GB1047875A - Detergent compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

An aqueous liquid detergent comprising from 5-45% of an alkaline builder, from 0.5-10% of a low foam non-ionic surfactant, and from 0.5-10% of a hydrotrope. Hydrotropes specified are those having the formula R(CH2.CH2O)xY, wherein R is the phenoxy group, a methyl-phenoxy group or a dimethyl phenoxy group, x is an integer and Y represents a terminal atom or group, the average number of -CH2CH2O-groups being from 2 to about 10, at least 85% of the said terminal Y atoms or groups being primary phosphate radicals which are present in sodium, potassium, ammonium or low molecular weight amine salt form, the balance of the terminal Y atoms or groups being secondary or tertiary phosphate or complex polyphosphate groups or hydrogen atoms. Low foaming non-ionic surfactants are terminated polyethylene oxide adducts of formula R(CH2.CH2O)xR1, wherein R is derived from an alkylphenol, a long chain alcohol, an alkylamine, or other active hydrogen compounds, x is 4-100 and R1 is a terminating hydrotrope such as lower alkyl, chloro, benzyl, polypropylene oxide or alkyl acetal group. Suitable alkaline builders specified are sodium or potassium polyphosphates, pyrophosphates, orthophosphates, hydroxides, silicates and carbonates and sodium and potassium salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediamine tetracetic acid and gluconic acid.