Sulfoperoxycarboxylic Acids for Stable Bleaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional peroxycarboxylic acids have limitations such as limited storage stability, water insolubility, and an unpleasant odor, which hinder their effectiveness as antimicrobial and bleaching agents.
Innovation Solution
Development of sulfoperoxycarboxylic acids that are storage stable, low or odorless, and water soluble, derived from non-petroleum based renewable oils, suitable for use as bleaching, antimicrobial, and coupling agents, including low-temperature bleaches and pH-optimized peroxygen bleaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional peroxycarboxylic acids are used as bleaching and antimicrobial agents, then they provide effective antimicrobial and bleaching properties, but they have limited storage stability, water insolubility, and unpleasant odor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure of peroxycarboxylic acids through sulfonation, adding polar sulfonic acid groups that fundamentally alter the compound's properties. This structural modification transforms the molecules from hydrophobic, unstable, and odorous compounds into hydrophilic, stable, and low-odor compounds, simultaneously resolving multiple technical contradictions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite molecular structures by combining the peroxycarboxylic acid functional group with sulfonic acid groups and renewable oil-derived hydrocarbon chains. This composite approach integrates the desirable properties of each component: the antimicrobial and bleaching activity of peroxycarboxylic acids, the water solubility and stability of sulfonic acid groups, and the renewable origin of the hydrocarbon chains
2Reliability
If conventional peroxycarboxylic acids are used, then they exhibit antimicrobial and bleaching efficacy, but they have limited water solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The sulfonation process fundamentally changes the polarity and hydrophilicity parameters of the peroxycarboxylic acid molecules. The introduction of highly polar sulfonic acid groups (−SO3H) transforms the molecules from water-insoluble to water-soluble, enabling them to dissolve and function effectively in aqueous environments while retaining their antimicrobial and bleaching activities
3Power
If conventional peroxycarboxylic acids are used for bleaching, then they provide strong oxidizing power, but they have limited storage stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure through sulfonation, which stabilizes the peroxycarboxylic acid group. The electron-withdrawing sulfonic acid groups reduce the reactivity and instability of the peroxide bond, extending storage stability from days to months or years while preserving sufficient oxidizing power for effective bleaching and antimicrobial action
4Reliability
If conventional peroxycarboxylic acids are used, then they provide effective bleaching properties, but they have unpleasant odor
Solution Approach 1:
The sulfonation modification changes the volatility and odor characteristics of the peroxycarboxylic acids. The added sulfonic acid groups increase molecular weight and polarity, reducing volatility and eliminating the sharp, unpleasant odors characteristic of conventional peroxycarboxylic acids, while the compounds maintain their bleaching efficacy through retained oxidizing power
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 sulfoperoxycarboxylic acids demonstrate enhanced stability and reduced odor, maintaining antimicrobial and bleaching efficacy, making them suitable for various applications including textile disinfection and low-temperature use without degrading the substrates.
Implementation Method 1
Peroxycarboxylic acids are known for use as antimicrobials and bleaching agents
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Further, the compounds of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials. The compounds of the present invention can be used as antimicrobials, and bleaching agents. The compounds of the present invention are also suitable for use as coupling agents.