described throughout this disclosure are encompassed by the present invention as part of this invention; the various further options being disclosed in this present specification as "optional”, "preferred”, "more preferred”, "even more preferred” or "most preferred” (or "preferably” etc.) options of a specific embodiment may be individually and independently (unless such independent selection is not possible by virtue of the nature of that feature or if such independent selection is explicitly excluded) selected and then combined within any of the other embodiments (where other such options and preferences can be also selected individually and independently unless such independent selection is not possible by virtue of the nature of that feature or if such independent selection is explicitly excluded), with each and any and all such possible combinations being included as part of this invention as individual embodiments.

[0107] As used herein, the articles "a” and "an” when used in a claim or an embodiment, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described. As used herein, the terms "I nd ude(s)” and "including” are meant to be nonlimiting, and thus encompass more than the specific item mentioned after those words. The compositions of the present disclosure can "comprise” (i.e. , contain other ingredients), "consist essentially of' (comprise mainly or almost only the mentioned ingredients and other ingredients in only very minor amounts, mainly only as impurities), or "consist of” (i.e., contain only the mentioned ingredients and in addition may contain only impurities not avoidable in a technical environment, preferably only the ingredients) the components of the present disclosure.

[0108] Similarly, the terms "substantially free of ...” or "substantially free from ...” or “(containing / comprising) essentially no ...” may be used herein; this means that the indicated material is at the very minimum not deliberately added to the composition to form part of it, or, preferably, is not present at analytically detectable levels. It is meant to include compositions whereby the indicated material is present only as an impurity in one of the other materials deliberately included. The indicated material may be present, if at all, at a level of less than 1 %, or even less than 0.1 %, or even more less than 0.01 %, or even 0%, by weight of the composition.

[0109] The term "about”, as used herein, encompasses the exact number "X” mentioned as e.g., "about X%” etc., and small variations of X, including from minus 5 to plus 5 % deviation from X (with X for this calculation set to 100%), preferably from minus 2 to plus 2 %, more preferably from minus 1 to plus 1 %, even more preferably from minus 0,5 to plus 0,5 % and smaller variations. Of course, if the value X given itself is already "100%” (such as for purity etc.) then the term "about” clearly can and thus does only mean deviations thereof which are smaller than "100”.

[0110] Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active portion of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

[0111] All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (°C) unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise specified, all measurements herein are conducted at 20°C and under atmospheric pressure. In all embodiments of the present disclosure, all percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless specifically stated otherwise. All ratios are weight ratios, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0112] Description of cleaning compositions, formulations and their ingredients

[0113] The phrase "cleaning composition" as used herein includes compositions and formulations designed for cleaning soiled material. Such compositions and formulations include those designed for cleaning soiled material or surfaces of any kind.

[0114] Compositions for "industrial and institutional cleaning” includes such cleaning compositions being designed for use in industrial and institutional cleaning, such as those for use of cleaning soiled material or surfaces of any kind, such as hard surface cleaners for surfaces of any kind, including tiles, carpets, PVC-surfaces, wooden surfaces, metal surfaces, lacquered surfaces.

[0115] "Compositions for Fabric and Home Care” include cleaning compositions and formulations including but not limited to laundry cleaning compositions and detergents, fabric softening compositions, fabric enhancing compositions, fabric freshening compositions, laundry prewash, laundry pretreat, laundry additives, spray products, dry cleaning agent or composition, laundry rinse additive, wash additive, post-rinse fabric treatment, ironing aid, dish washing compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, unit dose formulation, delayed delivery formulation, detergent contained on or in a porous substrate or nonwoven sheet, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein and detailed herein below when describing the compositions. Such compositions may be used as a pre-laundering treatment, a post-laundering treatment, or may be added during the rinse or wash cycle of the laundering operation, preferably during the wash cycle of the laundering or dish washing operation, and as further detailed herein below when describing the use and application of the inventive compositions comprising such surfactants.

[0116] The cleaning compositions of the invention may be in any form, namely, in the form of a liquid; a solid such as a powder, granules, agglomerate, paste, tablet, pouches, bar, gel; an emulsion; types delivered in dual- or multicompartment containers; single-phase or multi-phase unit dose; a spray or foam detergent; premoistened wipes (i.e., the cleaning composition in combination with a nonwoven material such as that discussed in US 6, 121 ,165, Mackey, et al.); dry wipes (i.e., the cleaning composition in combination with a nonwoven materials, such as that discussed in US 5,980,931 , Fowler, et al.) activated with water by a user or consumer; and other homogeneous, non-homogeneous or single-phase or multiphase cleaning product forms.

[0117] The liquid cleaning compositions of the present invention preferably have a viscosity of from 50 to 10000 mPa*s; liquid manual dish wash cleaning compositions (also liquid manual "dish wash compositions”) have a viscosity of preferably from 100 to 10000 mPa*s, more preferably from 200 to 5000 mPa*s and most preferably from 500 to 3000 mPa*s at 20 1 / s and 20°C; liquid laundry cleaning compositions have a viscosity of preferably from 50 to 3000 mPa*s, more preferably from 100 to 1500 mPa*s and most preferably from 200 to 1000 mPa*s at 20 1 / s and 20°C.

[0118] The liquid cleaning compositions of the present invention may have any suitable pH-value. Preferably the pH of the composition is adjusted to between 4 and 14. More preferably the composition has a pH of from 6 to 13, even more preferably from 6 to 10, most preferably from 7 to 9. The pH of the composition can be adjusted using pH modifying ingredients known in the art and is measured as a 10% product concentration in demineralized water at 25°C. For example, NaOH may be used and the actual weight% of NaOH may be varied and trimmed up to the desired pH such as pH 8.0. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pH >7 is adjusted by using amines, preferably alkanolamines, more preferably triethanolamine. Cleaning compositions such as fabric and home care products and formulations for industrial and institutional cleaning, more specifically such as laundry and manual dish wash detergents, are known to a person skilled in the art. Any composition etc. known to a person skilled in the art, in connection with the respective use, can be employed within the context of the present invention by including the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates, as defined above, preferably in amounts suitable for expressing a certain property within such a composition, especially when such a composition is used in its area of use.

[0119] One aspect of the present invention is also the use of the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates as additives for detergent formulations, particularly for liquid detergent formulations, preferably concentrated liquid detergent formulations, or single mono doses for laundry.

[0120] The cleaning compositions of the invention may - and preferably do - contain adjunct cleaning additives (also abbreviated herein as "adjuncts”), such adjuncts being preferably in addition to a surfactant system as defined before.

[0121] Suitable adjunct cleaning additives include builders, cobuilders, structurants or thickeners, clay soil removal / anti- redeposition agents, polymeric soil release agents, dispersants such as polymeric dispersing agents, polymeric grease cleaning agents, solubilizing agents, chelating agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizing systems, bleaching compounds, bleaching agents, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, brighteners, malodor control agents, pigments, dyes, opacifiers, hueing agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, chelating agents, suds boosters, suds suppressors (antifoams), color speckles, silver care, anti-tarnish and / or anti-corrosion agents, alkalinity sources, pH adjusters, pH-buffer agents, hydrotropes, scrubbing particles, antibacterial agents, anti-oxidants, softeners, carriers, processing aids, pro-perfumes, dye fixation agent and perfumes.

[0122] Liquid cleaning compositions additionally may comprise - and preferably do comprise at least one of - rheology control / modifying agents, emollients, humectants, skin rejuvenating actives, and solvents.

[0123] Solid compositions additionally may comprise - and preferably do comprise at least one of - fillers, bleaches, bleach activators and catalytic materials.

[0124] Suitable examples of such cleaning adjuncts and levels of use are found in WO 99 / 05242, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,576,282, 6,306,812 B1 and 6,326,348 B1.

[0125] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a detersive surfactant encompasses any surfactant or mixture of surfactants that provide cleaning, stain removing, or laundering benefit to soiled material. Hence, the cleaning compositions of the invention such as fabric and home care products, and formulations for industrial and institutional cleaning, more specifically such as laundry and manual dish wash detergents, preferably additionally comprise a surfactant system and, more preferably, also further adjuncts, as the one described above and below in more detail.

[0126] The surfactant system may be composed from one surfactant or from a combination of surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a surfactant system for detergents encompasses any surfactant or mixture of surfactants that provide cleaning, stain removing, or laundering benefit to soiled material.

[0127] The cleaning compositions of the invention preferably comprise a surfactant system in an amount sufficient to provide desired cleaning properties. In some embodiments, the cleaning composition comprises, by weight of the composition, from about 1 % to about 70% of a surfactant system. In other embodiments, the liquid cleaning composition comprises, by weight of the composition, from about 2% to about 60% of the surfactant system. In further embodiments, the cleaning composition comprises, by weight of the composition, from about 5% to about 30% of the surfactant system. The surfactant system may comprise a detersive surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0128] (a) Laundry compositions

[0129] In laundry formulations, anionic surfactants contribute usually by far the largest share of surfactants within such formulation. Hence, preferably, the inventive cleaning compositions for use in laundry comprise at least one anionic surfactant and optionally further surfactants selected from any of the surfactant classes described herein, preferably from non-ionic surfactants and / or amphoteric surfactants and / or zwitterionic surfactants and / or cationic surfactants in addition to the inventive combination of surfactants.

[0130] Nonlimiting examples of anionic surfactants - which may be employed also in combinations of more than one surfactant - useful herein include C9-C20 linear alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS), C10-C20 primary, branched chain and random alkyl sulfates (AS); C10-C18 secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates; C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AExS) wherein x is from 1 to 30; C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates comprising 1 to 5 ethoxy units; mid-chain branched alkyl sulfates as discussed in US 6,020,303 and US 6,060,443; mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfates as discussed in US 6,008,181 and US 6,020,303; modified alkylbenzene sulfonate (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99 / 05243, WO 99 / 05242 and WO 99 / 05244; methyl ester sulfonate (MES); and alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS). Preferred examples of suitable anionic surfactants are alkali metal and ammonium salts of Cs-C 12-al ky I sulfates, of Ci2-Cis-fatty alcohol ether sulfates, of Ci2-Ci8-fatty alcohol polyether sulfates, of sulfuric acid half-esters of ethoxylated C4-C12-al ky I phenols (ethoxylation: 3 to 50 mol of ethylene oxide / mol), of Ci2-Ci8-al kylsulfonic acids, of C12-C18 sulfo fatty acid alkyl esters, for example of C12-C18 sulfo fatty acid methyl esters, of C10-C -alky I ary Isulfonic acids, preferably of n-Cw-Cis-alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, of C10-C18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates and of soaps such as for example C8-C24-carboxylic acids. Preference is given to the alkali metal salts of the aforementioned compounds, particularly preferably the sodium salts.

[0131] In one embodiment of the present invention, anionic surfactants are selected from n-Cio-Cis-alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and from fatty alcohol polyether sulfates, which, within the context of the present invention, are in particular sulfuric acid half-esters of ethoxylated Ci2-Ci8-alkanols (ethoxylation: 1 to 50 mol of ethylene oxide / mol), preferably of n-Ci2-Ci8-alkanols.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, also alcohol polyether sulfates derived from branched (i.e., synthetic) Cn-Ci8-alkanols (ethoxylation: 1 to 50 mol of ethylene oxide / mol) may be employed.

[0133] Preferably, the alkoxylation group of both types of alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, based on Ci2-Ci8-fatty alcohols or based on branched (i.e., synthetic) Cn-C -alcohols, is an ethoxylation group and an average ethoxylation degree of any of the alkoxylated alkyl sulfates is 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3.

[0134] In a further embodiment of the present invention, anionic surfactants are selected from rhamnolipids and / or sophorolipids.

[0135] Preferably, the laundry detergent formulation of the present invention comprises from at least 1 wt.% to 50 wt.%, preferably in the range from greater than or equal to about 2 wt.% to equal to or less than about 30 wt.%, more preferably in the range from greater than or equal to 3 wt.% to less than or equal to 25 wt.%, and most preferably in the range from greater than or equal to 5 wt.% to less than or equal to 25 wt.% of one or more anionic surfactants as described above, based on the particular overall composition, including other components and water and / or solvents.

[0136] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, anionic surfactants are selected from C10-C15 linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, C10-C18 alkylethersulfates with 1 -5 ethoxy units and C10-C18 alkylsulfates.

[0137] Non-limiting examples of non-ionic surfactants - which may be employed also in combinations of more than one other surfactant - include: Cs-C alkyl ethoxylates, such as, NEODOL® non-ionic surfactants from Shell; ethylenoxide / propylenoxide block alkoxylates as PLURONIC® from BASF; C14-C22 mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, BAEx, wherein x is from 1 to 30, as discussed in US 6, 153,577, US 6,020,303 and US 6,093,856; alkylpolysaccharides as discussed in U.S. 4,565,647 Llenado, issued January 26, 1986; specifically alkylpolyglycosides as discussed in US 4,483,780 and US 4,483,779; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides as discussed in US 5,332,528; and ether capped poly (oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants as discussed in US 6,482,994 and WO 01 / 42408.

[0138] Preferred examples of non-ionic surfactants are in particular alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated fatty alcohols, di- and multiblock copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and reaction products of sorbitan with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, furthermore alkylphenol ethoxylates, alkyl glycosides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides (glucamides).

[0139] Preferred examples of alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated fatty alcohols are, for example, compounds of the general formula (A)

[0140] [formula (A)] in which the variables are defined as follows:

[0141] R1is selected from linear Ci-Cio-alkyl, preferably ethyl and particularly preferably methyl,

[0142] R2is selected from C8-C22-alkyl, for example n-CsH , n-CioH2i, n-Ci2H25, n-Ci4H29, n-C Hss or n-CisHsz,

[0143] R3is selected from Ci-Cio-alkyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n- pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, neopentyl, 1 ,2-dimethylpropyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl or isodecyl, m and n are in the range from zero to 300, where the sum of n and m is at least one. Preferably, m is in the range from 1 to 100 and n is in the range from 0 to 30.

[0144] Here, compounds of the general formula (A) may be block copolymers or random copolymers, preference being given to block copolymers.

[0145] Other preferred examples of alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated fatty alcohols are, for example, compounds of the general formula (B)

[0146] [formula (B)] in which the variables are defined as follows: R1is identical or different and selected from linear Ci-C4-alkyl, preferably identical in each case and ethyl and particularly preferably methyl,

[0147] R4is selected from Ce-C2o-alkylJin particular n-CsH , n-C H2i, n-Ci2H25, n-Ci4H29, n-C Hss, n-CisHsz, a is a number in the range from zero to 6, preferably 1 to 6, b is a number in the range from zero to 20, preferably 4 to 20, d is a number in the range from 4 to 25.

[0148] Preferably, at least one of a and b is greater than zero.

[0149] Here, compounds of the general formula (B) may be block copolymers or random copolymers, preference being given to block copolymers.

[0150] Further suitable non-ionic surfactants are selected from di- and multi block copolymers, composed of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Further suitable non-ionic surfactants are selected from ethoxylated or propoxylated sorbitan esters. Alkylphenol ethoxylates or alkyl polyglycosides or polyhydroxy fatty acid amides (glucamides) are likewise suitable. An overview of suitable further non-ionic surfactants can be found in EPA 0 851 023 and in DE- A 198 19 187.

[0151] Mixtures of two or more different non-ionic surfactants may of course also be present.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, non-ionic surfactants are selected from C12 / 14 and C16 / 18 fatty alkoholalkoxylates, C13 / 15 oxoalkoholalkoxylates, Ci3-alkoholalkoxylates, and 2-propylheptylalkoholalkoxylates, each of them with 3 - 15 ethoxy units, preferably 4-10 ethoxy units, or with 1-3 propoxy- and 2-15 ethoxy units.

[0153] Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants - which may be employed also in combinations of more than one other surfactant - include: water-soluble amine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl moieties and hydroxyalkyl moieties containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl moieties and hydroxyalkyl moieties of from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms. See WO 01 / 32816, US 4,681 ,704, and US 4, 133,779. Suitable surfactants include thus so-called amine oxides, such as lauryl dimethyl amine oxide ("lauramine oxide”).

[0154] Preferred examples of amphoteric surfactants are amine oxides. Preferred amine oxides are alkyl dimethyl amine oxides or alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxides, more preferably alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and especially coco dimethyl amino oxides. Amine oxides may have a linear or mid-branched alkyl moiety. Typical linear amine oxides include water-soluble amine oxides containing one R1= Cs-is alkyl moiety and two R2and R3moieties selected from the group consisting of C1-C3 alkyl groups and C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl groups. Preferably, the amine oxide is characterized by the formula

[0155] R1-N(R2)(R3)-O wherein R1is a Cs-is alkyl and R2and R3are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl and 3-hydroxypropyl. The linear amine oxide surfactants in particular may include linear C10-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C8-C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine oxides. Preferred amine oxides include linear C10, linear C10-C12, and linear C12-C14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides. As used herein "midbranched" means that the amine oxide has one alkyl moiety having n1 carbon atoms with one alkyl branch on the alkyl moiety having n2 carbon atoms. The alkyl branch is located on the alpha carbon from the nitrogen on the alkyl moiety. This type of branching for the amine oxide is also known in the art as an internal amine oxide. The total sum of n1 and n2 is from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 20, and more preferably from 10 to 16. The number of carbon atoms for the one alkyl moiety (n1) should be approximately the same number of carbon atoms as the one alkyl branch (n2) such that the one alkyl moiety and the one alkyl branch are symmetric. As used herein "symmetric" means that (n1-n2) is less than or equal to 5, preferably 4, most preferably from 0 to 4 carbon atoms in at least 50 wt.%, more preferably at least 75 wt.% to 100 wt.% of the mid-branched amine oxides for use herein. The amine oxide further comprises two moieties, independently selected from a C1-C3 alkyl, a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a polyethylene oxide group containing an average of from about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. Preferably the two moieties are selected from a C1-C3 alkyl, more preferably both are selected as a Ci alkyl.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, amphoteric surfactants are selected from Cs-Cis alky l-dimethyl aminoxides and Cs-C alkyl-di(hydroxyethyl)aminoxide.

[0157] Cleaning compositions may also contain zwiterionic surfactants - which may be employed also in combinations of more than one other surfactant.

[0158] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include betaines, such as alkyl betaines, alkylamidobetaine, amidazoliniumbetaine, sulfobetaine (INCI Sultaines) as well as the phosphobetaines. Examples of suitable betaines and sulfobetaines are the following (designated in accordance with INCI): Almond amidopropyl of betaines, Apricotamidopropyl betaines, Avocadamidopropyl of betaines, Babassuamidopropyl of betaines, Behenamidopropyl betaines, Behenyl of betaines, Canol amidopropyl betaines, Capryl / Capramidopropyl betaines, Carnitine, Cetyl of betaines, Cocamidoethyl of betaines, Cocamidopropyl betaines, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco betaines, Coco Hydroxysultaine, Coco / Oleam idopropyl betaines, Coco Sultaine, Decyl of betaines, Di hydroxy ethyl Oleyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Soy Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Stearyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Tallow Glycinate, Dimethicone Propyl of PG-betaines, Erucamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Hydrogenated Tallow of betaines, Isostearamidopropyl betaines, Lauramidopropyl betaines, Lauryl of betaines, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Sultaine, Milkamidopropyl betaines, Minkamidopropyl of betaines, Myristamidopropyl betaines, Myristyl of betaines, Oleamidopropyl betaines, Oleamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Oleyl of betaines, Olivamidopropyl of betaines, Palmamidopropyl betaines, Palmitamidopropyl betaines, Palmitoyl Carnitine, Palm Kernelamidopropyl betaines, Polytetrafluoroethylene Acetoxypropyl of betaines, Ricinoleam idopropyl betaines, Sesamidopropyl betaines, Soyamidopropyl betaines, Stearamidopropyl betaines, Stearyl of betaines, Tallowamidopropyl betaines, Tallowamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Tallow of betaines, Tallow Dihydroxyethyl of betaines, Undecylenamidopropyl betaines and Wheat Germamidopropyl betaines.

[0159] Preferred betaines are, for example, C 12-Cis-alky Ibetaines and sulfobetaines. The zwitterionic surfactant preferably is a betaine surfactant, more preferably a Cocoamidopropylbetaine surfactant.

[0160] Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants - which may be employed also in combinations of more than one other surfactant - include: the quaternary ammonium surfactants, which can have up to 26 carbon atoms include: alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants as discussed in US 6,136,769; dimethyl hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium as discussed in US 6,004,922; dimethyl hydroxyethyl lauryl ammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants as discussed in WO 98 / 35002, WO 98 / 35003, WO 98 / 35004, WO 98 / 35005, and WO 98 / 35006; cationic ester surfactants as discussed in US patents Nos. 4,228,042, 4,239,660 4,260,529 and US 6,022,844; and amino surfactants as discussed in US 6,221 ,825 and WO 00 / 47708, specifically amido propyldimethyl amine (APA).

[0161] Compositions according to the invention may comprise at least one builder. In the context of the present invention, no distinction will be made between builders and such components elsewhere called "co-builders”. Examples of builders are complexing agents, hereinafter also referred to as complexing agents, ion exchange compounds, and precipitating agents. Builders are selected from citrate, phosphates, silicates, carbonates, phosphonates, amino carboxylates and polycarboxylates.

[0162] In the context of the present invention, the term citrate includes the mono- and the dialkali metal salts and in particular the mono- and preferably the trisodium salt of citric acid, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts of citric acid as well as citric acid. Citrate can be used as the anhydrous compound or as the hydrate, for example as sodium citrate dihydrate. Quantities of citrate are calculated referring to anhydrous trisodium citrate.

[0163] The term phosphate includes sodium metaphosphate, sodium orthophosphate, sodium hydrogenphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate and polyphosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphate. Preferably, however, the composition according to the invention is free from phosphates and polyphosphates, with hydrogenphosphates being subsumed, for example free from trisodium phosphate, pentasodium tripolyphosphate and hexasodium metaphosphate ("phosphate-free”). In connection with phosphates and polyphosphates, "free from” should be understood within the context of the present invention as meaning that the content of phosphate and polyphosphate is in total in the range from 10 ppm to 0.2% by weight of the respective composition, determined by gravimetry. The term "carbonates” includes alkali metal carbonates and alkali metal hydrogen carbonates, preferred are the sodium salts. Particularly preferred is Na2COa.

[0164] Examples of phosphonates are hydroxyalkanephosphonates and aminoalkanephosphonates. Among the hydroxyalkanephosphonates, the 1 -hydroxyethane-1, 1 -diphosphonate (HEDP) is of particular importance as builder. It is preferably used as sodium salt, the disodium salt being neutral and the tetrasodium salt being alkaline (pH 9). Suitable aminoalkanephosphonates are preferably ethylene diaminetetramethylenephosphonate (EDTMP), diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonate (DTPMP), and also their higher homologues. They are preferably used in the form of the neutrally reacting sodium salts, e.g., as hexasodium salt of EDTMP or as hepta- and octasodium salts of DTPMP.

[0165] Examples of amino carboxylates and polycarboxylates are nitrilotriacetates, ethylene diamine tetraacetate, diethylene triamine pentaacetate, triethylene tetraamine hexaacetate, propylene diamines tetraacetic acid, ethanoldiglycines, methylglycine diacetate, and glutamine diacetate. The term amino carboxylates and polycarboxylates also include their respective non-substituted or substituted ammonium salts and the alkali metal salts such as the sodium salts, in particular of the respective fully neutralized compound.

[0166] Silicates in the context of the present invention include in particular sodium disilicate and sodium metasilicate, alumosilicates such as for example zeolites and sheet silicates, in particular those of the formula o-Na2Si2O5, p- Na2Si2O5, and 5-Na2Si2C>5.

[0167] Compositions according to the invention may contain one or more builder selected from materials not being mentioned above. Examples of builders are a-hydroxypropionic acid and oxidized starch.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present invention, builder is selected from polycarboxylates. The term "polycarboxylates” includes non-polymeric polycarboxylates such as succinic acid, C2-Ci6-alkyl disuccinates, C2-Ci6-alkenyl disuccinates, ethylene diamine N,N'-disuccinic acid, tartaric acid diacetate, alkali metal malonates, tartaric acid monoacetate, propanetricarboxylic acid, butanetetracarboxylic acid and cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid.

[0169] Oligomeric or polymeric polycarboxylates are for example polyaspartic acid or in particular alkali metal salts of (meth)acrylic acid homopolymers or (meth)acrylic acid copolymers.

[0170] Suitable co-monomers are monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid and citraconic acid. A suitable polymer is in particular polyacrylic acid, which preferably has a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 2000 to 40 000 g / mol, preferably 2000 to 10 000 g / mol, in particular 3000 to 8000 g / mol. Further suitable copolymeric polycarboxylates are in particular those of acrylic acid with methacrylic acid and of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid and / or fumaric acid. It is also possible to use copolymers of at least one monomer from the group consisting of monoethylenically unsaturated Ca-Cio-mono- or C4-Cio-dicarboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof, such as maleic acid, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid and citraconic acid, with at least one hydrophilically or hydrophobically modified co-monomer as listed below.

[0171] Suitable hydrophobic co-monomers are, for example, isobutene, diisobutene, butene, pentene, hexene and styrene, olefins with ten or more carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, such as, for example, 1 -decene, 1 -dodecene, 1 -tetradecene, 1 -hexadecene, 1 -octadecene, 1-eicosene, 1-docosene, 1 -tetracosene and 1 -hexacosene, 622-0- olefin, a mixture of C2o-C24-a-olefins and polyisobutene having on average 12 to 100 carbon atoms per molecule.

[0172] Suitable hydrophilic co-monomers are monomers with sulfonate or phosphonate groups, and also non-ionic monomers with hydroxyl function or alkylene oxide groups. By way of example, mention may be made of: allyl alcohol, isoprenol, methoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolybutylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypoly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide) (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolybutylene glycol (meth)acrylate and ethoxypoly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide) (meth)acrylate. Polyalkylene glycols here can comprise 3 to 50, in particular 5 to 40 and especially 10 to 30 alkylene oxide units per molecule.

[0173] Particularly preferred sulfonic-acid-group-containing monomers here are 1 -acrylamido-1 -propanesulfonic acid, 2- acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2- methylpropanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, methallylsulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propene-1 -sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 2- sulfoethyl methacrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide, and salts of said acids, such as sodium, potassium or ammonium salts thereof.

[0174] Particularly preferred phosphonate-group-containing monomers are vinylphosphonic acid and its salts.

[0175] Moreover, amphoteric polymers can also be used as builders.

[0176] Compositions according to the invention can comprise, for example, in the range from in total 0.1 to 70% by weight, preferably 10 to 50% by weight, preferably up to 20% by weight, of builder(s), especially in the case of solid formulations. Liquid formulations according to the invention preferably comprise in the range of from 0.1 to 8% by weight of builder. Formulations according to the invention can comprise one or more alkali carriers. Alkali carriers ensure, for example, a pH of at least 9 if an alkaline pH is desired. Of suitability are, for example, the alkali metal carbonates, the alkali metal hydrogen carbonates, and alkali metal metasilicates mentioned above, and, additionally, alkali metal hydroxides. A preferred alkali metal is in each case potassium, particular preference being given to sodium. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pH >7 is adjusted by using amines, preferably alkanolamines, more preferably triethanolamine.

[0177] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition or laundry formulation according to the invention comprises additionally at least one enzyme.

[0178] In one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention additionally comprises at least one enzyme.

[0179] Preferably, the at least one enzyme is a detergent enzyme.

[0180] In one embodiment, the enzyme is classified as an oxidoreductase (EC 1), a transferase (EC 2), a hydrolase (EC 3), a lyase (EC 4), an isomerase (EC 5), or a ligase (EC 6). The EC-numbering is according to Enzyme Nomenclature, Recommendations (1992) of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology including its supplements published 1993-1999. Preferably, the enzyme is a hydrolase (EC 3).

[0181] In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, pectinases, lactases, peroxidases, xylanases, cutinases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, beta-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, laccases, nucleases, DNase, phosphodiesterases, phytases, carbohydrases, galactanases, xanthanases, xyloglucanases, oxidoreductase, perhydrolases, aminopeptidase, asparaginase, carbohydrase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, chitinase, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase, alpha-galactosidase, betagalactosidase, glucoamylase, alpha-glucosidase, beta-glucosidase, invertase, ribonuclease, transglutaminase, and dispersins, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types. More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, xylanases, DNases, dispersins, pectinases, oxidoreductases, and cutinases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types. Most preferably, the enzyme is a protease, preferably, a serine protease, more preferably, a subtilisin protease.

[0182] Preferably, the protease is a protease with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22 of EP1921147B1 and having the amino acid substitution R101 E (according to BPN' numbering). Preferably, the amylase is an amylase with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 54 of WQ2021032881A1. The composition of the present invention can comprise one type of enzyme or more than one enzyme of different types, e.g., an amylase and a protease, or more than one enzyme of the same type, e.g., two or more different proteases, or mixtures thereof, e.g., an amylase and two different proteases.

[0183] The enzyme(s) can be incorporated into the composition at levels sufficient to provide an effective amount for achieving a beneficial effect, preferably for primary washing effects and / or secondary washing effects, like antigreying or antipilling effects (e.g., in case of cellulases). Preferably, the enzyme is present in the composition at levels from about 0.00001 % to about 5%, preferably from about 0.00001 % to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.0001 % to about 1 %, or even more preferably from about 0.001 % to about 0.5% enzyme protein by weight of the composition.

[0184] The skilled person will understand that the above-described enzymes may also be part of microorganisms, probiotics and / or prebiotics.

[0185] Preferably, the enzyme-containing composition further comprises an enzyme stabilizing system.

[0186] Preferably, the enzyme-containing composition described herein comprises from about 0.001 % to about 10%, from about 0.005% to about 8%, or from about 0.01 % to about 6%, by weight of the composition, of an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the enzyme.

[0187] Preferably, the enzyme stabilizing system comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyols (preferably, 1 ,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, 1 ,2-propanediol, or sorbitol), inorganic salts (preferably, CaCl2, MgCh, or NaCI), short chain (preferably, C1-C3) carboxylic acids or salts thereof (preferably, formic acid, formate (preferably, sodium formate), acetic acid, acetate, or lactate), borate, boric acid, boronic acids (preferably, 4-formyl phenylboronic acid (4-FPBA)), peptide aldehydes (preferably, Z-VAL-H or Z-GAY-H), peptide acetals, and peptide aldehyde hydrosulfite adducts. Preferably, the enzyme stabilizing system comprises a combination of at least two of the compounds selected from the group consisting of salts, polyols, and short chain carboxylic acids and preferably one or more of the compounds selected from the group consisting of borate, boric acid, boronic acids (preferably, 4-formyl phenylboronic acid (4-FPBA)), peptide aldehydes, peptide acetals, and peptide aldehyde hydrosulfite adducts. In particular, if proteases are present in the composition, protease inhibitors may be added, preferably selected from borate, boric acid, boronic acids (preferably, 4-FPBA), peptide aldehydes (preferably, peptide aldehydes like Z-VAL-H or Z-GAY-H), peptide acetals, and peptide aldehyde hydrosulfite adducts.

[0188] Compositions according to the invention may comprise one or more bleaching agent (bleaches). Preferred bleaches are selected from sodium perborate, anhydrous or, for example, as the monohydrate or as the tetrahydrate or so-called dihydrate, sodium percarbonate, anhydrous or, for example, as the monohydrate, and sodium persulfate, where the term "persulfate” in each case includes the salt of the peracid H2SO5 and also the peroxodisulfate.

[0189] In this connection, the alkali metal salts can in each case also be alkali metal hydrogen carbonate, alkali metal hydrogen perborate and alkali metal hydrogen persulfate. However, the dialkali metal salts are preferred in each case.

[0190] Formulations according to the invention can comprise one or more bleach catalysts. Bleach catalysts can be selected from oxaziridinium-based bleach catalysts, bleach-boosting transition metal salts or transition metal complexes such as, for example, manganese-, iron-, cobalt-, ruthenium- or molybdenum-salen complexes or carbonyl complexes. Manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, molybdenum, titanium, vanadium and copper complexes with nitrogen-containing tripod ligands and also cobalt-, iron-, copper- and ruthenium-amine complexes can also be used as bleach catalysts.

[0191] Formulations according to the invention can comprise one or more bleach activators, for example tetraacetyl ethylene diamine, tetraacetylmethylene diamine, tetraacetylglycoluril, tetraacetylhexylene diamine, acylated phenolsulfonates such as for example n-nonanoyl- or isononanoyloxybenzene sulfonates, (S)NOBS, LOBS, DOBA, PAP, N-methylmorpholinium-acetonitrile salts ("MMA salts”), trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts, N-acylimides such as, for example, N-nonanoylsuccinimide, 1 ,5-diacetyl-2,2-dioxohexahydro-1 ,3,5-triazine ("DADHT”) or nitrile quats (trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts).

[0192] As precursors of H2O2 peroxides come into consideration. I. e. every compound which is capable of yielding hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions, for example, the organic and inorganic peroxides known in the literature and available commercially that bleach textile materials at conventional washing temperatures, for example at from 10 to 95°C.

[0193] Preferably, however, inorganic peroxides are used, for example persulfates, perborates, percarbonates and / or persilicates. They are typically used in an amount of 2-80 wt-%, preferably of 4-30 wt-%, based on the weight of the composition.

[0194] O

[0195] R^C -Ct-OW

[0196] Typically, the compound of formula (1) , as described in more detail below, is present in the composition in an amount of 0.05-15 wt-%, preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt-%, based on the weight of the total composition. Examples of suitable inorganic peroxides are sodium perborate tetrahydrate or sodium perborate monohydrate, sodium percarbonate, inorganic peroxyacid compounds, such as for example potassium monopersulphate (MPS). If organic or inorganic peroxy acids are used as the peroxygen compound, the amount thereof will normally be within the range of about 2-80 wt-%, preferably from 4-30 wt-%, based on the weight of the composition.

[0197] The organic peroxides are, for example, mono- or poly-peroxides, urea peroxides, a combination of a C i-C4al kanol oxidase and Ci-C4alkanol (Such as methanol oxidase and ethanol as described in WO95 / 07972), alkylhydroxy peroxides, such as cumene hydroperoxide and t-butyl hydroperoxide.

[0198] The peroxides may be in a variety of crystalline forms and have different water contents, and they may also be used together with other inorganic or organic compounds in order to improve their storage stability.

[0199] As oxidants, peroxo acids can also be used. One example are organic mono peracids of formula (1) O

[0200] R -— C -O -OM wherein

[0201] M signifies hydrogen or a cation,

[0202] Rw signifies unsubstituted Ci-Cisalkyl; substituted Ci-Cisalkyl; unsubstituted aryl; substituted aryl; -(Ci-Cealky lene)- aryl, wherein the alkylene and / or the alkyl group may be substituted; and phthalimidoCi-Csalkylene, wherein the phthalimide and / or the alkylene group may be substituted.

[0203] O

[0204] R “ C—0—0

[0205] Preferred mono organic peroxy acids and their salts are those of formula wherein

[0206] M signifies hydrogen or an alkali metal, and

[0207] R' 19 signifies unsubstituted Ci-C4alkyl; phenyl;-Ci-C2alkylene-phenyl or phthalimidoCi-Csalkylene.

[0208] Especially preferred is CH3COOOH and its alkali salts.

[0209] Especially preferred is also e-phthalimido peroxy hexanoic acid and its alkali salts (PAP).

[0210] Also suitable are diperoxyacids, for example, 1 ,12-diperoxydodecanedioic acid (DPDA), 1 ,9-diperoxyazelaic acid, diperoxybrassilic acid, diperoxysebasic acid, diperoxyisophthalic acid, 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1 ,4-diotic acid and 4,4'-sulphonylbisperoxybenzoic acid. In some cases, the use of an additional bleach activator may be of advantage.

[0211] The term bleach activator is frequently used as a synonym for peroxyacid bleach precursor. All the above mentioned peroxy compounds may be utilized alone or in conjunction with a peroxyacid bleach precursor.

[0212] Such precursors are the corresponding carboxyacid or the corresponding carboxyanhydride or the corresponding carbonylchlorid, or amides, or esters, which can form the peroxy acids on perhydrolysis. Such reactions are commonly known.

[0213] Peroxyacid bleach precursors are known and amply described in literature, such as in the British Patents 836988; 864,798; 907,356; 1,003,310 and 1 ,519,351; German Patent 3,337,921 ; EP-A-0185522; EP-A-0174132; EP-A- 0120591 ; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 1 ,246,339; 3,332,882; 4, 128,494; 4,412,934 and 4,675,393.

[0214] Suitable bleach activators include the bleach activators, that carry O- and / or N-acyl groups and / or unsubstituted or substituted benzoyl groups. Preference is given to polyacylated alkylenediamines, especially tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED); acylated glycolurils, especially tetraacetyl glycol urea (TAGU), N,N-diacetyl- N,N-dimethylurea (DDU); sodium-4-benzoyloxy benzene sulphonate (SBOBS); sodium-1-methyl-2-benzoyloxy benzene-4-sulphonate; sodium-4-methyl-3-benzoloxy benzoate; trimethyl ammonium toluyloxy-benzene sulphonate; acylated triazine derivatives, especially 1 ,5-diacetyl-2,4-dioxohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (DADHT); compounds of formula (10): wherein R22 is a sulfonate group, a carboxylic acid group or a carboxylate group, and wherein R21 is linear or branched (Cz-Ci5)alkyl, especially activators known under the names SNOBS, SLOBS and DOBA; acylated polyhydric alcohols, especially triacetin, ethylene glycol diacetate and 2,5-diacetoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran; and also acetylated sorbitol and mannitol and acylated sugar derivatives, especially pentaacetylglucose (PAG), sucrose polyacetate (SUPA), pentaacetylfructose, tetraacetylxylose and octaacetyllactose as well as acetylated, optionally N-alkylated glucamine and gluconolactone. It is also possible to use the combinations of conventional bleach activators known from German Patent Application DE-A-4443 177. Nitrile compounds that form perimine acids with peroxides also come into consideration as bleach activators.

[0215] Another useful class of peroxyacid bleach precursors is that of the cationic i.e. quaternary ammonium substituted peroxyacid precursors as disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,751 ,015 and 4,397,757, in EP-A0284292 and EP-A-331 ,229. Examples of peroxyacid bleach precursors of this class are: 2-(N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) ethyl sodium-4- sulphonphenyl carbonate chloride - (SPCC), N-octyl,N,N-dimehyl-N10 -carbophenoxy decyl ammonium chloride - (ODC), 3-(N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) propyl sodium-4-sulphophenyl carboxylate and N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium toluyloxy benzene sulphonate.

[0216] It is also possible to use additional bleach catalysts, which are commonly known, for example transition metal complexes as disclosed in EP 1194514, EP 1383857 or W004 / 007657.

[0217] Formulations according to the invention can comprise one or more corrosion inhibitors. In the present case, this is to be understood as including those compounds which inhibit the corrosion of metal. Examples of suitable corrosion inhibitors are triazoles, in particular benzotriazoles, bisbenzotri azoles, aminotriazoles, alkylaminotriazoles, also phenol derivatives such as, for example, hydroquinone, pyrocatechol, hydroxyhydroquinone, gallic acid, phloroglucinol or pyrogallol.

[0218] In one embodiment of the present invention, formulations according to the invention comprise in total in the range from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of corrosion inhibitor.

[0219] Formulations according to the invention may also comprise further cleaning polymers and / or soil release polymers.

[0220] The additional cleaning polymers may include, without limitation, "multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imines” (for example BASF's Sokalan® HP20), "multifunctional alkoxylated diamines” (for example BASF's Sokalan® HP96), BASF's Sokalan® SR400 A and also terephthalic acid-based polyesters like Clariant's TexCare®, such as TexCare® SRN 170, TexCare® SRN 172, TexCare® SRN 260, TexCare® SRN 260 SG Terra and TexCare® SRA 300 as well as distinct combinations of all of the before mentioned polymers.

[0221] Suitable multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imines are typically ethoxylated polyethylene imines with a weightaverage molecular weight Mw in the range from 3000 to 250000, preferably 5000 to 200000, more preferably 8000 to 100000, more preferably 8000 to 50000, more preferably 10000 to 30000, and most preferably 10000 to 20000 g / mol. Suitable multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imines have 80 wt.% to 99 wt.%, preferably 85 wt.% to 99 wt.%, more preferably 90 wt.% to 98 wt.%, most preferably 93 wt.% to 97 wt.% or 94 wt.% to 96 wt.% ethylene oxide side chains, based on the total weight of the materials. Ethoxylated polyethylene imines are typically based on a polyethylene imine core and a polyethylene oxide shell. Suitable polyethylene imine core molecules are polyethylene imines with a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of 500 to 5000 g / mol. Preferably employed is a molecular weight from 500 to 1000 g / mol, even more preferred is a Mw of 600 to 800 g / mol. The ethoxylated polymer then has on average 5 to 50, preferably 10 to 35 and even more preferably 20 to 35 ethylene oxide (EC) units per NH-functional group. Suitable multifunctional alkoxylated diamines are typically ethoxylated C2 to C12 alkylene diamines, preferably hexamethylene diamine, which are further quaternized and optionally sulfated (wherein the diamine is not ethylenediamine). Typical multifunctional alkoxylated diamines have a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 2000 to 10000, more preferably 3000 to 8000, and most preferably 4000 to 6000 g / mol. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, ethoxylated hexamethylene diamine, furthermore quaternized and sulfated, may be employed, which contains on average 10 to 50, preferably 15 to 40 and even more preferably 20 to 30 ethylene oxide (EO) groups per NH-functional group, and which preferably bears two cationic ammonium groups and two anionic sulfate groups.

[0222] Suitable polymers also comprise graft polymer comprising

[0223] (A) a polyalkylene oxide backbone (A) which comprises at least one structural unit derived from the group of monomers consisting of ethylene oxide, 1 ,2-propylene oxide, 1 ,2-butylene oxide, 2,3-butylene oxide, 1 ,2-pentene oxide and 2,3-pentene oxide, and

[0224] (B) polymeric sidechains (B) grafted onto the polyalkylene oxide backbone (A), wherein said polymeric sidechains (B) comprise at least one vinyl ester monomer (B1) and optionally N-vinylpyrrolidone as further monomer (B2).

[0225] It is noted that the cleaning compositions of the invention can also comprise the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates, as defined above, and in addition at least one propoxylated diamine, such as propoxylated ethylenediamines having on average less than 28 PO units per mol EDA or having on average more than 52 PO units per mol EDA.

[0226] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning compositions may contain at least one multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imine and / or at least one multifunctional alkoxylated diamine to improve the cleaning performance, such as preferably improve the stain removal ability, especially the primary detergency of particulate stains on polyester fabrics of laundry detergents. The multifunctional polyethylene imines or multifunctional diamines or mixtures thereof according to the descriptions above may be added to the laundry detergents and cleaning compositions in amounts of generally from 0.05 to 15 wt.%, preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.% and more preferably from 0.25 to 5 wt.% and even as low as up to 2 wt.%, based on the particular overall composition, including other components and water and / or solvents.

[0227] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning compositions may contain at least one terephthalic acid-based polyester, employed as soil release polymer, to improve the whiteness of the fabrics after the wash, especially the whiteness of polyester fabrics.

[0228] Thus, one aspect of the present invention is a laundry detergent composition, in particular a liquid laundry detergent, comprising (i) the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates, as defined above, and (ii) at least one compound selected from multifunctional alkoxylated polyethylene imines, multifunctional alkoxylated diamines and terephthalic acidbased polyesters, and mixtures thereof.

[0229] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates and (II) the at least one compound selected from multifunctional polyethylene imines and multifunctional diamines and mixtures thereof, is from 10: 1 to 1 :10, preferably from 5:1 to 1 :5 and more preferably from 3: 1 to 1 :3.

[0230] Laundry formulations comprising the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates may also comprise at least one antimicrobial agent (also often named preservatives).

[0231] The composition may contain one or more antimicrobial agents and / or preservatives as listed in patent WO2021 / 115912 A1 on pages 35 to 39.

[0232] Especially of interest are the following antimicrobial agents and / or preservatives:

[0233] 4,4'-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (CAS-No. 3380-30-1), further names: 5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenoxy) phenol, Diclosan, DCPP, which is commercially avail-able as a solution of 30 wt% of 4,4'-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether in 1 ,2 propyl-eneglycol under the trade name Tinosan® HP 100 (BASF); 2-Phenoxyethanol (CAS-no. 122-99-6, further names: Phenoxyethanol, Methylphenylglycol, Phenoxetol, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, Protectol® PE); 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (CAS-No. 52-51-7, further names: 2-bromo-2- nitro-1 ,3-propanediol, Bronopol®, Protectol® BN, Myacide AS); Glutaraldehyde (CAS-No. 111-30-8, further names: 1-5-pentandial, pentane-1 , 5-dial, glutaral, glutardialdehyde, Protectol® GA, Protectol® GA 50, Myacide® GA); Glyoxal (CAS No. 107-22-2; further names: ethandial, oxylaldehyde, 1 ,2-ethandial, Protectol® GL); 2-butyl- benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one (BBIT, CAS No. 4299-07-4); 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT, CAS No 2682-20-4); 2- octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (OIT, CAS No. 26530-20-1); 5-Chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CIT, CMIT, CAS No. 26172-55-4); Mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H- isothiazol-3-one (CMIT, EINECS 247-500-7) and 2-methyl-2H- isothiazol-3-one (MIT, EINECS 220-239-6) (Mixture of CMIT / MIT, CAS No. 55965-84-9); 1 ,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)- one (BIT, CAS No. 2634-33-5); Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (Sorbic acid, CAS No. 110-44-1) and its salts, e.g. calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate (Potassium Sorbate, CAS No. 24634-61-5); Lactic acid and its salts; L-(+)-lactic acid (CAS No. 79-33-4); Benzoic acid and its sodium salt (CAS No 65-85-0, CAS No. 532-32-1) and salts of benzoic acid e.g. ammonium benzoate, 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, bromide and saccharinate, e.g. benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium bromide, benzalkonium saccharinate (CAS Nos 8001 -54- 5, 63449-41-2, 91080-29-4, 68989-01-5, 68424-85-1 , 68391-01-5, 61789-y71-7, 85409-22-9); Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC, CAS No. 68424-95-3 and CAS No. 7173-51-5); N-(3-aminopropyl)-N- dodecylpropane-1 ,3-diamine (Diamine, CAS No. 2372-82-9); Peracetic acid (CAS No. 79-21-0); Hydrogen peroxide (CAS No. 7722-84-1). The antimicrobial agent is added to the composition in a concentration of 0.001 to 10% relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0234] Preferably, the composition contains 2-Phenoxyethanol in a concentration of 0.1 to 2% or 4, 4' -dichloro 2- hydroxydiphenyl ether (DCPP) in a concentration of 0.005 to 0.6%.

[0235] The invention thus further encompasses a method of preserving an aqueous composition according to the invention against microbial contamination or growth, which method comprises addition of 2-Phenoxyethanol. The invention thus further encompasses a method of providing an antimicrobial effect on textiles after treatment with a solid laundry detergent e.g., powders, granulates, capsules, tablets, bars etc.), a liquid laundry detergent, a softener or an after rinse containing 4, 4' -dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (DCPP).

[0236] In a further embodiment, this invention also encompasses a composition comprising the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates as described herein before, further comprises an antimicrobial agent as disclosed hereinafter, preferably selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol, more preferably comprising said antimicrobial agent in an amount ranging from 2ppm to 5% by weight of the composition; even more preferably comprising 0.1 to 2% of phenoxyethanol.

[0237] In a further embodiment, this invention also encompasses a method of preserving an aqueous composition against microbial contamination or growth, such composition comprising the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates as described herein before, such composition being preferably a detergent composition, such method comprising adding at least one antimicrobial agent selected from the disclosed antimicrobial agents as disclosed hereinafter, such antimicrobial agent preferably being 2-phenoxyethanol.

[0238] In a further embodiment, this invention also encompasses a composition, preferably a cleaning composition, more preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition or a liquid hand dish composition, even more preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition, or a liquid softener composition for use in laundry, such composition comprising the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates as described herein before, such composition further comprising 4,4'-dichoro 2-hydroxydiphenylether in a concentration from 0.001 to 3%, preferably 0.002 to 1 %, more preferably 0.01 to 0.6%, each by weight of the composition.

[0239] In a further embodiment, this invention also encompasses a method of laundering fabric or of cleaning hard surfaces, which method comprises treating a fabric or a hard surface with a cleaning composition, more preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition or a liquid hand dish composition, even more preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition, or a liquid softener composition for use in laundry, such composition comprising the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates as described herein before, such composition further comprising 4,4'-dichoro 2-hydroxydiphenylether.

[0240] The term „dye fixation agent”, as used herein, relates to compounds that attenuate or even terminate dye bleeding of colored fabrics during the washing process. Dye fixation agents include, but are not limited to cationic dye fixation agents, crosslinking fixation agents and formaldehyde-based fixation agents. The skilled person is well-aware of these compounds and may purchase commercially available products from BASF SE, Huntsman, Archroma, Fineotex, Biotex Malaysia or Dystar. Exemplified, but not limiting dye fixation agents are Basilen Fixing Agent F- RP, Albafix ECO, Finofix NF, poly DADMAC, Polyamine (DCDA-DETA, Epichloro-DMA, Epichloro-DETA, etc.).

[0241] Formulations according to the invention may also comprise water and / or additional organic solvents, e.g., ethanol or propylene glycol.

[0242] Further optional ingredients may be but are not limited to viscosity modifiers, cationic surfactants, foam boosting or foam reducing agents, perfumes, dyes, optical brighteners, and dye transfer inhibiting agents.

[0243] (b) General cleaning compositions and formulations

[0244] The liquid formulations disclosed in this chapter may comprise 0 to 2 % 2 -phenoxyethanol, preferably about 1 %, in addition to all other mentioned ingredients.

[0245] The above and below disclosed liquid formulations may comprise 0-0,2% 4,4'-dichoro 2-hydroxydiphenylether, preferably about 0,15 %, in addition to all other mentioned ingredients. The bleach-free solid laundry compositions may comprise 0-0,2% 4,4'-dichoro 2-hydroxydiphenylether, preferably about 0, 15 %, in addition to all other mentioned ingredients.

[0246] The formulations disclosed in this chapter may - in addition to all other mentioned ingredients - comprise one or more enzymes selected from those disclosed herein above, more preferably a protease and / or an amylase, wherein even more preferably the protease is a protease with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22 of EP1921147B1 and having the amino acid substitution R101 E (according to BPN' numbering) and wherein the amylase is an amylase with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 54 of WQ2021032881A1 , such enzyme(s) preferably being present in the formulations at levels from about 0.00001 % to about 5%, preferably from about 0.00001 % to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.0001 % to about 1 %, or even more preferably from about 0.001 % to about 0.5% enzyme protein by weight of the composition.

[0247] The following compositions shown below including those in the tables disclose general cleaning compositions of certain types, which correspond to typical compositions correlating with typical washing conditions as typically employed in various regions and countries of the world. The inventive composition may be added to such formulation(s) in suitable amounts as outlined herein.

[0248] When the shown composition does not comprise an inventive composition, such composition is a comparative composition. When it comprises an inventive composition, especially in the amounts that are described herein as preferred, more preferred etc. ranges, such compositions are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0249] In a preferred embodiment the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates (as defined in any of the embodiments herein, especially the Embodiments 1 to 10; in this section also named "inventive composition”) is used in a laundry detergent.

[0250] Liquid laundry detergents according to the present invention are composed of:

[0251] 0,05 - 20% of inventive composition

[0252] 1 - 50% of additional surfactants

[0253] 0,05 - 50% of polymers

[0254] 0,1 - 40% of builders, cobuilders and / or chelating agents

[0255] 0,1 - 50% other adjuncts water to add up 100%.

[0256] Preferred liquid laundry detergents according to the present invention are composed of:

[0257] 0,2 - 15% of inventive composition

[0258] 2 - 40% of anionic surfactants selected from C10-C15- LAS and C10-C18 alkyl ether sulfates containing 1 -

[0259] 5 ethoxy-units

[0260] 1,5 - 10% of nonionic surfactants selected from Cio-Ci8-alkyl ethoxylates containing 3 - 10 ethoxy-units

[0261] 2 - 20% of soluble organic builders / cobuilders selected from C10-C18 fatty acids, di- and tricarboxylic acids, hydroxy-di- and hydroxytricaboxylic acids and polycarboxylic acids

[0262] 0,05 - 5% of an enzyme system containing at least one enzyme suitable for detergent use and preferably also an enzyme stabilizing system

[0263] 0,5 - 20% of mono- or diols selected from ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol

[0264] 0,1 - 20% other adjuncts

[0265] 0 - 20% of alkoxylated polyethylene amine or polyamide water to add up to 100%.

[0266] Solid laundry detergents (like e.g., powders, granules or tablets) according to the present invention are composed of:

[0267] 0,05 - 20% inventive composition 1 - 50% of additional surfactants

[0268] 0,1 - 80% of builders, cobuilders and / or chelating agents

[0269] 0-50% fillers

[0270] 0 - 40% bleach actives

[0271] 0, 1 - 30% other adjuncts and / or water

[0272] 0 - 50% of polymers wherein the sum of the ingredients adds up 100%.

[0273] Preferred solid laundry detergents according to the present invention are composed of:

[0274] 0,2 - 15% of inventive composition

[0275] 5 - 30% of anionic surfactants selected from C10-C15- LAS, C10-C18 alkyl sulfates and C10-C18 alkyl ether sulfates containing 1-5 ethoxy-units

[0276] 1 ,5 - 7,5% of non-ionic surfactants selected from Cio-C -alkyl ethoxylates containing 3 - 10 ethoxy-units 5 - 50% of inorganic builders selected from sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, zeolites, soluble silicates, sodium sulfate

[0277] 0,5 - 15% of cobuilders selected from C10-C18 fatty acids, di- and tricarboxylic acids, hydroxydi- and hydroxytricarboxylic acids and polycarboxylic acids

[0278] 0,1 - 5% of an enzyme system containing at least one enzyme suitable for detergent use and preferably also an enzyme stabilizing system

[0279] 0,1 - 20% other adjuncts

[0280] 0,1 - 20% of alkoxylated polyethylene amine or polyamide water to add up to 100%.

[0281] In a preferred embodiment the polymer according to the present invention is used in a manual dish wash detergent.

[0282] Liquid manual dish wash detergents according to the present invention are composed of:

[0283] 0,05 - 10% of inventive composition

[0284] 1 - 50% of additional surfactants

[0285] 0, 1 - 50% of other adjuncts water to add up 100%.

[0286] Preferred liquid manual dish wash detergents according to the present invention are composed of:

[0287] 0,2 - 5% of inventive composition

[0288] 5 - 40% of anionic surfactants selected from C10-C15- LAS, C10-C18 alkyl ether sulfates containing 1 -5 ethoxy-units, and C10-C18 alkyl sulfate

[0289] 0 - 10% of Cocamidopropylbetaine

[0290] 0 - 10% of Lauramine oxide 0 - 2% of a non-ionic surfactant, preferably a C -Guerbet alcohol alkoxy late

[0291] 0 - 5% of an enzyme, preferably Amylase, and preferably also an enzyme stabilizing system

[0292] 0,5 - 20% of mono- or diols selected from ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, or propylene glyclol 0,1 - 20% other adjuncts water to add up to 100%

[0293] As the surfactants of the invention may be biodegradable, and especially the cleaning formulations typically have a pH of about 7 or higher, and additionally often contain also enzymes - which are included into such cleaning formulations to degrade biodegradable stuff such as grease, proteins, polysaccharides etc. which are present in the stains and dirt which shall be removed by the cleaning compositions - some consideration is needed to be taken to formulate those potentially biodegradable surfactants of the invention. Such formulations suitable are in principle known, and include the formulation in solids - where the enzymes and the surfactants can be separated by coatings or adding them in separate particles which are mixed - and liquids and semi-liquids, where the surfactants and the enzymes can be separated by formulating them in different compartments, such as different compartments of multi-chamber-pouches or bottles having different chambers, from which the liquids are poured out at the same time in a predefined amount to assure the application of the right amount per individual point of use of each component from each chamber. Such multi-compartment-pouches and bottles etc. are known to a person of skill as well.

[0294] The following table shows general cleaning compositions of certain types, which correspond to typical compositions correlating with typical washing conditions as typically employed in various regions and countries of the world. The inventive composition may be added to such formulation(s) in suitable amounts as outlined herein.

[0295] Table 1 : General formula for laundry detergent compositions according to the invention: Table 2: Liquid laundry frame formulations according to the invention:

[0296] *Without inventive composition the formulations are comparative examples.

[0297] Table 2 - continued: Liquid laundry frame formulations according to the invention:

[0298] *Wi thout inventive composition the formulations are comparative examples.

[0299] Table 3: Laundry powder frame formulations according to the invention:

[0300]

[0301] Table 3 - continued: Laundry powder frame formulations according to the invention:

[0302] Table 4: Liquid manual dish wash frame formulations according to the invention:

[0303] The following examples shall further illustrate the present invention without restricting the scope of the invention.

[0304] The specific embodiments as described throughout this disclosure are encompassed by the present invention as part of this invention; the various further options being disclosed in this present specification as "optional”, "preferred”, "more preferred”, "even more preferred” or "most preferred” (or "preferably” etc.) options of a specific embodiment may be individually and independently (unless such independent selection is not possible by virtue of the nature of that feature or if such independent selection is explicitly excluded) selected and then combined within any of the other embodiments (where other such options and preferences can be also selected individually and independently unless such independent selection is not possible by virtue of the nature of that feature or if such independent selection is explicitly excluded), with each and any and all such possible combinations being included as part of this invention as individual embodiments.

[0305] Examples

[0306] I) Synthesis:

[0307] General

[0308] A mixture of n-hexan-1-ol and n-octan-1-ol is used in a so-called Guerbet reaction (dimerization reaction with elimination of water) to obtain an alcohol mixture of C12-, C14, and C16-alcohols each with branching in 2-position. The reaction is conducted in presence of a base, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide and a catalyst (n-hexanal or n-octanal or zinc chloride). An alternative approach to the alcohol mixture is an aldol condensation by use of a mixture of n-hexanal and n-octanal and a base (e.g. sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) followed by hydrogenation of the obtained mixture of unsaturated C12-, C14, and C16-aldehyde. The obtained alcohol mixture is sulfated with sulfur trioxide on a falling film reactor and neutralized with a base (e.g. aqueous sodium hydroxide), or sulfated with chloro sulfonic acid (optionally in presence of a solvent) and neutralized with a base (e.g. aqueous sodium hydroxide), or reacted with sulfamic acid (in presence of urea and optionally in presence of a solvent). Optionally a buffer is added to keep the pH above 7. The sulfation degrees are at >90%.

[0309] Inventive example (IE1)

[0310] C12-,C14-,C16-Guerbet alkyl sulfate sodium salt (mixture of 2-butyl-octyl-1 -sulfate, 2-butyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt, 2-hexyl-octyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt, and sodium salt 2-hexyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt) as described below in Formulas (a), (b), (c) and (d) with sulfation degree of 96%:

[0311] A C12-, C14-, C16-Guerbet alcohol mixture (2-butyl-octan-1-ol : [2-butyl-decan-1-ol + 2-hexyl-octan-1-ol] : 2-hexyl- decan-1-ol = 19 :

[0048] : 33 on weight basis) (40 g, 0.186 mol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in dichloromethane (200 ml) in a 500 ml vessel and cooled to 5°C. Nitrogen was bubbled through the mixture. Then, chloro sulfonic acid (22.5 g, 0.193 mol, 1.04 eq) was added dropwise at 5 - 10°C within 20 minutes. Reaction mixture was warmed to 10°C and stirred for 60 minutes. Then, the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 20°C. The solution was added into a 2 liter vessel comprising 600 ml of 10°C cold water, which comprised NaOH (10.29 g, 0.257 mol, 1 .38 eq). The pH was adjusted to a value of 10.3 and a buffer was added (NaHCO3 / Na2CO3). The solvent was removed at 60°C and 140 mbar. Optionally, the crude product was dissolved in water to obtain a solution of 20 wt% surfactant in water. The product was analyzed by proton NMR spectroscopy, HPLC spectroscopy and optionally by determination of NaCI and Na2SO4 content. The sulfation degree was ca. 96%. The ratio of the structures in the mixture is the following:

[0312] 20 wt% of the sum of (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) are coming from the structure (a),

[0313] 48 wt% of the sum of (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) are coming from the sum of the structure (b) and the structure (c), and

[0314] 32 wt% of the sum of (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) are coming from the structure (d)

[0315] The above mixture is called the Inventive Example 1 (I E1 ). Comparative examples

[0316] Comparative Example 1 (CE1): C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate sodium salt (2-butyl-octyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt; identical to component (a)) with M+= Na

[0317] A C12-Guerbet alcohol (2-Butyl-octan-1-ol) (38.5 g, 0.207 mol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in dichloromethane (200 ml) in a 500 ml vessel and cooled to 5°C. Nitrogen was bubbled through the mixture. Then, chloro sulfonic acid (25.3 g, 0.217 mol, 1.05 eq) was added dropwise at 5 - 10°C within 20 minutes. Reaction mixture was warmed to 10°C and stirred for 60 minutes. Then, the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 20°C. The solution was added into a 2 liter vessel comprising 600 ml of 10°C cold water, which comprised NaOH (11.57 g, 0.289 mol, 1.4 eq). The pH was adjusted to a value of 10.3 and a buffer was added (NaHCO3 / Na2CO3). The solvent was removed at 60°C and 140 mbar. Optionally, the crude product was dissolved in water to obtain a solution of 20 wt% surfactant in water. The product was analyzed by proton NMR spectroscopy and optionally by determination of NaCI and Na2SO4 content. The sulfation degree was ca. 95%.

[0318] Comparative Example 2 (CE2): C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate sodium salt (2-hexyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt; identical to component (d)) with M+= Na

[0319] A C16 Guerbet alcohol (2-Hexyl-decan-1-ol) (50 g, 0.207 mol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in dichloromethane (200 ml) in a 500 ml vessel and cooled to 5°C. Nitrogen was bubbled through the mixture. Then, chloro sulfonic acid (25.3 g, 0.217 mol, 1.05 eq) was added dropwise at 5 - 10°C within 20 minutes. Reaction mixture was warmed to 10°C and stirred for 60 minutes. Then, the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 20°C. The solution was added into a 2 liter vessel comprising 600 ml of 10°C cold water, which comprised NaOH (11.57 g, 0.289 mol, 1.4 eq). The pH was adjusted to a value of 10.3 and a buffer was added (NaHCO3 / Na2CO3). The solvent was removed at 60°C and 140 mbar. Optionally, the crude product was dissolved in water to obtain a solution of 20 wt% surfactant in water. The product was analyzed by proton NMR spectroscopy and optionally by determination of NaCI and Na2SO4 content. The sulfation degree was ca. 97%. Comparative Example 3 (CE3): C10-C13-Ph-SO3Na

[0320] The well-known detergent surfactant linear alkyl benzene sulfonate sodium salt C10-C13-Ph-SO3Na (commercially sold as Maranil A 55) was used for comparative studies. The alkyl chain comprises 10 to 13 carbon atoms - the average is ca. around 11.5 carbon atoms. It is made from a linear paraffin cut, in which the alkanes have 10 to 13 carbon atoms. It is dehydrogenated and the obtained olefins are reacted with benzene using HF or DETAL catalysis. The alkylated benzene is distilled and the monoalkylated compound is isolated. In the next step the linear alkyl benzene is sulfonated with sulfur trioxide in a falling film reactor (sulfonation degrees are 95% and higher). The obtained linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid can be isolated and later neutralized with a base. In this case it was neutralized with NaOH.

[0321] Comparative Example 4 (CE4): C12C14 - 2 EC - SO4Na

[0322] The well-known detergent surfactant alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt C12C14 - 2 EC - SO4Na (commercially sold as Texapon N70) was used for comparative studies. The C12C14 alkyl chain is linear and saturated. The average carbon number is around 12.5 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. A linear C12C14 fatty alcohol is reacted with ca. 2 eq of ethylene oxide by use of KOH catalysis. The obtained alkyl ethoxylate is sulfated with sulfur trioxide in a falling film reactor (sulfation degrees are 90% and higher). The intermediate semi sulfuric acid ester C12C14-2EO-OSO3H is then neutralized with a base. In this case it was neutralized with NaOH.

[0323] Comparative Example 5 (CE5): C12-,C14-,C16-Guerbet alkyl sulfate sodium salt (mixture of 2-butyl-octyl-1 -sulfate, 2-butyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt, 2-hexyl-octyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt, and sodium salt 2-hexyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt) as described below in Formulas (a), (b), (c) and (d) with sulfation degree of 70%:

[0324] A C12-, C14-, C16-Guerbet alcohol mixture (2-butyl-octan-1-ol : [2-butyl-decan-1-ol + 2-hexyl-octan-1-ol] : 2-hexyl- decan-1-ol = 19 :

[0048] : 33 on weight basis) (80 g, 0.372 mol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in dichloromethane (200 ml) in a 500 ml vessel and cooled to 5°C. Nitrogen was bubbled through the mixture. Then, chloro sulfonic acid (40.7 g, 0.349 mol, 0.94 eq) was added dropwise at 5 - 10°C within 20 minutes. Reaction mixture was warmed to 10°C and stirred for 60 minutes. Then, the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 20°C. The solution was added into a 2 liter vessel comprising 900 ml of 10°C cold water, which comprised NaOH (20.6 g, 0.514 mol, 1.38 eq). The pH was adjusted to a value of 10.3 and a buffer was added (NaHCO3 / Na2CO3). The solvent was removed at 60°C and 140 mbar. The crude product was dissolved in water to obtain a solution of 13.2 wt% surfactant in water. The product was analyzed by proton NMR spectroscopy, HPLC spectroscopy and optionally by determination of NaCI and Na2SO4 content. The sulfation degree was ca. 85%.

[0325] 100 g of such solution with 13.2 wt% surface active material with sulfation degree of ca. 85% was stirred at 40°C and 1.6 g of a C12-, C14-, C16-Guerbet alcohol mixture (2-butyl-octan-1-ol : [2-butyl-decan-1-ol + 2-hexyl-octan-1- ol] : 2-hexyl-decan-1-ol = 19 :

[0048] : 33 on weight basis) were added slowly at 40°C. The mixture was stirred until a homogenous solution was obtained. The product was analyzed by proton NMR spectroscopy, HPLC spectroscopy and optionally by determination of NaCI and Na2SC>4 content. The sulfation degree was 70%. The ratio of the structures in the mixture is the following:

[0326] 20 wt% of the sum of (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) are coming from the structure (a),

[0327] 48 wt% of the sum of (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) are coming from the sum of the structure (b) and the structure (c), and

[0328] 32 wt% of the sum of (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) are coming from the structure (d).

[0329] The above mixture is called the Comparative Example 5 (IE5).

[0330] II) Functional tests:

[0331] The amounts and concentrations of surfactants in the following tests refer to active material.

[0332] As shown for IE1 in Table 1, the inventive surfactant mixture wets a cotton rag in only 4 seconds at 20°C (test according to EN 1772, cotton rag is put below surface of aqueous surfactant solution, once the rag is fully wetted and air is released from cotton rag it starts to sink to the bottom; the time is noted once the cotton rag starts to sink). The comparative example CE2 shows that the 2-hexyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt as described in WO0114507 A1 requires 10 seconds. The inventive surfactant mixture is a two-times faster to fully wet a cotton rag. Even worse wetting behaviour is shown for non-inventive 2-butyl-octyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt as described in US2077005 A (49 seconds in comparative example CE1). The detergent surfactants alkyl benzene sulfonate sodium salt C10-C13-Ph-SO3Na (22 seconds in comparative example CE3) and alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt C12C14 - 2 EO - SC>4Na (45 seconds in comparative example CE4) also need longer than the inventive surfactant mixture. Another important aspect is that a sulfation degree of > 90% as 96% in inventive example IE1 provides a better wetting behaviour than a sulfation degree of 70% as shown in comparative example CE5: 4 seconds vs 7 seconds.

[0333] Table 1 : Wetting of cotton rag at 20°C in hard water (10 °dH)

[0334] As shown in Table 2, the inventive mixture shows a much better foamability (745 ml for I E1 ) at 40°C in hard water (10° dH) using 2 g of material per liter in a test regarding whipped foam (EN 12728, DIN 53902) compared to non- inventive 2-hexyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt as described in WO0114507 A1 (620 ml in comparative example CE2) or non-inventive 2-butyl-octyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt as described in US2077005 A (100 ml in comparative example CE1). A good foamability is of interest e.g. for hand dishwashing, in particular in presence of hardness (such as calcium ions). Again, a two-times difference with respect to performance relevant criteria can be observed. The detergent surfactants alkyl benzene sulfonate sodium salt C10-C13-Ph-SO3Na (640 ml in comparative example CE3) and alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt C12C14 - 2 EO - SO4Na (725 ml in comparative example CE4) foam less than the inventive surfactant mixture. Finally, a sulfation degree of > 90% as 96% in inventive example IE1 provides a much better foamability than a sulfation degree of 70% as shown in comparative example CE5: 745 ml vs 490 seconds.

[0335] Table 2: Foamability of 2 g surfactant per liter of hard water (10° dH) at 40°C using whipped foam method

[0336] Table 3 underlines that the inventive surfactant mixture shows a much lower dynamic surface tension (35.3 mN / m in IE1) compared to 2-hexyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt (CE2) as described in WO0114507 A1 (69.4 mN / m in comparative example CE2) or non-inventive 2-butyl-octyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt as described in US2077005 A (41 .6 mN / m in comparative example CE1). Such lower dynamic surface tension indicates that the surfactant is fast at interfaces e.g. at oil-water interface and can start the removal of e.g. oil earlier. This is of relevance for l&l processes, laundry, and dishwashing. The detergent surfactants alkyl benzene sulfonate sodium salt C10-C13-Ph- SOaNa (62.2 mN / m in comparative example CE3) and alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt C12C14 - 2 EO - SO4Na (42.1 mN / m in comparative example CE4) are less dynamic than the inventive surfactant mixture. Surprisingly, a sulfation degree of > 90% as 96% in inventive example IE1 leads to a much better dynamic behaviour than a sulfation degree of 70% as shown in comparative example CE5: 35.3 mN / m vs 42.2 mN / m after 0.1 seconds in hard water.

[0337] Table 3: Dynamic surface tension of 1 g surfactant per liter of hard water (10° dH) at room temperature after 0.1 s

[0338] Table 4 discloses that the inventive surfactant mixture shows a much lower interfacial tension against olive oil or n- hexadecane (0.7 and <0.3 mN / m in IE1) compared to non-inventive 2-hexyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt as described in WO0114507 A1 (1.2 and 0.6 mN / m in comparative example CE2) or non-inventive 2-butyl-octyl-1- sulfate sodium salt as described in US2077005 A (4.6 and 11.5 mN / m in comparative example CE1). Such lower interfacial tension indicates that the surfactant can remove oil in a better way. Olive oil is a triglyceride and thereby a model oil for soil in laundry or dishwashing; n-hexadecane is a model oil for aliphatic oils e.g. from the lubricant sector. The detergent surfactants alkyl benzene sulfonate sodium salt C10-C13-Ph-SO3Na (1.1 and 0.6 mN / m in comparative example CE3) and alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt C12C14 - 2 EO - SO4Na (1.1 and 0.8 mN / m in comparative example CE4) reduce the interfacial tension less than the inventive surfactant mixture. Surprisingly, a sulfation degree of > 90% as 96% in inventive example IE1 leads to a much better interfacial tensions than a sulfation degree of 70% as shown in comparative example CE5: 0.7 mN / m vs 0.9 mN / m against olive oil after 1 minute in hard water. <0.3 mN / m vs 1.0 mN / m against n-hexadecane after 1 minute in hard water.

[0339] Table 4: Interfacial tension of 1 g surfactant per liter of hard water (10° dH) at room temperature after 1 min

[0340] Table 5 underlines that the inventive surfactant mixture shows a better removal of mineral oil from a copper surface (71.9% of oil removed in example IE1) compared to non-inventive 2-hexyl-decyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt as escribed in WO0114507 A1 (48.5% of oil removed in comparative example CE2) or non-inventive 2-butyl-octyl-1 -sulfate sodium salt as described in US2077005 A (36.4% of oil removal in comparative example CE1) after 25 minutes. The detergent surfactants alkyl benzene sulfonate sodium salt C10-C13-Ph-SO3Na (62.2 ml in comparative example CE3) and alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt C12C14 - 2 EO - SO4Na (69.9 ml in comparative example CE4) remove less oil than the inventive surfactant mixture. Table 5: Mineral oil removal from copper surface by use of 1 g surfactant per liter of hard water (10° dH) at pH = 9 and at room temperature after 25 min

[0341] Application test in Launder-O-meter - single surfactant system

[0342] The washing performance was determined as follows.

[0343] The L*, a* b* values of the single stains on multi soil monitors are measured before wash with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult. Then the fabrics are washed together with cotton ballast fabric and 20 steel balls at 30 °C in water with defined water hardness. After the wash the fabrics are rinsed, spin-dried and dried in the air.

[0344] The washing performance for the single stains is determined by measuring the L*, a* b* values with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult after drying. The dE value is calculated from the single values before and after wash. The 3 stains from the monitor are summed up. The higher the value, the better the performance.

[0345] Producer: wfk-Testgewebe, Christenfeld 10, 41379 Briiggen; Swissatest Testmaterialien AG, MbvenstraBe 12, CH-

[0346] 9015 St. Gallen; Center for Testmaterials B.V., Stoomloggerweg 11 , NL-3133 Vlaardingen

[0347] Table 6 shows the results of primary detergency in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 3 fatty stains on fabric (CFT C-S-10, CFT C-S-62, CFT C-S-61 ), 0.5 g / l surfactant and water with hardness of 2.5 mmol. Steel balls were added to simulate impact of mechanics and fabric was washed for 60 minutes. Remission of fabric before and after washing was detected and difference (in DE) was noted. As shown for the inventive example IE1 (106.4 delta E values), it removes fatty stains better than water (comparative example CE4 with 70.4 delta E values). In addition, the inventive surfactant mixture removes the fatty stains even better than the detergent surfactant C10-C13 linear alkyl benzene sulfonate sodium salt (comparative example CE3, 104 delta E values).

[0348] Table 6: Primary detergency in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 3 fatty stains (CFT C-S-10, CFT C-S-62, CFT

[0349] C-S-61) on fabrics after 60 min with and without surfactant in hard water

[0350] Application test in Launder-O-meter - surfactant combined with known detergent surfactants to test for alkyl benzene sulfonate replacement

[0351] Following detergent formulations were prepared on weight basis. Beside the previously described inventive surfactant mixture, detergent surfactants, such as C10-C13-Ph-SO3H (Maranil DBS / LC from BASF), C13C15 - 7 EO (Lutensol AO7 from BASF), and C12C14 - 2 EO - SC Na (Texapon N70) were used. The surfactant amounts in formulation table below refer to active material. The rest is as is. Edenor K 12-18 (from KLK Oleo) is a mixture of fatty acids with 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Formulation A is an example for a typical detergent formulation. Formulation B is Formulation A without the alkyl benzene sulfonic acid monoethanol ammonium salt. Formulation C is Formulation B with the inventive surfactant mixture ((a) : [(b) + (c)] : (d) = 20 : 48 : 32 with M+= Na+).

[0352] The washing performance was determined as follows.

[0353] The L*, a* b* values of the single stains on multi soil monitors are measured before wash with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult. Then the fabrics are washed together with cotton ballast fabric and 20 steel balls at 30 °C in water with defined water hardness. After the wash the fabrics are rinsed, spin-dried and dried in the air.

[0354] The washing performance for the single stains is determined by measuring the L*, a* b* values with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult after drying. The dE value is calculated from the single values before and after wash. The 5 stains from the monitor are summed up. The higher the value, the better the performance. The experiment was repeated and the average values were used. The stains cover a broad range of typical kinds of soil: lard, soybean oil, cacao & milk, sebum and lipstick.

[0355] Washing conditions:

[0356] Producer: wfk-Testgewebe, Christenfeld 10, 41379 Briiggen; Swissatest Testmaterialien AG, MbvenstraBe 12, CH-

[0357] 9015 St. Gallen; Center for Testmaterials B.V., Stoomloggerweg 11 , NL-3133 Vlaardingen

[0358] Table 7 shows result of primary detergency in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 5 stains on fabric (CFT C-S 62, CFT C-S 78, EMPA 112, EMPA 125, EMPA 141 / 1), 3 g / l formulation and water with hardness of 2.5 mmol. Steel balls were added to simulate impact of mechanics and fabric was washed for 60 minutes. Remission of fabric before and after washing was detected and difference (in DE) was noted. As shown in example IE1 , the formulation C with the inventive surfactant mixture (71.7 delta E values) removes the 5 stains better than formulation A comprising the detergent surfactant linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (69.0 delta E values). Formulation D with comparative surfactant CE1 (64.7 delta E values) and formulation E with comparative surfactant CE2 (62.5 delta E values) show less removal of stains. Formulation B provides a poorer stain removal (54.5 delta E values). The inventive surfactant mixture can be made out of biobased materials (e.g. n-hexanol and n-octanol from triglycerides by esterification with methanol, reduction of the methylester by hydrogen, and distillation of the obtained alcohols) whereas known and frequently used detergent surfactants, such as alkyl benzene sulfonate are fossil-based.

[0359] Table 7: Primary detergency in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 5 stains (CFT C-S-62, CFT C-S-78, SWI E-

[0360] 112, SWI E-125, SWI E-141 / 1) on fabrics after 60 min with and without surfactant in hard water

[0361] Application test in Launder-O-meter - surfactant combined with detergent surfactants to test for alkyl ether sulfate replacement

[0362] Following detergent formulations were prepared on weight basis. Beside the previously described inventive surfactant mixture, detergent surfactants such as C10-C13-Ph-SO3H (Maranil DBS / LC from BASF), C13C15 - 7 EO (Lutensol AO7 from BASF), and C12C14 - 2 EO - SC Na (Texapon N70) were used. The surfactant amounts in formulation table below refer to active material. The rest is as is. Edenor K 12-18 (from KLK Oleo) is a mixture of fatty acids with 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Formulation F is another example for a typical detergent formulation. Formulation G is Formulation F without the alkyl ether sulfate. Formulation H is Formulation F with the inventive surfactant mixture ((a) : [(b) + (c)] : (d) = 20 : 48 : 32 with M+= Na+).

[0363]

[0364] The washing performance was determined as follows.

[0365] The L*, a* b* values of the single stains on multi soil monitors are measured before wash with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult. Then the fabrics are washed together with cotton ballast fabric and 20 steel balls at 30 °C in water with defined water hardness. After the wash the fabrics are rinsed, spin-dried and dried in the air.

[0366] The washing performance for the single stains is determined by measuring the L*, a* b* values with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult after drying. The dE value is calculated from the single values before and after wash. The 9 stains from the monitor are summed up. The higher the value, the better the performance. The experiment was repeated and the average values were used. The stains cover a broad range of typical kinds of soil: lard, soybean oil, cacao, chocolate, butterfat, sebum and lipstick.

[0367] Washing conditions:

[0368] Producer: wfk-Testgewebe, Christenfeld 10, 41379 Bruggen; Swissatest Testmaterialien AG, MbvenstraBe 12, CH- 9015 St. Gallen; Center for Testmaterials B.V., Stoomloggerweg 11 , NL-3133 Vlaardingen

[0369] Table 8 shows result of primary detergency in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 8 stains on fabric (CFT-C-S 10, CFT C-S 62, CFT-C-S 70, CFT C-S 78, EMPA 112, EMPA 125, EMPA 141 / 1 , Wfk 20 D), 3 g / l formulation and water with hardness of 2.5 mmol. Steel balls were added to simulate impact of mechanics and fabric was washed for 60 minutes. Remission of fabric before and after washing was detected and difference (in DE) was noted. As shown in example IE1 , the formulation H with the inventive surfactant mixture (141.8 delta E values) removes the 8 stains better than formulation F comprising the classical detergent surfactant alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt (134.7 delta E values. Formulation G provides a poorer stain removal (122.6 delta E values). It is noted that the inventive surfactant mixture is free of 1 ,4-dioxane while established surfactants, such as C12C14-2EO-SO4Na might comprise certain amounts of 1,4-dioxane.

[0370] Table 8: Primary detergency in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 8 stains (CFT-C-S 10, CFT C-S 62, CFT-C-S 70, CFT C-S 78, EMPA 112, EMPA 125, EMPA 141 / 1 , Wfk 20 D) on fabrics after 60 min with and without surfactant in hard water

[0371] In order to show the surprising behavior in another formulation and to show also the impact of the sulfation degree, further tests were conducted. Following detergent formulations were prepared on weight basis. Beside the previously described inventive surfactant mixture, detergent surfactants such as C10-C13-Ph-SO3H (Maranil DBS / LC from BASF), C13C15 - 7 EC (Lutensol AO7 from BASF), and C12C14 - 2 EC - SO4Na (Texapon N70) were used. The surfactant amounts in formulation table below refer to active material. The rest is as is. Edenor K 12-18 (from KLK Cleo) is a mixture of fatty acids with 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Formulation I is another example for a typical detergent formulation. Formulation J is Formulation I without the alkyl ether sulfate. Formulation K is Formulation J with the inventive surfactant mixture ((a) : [(b) + (c)] : (d) = 20 : 48 : 32 with M+= Na+, sulfation degree of 96%). Formulation L is Formulation J with the non-inventive surfactant mixture ((a) : [(b) + (c)] : (d) = 20 : 48 : 32 with M+= Na+, sulfation degree of 70%).

[0372] The washing performance was determined as follows.

[0373] The L*, a* b* values of the single stains on multi soil monitors are measured before wash with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult. Then the fabrics are washed together with cotton ballast fabric and 20 steel balls at 30 °C in water with defined water hardness. After the wash the fabrics are rinsed, spin-dried and dried in the air.

[0374] The washing performance for the single stains is determined by measuring the L*, a* b* values with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult after drying. The dE value is calculated from the single values before and after wash. The 6 stains from the monitor are summed up. The higher the value, the better the performance. The experiment was repeated two-times and the average values were used. The stains cover a broad range of typical kinds of soil: beef, lard, chocolate, oil, sebum and lipstick.

[0375] Washing conditions:

[0376] Producer: wfk-Testgewebe, Christenfeld 10, 41379 Bruggen; Swissatest Testmaterialien AG, MbvenstraBe 12, CH-

[0377] 9015 St. Gallen; Center for Testmaterials B.V., Stoomloggerweg 11, NL-3133 Vlaardingen

[0378] Table 9 shows result of primary detergency in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 6 stains on fabric (CFT-C-S 61, CFT C-S 62, CFT-C-S 70, EMPA 125, EMPA 141 / 1, Wfk 20 D), 3 g / l formulation and water with hardness of 2.5 mmol. Steel balls were added to simulate impact of mechanics and fabric was washed for 60 minutes. Remission of fabric before and after washing was detected and difference (in DE) was noted. As shown in example IE1, the formulation K with the inventive surfactant mixture (130.4 delta E values) removes the 6 stains better than formulation I comprising the classical detergent surfactant alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt (109.0 delta E values). It is also demonstrated that the inventive surfactant mixture with very high sulfation degree removes the six stains significantly better than the surfactant mixture with the lower sulfation degree: formulation K provides 130.4 delta E values while formulation L provides 126.0 delta E values. Formulation J provides a poorer stain removal (105.8 delta E values). It is noted that the inventive surfactant mixture is free of 1,4-dioxane while established surfactants, such as C12C14-2EO-SO4Na might comprise certain amounts of 1,4-dioxane.

[0379] Table 9: Primary detergency in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 6 stains (CFT-C-S 61, CFT C-S 62, CFT-C-S

[0380] 70, EMPA 125, EMPA 141 / 1, Wfk 20 D) on fabrics after 60 min with and without surfactant in hard water

[0381] The next tests show wash data of inventive surfactant mixture in formulations comprising an enzyme. Following detergent formulations with enzymes were prepared on weight basis. Beside the previously described inventive surfactant mixture, detergent surfactants such as C13C15 - 7 EO (Lutensol AO7 from BASF), and C12C14 - 2 EO - SO4Na (Texapon N70) were used. The surfactant amounts in formulation table below refer to active material. The rest is as is. Edenor K 12-18 (from KLK Oleo) is a mixture of fatty acids with 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Amylase was used. Formulation M is a formulation with the alkyl ether sulfate. Formulation N is a formulation with the inventive surfactant mixture ((a) : [(b) + (c)] : (d) = 20 : 48 : 32 with M+= Na+, sulfation degree of 96%).

[0382] The formulations were prepared and stored for 28 days at 37°C. Then they were used in washing experiments. The washing performance was determined as follows.

[0383] The L*, a* b* values of the single stains on multi soil monitors are measured before wash with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult. Then the fabrics are washed together with cotton ballast fabric and 20 steel balls at 30 °C in water with defined water hardness. After the wash the fabrics are rinsed, spin-dried and dried in the air.

[0384] The washing performance for the single stains is determined by measuring the L*, a* b* values with a MACH 5 from CFT / Color consult after drying. The dE value is calculated from the single values before and after wash. The 3 stains from the monitor are summed up. The higher the value, the better the performance. The stains cover a broad range of typical kinds of soil, which are of relevance regarding amylase: rice starch, tapioca starch and corn starch.

[0385] Washing conditions:

[0386] Droducer: wfk-Testgewebe, Christenfeld 10, 41379 Bruggen; Swissatest Testmaterialien AG, MbvenstraBe 12, CH-

[0387] 9015 St. Gallen; Center for Testmaterials B.V., Stoomloggerweg 11 , NL-3133 Vlaardingen

[0388] Table 10 shows results of detergency in presence of amylase in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 2 x 3 stains on fabric (2 x CFT-C-S 28, 2 x CFT-C-S 129, 2 x EMPA 161), 3 g / l formulation and water with hardness of 2.5 mmol. Steel balls were added to simulate impact of mechanics and fabric was washed for 20 minutes. Remission of fabric before and after washing was detected and difference (in DE) was noted. As shown in example IE1, the formulation N with the inventive surfactant (150 delta E values) removes the 2 x 3 stains better than formulation M comprising the classical detergent surfactant alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt (117 delta E values, comparative example CE4).

[0389] Table 10: Detergency in presence of amylase in a launder-o-meter test at 30°C using 2 x 3 stains (2 x CFT-C-S 28, 2 x CFT-C-S 129, 2 x EMPA 161) on fabrics after 20 min with surfactant in hard water; formulations were stored 28 days at 37°C before use

[0390] Biodegradability test

[0391] Table 11 shows a good biodegradability of 75% within 28 days under aerobic conditions using a sludge from a communal sewage plant in Germany for the inventive surfactant mixture. Test conditions according to OECD 301 F were used as described above. The value of 75% within 28 days fulfills the requirement of min. 60% within 28 days for a detergent surfactant.

[0392] Table 11 : Biodegradability within 28 days under aerobic conditions with sludge from communal sewage plant

Claims

Claims1 . A composition comprising(i) at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof;(ii) at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof; and(iii) at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof; and wherein the combination of Guerbet alkyl sulfates (C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof + C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof + C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof) has a total sulfation degree of more than 90%.

2. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein(i) the least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (1)whereinR1 is C2 to C5 alkyl;R2 is C5 to C8 alkyl; andM+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NI , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, wherein the sum of R1 and R2 (R1 +R2) results in 10 carbon atoms;(ii) the least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (2)whereinR3 is C2 to C6 alkyl;R4 is C6 to C10 alkyl; andM+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NH , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, wherein the sum of R3 and R4 (R3+R4) results in 12 carbon atoms; and(iii) the least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (3)whereinR5 is C2 to C7 alkyl;R6 is C7 to C12 alkyl; andM+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NI , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, wherein the sum of R5 and R6 (R5+R6) results in 14 carbon atoms.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2 comprising at least two C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof.

4. The composition according to claim 2 or 3, wherein M+is selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+and NH .

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein(I) the least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (4)whereinM+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, Nf , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, preferably selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+and NI ;(II) the least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (5) and / or Formula (6)whereinM+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, Nf , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, preferably selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+and NI ; and(ill) the least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof have a structure according to Formula (7)whereinM+is selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, K+, NH , protonated amine and protonated amino alcohol, preferably selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+and NI .

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein(I) the content of the at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof is at least 10 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof,(ii) the content of the at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof is at least 20 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof, and(iii) the content of the at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof is at least 10 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein(i) the content of the at least one C12 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 10 to 30 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof,(ii) the content of the at least one C14 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 38 to 58 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof, and(iii) the content of the at least one C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfate or salts thereof ranges from 22 to 42 wt% of the sum of the weights of the C12, C14 and C16 Guerbet alkyl sulfates or salts thereof.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the composition is a liquid composition.

9. The composition according to claim 8, wherein the liquid composition i) comprises Ca2+ions; and ii) comprises, by weight of the composition, from 5% to 95% of water.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the composition is a cleaning composition, fabric and home care product, industrial and institutional cleaning product, wetting agent, cosmetic formulation, crude oil emulsion breaker, oil recovery formulation, formulation for corn oil separation, formulation for fermentation process, flotation agent of mineral ores, pigment dispersion for ink jet inks, formulation for electro plating, cementitious composition, in gypsum compositions, dispersant or wetting agent or emulsifier for agrochemical formulations, comprising the composition according to any of claims 1 to 9, preferably a cleaning composition and / or fabric and home care product and / or industrial and institutional cleaning product, comprising the composition according to any of claims 1 to 9.

11. The composition according to claim 10, wherein the composition is a cleaning composition further comprising i) at least one cleaning polymer or soil release polymer, and / or ii) at least one further surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and / or non-ionic surfactants and / or amphoteric surfactants and / or zwitterionic surfactants and / or cationic surfactants, and / or iii) an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 2-phenoxyethanol and 4,4'-dichoro 2- hydroxydiphenylether; preferably comprising 2-phenoxyethanol in an amount ranging from 2 ppm to 5% by weight of the composition; more preferably comprising 0.1 to 2% of phenoxyethanol or preferably comprising 4,4'-dichoro 2-hydroxydiphenylether in a concentration from 0.001 to 3%, more preferably 0.002 to 1 %, even more preferably 0.01 to 0.6%, each by weight of the composition, and / or iv) at least one enzyme selected from the list consisting of lipases, hydrolases, amylases, DNases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, phospholipases, esterases, mannanases, xylanases, dispersins, oxidoreductases, cutinases, pectate lyases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, preferably selected from one or more lipases, hydrolases, amylases, proteases, cellulases, and combinations of at least two of the foregoing types, more preferably at least one enzyme being selected from proteases, and / orv) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of builders, cobuilders, structurants or thickeners, clay soil removal / anti-redeposition agents, polymeric soil release agents, dispersants such as polymeric dispersing agents, polymeric grease cleaning agents, solubilizing agents, chelating agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizing systems, bleaching compounds, bleaching agents, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, brighteners, malodor control agents, pigments, dyes, opacifiers, hueing agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, chelating agents, suds boosters, suds suppressors (antifoams), color speckles, silver care, anti-tarnish and / or anti-corrosion agents, alkalinity sources, pH adjusters, pH-buffer agents, hydrotropes, scrubbing particles, antibacterial agents, anti-oxidants, softeners, carriers, processing aids, pro-perfumes, dye fixation agent and perfumes, vi) cosolvent selected from groups of aliphatic alcohols, diols (preferably propylene glycole), or triols comprising 2 to 5 carbon atoms or selected from group of ethylene glycole or diethylene glycol mono alkyl ether comprising 2 to 5 carbon atoms in alkyl moiety or selected from group of propylene glycole or dipropylene glycol mono alkyl ether comprising 2 to 5 carbon atoms in alkyl moiety, and / or vii) water.

12. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in cleaning compositions, in fabric and home care products, in institutional and industrial cleaning products, in cosmetic formulations, as crude oil emulsion breaker, as surfactant in enhanced oil recovery, as surfactant in corn oil separation, as surfactant in fermentation processes, as surfactant in flotation of mineral ores, in pigment dispersions for ink jet inks, in formulations for electro plating, in cementitious compositions, in gypsum compositions, as dispersant or wetting agent or emulsifier for agrochemical formulations.

13. The use according to claim 12 in cleaning compositions and / or in fabric and home care products, preferably in cleaning compositions for i) improved removal of oily / fatty stains, and / or ii) improved removal of sebum, and / or iii) clay removal, and / or iv) soil removal of particulate stains, and / or v) dispersion and / or emulsification of soils, and / or vi) modification of treated surface to improve removal upon later re-soiling, and / or vii) whiteness improvement and / or preferably in cleaning compositions for removal of oily / fatty stains,each of the before mentioned options i) to vii) preferably for use in a laundry detergent formulation and / or a manual dish wash detergent formulation and / or in a formulation suitable for (pre)-treatment of textiles and / or soap bars, more preferably in a liquid laundry detergent formulation and / or a liquid manual dish wash detergent formulation.

14. A cleaning method comprising contacting a cleaning composition according to claim 10 or 11 with an object that requires cleaning, preferably a laundry or a hard surface household item.

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