GB2194956A - Stable liquid detergent compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Heavy-duty liquid detergents containing sulfonate and alcohol ethoxylate sulfate anionic surfactants, ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, saturated fatty acid, citrate and tartrate succinate builders, a neutralization system comprising sodium ions and, preferably, a low level of alkanolamine, and a stabilizing system comprising propylene glycol, water and, preferably, hydrotrope or alkenyl succinate material. The compositions are isotropic liquids providing detergency and chlorine bleach compatibility.

Description

SPECIFICATION Stable liquid detergent compositions The present invention relates to heavy-duty liquid detergent compositions containing sulfonate surfactant, alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactant, ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, saturated, fatty acid, citrate and tartrate succinate builders, a neutralization system comprising sodium ions and, preferably, a low level of alkanolamine, and a stabilizing system comprising propylene glycol, water and, preferably, hydrotrope or alkenyl succinate material. The compositions are isotropic liquids providing a high level of detergency performance and good chlorine bleach compatibility.

There has been considerable demand for liquid detergents capable of providing superior cleaning under a wide variety of laundering conditions. Such compositions generally require a number of ingredients which tend to separate into discrete phases. Isotropic liquid detergents are desired for both consistency of performance and aesthetic reasons. The compositions herein are isotropic as made (e.g., at about 70"F (21.1"C), and preferably remain isotropic during shipping and storage, where temperatures of 55"F (12.8"C) or lower are often encountered. They preferably are also formulated to recover, after freezing and thawing, to an isotropic phase prior to consumer use.

Liquid detergents often contain high levels of alkanolamines to enhance performance and product stability. However, alkanolamines readily react with and destroy chlorine bleaches. Consumers who add chlorine bleaches to wash solutions containing alkanolamine-based detergents consequently do. not obtain optimum bleaching performance. Thus, there is a continuing need for the development of a liquid detergent capable of providing superior cleaning, bleach compatibility and product stability.

Background Art U.S. Patent 4,561,998, Wertz et al, issued December 31, 1985, discloses detergent compositions containing anionic surfactants, quaternary ammonium, amine or amine oxide surfactants, and fatty acids, and formulated to provide a near-neutral wash pH. The compositions are preferably liquid detergents which additionally contain ethoxylated nonionic surfactants and polycarboxylate builders.

U.S. Patent 4,285,841, Barrat et al, issued August 25, 1981, discloses liquid detergents containing anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and from about 8% to about 20% by weight of a fatty acid. The compositions have a pH of from about 6.0 to about 7.5.

U.S. Patent 4,287,082, Tolfo et al, issued September 1, 1981, discloses liquid detergents containing saturated fatty acids, enzymes, enzyme-accessible calcium and short-chain carboxylic acid salts, preferably formates.

U.S. Patent 4,507,219, Hughes, issued March 26, 1985, discloses heavy-duty liquid detergents containing sulfonate and alcohol ethoxylate sulfate anionic surfactants, ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, optional quaternary ammonium, amine or amine oxide surfactants, saturated fatty acid, polycarboxylate builder, a neutralization system comprising sodium, .potassium and, preferably, low levels of alkanolamines, and a solvent system comprising ethanol, polyol and water.

The compositions are isotropic liquids providing a high level of detergency performance and improved chlorine bleach compatibility.

Summary of the Invention The present invention encompasses a heavy-duty liquid detergent composition comprising, by weight: (a) from about 5% to about 15%, on an acid basis, of a sulfonate surfactant containing a C10-C16 alkyl or alkenyl group; (b) from about 8% to about 18to, on an acid basis, of an alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactant of the formula RO(C2H40)mS03M, wherein R is a C,0-C,6 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, m averages from about 0.5 to about 4, and M is a compatible cation; (c) from about 0.5% to about 7% of an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant of the formula R1(OC2H4)nOH, wherein R' is a C1O-C16 alkyl group or a C8-Ct2 alkyl phenyl group, n averages from about 3 to about 9, and said nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 10 to about 13;; (d) from about 1% to about 8% of a C,0-Cl4 saturated fatty acid, the weight ratio of C10-C,2 fatty acid to C,4 fatty acid being at least 1; (e) from about 1% to about 7%, on an acid basis, of a citrate builder material; (f) from about 2% to about 8%, on an acid basis, of a tartrate succinate builder material selected from the group consisting of:

wherein X is a salt-forming cation;

wherein X is a salt-forming cation; and (iii) mixtures thereof; (g) from about 0 to about 0.04 moles per 100 grams of composition of an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine; (h) sodium ions; (i) from 0% to about 8% of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of the watersoluble salts of toluene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof, or a C,2-C,4 alkenyl succinic acid or salt thereof, or mixtures thereof; (j) from about 2% to about 20% of propylene glycol; and (k) from about 25% to about 60% water; said composition containing from about 15% to about 30% of (a), (b) and (c); from about 5% to about 12% of (e) and (fl; from about 8% to about 20% of (d), (e) and (f); from about 25% to about 50% of (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f); from about 4% to about 12% of (d) and (i); from about 3% to about 25% of (i) and (j); and from about 35% to about 68% of (i), (j) and (k); the weight ratio of (a) to (b) being from about 0.3 to about 1.7; the weight ratio of (e) plus (f) to (d) being at least about 1; and all of said components being selected to provide an isotropic liquid at 70"F (21.1"C) having an initial pH of from about 7.5 to about 9.0 at a concentration of about 10% by weight in water at 68"F (20 C).

Detailed Description of the Invention The liquid detergents of the present invention contain sulfonate and alcohol ethoxylate sulfate anionic surfactants, ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, saturated fatty acid, citrate and tartrate succinate builders, a neutralization system comprising sodium ions and, preferably, a low level of alkanolamine, and a stabilizing system comprising propylene glycol, water and, preferably, hydrotrope or alkenyl succinate material.

The compositions herein are formulated to provide a high level of detergency performance under a wide variety of laundering conditions. They also provide good chlorine bleach compatibility due to the limited amount of alkanolamine. Since the compositions contain a relatively high level of active components and little or no alkanolamine to enhance product stability, the types, levels and ratios of the components must be carefully balanced to provide isotropic liquids as made, and preferably at temperatures as low as 55"F (12.8"C). Preferred compositions herein are isotropic liquids at 50"F (10"C). They preferably also recover, after freezing and thawing, to an isotropic form by 55 F (12.8"C), more preferably by 50"F (10"C).

In order to meet these stability constraints, the present compositions require a neutralization system comprising sodium ions, and, optionally, potassium ions. Complete sodium neutralization may be used, but all potassium neutralization results in an unacceptably high gel point. The total level of organic and inorganic bases must also be selected to provide a sufficiently high product pH to obtain a wash pH desired for detergency performance and to minimize the level of poorlysoluble free fatty acids, without the pH being so high that pH sensitive stain removal and enzyme stability are compromised.

The compositions also require a stabilizing system comprising propylene glycol and water, and, preferably, a hydrotrope or alkenyl succinate material with low levels of fatty acid. The amount of propylene glycol, water and hydrotrope or succinate material must also be sufficient to prevent organic phase separation (i.e., keep free fatty acids and poorly-soluble surfactants in solution).

Sulfonate Surfactant The detergent compositions herein contain from about 5% to about 15%, preferably from about 6% to about 10%, by weight (on an acid basis) of an anionic sulfonate surfactant containing a Cro-CtÔ alkyl or alkenyl group. Anionic sulfonic surfactants useful herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,285,841, Barrat et al, issued August 25, 1981, and in U.S. Patent 3,919,678, Laughlin et al, issued December 30, 1975, both incorporated herein by reference.

Preferred sulfonate surfactants are the water-soluble salts, particularly the alkali metal, and alkanolammonium (e.g., monoethanolammonium or triethanolammonium) salts of alkylbenzene sulfonates in which the alkyl group -contains from about 10 to about 15 carbon atoms, in straight chain or branched chain configuration, e.g., those of the type described in U. S. Patents 2,220,099 and 2,477,383, incorporated herein by reference. Especially. valuable are linear straight chain alkylbenzene sulfonates in which the average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is from about 11 to about 13.

Also useful herein are water-soluble salts of paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, esters of a-sulfonated fatty acids containing from about 1 to 10 carbon atoms in the ester group, 2-acyloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates containing from about 2 to 9 carbon atoms in the acyl group, and fi-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates containing from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl group.

Mixtures of the above-described sulfonates, particularly with the C11 ,3 linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, can also be used.

Alcohol Ethoxylate Sulfate Surfactant The present compositions also contain an alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactant of the formula RO(C2H40)mS03M, wherein R is a C,0-C,6 alkyl (preferred) or hydroxyalkyl group, m averages from about 0.5 to about 4, and M is a compatible cation. This surfactant represents from about 8% to about 18%, preferably from about 9% to about 14%, by weight (on an acid basis) of the composition.

Preferred alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactants of the above formula are those wherein the R substituent is a C,2,5 alkyl group and m is from about 1.5 to about 3. Examples of such materials are C,2 ,5 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfate (C,2 ,5 E225S); C,4 ,5E225S; C1213E1.5$; C14 l5E3S; and mixtures thereof. The sodium, potassium, monoethanolammonium, and triethanolammonium salts of the above are preferred.

Ethoxylated Nonionic Surfactant The compositions also contain from about 0.5% to about 7%, preferably from about 1% to about 5%, by weight of an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant of the formula Rl(OC2H4)nOH, wherein R1 is a C,0-C,6 alkyl group or a C8-C,2 alkyl phenyl group, n averages from about 3 to about 9, and said nonionic surfactant has an HLB (hydrophile-lipophile balance) of from about 10 to about 13. These surfactants are more fully described in U.S. Patents 4,285,841, Barrat et al, issued August 25, 1981, and 4,284,532, Leikhim et al, issued August 18, 1981, both incorporated herein by reference.Particularly preferred are condensation products of C,2-C,4 alcohols with from about 3 to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, e.g., C,2-C13 alcohol condensed with about 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

Optional Cosurfactant The compositions herein can contain from 0% to about 596, preferably from about 0.34/0 to about 3%, by weight of a cosurfactant selected from the quaternary ammonium, amine, and amine oxide surfactants defined in the above cited U.S. Patent 4,507,219, Hughes, incorporated herein by reference.

Of the above, the C,0-C14 alkyl trimethylammonium salts are preferred, e.g., decyl trimethylammonium methylsulfate, lauryl trimethylammonium chloride, myristyl trimethylammonium bromide and coconut trimethylammonium chloride and methylsulfate.

Fatty Acid The compositions of the present invention contain from about 1 % to about 8%, preferably from about 2% to about 6%, most preferably from about 3% to about 5%, by weight of a saturated fatty acid containing from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms. In addition, the weight ratio of C10-C,2 fatty acid to C,4 fatty acid should be at least 1, preferably at least 1.5, more preferably at least about 2.5.

Suitable saturated fatty acids can be obtained from natural sources such as plant or animal esters (e.g., palm kernel oil, palm oil and coconut oil) or synthetically prepared (e.g., via the oxidation of petroleum or by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide via the Fisher-Tropsch process).

Examples of suitable saturated fatty acids for use in the compositions of this invention include capric, lauric, myristic, coconut and palm kernel fatty acid. Preferred are saturated coconut fatty acids, from about 5:1 to 1:1 (preferably about 3:1) weight ratio mixtures of lauric and myristic acid, mixtures of the above with minor amounts (e.g., 10%-50% of total fatty acid) of oleic acid; and palm kernel fatty acid.

Citrate Builder The compositions further contain from about 1% to about 7%, preferably from about 2% to about 5%, by weight on an acid- basis, of a citrate (preferably in the form of an alkali metal or alkanolammonium salt) builder material. This material is generally added to the compositions herein as citric acid, but can be added in the form of a fully neutralized salt.

Tartrate Succinate Builder The compositions also contain from about 2% to about 8%, preferably from about 3% to about 6%, by weight on an acid basis, of a tartrate succinate builder material selected from the group consisting of:

wherein X is a salt-forming cation;

wherein X is a salt-forming cation; and (iii) mixtures thereof.

The tartrate succinate compounds used herein may be generically classified as "ether carboxyl ates. These include tartrate monosuccinates having the structural formula:

wherein each X is a salt-forming cation (hereinafter designated as "TMS".) The tartrate monosuccinate component can be added to the compositions herein in its free acid form, i.e., wherein X in the structural formula is H. Alternatively, and preferably, this material may be added as a partially or fully neutralized tartrate monosuccinate salt. Preferred salt-forming cations useful in forming the neutralized materials are those which yield substantially water-soluble salts of tartrate monosuccinic acid. Examples of such preferred salt-forming cations include alkali metal, e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, C,-C4 alkyl substituted ammonium and C,-C4 alkanolamine.The most preferred salt-forming cations are sodium, potassium, monoethanolamine and triethanolamine.

The second ether carboxylate composition which can be used in this invention is a tartrate disuccinate having the structural formula:

wherein each X is a salt-forming cation (hereinafter designated as "TDS".) As with the TMS component, the TDS component can be added to the compositions herein in either its free acid form or in its partially or fully neutralized form. Neutralizing cations are likewise those which provide TDS in the form of its substantially water-soluble salt. Examples of suitable salt-forming cations include the same cations hereinbefore described for formation of the tartrate monosuccinate material.

Mixtures of TMS and TDS can also be used; indeed, mixtures are generally obtained in the method of manufacture disclosed hereinafter. Typically, such mixtures comprise TMS:TDS in ratios ranging from 97:3 to 20:80. Preferred ratios TMS:TDS are 95:5 to 40:60. These are used at the same levels as mentioned above for the single components to provide the builder compositions of this invention.

The TMS and TDS compounds used in the practice of this invention are not believed to be described in the literature, so their preparation will be described in detail.

The first step of the preparation process herein involves the formation of an aqueous reaction mixture containing particular amounts of a maleate reactant comprising both monovalent cation and calcium salts of maleic acid and a tartrate reactant comprising both monovalent cation and calcium salts of tartaric acid. The total amount of maleate plus tartrate reactants in the reaction mixture will generally range from about 20% to 60% by weight of the mixture, more preferably from about 40% to 55% by weight. Materials which yield these reactants in solution can be dissolved in water to form the reaction mixture used in this process.

Usually both the maleate and tartrate reactants in requisite mixed salt form and amounts can be generated in the reaction mixture in situ. This can be done by combining in aqueous solution certain amounts of maleic acid or maleic anhydride, tartaric acid, a source of calcium cations and, as a neutralizing agent, an hydroxide of a monovalent cation in certain amounts. The molar ratio of maleic acid to tartaric acid in such solutions will generally range from about 0.5:1 to 8:1, more preferably from about 0.9:1 to 1.2:1. The ratio of maleic and tartaric acids which is used will depend upon the relative amounts of tartrate monosuccinate and tartrate disuccinate desired in the builder composition to be prepared.

A source of calcium cations, which acts as a catalyst for the tartrate succinate-forming reaction, is generally added to such aqueous solutions in an amount such that the ratio of calcium cations to tartaric acid ranges from about 0.1:1 to about 2.0:1, more preferably from about 0.8:1 to 1.5:1. However, within this ratio range, the amount of calcium added should be such that the ratio of moles of calcium cations to total moles of maleic and tartaric acids in solution is less than 1. Any compound which yields calcium cations in solution can be employed as the calcium cation source. Such compounds include calcium hydroxide and water-soluble calcium salts. Calcium hydroxide is highly preferred since it acts as both a calcium cation source and a neutralizing agent.

An hydroxide of a monovalent cation is also essentially added to the reactant mixture as a neutralizing agent. This neutralizing agent is usually added in an amount such that the ratio of moles of monovalent cations to total moles of tartaric acid plus the moles of maleic acid minus the moles of calcium cations ranges from about 2.1:1 to about 3.8:1. More preferably this ratio ranges from about 2.2:1 to about 3:1. The monovalent cation-containing neutralizing agent can be any hydroxide which upon addition to water yields monovalent neutralizing cations in solution: Such neutralizing agents include, for example, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is highly preferred.

Enough neutralizing base (e.g. calcium hydroxide and monovalent cation hydroxide) should be added to the reaction mixture to ensure that the reaction mixture is over-neutralized. Thus the reaction mixtures of this invention will generally have a pH within the range of from about 8.5 to 13, more preferably from about 9.5 to 12.5.

In forming the reaction mixture of the present process, it is possible to employ precursors of the essential reaction mixture components. Precursors of the tartrate and maleate mixed salt reactants in solution can take a variety of forms. For example, tartaric acid in either its D-, Lor DL- stereoisomer form is suitable for use as the precursor of the tartrate reactant. It is also possible to generate tartaric acid in situ by reaction of maleic acid and hydrogen peroxide using, for example, a tungstate catalyst. The maleate reactant can be derived from maleic acid. Maleic acid itself can be formed in aqueous solution by the addition of maleic anhydride to water.

It is, of course, also possible to form the reaction mixture used in the process herein by adding the tartrate and maleate reactants in their appropriate salt forms to water and to thereby prepare the reaction mixture without the step of in situ neutralization. If the reaction mixture is formed in this manner, amounts of the tartrate, maleate and calcium materials, as well as added neutralizing agents, should be selected so that the resulting solution corresponds in composition to the hereinbefore described reaction mixtures formed by in situ generation of the essential reaction mixture components.

As indicated hereinbefore, the preferred process of the present invention employing reactant molar ratios of maleate to tartrate within the range of 0.9:1 to 1.2:1 is especially advantageous from the reactant conversion and reaction kinetics standpoint. At reactant ratios within this range, total reactant conversion levels as high as 84% can be realized in comparison with the much lower conversion percentages reported for preparation of such materials as oxydisuccinate using a maleic anhydride reactant. Without being bound by theory, the improved conversion percentages which can be realized using the preferred process embodiments of the present reaction may be in part due to the inherently greater stability of TMS in the reaction mixture in comparison with oxydisuccinate (ODS) under similar conditions.TMS under conditions used for its formation does not appear to decompose as readily as oxydisuccinate to unreactive byproducts such as fumarate, thereby enhancing both TMS formation and subsequent TDS formation from TMS. It should also be noted that irrespective of conversion percentage, production of TMS/TDS mixtures in general can be realized in a relatively short reaction time compared with the extended reaction times which are reported to be required for preparation of other ether carboxylates such as oxydisuccinate.

It should also be noted that use of the hereinbefore described particular amounts of the calcium cation source is likewise believed to play a role in realizing the improved conversion levels achieved with the process of the present invention. In direct contrast to prior art teaching regarding ether carboxylate preparation (See, for example, U.S. Patent 3,635,830), the amount of calcium in the reaction mixture of the present process should be kept within the hereinbefore described concentration limits in order to avoid formation of a large amount of insoluble or sparingly soluble calcium salts of the maleate and tartrate reactants. Utilization of these reactants in their soluble, mixed salt, e.g. sodium/calcium, form may facilitate the kinetics of the ether carboxylate-forming reaction and accordingly improve product yield.

After the aqueous reaction mixture hereinbefore described has been formed by combining the separate reactants and catalyst, or precursors thereof, in the required concentrations, the TMS/TDS composition forming reaction is carried out by maintaining the aqueous reaction mixture at a temperature of from about 20 C to 120 C, preferably from about 50"C to 80"C, for a period of time sufficient to form a reaction product mixture which contains the desired amounts of the tartrate monosuccinate and tartrate disuccinate compounds of the compositions herein. Reaction times of from about 0.5 to 10 hours, more preferably from about 1 to 4 hours will generally be suitable for realizing acceptable yields of the compounds used in the builder compositions herein.

Since the TMS/TDS are to be used as detergent builders, it is especially important that such compositions contain especially low levels of alkaline earth metals such as calcium. The builder compositions of this invention should generally contain no more than about 10 mole percent of calcium based on the total moles of TMS and TDS present.

After the ether carboxylate-forming reaction has been completed to the desired extent, the calcium content of the aqueous reaction must be reduced. Removal of calcium to effect this reduction can be carried out in a number of ways known in the art. Frequently, calcium can be removed from the product mixture by adding thereto a calcium precipitating material having a greater affinity for reaction with calcium than do the tartrate monosuccinate and tartrate disuccinate reaction products. Such materials can include, for example, precipitating chelating agents such as ethanehydroxydiphosphonic acid, or salts thereof (EHDP), or calcium precipitating materials such as alkali metal carbonate, pyrophosphate, bicarbonate and/or alkali metal silicate.

The resulting calcium precipitate can thereafter be removed from the aqueous reaction product mixture by filtration. An alternate means for removing calcium from the aqueous reaction product mixture involves treatment of the reaction product mixture with an appropriate insoluble ion exchange resin. No matter what technique is employed, calcium content of the aqueous reaction mixture should be reduced to the extent that the ratio of moles of calcium to total moles of tartrate monosuccinate and tartrate disuccinate is less than about 1:10 preferably less than about 1:20.

Preferably, in addition to such calcium reduction processing, the reaction product mixture of the present process may also optionally be treated to remove excess reactants or reaction byproducts such as maleates, malates, tartrates and fumarates. This can be accomplished by conventional salt separation procedures using a solvent such as methanol in which these excess reactants and reaction by-products are relatively soluble and in which the desired tartrate monosuccinate and tartrate disuccinate are relatively insoluble.

After the calcium content of the aqueous reaction product mixture has been reduced to the requisite levels, and, if desired, after excess reactants and reaction by-products. have been removed, the reaction product mixture may be concentrated by a removal of water to the desired extent. Water removal may, for example, involve substantially complete drying of the reaction product mixture, e.g., by spray drying, so that the TMS/TDS mixture is recovered in solid, e.g., granular, form. Alternatively, the TMS/TDS mixture in the form of an aqueous liquid may be utilized directly in the preparation of builder, detergent compositions or laundry additive products of the types more fully described hereinafter.

After reduction of the calcium content in the reaction product mixture, it is possible, if desired, to acidify the product mixture using conventional acidification or ion exchange techniques to convert the TMS/TDS products therein to their free acid form. Normally, however, the tartrate monosuccinate and tartrate disuccinate materials can be used as builders in their water-soluble salt form, and such acidification is therefore not usually necessary or desirable.

It is also possible, if desired, to separate the individual components of the resulting builder mixture and recover such compounds as substantially pure TMS and TDS materials. Such component separation can be effected, for example, using conventional liquid chromatographic techniques. For use in some types of detergent compositions, it may be desirable to use either TMS or TDS as substantially pure materials. More frequently, however, recovery of the individual TMS and TDS components as substantially pure materials is neither necessary nor particularly advantageous.

Reaction Sequence I In this sequence, a mixture of tartrate monosuccinate (TMS) and tartrate disuccinate (TDS) is prepared by a procedure which involves the reaction of maleate salts and tartrate salts. In such a procedure, maleic anhydride (2205g, 22.5 moles) is heated in 20009 of distilled water until dissolved. The resultant solution of maleic acid is cooled to 85 t 5"C and 22509 L-(+)-tartaric acid (15.0 moles) is added with stirring at 85 + 5"C until a homogeneous clear acid solution is obtained.

Separately, 111 1g of calcium hydroxide (15.0 moles) is slowly added to a mixture of 44409 of 50% sodium hydroxide solution (55.5 moles) and 10009 distilled water while stirring at a moderate rate such that only a small fraction of unwetted calcium hydroxide is upon the surface of the solution at a time. Stirring is continued until an essentially uniform base mixture is obtained.

The base mixture is then added at a uniform rate over 0.5 hour to the moderately stirred acid solution which is at 70-85"C. The resulting reaction mixture is cooled with warm (ca. 60"C) water in order to maintain a reaction temperature of 90 + 5"C most of the time. The reaction mixture may, however, boil briefly from time to time. The object is to prevent major losses of water vapor and also to limit the amount of insoluble salt which crystallizes upon the cool reaction vessel walls.As the last 10% of base is added, the reaction temperature is held at 85"C. The reaction mixture is quickly weighed and brought to 13,020g, i.e., 50% active, with 2009 of distilled water. (Active is defined here as total weight of organics taken as their sodium salts i.e., sodium maleate and sodium tartrate or 160x22.5 moles+194x15.0 moles=6510g.) The reaction mixture is immediately heated with steam, stirred moderately in a covered reactor, and a 0.409 sample taken with time arbitrarily set at zero. The reaction mixture, which is a white suspension, is brought to 90-1000C within 10 minutes. Within 15 to 20 minutes of time zero, the reaction mixture clears.Samples (0.40 + 0.04g) of the reaction solution are taken every half hour to be dissolved in 100 ml 0.1N sulfuric acid solution and immediately submitted for high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis in order to monitor the course of the reaction.

The results of HPLC analysis of the 1.5 hour sample indicate that the reaction is to be quenched at the 2.0 hour point. Quenching consists of cooling the reaction product mixture to 50"C within 10 minutes. The homogeneous, almost colorless quenched reaction product solution is reweighed and is made up again to 13,0209 with 3279 of distilled water to give a reaction product solution containing 50% active.

HPLC analysis indicates that the composition of the organic portion of the reaction product solution is 11.1% tartrate, 1.7% malate, 12.6% maleate, 10.9% fumarate, 35.0% peak 2A, 19.6% peak 2B, 3.3% peak 3A, and 5.9% peak 3B. Peaks 2A and 2B are isomers of sodium tartrate monosuccinate (TMS) and peaks 3A and 3B are isomers of sodium tartrate disuccinate (TDS). Therefore, the HPLC estimated yield of TMS+TDS based upon all peak areas is 63.7%.

The approximate weight ratio of TMS:TDS is 86:14. All yields are based upon HPLC refractive index raw data, i.e., are not corrected to mole%. Calculated yield of this reaction based on tartrate is 4,1399.

A second reaction product batch of the same size is made using similar procedures. HPLC analysis indicates that the composition of this second reaction product solution is 9.8% tartrate, 1.7% malate, 12.4% maleate, 10.1% fumarate, 35.0% peak 2A, 18.10/0 peak 2B, 5.1% peak 3A, and 7.9% peak 3B. Again peaks 2A and 2B are isomers of sodium tartrate monosuccinate (TMS) and peaks 3A and 3B are isomers of sodium tartrate disuccinate (TDS). Therefore, the HPLC-estimated yield of TMS+TDS based upon all peak areas is 66.1%. The approximate weight ratio of TMS:TDS is 80:20. Yield is 44009 based on calculations.

Both reaction product batches are combined to give 26,0409 of solution which is calculated to contain 85399 of TMS/TDS and 30 moles of calcium ion. This solution is then diluted with 26,0409 of water. While this solution is at 26"C and stirred vigorously, a 28% solution of 75009 (30 mole) of ethanehydroxydiphosphonate disodium salt dissolved in 18,7509 of water is added followed by 3178g of 50% sodium hydroxide solution to give a pH of 10.5. Stirring is continued for 18 hours; the final pH is eleven. The resulting precipitate (EHDP-calcium complex) is then removed by filtration using suction filtration equipment with a paper filter, and the filtrate is washed with 4 liters of water. The resulting supernatant, 56 liters, is filtered again through a glass frit to remove any remaining fine particles.This clear solution is then evaporated in a steam heated vat with a compressed air stream blown above the surface to give a solution of 32,5509.

This solution is then poured into 80 liters of vigorously stirred methanol. This is done to help separate the less soluble TMS and TDS from the more soluble maleic and fumaric acid salts.

The stirring is continued for 15 minutes followed by a 1/2 hour settling period. Then the liquid is decanted from the gummy solid by siphon. This solid is dissolved in 13,5009 of distilled water to give 26,6859 of solution which is then poured into 68 liters of methanol, essentially repeating the above. The resulting solid is dissolved in 6 liters of distilled water (pH=8.4), and the vat is heated with steam. Methanol is removed with a stream of nitrogen directed on the surface of the solution which is well stirred. This is continued until 'H-NMR analysis indicates that the methanol is removed. The resulting solution is 16,3809. To reduce viscosity, 2 liters of water are added, and the mixture is filtered to give 18,8879 of solution.This solution is analyzed and found to have the following composition by high pressure liquid chromatography using a refractive index detector: 43.6% TMS/TDS (8,2359 or 96.4% recovery by workup), 2.1% tartrate, 0.5% malate, 0.9% maleate, and 1.1% fumarate. The TMS/TDS ratio is 78.2:21.8. The calcium ion level of the solution-is 0.048 weight % as determined by atomic absorption.

Reaction Sequence II A TMS/TDS reaction product mixture is prepared using procedures similar to those set forth in Reaction Sequence I except that the reactants used to form the reaction mixture are maleic anhydride, tartaric acid, sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide in a 1.3:1.0:3.93:0.5 molar ratio. The resulting reaction product mixture is determined by high pressure liquid chromatography to contain 17.2% tartrate, 1.5% malate, 9.9% maleate, 10.3% fumarate, TMS (2A 36.2%, 2B 13.4%) and TDS 3A 5.3%, 3B 6.1%). The rest of the sample is a mixture of water and calcium salts.

Calcium is then removed from this mixture by a precipitation procedure using a combination of carbonate salts. In such a procedure 26.5 grams of sodium carbonate and 21.0 grams of sodium bicarbonate (0.25 mole of each salt) are dissolved in 204 grams of water. This solution is then added to 250 grams of the above-described reaction product mixture which contains 0.125 moles of calcium. The resulting mixture is placed in a 1 liter flask equipped with a thermometer and stirrer. This mixture is then heated to 80 C and stirred for 3 hours. After cooling to 250C while stirring is continued, this mixture is filtered through a sintered glass filter.

The resulting filter cake is washed with 20ml of water twice. The filtrate is adjusted to a weight of 1000 grams with the addition of water and then is analyzed. The filtrate is found to contain tartrate-1 .48%; malate0.14%; maleate--1.02%; fumarate-O.83%; TMS-(2A 3.3%, 2B 1.3%); TDS-(3A 0.5%, 3B 0.5%); and calcium-0.009%. The maleate and fumarate salts are then removed using a methanol precipitation procedure as in Reaction Sequence I.

Neutralization System The present compositions can contain from about 0 to about 0.04 moles, preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.035 moles, more preferably from about 0.015 to about 0.03 moles, per 100 grams of composition of an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof. Low levels of the alkanolamines, particularly monoethanolamine, are preferred to enhance product stability, detergency performance, and odor. However, the amount of alkanolamine should be minimized for best chlorine bleach compatibility.

In addition, the compositions contain sodium ions, and preferably potassium ions, at a level sufficient to neutralize the anionic species and provide the desired product pH.

Stabilizing System The stabilizing system for the compositions is comprised of propylene glycol, water and an optional hydrotrope or alkenyl succinate material.

The propylene glycol (1,2-propane diol is particularly preferred) represents from about 2% to about 20%, preferably from about 4% to about 18%, by weight of the composition.

The compositions also contain from about 25% to about 60%, preferably from about 40% to about 55%, by weight of water.

Finally, the compositions herein contain from 0% to about 8%, preferably from about 2% to about 5%, by weight of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of the water-soluble salts of toluene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof. Salts of cumene sulfonate (especially the sodium salt) are preferred.

The compositions also contain from 0% to about 8%, preferably from 0% to about 5%, by weight of a C,2-C 4 alkenyl succinic acid or salt thereof. These materials are of the general formual R-CH(COOX)CH2(COOX), wherein R is a C,2-C,4 alkenyl group and each X is H or a suitable cation, such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or alkanolammonium (e.g., mono-, di-, or tri-ethanolammonium). Specific examples are 2-dodecenyl succinate (preferred) and 2-tetradecenyl succinate.

The hydrotrope and succinate material together represent from 0 to about 8%, preferably from about 2% to about 5% of the composition.

In addition to the above, the fatty acid and hydrotrope or succinate material together should represent from about 4% to about 12%, preferably from about 5% to about 12%, more preferably from about 6% to about 10%, by weight of the composition. Compositions containing less than about 5% of fatty acid require the hydrotrope or succinate material for adequate stability. Higher levels of fatty acid within the specified ranges appear to modify the cloud point of the anionics in the composition in such a way that the reduced level of hydrotrope or succinate, or no hydrotrope or succinate, is required.

In addition, the propylene glycol and hydrotrope or succinate represent from about 3% to about 25%, preferably from about 3% to about 20%, more preferably about 6% to about 18%, and the propylene glycol, hydrotrope or succinate and water represent from about 35% to about 68%, preferably from about 35% to about 63%, more preferably about 45% to about 60%, by weight of the composition.

The compositions of the present invention are further constrained by the following limits, in which all percentages and ratios are calculated on an acid basics where anionic materials are involved. The sulfonate, alcohol ethoxylate sulfate, and ethoxylated nonionic surfactants, together, represent from about 15% to about 30%, preferably from about 18% to about 25%, by weight of the composition. The weight ratio of the sulfonate surfactant to the alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactant should also be from about 0.3 to about 1.7, preferably from about 0.6 to about 1.

The citrate and tartrate succinate builders together represent from about 5% to about 12% by weight of the composition, and the weight ratio of these builders to fatty acid should be at least about 1, preferably at least about 1.5. In addition, the fatty acid and citrate and tartrate succinate builders together represent from about 8% to about 20%, preferably from about 10% to about 15%, by weight of the composition. In addition, the above fatty acid, builders and surfactants represent a total of from about 25% to about 50%, preferably from about 30% to about 40%, by weight of the composition.

Finally, all of the above components are selected to provide an isotropic liquid detergent at 70"F (21.1"C), preferably at 55"F (12.8"C), more preferably at 50"F (10"C). The components are also selected to provide an initial pH of from about 7.5 to about 9.0, preferably from about 7.8 to about 8.8, at a concentration of 10% by weight in water at 68"F (20"C).

Optional Components Optional components for use in the liquid detergents herein include other surfactants and builders, enzymes, enzyme stabilizing agents, polyacids, soil removal agents, antiredeposition agents, suds regulants, other hydrotropes, opacifiers, antioxidants, bactericides, dyes, perfumes, and brighteners such as those described in the U.S. Patent 4,285,841, Barrat et al, issued August 25, 1981, incorporated herein by reference, and in the previously incorporated U.S.

Patent 4,507,219 to Hughes. Such optional components generally represent less than about 15%, preferably from about 2% to about 10%, by weight of the composition.

The compositions herein can contain up to about 5% of ethanol as an additional solubilizing agent. However, the compositions do not require ethanol for phase stability, and preferably contain little or no ethanol (e.g., less than about 1 % by weight) for best product odor.

The following examples illustrate the compositions of the present invention.

All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE I The following composition is prepared by adding the components to a mixing tank in the order listed with continuous mixing. (Components in parentheses are added only as part of a premix containing other components.) Actual Wt. Wt.% in Components Assay1 Added (lb) Product C14-15 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfonic acid 26.44 836.5 10.25 (Sodium cumene sulfonate) -- -- 3.28 C13 linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 96.00 167.5 7.45 Sodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate 41.00 14.6 '0.28 1,2-Propanediol 100.00 101.0 4.68 Monoethanolamine 100.00 18.2 1.863 Potassium hydroxide 45.00 17.6 0.36 (Sodium hydroxide) -- - C12-14 fatty acid 100.00 71.7 3.32 Citric Acid 50.00 156.0 4.633 Sodium formate 30.00 58.0 0.81 Calcium formate 10,00 24.0 0.11 Boric acid 100,00 20.0 0.93 Brightener 1.81 137.7 0.12 (C12-13 alcohol polyethoxy late (6.5)*) -- -- 1.93 Tartrate succinate** 36.205 275.8 4.63 C12 alkyltrimethylamrnonium chloride 37.00 32.5 0.56 TEPA-E1518 *** 80,00 37.4 1.39 Water - 165.0 to 100% Protease enzyme (2.0 AU/g) -- 15.0 0.014AU/g Amylase enzyme (375 AM. U/g)-- 3.2 0.556AM.U/g Dyes 1.006 1.6 < 0.01 Perfume 100.00 5.0 0.23 'Balance to 100% is water unless otherwise noted.

2Balance also includes 10.88% sodium hydroxide, 1.41% monoethanolamine and 7.85% sodium cumene sulfonate.

3From more than one source.

4Balance also includes 7.55% monoethanolamine and 30.21% C,2 ,3 alcohol polyethoxylate (6.5)*.

5Balance also includes 7.98% citric acid.

6Balance also includes 1.50% monoethanolamine.

*Alcohol and monoethoxylated alcohol removed.

**Prepared as in Reaction Sequence I.

***Tetraethylene pentaimine ethoxylated with 15-18 moles (avg.) of ethylene oxide at each hydrogen site on each nitrogen.

EXAMPLE II The following composition is prepared by adding the components to a mixing tank in the order listed with continuous mixing. (Components in parentheses are added only as part of a premix containing other components.) Actual Wt. Wt.% in Components Assay Added (gm) Product C14-15 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfonic acid 26.44 40.85 10.1 (Sodium cumene sulfonate) -- -- 3.00 C13 linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 98.0 8.16 7.47 Sodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate 41.0 0.73 0.28 1,2-Propanediol 100.0 13.0 13.9 (Monoethanolamine) -- - 1.69 (Sodium hydroxide) -- -- ~3.53 C12-14 fatty acid 100,0 5.0 4.67 Citric Acid 50.0 3.52 2.573 Sodium formate 30.0 2.9 0.81 Calcium formate 10.0 2.0 0.187 Boric acid 100.0 0.5 0.47 Brighteners 2.89 6.1 0.166 C 13 alcohol polyethoxy late (6.5)* 100.0 1.16 3.27 Tartrate succinate** 36.25 12.40 4.20 Soil Release Polymer**** 100.0 1.25 1.17 C12 a lkyltrimethylammonium chloride 37.0 1.35 0.47 TEPA-E1S-18*** 80.0 3.44 2.57 Protease enzyme (2.0 AU/g) -- 0.6 0.011 AU/g Amylase enzyme (375 AM. U/g)-- -0.08 0.280AR.U/g Perfume 100.0 0.25 0.23 Dye 100.0 0.08 < 0.01 1,2-Propanediol 100.0 1.88 Water -- 1.75 to 100%3 1Balance to 100% is water unless otherwise noted.

2Balance also includes 10.88% sodium hydroxide, 1.41% monoethanolamine and 7.85% sodium cumene sulfonate.

3From more than one source.

4Balance also includes 20.2% monoethanolamine and 38.45% Cl2 l3 alcohol polyethoxylate (6.5)*.

5Balance also includes 8.0% citric acid.

*, ", *** as in Example I.

****Poly(terephthalate propylene glycol ester) ethoxylated with about 30 moles of ethylene oxide.

EXAMPLE 111 The following composition is prepared by adding the components to a mixing tank in the order listed with continuous mixing. (Components in parentheses are added only as part of a premix containing other components.) Actual Wt. Wt.t in Components Assay1 Added (gm) Product C14-15 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfonic acid 48.712 24.6 11.03 1,2-Propanediol 100.00 20.1 18.50 Sodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate 41.00 0.7 0.26 Brightener 1.813 6.8 0.11 Monoethanolamine 100.00 1.5 1.854 C12 13 alcohol polyethoxy- late (6.5)* 100.00 2.0 3.73 C13 linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 96.00 8.3 7.33 (Ethanol) 92.00 -- 3.67 Potassium hydroxide 45.00 3.5 1.45 (Sodium hydroxide) -- -- c3.44 C12-14 fatty acid 100.00 8.5 7.82 Citric Acid 50.00 2.66 2.304 Sodium formate 30.00 2.90 0.80 Calcium formate 10.00 1.20 0.11 C12 alkyltrimethylammonium chloride 37.0 1.62 0.55 Tartrate succinate** 36.17 19.35 6.44 TEPA-E1518 *** 80.0 2.6 1.91 Hydrochloric acid 37.3 1.2 0.41 Water to Protease enzyme (2.0 AU/g) 0.67 G.01 AU/g Amylase enzyme (375 AM. U/g) 0.16 0.55AM.U/g Dye 0.07 < 0.01 Perfume 100.00 0.21 0.19 'Balance to 100% is water unless otherwise noted.

2Balance also includes 5.13% sodium hydroxide and 16.20% ethanol.

3Balance also includes 7.55% monoethanolamine and 30.21% C,2 13 alcohol polyethoxylate (6.5)*.

4From more than one source.

5Balance also includes 6.05% citric acid.

, ', as in Example EXAMPLE IV The following composition is prepared by adding the components to a mixing tank in the order listed with continuous mixing. (Components in parentheses are added only as part of a premix containing other components.) Actual Wt. Wt.% in Components Assay Added (gm) Product C 14-15 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfonic acid 48,712 24.20 11.19 1,2-Propanediol 100.00 18.00 17.09 Sodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate 41.00 0.70 0.27 Brightener 1.81 6.60 0.11 4 Monoethanolamine 100.00 1.50 1.90 C12 13 alcohol polyethoxy late (6.5)* 100.00 2.00 3.80 C13 linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 96.00 8.20 7.48 (Ethanol) 92.00 -- 3.72 Potassium hydroxide 45.00 4.50 1.92 (Sodium hydroxide) -- - C12-14 fatty acid 100.00 4.00 3.81 C12 alkenyl succinic acid 100.00 4.50 4.27 Citric Acid 50.00 2.70 2.39 Sodium formate 30.00 2.90 0.83 Calcium formate 10.00 1.20 0.11 C12 alkyltrimethylammonium chloride 37.00 1.60 0.56 Tartrate succinate** 36.175 19.35 6.65 TEPA-E1518 *** 80.00 2.20 1.67 Water to 1008 Protease enzyme (2.0 AU/g) -- 0.67 0.01 AU/g Amylase enzyme (375 AM. U/g)-- 0.16 0.57 AM.U/g Dye 100.00 0.07 < 0.01 Perfume 100.00 0.22 0.21 'Balance to 100% is water unless otherwise noted.

2Balance also includes 5.13% sodium hydroxide and 16.20to ethanol.

3Balance also includes 7.55% monoethanolamine and 30.21% C12-83 alcohol polyethoxylate (6.5)*.

4From more than one source.

5Balance also includes 6.05% citric acid as **, *** as in Example I.

Examples l-IV are isotropic compositions as made at about 70 F (21.1 C) and have an initial pH of about 8.4 at a concentration of about 10% by weight in water at 68 F (20 C).

EXAMPLE V Wt.%in Components Assayl Product C14-15 alkyl polyethoxylate 2 (2.25) sulfonic acid 36.37 12.00 Sodium cumene sulfate 45.00 2.503 Ethanol 92.00 2.253 1,2-Propanediol 100.00 3.003 Brightener 2.54 0.12 C12 13 alcohol polyethoxylate (6.5)* 100.00 4.003 Monoethanolamine 100.00 1.85 Sodium hydroxide 50.00 4.133 C13 linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 96.00 4.00 C11.8 linear alkylbenze sulfonic acid 97.03 4.00 C12-14 fatty acid 100.00 3.50 Citric Acid 50.00 4.00 Tartrate succinate** 35.40 4.00 Sodium formate 30.00 0.89 Calcium formate 10.00 0.12 C12 alkyltrimethylammonium chloride 37.00 0.60 TEPA-E15-18*** 80.00 1.75 Water 100.00 45.033 Sail release polymer**** 100.00 1.30 Protease enzyme (2.0 AU/g) -- O.OlAU/g Dyes 1.006 < 0.01 Perfume 100.00 0.27 'Balance to 100% is water unless otherwise noted.

2Balance also includes 12.50% sodium hydroxide, 3.03% ethanol, 5.46% 1,2-propanediol, and 6.1 1% sodium cumene sulfonate.

3From more than one source 4Balance also includes 12.71% monoethanolamine and 42.37% C,2 13 alcohol polyethoxylate (6.5)*.

Balance also includes 3.71% citric acid and 2.85% sodium formate.

6Balance also includes 1.50% monoethanolamine.

Alcohol and monoethoxylated alcohol removed.

'*Prepared as in Reaction Sequence ***Tetraethylene pentaimine ethoxylated with 15-18 moles (avg.) of ethylene oxide at each hydrogen site on each nitrogen; Polymer of the formula

wherein each X is methyl, each n averages about 38, u averages about 2.1, and the polymer contains about 63 mole % of material where u is from 0 to 2; about 14 mole % of material where u is from 3 to 5, and about 4 mole % of material where u is 6 or greater. The polymer also contains about 16 mole % of monotooth material and about 0.8 mole % of the cyclic trimer material.

The above composition is a stable liquid as made at about 70"F and remains a stable liquid at temperatures down to about 30"F. When frozen at OOF, it recovers to a clear isotropic liquid at 50 F. The composition has an initial pH of about 8.55 when measured at a concentration of 10% by weight in water at 20 C.

EXAMPLE VI The following composition is prepared by adding the components to a mixing tank in the order listed with continuous mixing. (Components in parentheses are added only as part of a premix containing other components.) Actual Wt. Wt.% in Components Assay1 Added (lb) Product Sodium C 14-15 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfate 29.102 667.2 7.74 (Sodium cumene sulfonate) -- -- 2.69 (Monoethanolamine) -- -- 5 Sodium C14-C alkyl polyethoxylate 48.02 44.8 0.86 (2.25) sulfate (Ethanol) -- -- 0.29 C118 linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid 97.00 221.6 8.6 Brightener 1.374 182.5 0.10 (Cl2-l3 alcohol polethoxy late (6.5)*) -- -- 3.3 H2 100.00 625.0 25.0 1,2-Propanediol 100.00 72.5 2.90 Citric Acid 50.00 145.0 2.9 C12-14 fatty acid 100.00 40.0 1.60 TEPA-E1518*** 80.00 50.0 1.60 Tartrate succinate** 40.72 276.4 4.50 Sodium Hydroxide 50.00 49.2 0.98 HO 100.00 124.3 4.97 2 6 25.00 1.5 0.06 Suds suppressor 'Balance to 100% is water unless otherwise noted.

2Balance also includes 10.1% sodium hydroxide, 0.5% monoethanolamine and 10.1% sodium cumene sulfonate 3Balance also include 5.13% sodium hydroxide and 16.20% ethanol.

4Balance also includes 26.03 monoethanolamine and 45.2% C,2 13 alcohol polyethoxylate (6.5)*.

5From more than one source 6Premix of cyclomethicone and a silicone suds suppressor (a commercially available silicone/silica fluid containing about 75% polydimethyl siloxane having a viscosity of 20 cs- 1,500 cs at 25.0 C; about 15% siloxane resin; and about 10% silica aerogel having an average ultimate particle size of about 12 millimicrons agglomerated to an average of 1.3-1.7 microns and having a surface area of 325 m2/g) in a weight ratio of 3:1, respectively.

'Alcohol and monoethoxylated alcohol removed.

"Prepared as in Reaction Sequence I.

***Tetraethylene pentaimine ethoxylated with 15-18 moles (avg.) of ethylene oxide at each hydrogen site on each nitrogen.

The above composition is stable and isotropic as made about 70"F (21.1"C) and has an initial pH of about 8.4 at a concentration of about 10% by weight in water at 68"F (20"C).

Claims (13)

1. A heavy-duty liquid detergent composition comprising, by weight: (a) from about 5% to about 15%, on an acid basis, of a sulfonate surfactant containing a Cro-C16 alkyl or alkenyl group; (b) from about 8% to about 18%, on an acid basis, of an alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactant of the formula RO(C2H40)mS03M, wherein R is a C10-C16 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, m averages from about 0.5 to about 4, and M is a compatible cation; (c) from about 0.5% to about 7% of an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant of the formula R' (OC2H4)nOH, wherein R' is a C10-C16 alkyl group or a Cô-C12 alkyl phenyl group, n averages from about 3 to about 9, and said nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 10 to about 13;; (d) from about 1% to about 8% of a C,0-C14 saturated fatty acid, the weight ratio of C10-C12 fatty acid to C14 fatty acid being at least 1; (e) from about 1% to about 7%, on an acid basis, of a citrate builder material; (f) from about 2% to about 8%, on an acid basis, of a tartrate succinate builder material selected from the group consisting of:

wherein X is a salt-forming cation;

wherein X is a salt-forming cation; and (iii) mixtures thereof; (g) from about 0 to about 0.04 moles per 100 grams of composition of an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine; (h) sodium ions; (i) from 0% to about 8% of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of the watersoluble salts of toluene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof, or a C,2-C14 alkenyl succinic acid or salt thereof, or mixtures thereof; (j) from about 2% to about 20% of propylene glycol; and (k) from about 25% to about 60% water; said composition containing from about 15% to about 30% of (a), (b) and (c); from about 5% to about 12% of (e) and (f); from about 8% to about 20% of (d), (e) and (f); from about 25% to about 50% of (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f); from about 4% to about 12% of (d) and (i); from about 3% to about 25% of (i) and (i); and from about 35% to about 68% of (i), (i) and (k); the weight ratio of (a) to (b) being from about 0.3 to about 1.7; the weight ratio of (e) plus (f) to (d) being at least about 1; and all of said components being selected to provide an isotropic liquid at 70"F (21.1"C) having an initial pH of from about 7.5 to about 9.0 at a concentration of about 10% by weight in water at 68"F (20 C).

2. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the sulfonate surfactant is a C11-C13 linear alkylben zene sulfonate; in the alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactant, R is a Cl2-Cl5 alkyl group and m averages from about 1.5 to about 3; and in the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, R is a C12-C14 alkyl group and n averages from about 3 to about 7.

3. The composition of Claim 2 comprising from about 6% to about 10% of the sulfonate surfactant, from about 9% to about 14% of the alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactant, and from about 1% to about 5% of the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant.

4. The composition of Claim 3 further comprising from about 0.3% to about 1.5% of a C10-C14 alkyl trimethylammonium chloride, bromide or methylsulfate.

5. The composition of Claim 1 comprising from about 2% to about 6% of the saturated fatty acid, from about 2% to about 5% of the citrate builder, and from about 3% to about 6% of the tartrate succinate builder.

6. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the tartrate succinate builder has a weight ratio of (i) to (ii) of from about 95:5 to about 40:60.

7. The composition of Claim 1 comprising from about 2% to about 5% of cumene sulfonate.

8. The composition of Claim 1 comprising from about 4% to about 18% of 1 ,2-propanediol.

9. The composition of Claim 3 comprising from about 2% to about 6% of the saturated fatty acid, from about 2% to about 5% of the citrate builder, and from about 3% to about 6% of the tartrate succinate builder.

10. The composition of Claim 9 comprising from about 2% to about 5% of sodium cumene sulfonate, from about 4% to about 18% of 1,2-propanediol, and from about 40% to about 55% of water.

11. The composition of Claim 10 comprising from about 0.01 to about 0.035 moles per 100 grams of composition of the alkanolamine, which is monoethanolamine.

12. The composition of Claim 11 having an initial pH of from about 7.8 to about 8.8 at a concentration of 10% by weight in water at 680F (20"C).

13. The composition of Claim 12 wherein the tartrate succinate builder has a weight ratio of (i) to (ii) of from about 95:5 to about 40:60.