GB819183A - Preparation of detergent compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Granular detergent compositions are obtained by (1) sulphonating organic materials which thereby yield sulphonic acids with detergent properties, suitably alkylbenzenes in which the alkyl group is derived from propylene tetramer; (2) including in the acid product at least 2.5 per cent, preferably 4-10 per cent, of toluene sulphonic acid based on the weight of acid product, the toluene sulphonic acid either being added separately or, more preferably, being formed in situ by adding toluene to the original organic material to be sulphonated; (3) adding at least 30 per cent, usually 50 per cent, of water based on the acid product; and then (4) intimately dispersing the acid product so obtained into a (preferably turbulent) powder mixture comprising (a) an alkaline material, for example sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, in an amount sufficient, but not substantially more than sufficient, to neutralize the acid product; and (b) an alkali metal polyphosphate, suitably sodium tripolyphosphate, in an amount at least equal to that of (a). Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, coconut fatty acid amide, tarnish inhibitors, optical bleaches, colour, perfume, and suds boosters or depressors may be incorporated in the powder mixture into which the acid product is introduced, and sodium silicate may be added subsequently.