GB654991A - A process for the preparation of products with improved properties, suitable for use as detergents, wetting agents, and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

Detergent compositions comprising mixtures of a soap and a synthetic surface-active soapless detergent of the type consisting of a salt of a sulphated higher alcohol or a sulphonated alkyl mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbon of alkyl group of at least 10 carbon atoms are prepared by causing such quantities of the soap to be formed in an aqueous medium of the soapless detergent as to ensure that the fatty acid content by weight of the product thus obtained is at most equal to and preferably considerably lower than the content of the soapless detergent. An aqueous solution of the soapless detergent is mixed with the requisite quantity of a higher fatty acid or its glyceride and the mixture then neutralized by the addition of a base. Fatty acids and oils of vegetable and animal origin may be used and also synthetic higher fatty acids, e.g. prepared by the oxidation of paraffin wax. Fatty acids and their glycerides of high melting-point are preferred, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid and palm oil fatty acids and palm oil, tallow, bone fat, partially hardened linseed oil or train oil. Usual saponifying agents are used such as sodium or potassium hydroxide or carbonate, triethanolamine or other alkylolamine. Using fatty acids, room temperature may be used but 50-70 DEG C. is preferred; with oils or fats, above 70 DEG C. is generally necessary, e.g. 90-100 DEG C. The soapless detergents preferred comprise the water-soluble salts of the acid sulphuric acid esters derived from higher alkenes or corresponding secondary alcohols such as the product known under the Registered Trade Mark "Teepol" and consisting of secondary sodium alkyl sulphates. The ratio between fatty acid and soapless detergent in the final product is at least 5 : 100 and is preferably between 10 : 90 and 35 : 65 to give products like soft soap; to produce hard products, 50 : 50 should be used. With "Teepol" and similar soapless detergents, the ratio is preferably between 15 : 85 and 20 : 80. The final products may contain free fatty acids or glycerides by effecting only partial saponification. The products may be dried or salted out or converted to dry powders. The products may be compounded with water-soluble alkaline-reacting salts such as alkali silicates, phosphates, borates and carbonates, particularly sodium metasilicate or water-glass or mixtures thereof, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate. Specifications 303,379, [Class 91], and 587,279 are referred to.