Citric Acid Ester Composition for Low-Fragrance Malodor Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing malodor masking technologies, such as perfumes, often fail to effectively neutralize odors without adding significant fragrance, and many malodor-neutralizing substances require high concentrations, limiting fragrance options and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining citric acid with specific esters of molecular weights between 130 and 230, exemplified by structures where R1 is hydrogen or a C1-C11 alkyl group and R2 is C1-C6 unbranched or C3-C12 branched alkyl, synergistically neutralizes malodors, allowing for reduced perfume usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If perfume compositions are used to mask malodors, then malodors can be covered, but the perfume itself adds significant fragrance intensity and limits fragrance options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator substance that chemically reacts with malodor-causing compounds to neutralize them, rather than using perfume to mask the odor. This intermediary approach allows the actual malodor source to be eliminated through chemical reaction, freeing up fragrance choices for the consumer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and targets the specific malodor-causing compounds (such as ammonia, amines, sulfur compounds) and removes their harmful effect through chemical neutralization, separating the malodor elimination function from the fragrance function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high concentrations of malodor-neutralizing substances are used, then malodors are effectively neutralized, but the quantity of substance required increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the neutralizing agent by using citric acid and its esters, which have high neutralization efficiency per unit mass. This parameter change in chemical composition allows effective malodor neutralization with lower quantities of substance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material strategies by combining citric acid with specific esters (isopentyl acetate, amyl butyrate, hexyl acetate) to create a synergistic neutralizing system that enhances effectiveness while reducing the total quantity needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional malodor-neutralizing agents are used, then odors are reduced, but fragrance options are limited and perfume quantities must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
By using citric acid and its esters as intermediary neutralizing agents, the patent eliminates malodors through chemical reaction rather than masking, which reduces the need for large quantities of perfume oil and allows greater flexibility in fragrance selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physical masking to chemical neutralization, altering the mechanism of malodor control and thereby reducing perfume oil requirements while expanding fragrance options.
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 citric acid and esters within specified molecular weight ranges provides enhanced malodor neutralization without intense fragrance, offering a broader range of fragrance options and reducing perfume requirements.
Implementation Method 1
active ingredients which neutralize malodors... The combination of citric acid and esters within specified molecular weight ranges provides enhanced malodor neutralization
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions comprising citric acid and certain esters are effective for reducing malodors. The esters are in the molecular weight range of between 130 and 230. These compositions can be used in perfumed products, household products and personal care products.