Alicyclic Ketone and Undecylenic Acid Malodor Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor neutralizing compositions often rely on masking malodors with fragrances, which is inefficient and limits the range of fragrance options, and may require high concentrations of perfumes, whereas neutralizing malodors without strong fragrances is desirable for broader application and reduced perfume usage.
Innovation Solution
A malodor neutralizing composition combining cyclohexanone substituted with C1-C5 branched or unbranched alkyl or unsaturated alicyclic ketones, such as ionones, irones, damascones, and damascenones, with undecylenic acid, which can be used in various solvents and ratios, allowing for effective odor neutralization without intense fragrances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If perfume compositions are used to mask malodors, then malodor intensity is reduced, but the range of fragrance options is limited and high concentrations of perfumes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the odor-neutralizing function from the fragrance function. The alicyclic ketone derivatives are used specifically for their odor-neutralizing properties, while fragrances are added separately and optionally. This allows the odor-neutralizing component to work without being dependent on masking fragrances, thereby enabling a broader range of fragrance options including unscented variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The alicyclic ketone derivatives serve multiple functions: they act as odor-neutralizing agents while also being capable of providing fragrance. This multi-functionality allows the same substance to address both the malodor problem and the fragrance requirement, eliminating the need for high concentrations of separate perfume compositions and enabling versatile fragrance options.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If perfume compositions are used to mask malodors, then malodor intensity is reduced, but the quantity of perfume oil required is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the odor-neutralizing capability from traditional perfume compositions and assigns it to alicyclic ketone derivatives. These substances neutralize malodors through chemical interaction rather than masking, which is more efficient and requires lower quantities. Fragrance components are then added separately at lower concentrations, reducing the overall quantity of perfume oil required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanism of odor control from physical masking (requiring high concentrations) to chemical neutralization (effective at lower concentrations). The alicyclic ketone derivatives interact chemically with malodor molecules, transforming them into non-odorous substances. This parameter change in the control mechanism dramatically reduces the quantity of active ingredients needed while maintaining effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If masking fragrances are used, then malodors are concealed, but the compositions themselves possess intense odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of intense fragrances into a benefit by using alicyclic ketone derivatives that neutralize malodors without relying on intense masking fragrances. The alicyclic ketones themselves have pleasant odors at low concentrations, and their primary function is chemical neutralization of malodors. This approach eliminates the need for intense fragrances while still providing odor control, effectively converting the problem of intense odors into a solution with mild, pleasant scents.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The combination of alicyclic ketones and undecylenic acid effectively reduces malodor intensity without adding strong fragrances, enabling a broader range of fragrance options and reducing perfume usage, as demonstrated by malodor evaluation panels testing cat urine and cigarette smoke on cotton fabric.
Implementation Method 1
active ingredients which neutralize malodors... The combination of alicyclic ketones and undecylenic acid effectively reduces malodor intensity
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a malodor neutralizing composition containing (1) a cyclohexanone substituted with C1-C5 branched or unbranched alkyl or an unsaturated alicyclic ketone of formula (I) and (2) an acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, undecylenic acid, and an acid of the formula (VIII): R-COOH. Formulas (I) and (VIII)): R-COOH are defined in the specification.