MnTACN Liquid Detergent Stability via Chelating Agent Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

The stability and aesthetic limitations of manganese 1,4,7-triazacyclonane (MnTACN) in liquid automatic dishwashing compositions, particularly when combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and other detergent ingredients, result in degradation and unappealing discolorations, affecting bleaching performance and product appearance.

Innovation Solution

A stable liquid detergent composition is developed using MnTACN derivatives, a hydrotrope, and a non-ionic surfactant, with dipropylene glycol as an organic solvent, which dissolves MnTACN and maintains transparency, compatibility with PVOH, and stability, even when stored with sodium percarbonate and surfactants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MnTACN is used in liquid detergent composition, then bleaching performance is improved, but stability and aesthetic appearance deteriorate due to degradation and discoloration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebleaching performanceVSAvoidstability of MnTACN
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A chelating agent (EDTA or GLDA) is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between MnTACN and other detergent ingredients. The chelating agent binds to metal ions and stabilizes the MnTACN complex, preventing its degradation and discoloration while maintaining its bleaching activity. This intermediary substance resolves the contradiction by protecting MnTACN from harmful interactions with other components in the detergent formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If MnTACN is combined with sodium percarbonate and surfactants, then detergent functionality is improved, but incompatibility causes discoloration and precipitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent functionalityVSAvoiddiscoloration and precipitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chelating agent acts as a protective intermediary between MnTACN and incompatible substances like sodium percarbonate and surfactants. By forming stable complexes with metal ions and creating a protective chemical environment, the chelating agent prevents direct harmful interactions that would otherwise cause discoloration and precipitation, enabling the coexistence of multiple detergent ingredients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detergent formulation is designed as a composite system where MnTACN, chelating agent, sodium percarbonate, and surfactants are combined in specific proportions and sequences. This composite approach allows the incompatible ingredients to work together by creating a balanced chemical environment where each component's stability is maintained through the presence of others, particularly the stabilizing chelating agent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If liquid formulation is made transparent, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but MnTACN decomposition occurs during storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The chelating agent serves as a protective intermediary that stabilizes MnTACN in the transparent liquid formulation during storage. By chelating metal ions and creating a stable chemical environment, it prevents the decomposition of MnTACN that would otherwise occur in the transparent liquid phase, thereby maintaining both the aesthetic transparency and the functional stability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composition achieves enhanced bleaching performance, stability, and aesthetic appeal by maintaining transparency and preventing degradation, ensuring consistent dosing and improved stain removal without discoloration or precipitation.

Implementation Method 1

a stable liquid detergent composition comprising manganese 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (MnTACN) and derivatives thereof, a hydrotrope and a surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolubilization: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

dipropylene glycol as an organic solvent, which dissolves MnTACN and maintains transparency, compatibility with PVOH, and stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

the molecule was adopted as a bleach catalyst in laundry and automatic dishwashing formulations and enabled the low temperature removal of bleachable stains

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

a surfactant, preferably a non-ionic surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS20240141260A1Liquid detergent composition
Publication Date: 2024.05.02 RECKITT BENCKISER FINISH BV

AI summary

A liquid detergent composition comprising manganese 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (MnTACN) and derivatives thereof, a hydrotrope and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the composition is contained in a water-soluble film; and wherein the hydrotope is selected from the group comprising salts of cumenesulphonate, xylenesulphonate and/or toluenesulphonate. Use of the composition in an automatic dishwashing process.