Renewable Organic Acid Hydrotrope Composition for Stable Formulations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chemical formulations in home care, industrial-institutional, and personal care sectors face issues of instability due to phase separation, freezing, and undesirable viscosity, particularly when exposed to extreme temperatures, and there is a need for environmentally friendly alternatives to petrochemical hydrotropes like sodium xylene sulphonate.

Innovation Solution

A hydrotrope composition comprising at least three different organic acids from renewable sources, which promotes stability, reduces freezing, and optimizes viscosity, eliminating the need for water as a solvent and auxiliary preservatives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional petrochemical hydrotropes like sodium xylene sulphonate are used to promote formulation stability, then formulation stability is improved, but environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing petrochemical hydrotropes with renewable organic acids, specifically using at least three different organic acids from plant raw materials to achieve the desired hydrotropic effect while improving environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite approach by combining multiple organic acids (at least three different types) to create a synergistic hydrotrope system that matches or exceeds the performance of conventional single-component petrochemical hydrotropes while being environmentally friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If non-ionic surfactants are used to provide good foam profile and cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but dissolution completeness worsens leading to viscous phases and gel formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoiddissolution completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces organic acids as intermediary substances that mediate between the non-ionic surfactants and water, preventing the formation of viscous phases and gels by interfering with the surfactant-water interaction that leads to incomplete dissolution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the formulation parameters by adding organic acids that modify the micellar structure and solubility characteristics of non-ionic surfactants, preventing phase separation and ensuring complete dissolution while maintaining cleaning performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If formulations are exposed to extreme temperatures during transportation and storage, then distribution is facilitated, but formulation stability worsens due to phase separation and freezing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution capabilityVSAvoidformulation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating organic acids that preemptively prevent freezing and phase separation before temperature extremes occur, creating a stable formulation that can withstand transportation and storage temperature variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the formulation by adding organic acids that lower the freezing point and modify the phase behavior, enabling the formulation to remain stable across a wider temperature range during distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hydrotrope composition effectively stabilizes formulations against freezing and phase separation, maintains optimal viscosity, and enhances fragrance solubilization, making them suitable for various care products under diverse temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The hydrotrope composition from a renewable source comprising at least three different organic acids promotes an effective result comparable to or even superior to that provided by conventional hydrotropes from a petrochemical source, with the added benefit of providing formulations with adequate viscosity to be used in commercially viable products, and a freezing point or cold cloudiness of less than or equal to around 5°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing point depression: Freezing

Implementation Method 2

The most commonly used hydrotrope for this purpose is sodium xylene sulphonate (SXS)... studies are currently being carried out to find alternative hydrotropes that are from renewable sources and perform as well as or better than SXS

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrotropic effect:

Implementation Method 3

the document does not anticipate effects such as antifreeze or improved fragrance solubilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolubilization: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP4650420A1Hydrotrope composition, formulation, and, use of a formulation

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 OXITENO S A IND E COMERCIO

Figure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hydrotrope composition comprising at least three different organic acids from a renewable source. Additionally, the invention relates to a formulation comprising said hydrotrope composition, which presents equal or superior properties in terms of stability, solubility and viscosity compared to those stabilized with conventional hydrotropes from petrochemical sources. The invention also relates to the use of said formulation in home care, industrial-institutional and personal care products.