CN111770982B - Laundry detergent - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising: a) from 3 to 60% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of one or more detersive surfactants selected from the group consisting of non-soap anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; b)0.01 to 1% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of a fragrance formulation (f1) in the form of free droplets dispersed in the composition; c)0.01 to 1% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of a fragrance formulation (f2) embedded within discrete polymer particles dispersed in the composition; wherein the total amount of fragrance formulation (f1) and fragrance formulation (f2) is in the range of 0.6 to 0.9% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition); and wherein the weight ratio of fragrance formulation (f1) to fragrance formulation (f2) in the composition is in the range of 40:60 to 60: 40.

Description

Laundry detergent

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fragrance-containing liquid laundry detergents and in particular to liquid laundry detergents containing a combination of encapsulated and free fragrances.

Background

In liquid laundry detergents, the fragrance perceived by the user is one of the most important attributes. The efficient delivery of the correct fragrance to fabrics during the laundering process and the release of fragrance at the time of use by key users is crucial to the delivery of clean and fresh laundered garments.

Because laundry wash liquids are typically designed to carry oily materials and particulate solids away from the washed fabric, delivering fragrance at critical times is a difficult task. However, fragrances are also generally oily substances.

Encapsulation of the fragrance allows for improved deposition of the fragrance to the fabric, as well as delayed release of the fragrance, when the user's clothing is worn.

Yet another moment of importance to the user is when the washed laundry is in the "wet" phase, which extends from when the laundry is taken out of the washing machine to when they are nearly dry. There is a need for compositions that deliver a good scent sensation during this stage without significantly compromising fragrance performance in other stages, such as in packaging compositions prior to use and when washed laundry is dried. However, it is also desirable to reduce production costs and raw material wastage, particularly in the case of high value ingredients such as fragrances.

The present invention solves this problem.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising:

a) from 3 to 60% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of one or more detersive surfactants selected from the group consisting of non-soap anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof;

b)0.01 to 1% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of a fragrance formulation (f1) in the form of free droplets dispersed in the composition;

c)0.01 to 1% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of a fragrance formulation (f2) embedded within discrete polymer particles dispersed in the composition;

wherein the total amount of fragrance formulation (f1) and fragrance formulation (f2) is in the range of 0.6 to 0.9% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition);

and wherein the weight ratio of fragrance formulation (f1) to fragrance formulation (f2) in the composition is in the range of 40:60 to 60: 40.

Detailed Description

Aromatic preparation (f1)

The fragrance formulation (f1) will generally contain a mixture of selected fragrance components, optionally mixed with one or more excipients. The combined odor of the various fragrance components produces a pleasant or desirable scent.

In the context of the present invention, the term "fragrance component" refers to a material used essentially for its ability, alone or in admixture with other such materials, to impart a pleasant odor to a composition (into which it is incorporated) and/or a surface (to which it is applied). Materials with these properties are typically small lipophilic molecules with sufficient volatility to be transported to the olfactory system in the upper part of the nose.

The fragrance component for use in the present invention will generally have a molecular weight of less than 325 atomic mass units, preferably less than 300 atomic mass units and more preferably less than 275 atomic mass units. The molecular weight is preferably greater than 100 atomic mass units, more preferably greater than 125 atomic mass units, as lower masses may be too volatile and/or insufficiently lipophilic to be effective.

The fragrance component for use in the present invention will preferably have a molecular structure that is free of halogen atoms and/or strongly ionizing functional groups such as sulfonate, sulfate, or quaternary ammonium ions.

The fragrance component for use in the present invention will more preferably have a molecular structure containing only atoms from the following (but not necessarily all): hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. Most preferably, the aroma component will have a molecular structure containing only atoms from the following (but not necessarily all): hydrogen, carbon and oxygen.

Examples of the aromatic component include aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and araliphatic (araliphatic) hydrocarbons having a molecular weight of about 90 to about 250; aromatic, aliphatic and araliphatic esters having a molecular weight of about 130 to about 250; aromatic nitriles, aliphatic nitriles and araliphatic nitriles having a molecular weight of from about 90 to about 250; aromatic, aliphatic and araliphatic alcohols having a molecular weight of about 90 to about 240; aromatic, aliphatic and araliphatic ketones having a molecular weight of about 150 to about 270; aromatic, aliphatic, and araliphatic lactones having a molecular weight of about 130 to about 290; aromatic aldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes, and araliphatic aldehydes having a molecular weight of about 90 to about 230; aromatic, aliphatic and araliphatic ethers having a molecular weight of about 150 to about 270; and condensation products of aldehydes and amines having a molecular weight of about 180 to about 320.

Specific examples of the fragrance component used in the present invention include:

i) hydrocarbons such as, for example, D-limonene, 3-carene (carene), α -pinene, β -pinene, α -terpinene, γ -terpinene, p-cymene, bisabolene (bisabolene), camphene, caryophyllene, cedrene, farnesene, longifolene, myrcene, ocimene, valencene (valenene), (E, Z) -1,3, 5-undecatriene, styrene, and diphenylmethane;

ii) aliphatic and araliphatic alcohols, such as, for example, benzyl alcohol, 1-phenylethyl alcohol, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, 3-phenylpropyl alcohol, 2-phenoxyethanol, 2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropyl alcohol, 2-dimethyl-3- (3-methylphenyl) propanol, 1-dimethyl-2-phenylethyl alcohol, 1-dimethyl-3-phenylpropyl alcohol, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-3-phenylpropyl alcohol, 2-methyl-5-phenylpentanol, 3-phenyl-2-propen-1-ol, 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol, 1- (4-isopropylphenyl) ethanol, 1-phenylpropyl alcohol, 2-methyl-5-phenylpentanol, 3-phenyl-2-propen-1-ol, 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol, 1- (4-isopropylphenyl) ethanol, 2-propen-ol, 2-propen-1-ol, 2-propen-1-propen-ol, 2-propen-1-propen-ol, and mixtures thereof, Hexanol, octanol, 3-octanol, 2, 6-dimethylheptanol, 2-methyl-2-heptanol, 2-methyl-2-octanol, (E) -2-hexenol, (E) -and a mixture of (Z) -3-hexenol, 1-octen-3-ol, 3,4,5,6, 6-pentamethyl-3/4-hepten-2-ol and 3,5,6, 6-tetramethyl-4-methylenehept-2-ol, (E, Z) -2, 6-nonadienol, 3, 7-dimethyl-7-methoxyoct-2-ol, 9-decenol, 10-undecenol and 4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol;

iii) cyclic and cycloaliphatic alcohols, such as, for example, 4-tert-butylcyclohexanol, 3,3, 5-trimethylcyclohexanol, 3-isobornylcyclohexanol, 2,6, 9-trimethyl-Z2, Z5, E9-cyclododecatrien-1-ol, 2-isobutyl-4-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol, α,3, 3-trimethylcyclohexylmethanol, 2-methyl-4- (2,2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl) butanol, 2-methyl-4- (2,2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl) -2-buten-1-ol, 2-ethyl-4- (2,2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl) -2-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-5- (2,2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl) -pentan-2-ol, 3-methyl-5- (2,2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl) -4-penten-2-ol, 3-dimethyl-5- (2,2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl) -4-penten-2-ol, 1- (2,2, 6-trimethylcyclohexyl) pentan-3-ol and 1- (2,2, 6-trimethylcyclohexyl) hex-3-ol;

iv) aliphatic aldehydes and acetals thereof, such as, for example, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, decanal, undecanal, laurnal, tridecanal, 2-methyloctanal, 2-methylnonanal, 2-methylundecanal, (E) -2-hexenal, (Z) -4-heptenal, 2, 6-dimethyl-5-heptenol, 10-undecenal, (E) -4-decenal, 2-dodecenal, 2,6, 10-trimethyl-5, 9-10-undecenal, heptanal-diethyl acetal, 1-dimethoxy-2, 2, 5-trimethyl-4-hexene and citronellyloxyacetaldehyde (citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde);

v) aliphatic ketones and oximes thereof, such as, for example, 2-heptanone, 2-octanone, 3-octanone, 2-nonanone, 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime and 2,4,4, 7-tetramethyl-6-octen-3-one;

vi) aliphatic sulfur-containing compounds such as, for example, 3-methylthiohexanol, 3-methylthiohexyl acetate, 3-mercaptohexanol, 3-mercaptohexyl acetate, 3-mercaptohexyl butyrate, 3-acetylthiohexyl acetate and 1-menthene-8-thiol;

vii) aliphatic nitriles, such as, for example, 2-nonene nitrile, 2-tridecene nitrile, 2, 12-tridecene nitrile, 3, 7-dimethyl-2, 6-octadiene nitrile and 3, 7-dimethyl-6-octene nitrile;

viii) aliphatic carboxylic acids and esters thereof, such as, for example, (E) -and (Z) -3-hexenyl formate, ethyl acetoacetate, isoamyl acetate, hexyl 3,5, 5-trimethylacetate, 3-methyl-2-butenyl acetate, (E) -2-hexenyl acetate, (E) -and (Z) -3-hexenyl acetate, octyl acetate, 3-octyl acetate, 1-octen-3-yl acetate, ethyl butyrate, butyl butyrate, isoamyl butyrate, hexyl butyrate, (E) -and (Z) -3-hexenyl isobutyrate, hexyl crotonate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl-2-methylvalerate, ethyl hexanoate, allyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, allyl heptanoate, Ethyl octanoate, ethyl- (E, Z) -2, 4-decanedioate, methyl-2-octanoate, methyl-2-nonanoate, allyl-2-isopentyloxy-acetate, and methyl-3, 7-dimethyl-2, 6-octanedioate;

ix) acyclic terpene alcohols, such as, for example, citronellol; geraniol; nerol; linalool; lavender alcohol; nerolidol; farnesol; tetrahydrolinalool; tetrahydrogeraniol; 2, 6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol; 2, 6-dimethyloctan-2-ol; 2-methyl-6-methylene-7-octen-2-ol; 2, 6-dimethyl-5, 7-octadien-2-ol; 2, 6-dimethyl-3, 5-octadien-2-ol; 3, 7-dimethyl-4, 6-octadien-3-ol; 3, 7-dimethyl-1, 5, 7-octatrien-3-ol; 2, 6-dimethyl-2, 5, 7-octatrien-1-ol; and their formates, acetates, propionates, isobutyrates, butyrates, isovalerates, valerates, caproates, crotonates, tiglates (tiglinites), and 3-methyl-2-butenoate;

x) acyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones, such as, for example, geranial, neral, citronellal, 7-hydroxy-3, 7-dimethyloctanal, 7-methoxy-3, 7-dimethyloctanal, 2,6, 10-trimethyl-9-undecenal, α -sinal, β -sinal, geranylacetone, and the dimethyl and diethyl acetals of geranial, neral and 7-hydroxy-3, 7-dimethyloctanal;

xi) cyclic terpene alcohols, such as, for example, menthol, isopulegol, alpha-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, menthan-8-ol, menthan-1-ol, menthan-7-ol, borneol, isoborneol, linalool oxide, nopol, cedrol, ambroxol (ambrinol), vetiverol, guaiol, and alpha-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, menthan-8-ol, menthane-1-ol, menthane-7-ol, borneol, isoborneol, linalool oxide, nopol, cedrol, ambergris octahydronaphthalenol, vetiver and guaiol, formate, acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, isovalerate, valerate, hexanoate, crotonate, tiglate and 3-methyl-2-butenoate;

xii) cyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones, such as, for example, menthone, isomenthone, 8-mercaptomenthan-3-one, carvone, camphor, fenchone, α -ionone, β -ionone, α -n-methylionone, β -n-methylionone, α -isomethyl ionone, β -isomethyl ionone, α -irone, α -damascone, β -damascone, δ -damascone, γ -damascone, 1- (2,4, 4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl) -2-buten-1-one, 1,3,4,6,7,8 a-hexahydro-1, 1,5, 5-tetramethyl-2H-2, 4 a-methanonaphthalen-8 (5H) -one, nootkatone, dihydronootkatone, and cedryl methyl ketone;

xiii) cyclic and cycloaliphatic ethers, such as, for example, eucalyptol, cedryl methyl ether, cyclododecyl methyl ether, (ethoxymethoxy) cyclododecane; α -cedrene epoxide, 3a,6,6,9 a-tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho [2,1-b ] furan, 3 a-ethyl-6, 6,9 a-trimethyldodecahydronaphtho [2,1-b ] furan, 1,5, 9-trimethyl-13-oxabicyclo [10.1.0] -trideca-4, 8-diene, rose oxide and 2- (2, 4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl) -5-methyl-5- (1-methylpropyl) -1, 3-dioxane;

xiv) cyclic ketones, such as, for example, 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone, 2, 5-trimethyl-5-pentylcyclopentanone, 2-heptylcyclopentanone, 2-pentylcyclopentanone, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, 3-methyl-cis-2-penten-1-yl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, 3-methyl-2-pentyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, 3-methyl-4-cyclopentadecanone, 3-methyl-5-cyclopentadecanone, 3-methylcyclopentadecanone, 4- (1-ethoxyvinyl) -3,3,5, 5-tetramethylcyclohexanone, 4-tert-amylcyclohexanone, 5-cyclohexadecen-1-one, 6, 7-dihydro-1, 1,2,3, 3-pentamethyl-4 (5H) -indanone, 5-cyclohexadecen-1-one, 8-cyclohexadecen-1-one, 9-cyclohexadecen-1-one, and cyclopentadecanone;

xv) cycloaliphatic aldehydes and ketones, such as, for example, 2, 4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde, 2-methyl-4- (2,2, 6-trimethyl-cyclohexen-1-yl) -2-butenal, 4- (4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl) -3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde, 4- (4-methyl-3-penten-1-yl) -3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde, 1- (3, 3-dimethylcyclohexyl) -4-penten-1-one, 1- (5, 5-dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl) -4-penten-1-one, 2,3,8, 8-tetramethyl-1, 2,3,4,5,6,7, 8-octahydro-2-naphthalenylmethyl ketone, methyl-2, 6, 10-trimethyl-2, 5, 9-cyclododecatrienyl ketone and tert-butyl- (2, 4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl) ketone;

xvi) esters of cyclic alcohols, such as, for example, 2-tert-butylcyclohexylacetate, 4-tert-butylcyclohexylacetate, 2-tert-amylcyclohexylacetate, 4-tert-amylcyclohexylacetate, decahydro-2-naphthylacetate, 3-pentyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylacetate, decahydro-2, 5,5,8 a-tetramethyl-2-naphthylacetate, 4, 7-methano-3 a,4,5,6,7,7 a-hexahydro-5-or 6-indenylacetate, 4, 7-methano-3 a,4,5,6,7,7 a-hexahydro-5-or 6-indenylpropionate, 4, 7-methano-3 a,4,5,6,7,7 a-hexahydro-5 or 6-indenyl isobutyrate and 4, 7-methanooctahydro-5-or 6-indenyl acetate;

xvii) esters of cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids, such as, for example, allyl 3-cyclohexyl-propionate, allyl cyclohexyloxyacetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, methyl jasmonate, methyl 2-hexyl-3-oxocyclopentanecarboxylate, ethyl 2-ethyl-6, 6-dimethyl-2-cyclohexenecarboxylate, ethyl 2,3,6, 6-tetramethyl-2-cyclohexenecarboxylate and ethyl 2-methyl-1, 3-dioxolane-2-acetate;

xviii) esters of araliphatic alcohols and aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as, for example, benzyl acetate, benzyl propionate, benzyl isobutyrate, benzyl isovalerate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, 2-phenylethyl propionate, 2-phenylethyl isobutyrate, 2-phenylethyl isovalerate, 1-phenylethyl acetate, α -trichloromethyl benzyl acetate, α -dimethylbenzyl butyrate, cinnamyl acetate, 2-phenoxyethyl isobutyrate and 4-methoxybenzyl acetate;

xix) araliphatic ethers and acetals thereof, such as, for example, 2-phenylethylmethyl ether, 2-phenylethylisoamyl ether, 2-phenylethylcyclohexyl ether, 2-phenylethyl-1-ethoxyethyl ether, phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, phenylacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 2-phenylpropionaldehyde dimethyl acetal, phenylacetaldehyde glycerol acetal, 2,4, 6-trimethyl-4-phenyl-1, 3-dioxane, 4a,5,9 b-tetrahydroindeno [1,2-d ] -m-dioxin, and 4,4a,5,9 b-tetrahydro-2, 4-dimethylindeno [1,2-d ] -m-dioxin;

xx) aromatic and araliphatic aldehydes and ketones, such as, for example, benzaldehyde; phenylacetaldehyde, 3-phenylpropylaldehyde, 2-phenylpropylaldehyde, 4-methylbenzaldehyde, 4-methylphenylaldehyde, 3- (4-ethylphenyl) -2, 2-dimethylpropionaldehyde, 2-methyl-3- (4-isopropylphenyl) propionaldehyde, 2-methyl-3- (4-tert-butylphenyl) propionaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, α -butylcinnamaldehyde, α -pentylcinnamaldehyde, α -hexylcinnamaldehyde, 3-methyl-5-phenylpentanal, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde, 3, 4-methylene-dioxybenzaldehyde, phenylglyoxal, 2-methyl-4-propylaldehyde, phenylglyoxal, 4-methyl-ethyl, phenylglyoxal, 4-ethyl, phenylglyoxal, phenyl-ethyl-2, phenyl-ethyl-, 3, 4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, 2-methyl-3- (4-methoxyphenyl) propanal, 2-methyl-3- (4-methylenedioxyphenyl) propanal, acetophenone, 4-methylacetophenone, 4-methoxyacetophenone, 4-tert-butyl-2, 6-dimethylacetophenone, 4-phenyl-2-butanone, 4- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-butanone, 1- (2-naphthyl) ethanone, benzophenone, 1,2,3,3, 6-hexamethyl-5-indanyl methyl ketone, 6-tert-butyl-1, 1-dimethyl-4-indanyl methyl ketone, 1- [2, 3-dihydro-1, 1,2, 6-tetramethyl-3- (1-methylethyl) -1H-5-indenyl ] ethanone and 5 ', 6', 7 ', 8' -tetrahydro-3 ', 5', 5 ', 6', 8 ', 8' -hexamethyl-2-naphthaleneacetone;

xxi) aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acids and esters thereof, such as, for example, benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, hexyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate, methyl phenylacetate, ethyl phenylacetate, geranyl phenylacetate, phenethyl phenylacetate, methyl cinnamate, ethyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate, phenethyl cinnamate, cinnamyl cinnamate, allyl phenoxyacetate, methyl salicylate, isoamyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate, cyclohexyl salicylate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, phenethyl salicylate, 2, 4-dihydroxy-3, 6-dimethylbenzoic acid methyl ester, ethyl 3-phenylglycerate, and ethyl 3-methyl-3-phenylglycerate;

xxii) nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, such as, for example, 2,4, 6-trinitro-1, 3-dimethyl-5-tert-butylbenzene, 3, 5-dinitro-2, 6-dimethyl-4-tert-butylbenzone, cinnamonitrile, 5-phenyl-3-methyl-2-pentenenitrile, 5-phenyl-3-methylpentanenitrile, methyl anthranilate, methyl N-methylanthranilate, methyl anthranilate with 7-hydroxy-3, 3, 7-dimethyloctanal, 2-methyl-3- (4-tert-butylphenyl) propanal or the Schiff base of 2, 4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde, 6-isopropylquinoline, 6-isobutylquinoline, 6-cyclohexylquinoline, 2-tert-butyl-benzaldehyde, 6-sec-butylquinoline, indole, methylindole, 2-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine and 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine;

xxiii) phenols, phenyl ethers and phenyl esters, such as for example estragole, anethole, eugenol, syringyl methyl ether, isoeugenol, isoeugenyl methyl ether, thymol, carvacrol, diphenyl ether, β -naphthyl methyl ether, β -naphthyl ethyl ether, β -naphthyl isobutyl ether, 1, 4-dimethoxybenzene, eugenol acetate, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol, 2-ethoxy-5- (1-propenyl) phenol and p-cresol phenylacetate;

xxiv) heterocyclic compounds, such as, for example, 2, 5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-2H-furan-3-one, 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-2H-furan-3-one, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one;

xxv) lactones, such as, for example, 1, 4-octanolactone (octanolactone), 3-methyl-1, 4-octanolactone, 1, 4-nonalactone, 1, 4-decalactone, 8-decene-1, 4-lactone, 1, 4-undecalactone, 1, 4-dodecalactone, 1, 5-decalactone, 1, 5-dodecalactone, 1, 15-pentadecanolide, cis-and trans-1' -pentadecan-1, 15-lactone, cis-and trans-12-pentadecan-1, 15-lactone, 1, 16-hexadecanolide, 9-hexadecanolide, 10-oxa-1, 16-hexadecanolide, 11-oxa-1, 16-hexadecanolide, 12-oxa-1, 16-hexadecanolide, vinyl-1, 12-dodecanedioate, vinyl-1, 13-tridecanedioate, coumarin, 2, 3-dihydrocoumarin and octahydrocoumarin.

Naturally occurring exudates such as essential oils extracted from plants may also be used as the aroma component in the present invention. Essential oils are usually extracted by steam distillation, solid phase extraction, cold pressing, solvent extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, water distillation or simultaneous distillation-extraction. Essential oils may be derived from several different parts of a plant, including, for example, leaves, flowers, roots, buds, twigs, rhizomes, heartwood, bark, resin, seeds, and fruits. The major plant families from which essential oils are extracted include the family Compositae (Asteraceae), the family Myrtaceae (Myrtaceae), the family Lauraceae (Lauraceae), the family Labiatae (Lamiaceae), the family Myrtaceae (Myrtaceae), the family Rutaceae (Rutaceae), and the family Zingiberaceae (Zingiaceae). The oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries the unique aroma or essence of the plant.

Those skilled in the art understand that essential oils are complex mixtures, typically consisting of tens or hundreds of components. Most of these components have an isoprenoid skeleton with 10 carbon atoms (monoterpenes), 15 carbon atoms (sesquiterpenes) or 20 carbon atoms (diterpenes). Smaller amounts of other components, such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters and phenols, may also be found. However, in the context of practicing fragrance formulations, individual essential oils are generally considered to be a single component. Thus, individual essential oils may be considered as a single fragrant component for the purposes of the present invention.

Specific examples of the essential oils used as the fragrant component of the present invention include cedar wood oil, juniper oil, cumin oil, cinnamon oil, camphor oil, rosewood oil, ginger oil, basil oil, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, spearmint oil, tea tree oil, frankincense oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, jasmine oil, lavender oil, rose oil, ylang-ylang oil (ylang-ylang oil), bergamot oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, lime oil, orange oil, fir needle oil (fir needle oil), white rosin oil (galbanum oil), geranium oil, grapefruit oil, pine leaf oil, wormwood oil, labdanum oil (labdanum oil), strigose oil, thyme oil, verbena oil, marjoram oil, mandarin oil, sage oil, nutmeg oil, myrtle oil, clove oil, neroli oil, patchouli oil, sandalwood oil, thyme oil, verbena oil, vetiver oil (wintergreen oil), and wintergreen oil.

The number of different fragrance components comprised in the fragrance formulation (f1) will generally be at least 4, preferably at least 6, more preferably at least 8 and most preferably at least 10, such as 10 to 200, more preferably 10 to 100.

Typically, no single fragrance component will comprise more than 70% by weight of the total weight of the fragrance formulation (f 1). Preferably, no single fragrance component will comprise more than 60 wt% of the total weight of the fragrance formulation (f1), more preferably, no single fragrance component will comprise more than 50 wt% of the total weight of the fragrance formulation (f 1).

In the context of the present invention, the term "aroma formulation" refers to an aroma component as defined above, plus any optional excipients. Excipients may be included in the fragrance formulation for a variety of purposes, such as solvents for insoluble or poorly soluble components, as diluents for more potent components, or to control the vapor pressure and evaporation characteristics of the fragrance formulation. Excipients may have many of the characteristics of aromatic components, but do not themselves have a strong odor. Thus, excipients can be distinguished from fragrance components in that they can be added to fragrance formulations in high proportions (e.g., 30% or even 50% by weight of the total weight of the fragrance formulation) without significantly altering the odor quality of the fragrance formulation. Some examples of suitable excipients include ethanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate and triethyl citrate. Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be suitable.

Suitable fragrance formulations (f1) for use in the present invention comprise a mixture of at least 10 fragrance components selected from: a hydrocarbon i); aliphatic and araliphatic alcohols ii); aliphatic aldehydes and their acetals iv); aliphatic carboxylic acids and esters viii thereof); acyclic terpene alcohols ix); cyclic terpene aldehydes and ketoxii); cyclic and cycloaliphatic ethers xiii); ester xvi) of a cyclic alcohol; esters of araliphatic alcohols and aliphatic carboxylic acids xviii); araliphatic ethers and their acetals xix); aromatic and araliphatic aldehydes and ketones xx), and aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acids and esters xxi) thereof; as further described and illustrated above.

The content of the fragrance component is preferably in the range of from 50 to 100%, more preferably from 60 to 100% and most preferably from 75 to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the fragrance formulation (f 1); one or more excipients (as described above) make up the balance of the fragrance formulation (f1), as desired.

The fragrance formulation (f1) is in the form of free droplets dispersed in the composition. In the context of the present invention, the term "free droplets" refers to droplets that are not embedded within discrete polymer particles.

In a typical liquid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention, the level of fragrance formulation (f1) will generally be in the range of from 0.1 to 0.75%, and preferably in the range of from 0.3 to 0.6% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

Aromatic (f2)

Fragrance formulations (f2) for use in the invention will generally contain a mixture of selected fragrance components, optionally mixed with one or more excipients, as described above for fragrance formulation (f 1).

The fragrance formulation (f2) and fragrance formulation (f1) may be the same or different.

The fragrance formulation (f2) is embedded within discrete polymer particles dispersed within the composition. One type of microparticle suitable for use in the present invention is a microcapsule. Microencapsulation can be defined as a process of enclosing or encapsulating one substance within another on a very small scale, resulting in capsules ranging in size from less than 1 micron to hundreds of microns. The encapsulated material may be referred to as a core, active ingredient or agent, filler, load (payload), core or internal phase. The material encapsulating the core may be referred to as a coating, film, shell, or wall material.

Microcapsules typically have at least one substantially spherical continuous shell surrounding the core. The shell may contain holes, voids or interstitial openings, depending on the materials and encapsulation techniques used. The plurality of shells may be made of the same or different encapsulating materials, and may be arranged in layers having different thicknesses surrounding the core. Alternatively, the microcapsules may be asymmetric and shape-shifting, with a large number of smaller droplets of core material embedded throughout the microcapsule.

The shell may have a barrier function which protects the core material from the environment outside the microcapsule, but it may also serve as a means of modulating the release of the core material, such as a fragrance. Thus, the shell may be water soluble or water swellable and may actuate the release of the fragrance in response to exposure of the microcapsule to a humid environment. Similarly, if the shell is temperature sensitive, the microcapsules may release fragrance in response to high temperatures. The microcapsules may also release the fragrance in response to a shear force applied to the surface of the microcapsules.

A preferred type of polymeric microparticle suitable for use in the present invention is a polymeric core-shell microcapsule, wherein at least one substantially spherical continuous shell of polymeric material surrounds a core containing the fragrance formulation (f 2). The shell will typically comprise up to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the microcapsule. The fragrance formulation (f2) will generally comprise from about 10 to about 60%, preferably from about 20 to about 40% by weight based on the total weight of the microcapsule. The amount of fragrance (f2) can be measured as follows: the slurry of microcapsules was taken, extracted into ethanol and measured by liquid chromatography.

The polymeric core-shell microcapsules used in the present invention can be prepared using methods known to those skilled in the art such as coacervation, interfacial polymerization, and polycondensation.

The agglomeration process typically involves precipitation of a colloidal material onto the surface of droplets of the material to encapsulate the core material, which is typically water-insoluble. Coacervation can be simple, for example using one colloid such as gelatin, or a complex of two or possibly more colloids of opposite charge such as gelatin and gum arabic or gelatin and carboxymethylcellulose, under carefully controlled conditions of pH, temperature and concentration.

Interfacial polymerization generally continues with the formation of a fine dispersion of oil droplets (which contain a core material) in an aqueous continuous phase. The dispersed droplets form the core of future microcapsules, the size of the dispersed droplets directly determining the size of the subsequent microcapsules. Microcapsule shell-forming materials (monomers or oligomers) are contained in both the dispersed phase (oil droplets) and the aqueous continuous phase, and they react together at the phase interface to build a polymeric wall around the oil droplets, thereby encapsulating the droplets and forming core-shell microcapsules. An example of a core-shell microcapsule obtained by this method is a polyurea microcapsule having a shell formed by reacting a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate with a diamine or polyamine.

Polycondensation involves forming a dispersion or emulsion of the core material in an aqueous solution of a precondensate of the polymeric material under appropriate agitation conditions to produce sachets of the desired size, and adjusting the reaction conditions to cause the precondensate to condense by acid catalysis, resulting in the condensate separating from the solution and surrounding the dispersed core material to produce a coherent film and the desired microcapsules. Examples of core-shell microcapsules obtained by this process are aminoplast microcapsules having a shell formed by the polycondensation product of melamine (2,4, 6-triamino-1, 3, 5-triazine) or urea with formaldehyde. Suitable crosslinking agents (e.g., toluene diisocyanate, divinylbenzene, butanediol diacrylate) may also be used, and second wall polymers, such as polymers and copolymers of anhydrides and derivatives thereof, particularly maleic anhydride, may also be used as appropriate.

One example of a preferred polymeric core-shell microcapsule for use in the present invention is an aminoplast microcapsule having an aminoplast shell surrounding a core containing a fragrance formulation (f 2). More preferably, such aminoplast shells are formed from the polycondensation product of melamine and formaldehyde.

The polymer microparticles suitable for use in the present invention typically have an average particle size of between 100 nanometers and 50 micrometers. Particles larger than this go into the visible range. Examples of particles in the submicron range include latexes and miniemulsions (mini-emulsions) having a typical size range of 100 to 600 nanometers. The preferred particle size range is the micron range. Examples of micron-range particles include polymeric core-shell microcapsules (such as those described further above) having a typical size range of 1 to 50 microns, preferably 5 to 30 microns. The mean particle size can be determined by light scattering using a Malvern Mastersizer and taken as the median particle size D (0.5) value. The particle size distribution may be narrow, broad or multimodal. The microcapsules, as originally prepared, can be filtered or sieved, if necessary, to obtain a product with greater size uniformity.

Polymeric microparticles suitable for use in the present invention may be provided with a deposition aid on the outer surface of the microparticle. Deposition aids act to alter properties external to the microparticles, for example to make the microparticles more compatible with the desired substrate (substentive). Desirable substrates include cellulosic (including cotton) and polyester (including those used in the preparation of polyester fabrics).

The deposition aid may suitably be provided at the outer surface of the microparticle using covalent bonding, entanglement (entanglements) or strong adsorption. Examples include polymeric core-shell microcapsules (such as those further described above) in which the deposition aid is attached to the exterior of the shell, preferably by covalent bonding. While it is preferred that the deposition aid is attached directly to the exterior of the shell, it may also be attached via a linker.

The deposition aid used in the present invention may suitably be selected from polysaccharides having affinity for cellulose. Such polysaccharides may be naturally occurring or synthetic, and may have an inherent affinity for cellulose, or may have been derivatized or otherwise modified to have an affinity for cellulose. Suitable polysaccharides have a 1-4 linked beta glycan (generalized sugar) backbone structure with at least 4 and preferably at least 10 backbone residues that are beta 1-4 linked, such as a glucan backbone (consisting of beta 1-4 linked glucose residues), a mannan backbone (consisting of beta 1-4 linked mannose residues), or a xylan backbone (consisting of beta 1-4 linked xylose residues). Examples of such β 1-4 linked polysaccharides include xyloglucan, glucomannan, mannan, galactomannan, β (1-3), (1-4) glucan, and the family of xylans comprising glucuronyl (glucorono) -, arabinoyl (arabino) -and glucuronosyl xylans. Preferred β 1-4 linked polysaccharides for use in the present invention may be selected from plant derived xyloglucans such as pea xyloglucan and tamarind seed xyloglucan (TXG) having a β 1-4 linked glucan backbone with side chains of α -D xylopyranose and β -D-galactopyranosyl- (1-2) - α -D-xylopyranose, both 1-6 linked to the backbone; and plant-derived galactomannans, such as Locust Bean Gum (LBG) (which has a mannan backbone with β 1-4 linked mannose residues, with single unit galactose side chains with α 1-6 linked to the backbone).

Also suitable are polysaccharides which, upon hydrolysis, can obtain an affinity for cellulose (e.g. cellulose monoacetate); or modified polysaccharides having affinity for cellulose such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl guar, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose and methylcellulose.

The deposition aid used in the present invention may also be selected from phthalate containing polymers having an affinity for polyesters. Such phthalate-containing polymers may have one or more nonionic hydrophilic segments comprising oxyalkylene groups, such as oxyethylene, polyoxyethylene, oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene groups, and one or more hydrophobic segments comprising terephthalate groups. Typically, the oxyalkylene groups will have a degree of polymerization of from 1 to about 400, preferably from 100 to about 350, more preferably from 200 to about 300. Suitable examples of phthalate-containing polymers of this type are copolymers having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide terephthalate.

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be suitable.

The deposition aids useful in the present invention will generally have a weight average molecular weight (M) in the range of about 5kDa to about 500kDa, preferably about 10kDa to about 500kDa and more preferably about 20kDa to about 300kDa_w)。

One example of a particularly preferred polymeric core-shell microcapsule for use in the present invention is an aminoplast microcapsule having a shell formed by the polycondensation of melamine with formaldehyde, said shell surrounding a core containing the aromatic agent (f 2); wherein the deposition aid is attached to the exterior of the shell using covalent bonding. Preferred deposition aids are selected from β 1-4 linked polysaccharides, in particular xyloglucans of plant origin, as further described above.

The present inventors have surprisingly observed that it is possible to reduce the total level of fragrance contained in the compositions of the present invention without sacrificing the overall perception of fragrance delivered to the user at a critical stage of the laundering process. It is advantageous to reduce the total level of fragrance for cost and environmental reasons.

In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of the fragrant formulation (f1) to the fragrant formulation (f2) is preferably in the range of 60:40 to 45: 55. Particularly good results have been obtained at a weight ratio of fragrance formulation (f1) to fragrance formulation (f2) of about 50: 50.

The fragrance (f1) and fragrance (f2) are typically introduced at different stages of formation of the composition of the present invention. Typically, discrete polymeric microparticles (e.g., microcapsules) embedding the fragrance formulation (f2) are added as a slurry to a warmed base formulation containing the other components of the composition (e.g., surfactants and solvents). The fragrance (f1) is typically dosed (post-dose) after the base formulation has cooled.

Liquid laundry detergentWashing agent

In the context of the present invention, the term "laundry detergent" refers to a formulated composition intended for and capable of wetting and cleaning household clothing, such as clothes, linen and other household fabrics. The term "linen" is often used to describe certain types of laundry items, including sheets, pillowcases, towels, tablecloths, napkins, and uniforms. Textiles may include woven, non-woven, and knitted fabrics; and may comprise natural or synthetic fibers such as silk fibers, flax fibers, cotton fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers such as nylon, acrylic fibers, acetate fibers and mixtures thereof, including cotton and polyester mixtures.

Examples of liquid laundry detergents include heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents used in the wash cycle of automatic washing machines, as well as liquid fine wash and liquid color care detergents, such as those suitable for washing fine laundry (e.g., those made of silk or wool) by hand or in the wash cycle of automatic washing machines.

In the context of the present invention, the term "liquid" means that the continuous phase or major portion of the composition is liquid and that the composition is flowable at 15 ℃ and above. Thus, the term "liquid" may encompass emulsions, suspensions, and compositions having a flowable yet harder consistency (known as gels or pastes). At 25 ℃ for 21 seconds^-1The viscosity of the composition may suitably be in the range of from about 200 to about 10,000 mPa-s at the shear rate of (a). The shear rate is the shear rate that is typically applied to a liquid when poured from a bottle. The pourable liquid detergent compositions typically have a viscosity of from 200 to 1,500 mPa-s, preferably from 200 to 500 mPa-s. Liquid detergent compositions which are pourable gels generally have a viscosity of from 1,500 to 6,000 mPa-s, preferably from 1,500 to 2,000 mPa-s.

The composition according to the invention may suitably have an aqueous continuous phase. By "aqueous continuous phase" is meant a continuous phase having water as its base. Compositions having an aqueous continuous phase will generally comprise from 15 to 95%, preferably from 20 to 90%, more preferably from 25 to 85% water (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

The composition according to the invention may also have a low water content, for example when the composition is intended for packaging in a polymer film soluble in wash water. The low water content composition will generally comprise no more than 20%, preferably no more than 10%, such as 5 to 10% water (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

The composition with an aqueous continuous phase of the present invention preferably has a pH in the range of 5 to 9, more preferably 6 to 8, when the composition is measured diluted to 1% with demineralized water.

The compositions of the present invention suitably comprise from 3 to 60%, preferably from 5 to 40%, more preferably from 6 to 30% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of one or more detersive surfactants selected from non-soap anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

In the context of the present invention, the term "detersive surfactant" refers to a surfactant that provides a detersive (i.e., cleaning) action to the laundry being laundered as part of a domestic laundry process.

The non-soap anionic surfactants useful herein are typically salts of organic sulfuric and sulfonic acids having alkyl groups containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl" being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl groups. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl group preferably contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulfates may contain from one to ten ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule, and preferably contain from one to three ethylene oxide units per molecule. The counter ion of the anionic surfactant is typically an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium; or an ammonia-containing counterion such as Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA) or Triethanolamine (TEA). Mixtures of such counterions can also be used.

A preferred class of non-soap anionic surfactants for use in the present invention comprises alkyl benzene sulphonates, especially linear alkyl benzene sulphonates (LAS) having an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Business supportElas are a mixture of closely related isomeric and homologous alkyl chain homologs, each containing a sulfonated aromatic ring at the "para" position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position other than the terminal carbon. The linear alkyl chain typically has a chain length of 11 to 15 carbon atoms, with the primary material having about C₁₂The chain length of (a). Each alkyl chain homologue, except the 1-phenyl isomer, consists of a mixture of all possible sulfophenyl isomers. LAS are typically formulated into compositions in acid (i.e., HLAS) form and then at least partially neutralized in situ.

Also suitable are alkyl ether sulfates having a straight or branched chain alkyl group, the alkyl group having from 10 to 18, more preferably from 12 to 14 carbon atoms, and containing an average of from 1 to 3EO units per molecule. A preferred example is Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES), in which the predominant C is₁₂The lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 3EO units per molecule.

Some alkyl sulfate surfactants (PAS) may be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulfates having an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18.

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used. Preferred mixtures of non-soap anionic surfactants for use in the present invention comprise linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (preferably C)₁₁To C₁₅Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (preferably ethoxylated C with an average of 1 to 3 EO)₁₀To C₁₈Alkyl sulfates).

The total content of non-soap anionic surfactant in the composition of the invention may suitably be in the range 5 to 15% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

The nonionic surfactants useful in the present invention are typically polyoxyalkylene compounds, i.e., the reaction product of an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or mixtures thereof, with a starter molecule having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom which reacts with the alkylene oxide. Such starter molecules include alcohols, acids, amides or alkylphenols. When the starter molecule is an alcohol, the reaction product is referred to as an alcohol alkoxylate. The polyoxyalkylene compound may have various blocks andmixed-embedded (random) structures. For example, they may contain a single block of alkylene oxide, or they may be diblock alkoxylate or triblock alkoxylate. Within the block structure, the blocks may be all ethylene oxide or all propylene oxide, or the blocks may contain a heteric mixture of alkylene oxides. Examples of such materials include C having an average of 5 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkylphenol₈To C₂₂An alkylphenol ethoxylate; and fatty alcohol ethoxylates, e.g. C with an average of 2 to 40 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol₈To C₁₈Primary or secondary linear or branched alcohol ethoxylates.

A preferred type of nonionic surfactant for use in the present invention comprises aliphatic C's having an average of from 3 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol₈To C₁₈More preferably C₁₂To C₁₅Primary linear alcohol ethoxylates.

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

In the compositions of the present invention, the total content of nonionic surfactant is suitably in the range of from 1 to 10% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

The mixture of non-soap anionic and non-ionic surfactant for use in the present invention comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (preferably C)₁₁To C₁₅Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (preferably ethoxylated C with an average of 1 to 3 EO)₁₀To C₁₈Alkyl sulfates) and ethoxylated fatty alcohols (preferably, C with an average of 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol)₁₂To C₁₅Primary linear alcohol ethoxylates).

The weight ratio of total non-soap anionic surfactant to total nonionic surfactant in the compositions of the invention suitably ranges from about 3:1 to about 1: 1.

Optional ingredients

The compositions of the present invention may contain additional optional ingredients to enhance performance and/or user acceptability, as follows:

non-aqueous carrier

The compositions of the present invention may incorporate non-aqueous carriers such as hydrotropes, cosolvents and phase stabilizers. Such materials are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids, such as C₁To C₅Monohydric alcohols (e.g., ethanol and n-or i-propanol); c₂To C₆Glycols (such as monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol); c₃To C₉Triols (such as glycerol); having a weight average molecular weight (M) in the range of about 200 to 600_w) Polyethylene glycol of (2); c₁To C₃Alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine; and alkylaryl sulfonates having up to 3 carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group (e.g., sodium and potassium xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and isopropylbenzene (cumene) sulfonates).

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

When included, the non-aqueous carrier may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 20%, preferably from 1 to 15%, more preferably from 3 to 12% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

Cosurfactant

The compositions of the present invention may contain, in addition to the non-soap anionic and/or nonionic detersive surfactants described above, one or more co-surfactants (such as amphoteric (zwitterionic) and/or cationic surfactants).

Specific cationic surfactants include C₈To C₁₈Alkyl dimethyl ammonium halides and derivatives thereof wherein one or two hydroxyethyl groups replace one or two of the methyl groups, and mixtures thereof. When included, the cationic surfactant can be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

Specific amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactants include the alkyl amine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulfobetaines (sultaines), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkyl amphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, acyl taurates, and acyl glutamates having an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl" being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl groups. When included, the amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactant can be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

Builder

The compositions of the present invention may contain one or more builders. Builders enhance or maintain the cleaning efficiency of surfactants, primarily by reducing the hardness of water. This is done by chelation (sequestration) or chelation (sequestration) (keeping the hard mineral in solution), by precipitation (formation of insoluble substances) or by ion exchange (exchange of charged particles).

The builders used in the present invention may be of the organic or inorganic type, or mixtures thereof.

Suitable inorganic builders include the hydroxides, carbonates, sesquicarbonates, bicarbonates, silicates, zeolites and mixtures thereof. Specific examples of such materials include sodium and potassium hydroxide, sodium and potassium carbonate, sodium and potassium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium silicate and mixtures thereof.

Suitable organic builders include polycarboxylic acids in acid and/or salt form. When a salt form is used, alkali metal (e.g., sodium and potassium) or alkanolammonium salts are preferred. Specific examples of such materials include sodium and potassium citrate, sodium and potassium tartrate monosuccinate, sodium and potassium tartrate disuccinate, sodium and potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium and potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, sodium and potassium N- (2-hydroxyethyl) -ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, sodium and potassium nitrilotriacetic acid, and sodium and potassium N- (2-hydroxyethyl) -nitrilo-diacetic acid. Polymeric polycarboxylates may also be used, such as polymers of unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (e.g., acrylic, methacrylic, vinylacetic and crotonic acids) and/or unsaturated dicarboxylic acids (e.g., maleic, fumaric, itaconic, mesaconic and citraconic acids and their anhydrides). Specific examples of such materials include polyacrylic acid, polyMaleic acid, and copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid. The polymer may be in acid, salt or partially neutralized form, and may suitably have a molecular weight (M) in the range of from about 1,000 to 100,000, preferably from about 2,000 to about 85,000, more preferably from about 2,500 to about 75,000_w)。

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used. Preferred builders for use herein can be selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylic acids in acid and/or salt form (e.g., citrate salts) and mixtures thereof.

When included, the builder may be present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1 to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5 to about 15%, more preferably from about 1 to about 10% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

Transition metal ion chelating agents

The compositions of the present invention may contain one or more chelating agents for transition metal ions such as iron, copper and manganese. Such chelating agents may help to improve the stability of the composition and protect against, for example, transition metal catalyzed decomposition of certain ingredients.

Suitable transition metal ion chelating agents include phosphonates in acid and/or salt form. When a salt form is used, alkali metal (e.g., sodium and potassium) or alkanolammonium salts are preferred. Specific examples of such materials include aminotris (methylenephosphonic Acid) (ATMP), 1-hydroxyvinyl diphosphonic acid (HEDP), and diethylenetriamine penta (methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMP), and their respective sodium or potassium salts. HEDP is preferred. Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

When included, the transition metal ion chelating agent can be present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1 to about 10%, preferably from about 0.1 to about 3% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

Fatty acids

The compositions of the present invention will preferably contain one or more fatty acids and/or salts thereof.

In the context of the present invention, suitable fatty acids include aliphatic carboxylic acids of the formula RCOOH, wherein R is a straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl chain containing from 6 to 24, more preferably from 10 to 22, most preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 double bond.Preferred examples of such materials include saturated C_12-18Fatty acids, such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, or stearic acid; and wherein 50 to 100% (by weight based on the total weight of the mixture) of C is saturated_12-18Fatty acid mixtures of fatty acid compositions. Such mixtures may generally be derived from natural fats and/or optionally hydrogenated natural oils (such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil or tallow).

The fatty acids may be present in the form of their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts and/or in the form of soluble salts of organic bases such as mono-, di-or triethanolamine.

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

When included, the fatty acid and/or salt thereof may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.25 to 5%, more preferably 0.5 to 5%, most preferably 0.75 to 4% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

For the purpose of structural formula explanation, in the formulation, the fatty acid and/or the salt thereof (as defined above) is not included in the content of the surfactant or the content of the builder.

Polymeric cleaning enhancers

To further improve the environmental profile of liquid laundry detergents, it may be preferable in some instances to reduce the volume of laundry detergent dosed per wash load and add a wide variety of highly weight-effective ingredients to the composition to enhance cleaning performance. In addition to the soil release polymers of the invention described above, the compositions of the invention will preferably contain one or more additional polymeric cleaning enhancing agents such as anti-redeposition polymers.

The anti-redeposition polymer stabilizes soils in the wash solution, thereby preventing soil redeposition. Suitable soil release polymers for use in the present invention include alkoxylated polyethyleneimines. The polyethyleneimine being a polyethyleneimine comprising ethyleneimine units-CH₂CH₂NH-, and when branched, the hydrogen on the nitrogen is replaced by an ethyleneimine unit of the other chain. Preferred alkoxylated polyethyleneimines for use in the present invention have a weight average molecular weight (M) of about 300 to about 10000_w) A polyethyleneimine backbone. PolyethyleneThe imine backbone may be linear or branched. It may be branched to the extent that it is a dendrimer. The alkoxylation can generally be ethoxylation or propoxylation, or a mixture of both. When the nitrogen atom is alkoxylated, the preferred average degree of alkoxylation per modification is from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25, alkoxy groups. Preferred materials are ethoxylated polyethyleneimines having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25, ethoxy groups per ethoxylated nitrogen atom in the polyethyleneimine backbone.

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

When included, the compositions of the present invention will preferably comprise from 0.25 to 8%, more preferably from 0.5 to 6% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of one or more antiredeposition polymers, such as for example the alkoxylated polyethyleneimines described above.

Polymeric thickeners

The compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more polymeric thickeners. Suitable polymeric thickeners for use in the present invention include hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) copolymers. Exemplary HASE copolymers for use in the present invention include linear or crosslinked copolymers prepared by polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising at least one acidic vinyl monomer such as (meth) acrylic acid (i.e., methacrylic acid and/or acrylic acid); and at least one associative monomer. In the context of the present invention, the term "associative monomer" refers to a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated moiety (for addition polymerization with other monomers in the mixture) and a hydrophobic moiety. A preferred type of associative monomer includes a polyoxyalkylene moiety between the ethylenically unsaturated moiety and the hydrophobic moiety. Preferred HASE copolymers for use in the present invention include linear or crosslinked copolymers prepared by addition polymerization of (meth) acrylic acid with: (i) at least one associative monomer chosen from linear or branched C₈-C₄₀Alkyl (preferably, straight chain C)₁₂-C₂₂Alkyl) polyethoxylated (meth) acrylates; and (ii) at least one additional monomer selected from C₁-C₄Alkyl (meth) acrylates, polyacid vinyl monomers (e.g. maleic acid, maleic anhydride and/orSalts thereof) and mixtures thereof. The polyethoxylated portion of associative monomer (i) typically comprises from about 5 to about 100, preferably from about 10 to about 80, and more preferably from about 15 to about 60 oxyethylene repeat units.

Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

When included, the compositions of the present invention will preferably comprise from 0.1 to 5% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of one or more polymeric thickeners, such as the HASE copolymers described above.

External structurants

The compositions of the present invention may have their rheology further modified by the use of one or more external structurants which form a structured network within the composition. Examples of such materials include hydrogenated castor oil, microfibrous cellulose and citrus pulp fiber. The presence of an external structurant may provide shear thinning rheology and may also enable materials such as encapsulants or visual cues to be stably suspended in the liquid.

Enzymes

The compositions of the present invention may comprise an effective amount of one or more enzymes selected from the group consisting of: pectate lyase, protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, mannanase and mixtures thereof. The enzyme is preferably present together with a corresponding enzyme stabilizer.

Additional optional ingredients

The compositions of the present invention may contain additional optional ingredients that enhance performance and/or user acceptability. Examples of such ingredients include foam boosters, preservatives (e.g., bactericides), polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-wrinkle agents, antioxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents, ironing aids, colorants, pearlescent and/or opacifying agents, and shading dyes. Each of these ingredients is present in an amount effective to achieve its purpose. Typically, these optional ingredients are individually included in an amount of up to 5 wt% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

Packaging and dosing

The compositions of the present invention may be packaged as unit doses in polymeric films that are soluble in wash water. Alternatively, the compositions of the present invention may be provided in multi-dose plastic packages with top or bottom closures. The dosing metric may be provided as part of the lid or as an integrated system with the package.

The method of laundering fabrics using the compositions of the present invention will often comprise diluting a dose of the detergent composition with water to obtain a wash liquor, and laundering the fabrics with the wash liquor so formed.

The dilution step preferably provides a wash liquor, which particularly comprises from about 3 to about 20 g/wash of detersive surfactant (as further defined above).

In automatic washing machines, a dose of detergent composition is typically placed in a dispenser and is rinsed therefrom into the washing machine by water flowing into the washing machine, thereby forming a wash liquor. Up to about 65 liters of water may be used to form the wash liquor, depending on the machine configuration. The dosage of the detergent composition can be adjusted accordingly to give a suitable wash liquor concentration. For example, the dosage for a typical front loading washing machine (using 10 to 15 liters of water to form the wash liquor) may be in the range of about 10ml to about 60ml, preferably about 15 to 40 ml. The dosage for a typical top loading washing machine (using 40 to 60 litres of water to form the wash liquor) may be higher, for example up to about 100 ml.

A subsequent water rinsing step and drying of the laundry are preferred.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

Examples

Detergent compositions having various ratios of encapsulated fragrance to free fragrance are prepared, e.g., withTABLE 1The ingredients shown. All weight percents are by weight based on the total weight of the formulation, unless otherwise specified.

TABLE 1

⁽¹⁾Citrus pulp fiber

⁽²⁾C_12-15Alcohol ethoxylate (7EO)

⁽³⁾HASE copolymer

⁽⁴⁾Bis- (triazinylamino) -stilbene disulfonic acid derivatives

⁽⁵⁾C_12-14Straight chain alkyl benzene sulfonic acid

⁽⁶⁾Hydrogenated topped coconut fatty acids

⁽⁷⁾1-hydroxyethane-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP)

⁽⁸⁾Ethoxylated polyethyleneimine

⁽⁹⁾Polyester soil release polymers

⁽¹⁰⁾Styrene/acrylate copolymer

Free fragrance (f1) and encapsulated fragrance (f2) are respectivelyTABLE 1The absolute and relative amounts of each formulation of (A) are shown inTABLE 2In (1).

Examples 1 to 3 represent formulations according to the invention. Examples a to F represent comparative examples (not according to the invention).

TABLE 2

Evaluation of

On evaluation by trained sensory panelTABLE 1The flavor profile of each of the formulations.

First, each test formulation was evaluated for fragrance intensity by itself (i.e., prior to use). Then, a 2kg test fabric load (50:50 cotton/polyester split (split)) was machine washed with each test formulation using a 30 ℃ cotton short wash program. The washed test fabrics were evaluated for fragrance intensity during the wet phase (1 hour after removal from the washing machine) and during the dry phase (24 hours after removal from the washing machine).

Results

The results are shown belowTABLE 3In (1).

TABLE 3

These results show that example a, which contained only free fragrance, had little effect on the fragrance intensity of the dried test fabrics. However, the example 1 formulation (according to the invention) provided comparable fragrance intensity to example a for the formulation itself and for the damp test fabric, and significantly better results for the dry test fabric, despite containing a lower level of total fragrance than example a.

Example F contained substantially the same amount of total fragrance as example 2 (according to the invention), but the example 2 formulation performed significantly better in the test on the formulation itself and on the damp test fabric.

Example D contained a similar amount of total fragrance as example 3 (according to the invention). Both formulations gave similar results in the test on the formulation itself, but the example 3 formulation performed significantly better in the test on both wet and dry test fabrics.

All examples 1 to 3 according to the invention show a surprising enhancement in the intensity of the fragrance observed for damp fabrics, compared with examples B to F.

When evaluating the three phases: (i) the formulation prior to use; (ii) damp washed laundry after the washing process; and (iii) dried washed laundry, these results show improved overall sensory effects from the formulations of the present invention.

Claims (8)

1. A liquid laundry detergent composition comprising:

a) from 3 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of one or more detersive surfactants selected from the group consisting of non-soap anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof;

b)0.01 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a fragrance formulation (f1) in the form of free droplets dispersed in the composition;

c)0.01 to 1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a fragrance formulation (f2) embedded within discrete polymeric microparticles dispersed in the composition, wherein the polymeric microparticles are polymeric core-shell microcapsules, wherein at least one substantially spherical continuous shell of polymeric material surrounds a core containing the fragrance formulation (f 2);

wherein the total amount of fragrance formulation (f1) and fragrance formulation (f2) is in the range of 0.6 to 0.9% by weight based on the total weight of the composition;

and wherein the weight ratio of fragrance formulation (f1) to fragrance formulation (f2) in the composition is in the range of 40:60 to 60:40, wherein the polymeric core-shell microcapsule is an aminoplast microcapsule having an aminoplast shell surrounding a core comprising the fragrance formulation (f 2); wherein the deposition aid is attached to the exterior of the shell using covalent bonding.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the fragrant formulation (f1) and the fragrant formulation (f2) each comprise a mixture of at least 10 fragrant components selected from: a hydrocarbon; aliphatic and araliphatic alcohols; aliphatic aldehydes and acetals thereof; aliphatic carboxylic acids and esters thereof; an acyclic terpene alcohol; cyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones; cyclic and cycloaliphatic ethers; esters of cyclic alcohols; araliphatic ethers and acetals thereof; aromatic and araliphatic aldehydes and ketones; and aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acids and esters thereof.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid is an ester of an araliphatic alcohol and an aliphatic carboxylic acid.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of fragrance agent (f1) is in the range of 0.1 to 0.75% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of fragrance agent (f2) is in the range of 0.05 to 0.7% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the weight ratio of fragrance formulation (f1) to fragrance formulation (f2) is in the range of 60:40 to 45: 55.

7. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the amount of detersive surfactant is from 6 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

8. A method of laundering fabrics with a composition according to any of claims 1 to 7, said method comprising diluting a dose of said composition to obtain a wash liquor, and laundering fabrics with the wash liquor so formed.