WO1998027191A1 - Rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions and method of use for the delivery of ester fragrance derivatives - Google Patents

Rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions and method of use for the delivery of ester fragrance derivatives Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998027191A1
WO1998027191A1 PCT/US1997/023608 US9723608W WO9827191A1 WO 1998027191 A1 WO1998027191 A1 WO 1998027191A1 US 9723608 W US9723608 W US 9723608W WO 9827191 A1 WO9827191 A1 WO 9827191A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
alcohol
group
mixtures
ester
nonionic
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PCT/US1997/023608
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French (fr)
Inventor
John Cort Severns
Mark Robert Sivik
Jill Bonham Costa
Michael Joseph Irwin
Frederick Anthony Hartman
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The Procter & Gamble Company
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Application filed by The Procter & Gamble Company filed Critical The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority to CA002274486A priority Critical patent/CA2274486A1/en
Priority to JP52801398A priority patent/JP2001506324A/en
Priority to EP97953355A priority patent/EP0946700A1/en
Publication of WO1998027191A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998027191A1/en

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
    • D06M13/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment
    • D06M13/005—Compositions containing perfumes; Compositions containing deodorants
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/0005—Other compounding ingredients characterised by their effect
    • C11D3/001—Softening compositions
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/50—Perfumes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improvement in rinse-added and dryer- activated, e.g., dryer-added, softening products, compositions, and/or the process of making these compositions containing mixed ester pro-fragrance compounds and methods for accomplishing the delivery of such organic pro-fragrance compounds to textile articles and other surfaces treated with said compositions.
  • These products and/or compositions are either in paniculate form, compounded with other materials in solid form, e.g., tablets, pellets, agglomerates, etc., for rinse-added preferably liquid, for dryer- added preferably attached to a substrate.
  • the fragrance is released in fragrance-active form when the dried surface is subsequently contacted with a lower pH environment such as contact with water, carbon dioxide gas, humid air, or the like.
  • perfumes found in consumer products are typically composed of more than one single perfume component. Frequently, a combination of individual perfumes is employed to deliver a specific perfume "accord".
  • perfumes by their very nature, are relatively volatile compounds. Individual perfumes have varying degrees of volatility. Thus, perfume accords tend to change in character over time as the more volatile components are lost at a more rapid rate than the less volatile components. Highly desirable volatile top notes can be lost before the product has been consumed in use.
  • the use of perfume accords also introduces the risk of variability in batch to batch consistency of the specific accord. Multiple component perfumes have components with varying solubility profiles. Inadequate mixing of perfume mixtures can result in variation of the final scent of the accord. Therefore, there is a continued interest in industry for improved means of delivering consistent, long lasting perfume accords.
  • esters of the present invention demonstrate improved substantivity through the dryer. These ingredients further provide sustained gradual release of perfume from laundry items over an extended period of time.
  • ester blends also provides a improved means of delivering consistent, long lasting perfume accords.
  • fragrance materials having certain values for Odour Intensity Index, Malodour Reduction Value and Odour Reduction Value
  • Example 1 describes a fabric-washing composition containing 0.2% by weight of a fragrance composition which itself contains 4.0 % geranyl phenylacetate.
  • a process for scenting fabrics washed with lipase- containing detergents is described in PCT application No. WO 95/04809, published February 16, 1995 by Firmenich S.A.. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • the present invention relates to rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions and articles of manufacture which have improved biodegradablility, provide enhanced softness benefits as well as perfume delivery.
  • the rinse-added pro- fragrances are more substantive than perfume raw materials and are not lost in the dryer due to evaporation.
  • the dryer-added compositions, in addition to the perfume benefits, provide increased anti-static properties.
  • a first aspect of the present invention relates to dryer-added compositions and/or articles comprising, as essential ingredients:
  • R ⁇ is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C ⁇ - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, or aryl group; R is C - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0; (B) from about 10% to about 99.99%, preferably from about 15% to about 90%, more preferably from about 30% to about 85%, and even more preferably from about 30% to about 55%, of fabric softening compound, preferably quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably biodegradable, as described hereinafter; and (C) optionally ingredients, as described hereinafter, selected from the group consisting of: i) co-softeners which are a carboxylic acid salt of
  • R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted Cj - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, or aryl group; R is C - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0; and
  • R' is selected to provide the perfume ester with desired chemical and physical properties such as:
  • each of the above R', and R" moieties can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more nonionic and/or anionic substituents.
  • substituents can include, for example, halogens, nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, sulfate, sulfonate, hydroxy, and alkoxy, and mixtures thereof.
  • compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from about 1% to about 80%, preferably from about 5 to about 50% of cationic fabric softening compound.
  • Dilute liquid compositions of the present invention preferably contain from about 5% to about 1-5% of cationic fabric softening compound.
  • Concentrated liquid compositions of the present invention preferably contain from about 15% to about 50%, more preferably from about 15% to about 35% of cationic fabric softening compound.
  • the cationic fabric softening compound is selected from biodegradable quaternary ammonium compounds as described hereinafter.
  • the active fabric softening components preferably contain unsaturation to provide improved antistatic benefits.
  • the Iodine Value of the composition is preferably from about 3 to about 60, more preferably from about 8 to about 50, and even more preferably from about 12 to about 40.
  • the Iodine Value of the composition represents the Iodine Value of the total fatty acyl groups present in components (B), (C)(i), and (C)(ii) described below.
  • the unsaturation may be present in one or more of the active components of (B), (C)(i), and/or (C)(ii).
  • compositions of the present invention comprise two essential elements, pro- fragrant ester compounds having an internal blend of alkoxy groups derived from at least 3 different parent perfume alcohols, and ingredients useful for formulating dryer added fabric softening compositions.
  • compositions of the present invention comprise from about 0.01% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5% of pro-fragrant ester compounds.
  • Esters suitable in the present invention have the following structure:
  • R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C ⁇ - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof;
  • R" is C ⁇ - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0.
  • substituted is defined as "having one or more hydrogen atoms of a chain substituted by an anionic or nonionic moiety".
  • substituents suitable to form the substituted R' and R" units halogen, nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, sulfate, sulfonate, hydroxy, alkoxy, and mixtures thereof.
  • the R" unit of the pro-fragrant compound is derived from a parent alcohol selected from the group consisting of fragrant C to C20 saturated or unsaturated, linear, cyclic or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alcohols, and alkoxylates of said alcohols.
  • Specific parent alcohols of fragrant types suitable herein are likewise given in Arctander and preferably include but are not limited by amyl alcohol; undecylenic alcohol; osyrol; sandalore; dihydro carveol; dihydro linalool; dihydromyrcenol; dihydro terpineol; dimetol; mycenol; alpha-terpineol; tetrahydro linalool; tetrahydro mugol; tetrahydro myrcenol; amyl cinnamic alcohol; decenol; trans-2-hexenol; patchomint; prenol; cuminyl alcohol; para-tolyl alcohol; phenylethyl carbinol; ethyl vanillin; isoamyl salicylate; para-hydroxyphenyl butanone; phenethyl salicylate; ethyl linalool; lin
  • the fragrant parent alcohol is selected from the group consisting of: beta gamma hexenol; decyl alcohol; dihydro floralol; hawthanol; heptyl alcohol; isoamyl alcohol; isocyclo geraniol; isononyl geraniol; mayol; methyl lavendar ketone; octyl alcohol; phenyl propyl alcohol; rhodinol 70; rosalva; camelkol dh; cyclohexyl propyl alcohol; isobutyl benzyl alcohol; lavinol; phenyl ethyl methyl carbinol; propyl benzyl carbinol; iso pulegol; menthol; patchone; rootanol; roselea; trans decahydro beta naphthol; verdol; cinnamic alcohol; farnesol; geraniol; nerol; anis
  • pro-fragrant esters compounds are nonlimitingly illustrated by the following: maleate ester of a mixture of ⁇ - ⁇ -hexenol, rosalva, ⁇ -citronellol and phenoxanol; succinate ester of a mixture of ⁇ - ⁇ -hexenol, rosalva, ⁇ -citronellol and phenoxanol; maleate ester of a mixture of ⁇ - ⁇ -hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol.
  • compositions of the present invention contain from about 10% to about 99.99%, preferably from about 15% to about 90%, more preferably from about 30% to about 85%, and even more preferably from about 30% to about 55%, of fabric softening compound, preferably ester quaternary ammonium compound (monoester).
  • fabric softening compound preferably ester quaternary ammonium compound (monoester).
  • the preferred fabric softening actives according to the present invention are amines having the formula:
  • each R is independently Cj-C ⁇ alkyl, C ⁇ -C hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, and mixtures thereof;
  • R ⁇ is preferably C ⁇ ⁇ -C22 linear alkyl, C ⁇ ⁇ - C22 branched alkyl, C11-C22 linear alkenyl, C1 1-C22 branched alkenyl, and mixtures thereof;
  • Q is a carbonyl moiety independently selected from the units having the formula:
  • R ⁇ is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, preferably hydrogen; R ⁇ is C1-C4 alkyl, preferably hydrogen or methyl; preferably Q has the formula:
  • X is a softener compatible anion, preferably the anion of a strong acid, for example, chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, sulfate, nitrate and mixtures thereof, more preferably chloride and methyl sulfate.
  • the anion can also, but less preferably, carry a double charge, in which case ⁇ ( ⁇ represents half a group.
  • the index m has a value of from 1 to 3; the index n has a value of from 1 to 4, preferably 2 or 3, more preferably 2.
  • One embodiment of the present invention provides for amines and quaternized amines having two or more different values for the index n per molecule, for example, a softener active prepared from the starting amine methyl(3-aminopropyl)(2- hydroxyethyl)amine.
  • More preferred softener actives according to the present invention have the formula:
  • fatty acyl moiety is a fatty acyl moiety.
  • Suitable fatty acyl moieties for use in the softener actives of the present invention are derived from sources of triglycerides including tallow, vegetable oils and/or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils including inter alia canola oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, tall oil, rice bran oil.
  • the Rl units are typically mixtures of linear and branched chains of both saturated and unsaturated aliphatic fatty acids, an example of which (canola oil), is described in Table I herein below.
  • the formulator can choose any of the above mentioned sources of fatty acyl moieties, or alternatively, the formulator can mix sources of triglyceride to form a "customized blend".
  • the fatty acyl composition may vary, as in the case of vegetable oil, from crop to crop, or from variety of vegetable oil source to variety of vegetable oil source. DMONOESTER's which are prepared using fatty acids derived from natural sources are preferred.
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides softener actives comprising R ⁇ units which have at least about 3%, preferably at least about 5%, more preferably at least about 10%, most preferably at least about 15% C11-C22 alkenyl, including polyalkenyl (polyunsaturated) units inter alia oleic, linoleic, linolenic.
  • mixed chain fatty acyl units is defined as "a mixture of fatty acyl units comprising alkyl and alkenyl chains having from 10 carbons to 22 carbon atoms including the carbonyl carbon atom, and in the case of alkenyl chains, from one to three double bonds, preferably all double bonds in the cis configuration".
  • Rl units of the present invention it is preferred that at least a substantial percentage of the fatty acyl groups are unsaturated, e.g., from about 25%, preferably from about 50% to about 70%, preferably to about 65%.
  • the total level of fabric softening active containing polyunsaturated fatty acyl groups can be from about 3%, preferably from about 5%, more preferably from about 10% to about 30%, preferably to about 25%, more preferably to about 18%.
  • cis and trans isomers can be used, preferably with a cis/ trans ratio is of from 1 :1, preferably at least 3: 1, and more preferably from about 4:1 to about 50:1, more preferably about 20:1, however, the minimum being 1 :1.
  • the level of unsaturation contained within the tallow, canola, or other fatty acyl unit chain can be measured by the Iodine Value (IV) of the corresponding fatty acid, which in the present case should preferably be in the range of from 5 to 100 with two categories of compounds being distinguished, having a IV below or above 25.
  • IV Iodine Value
  • a cisltrans isomer weight ratio greater than about 30/70, preferably greater than about 50/50 and more preferably greater than about 70/30 provides optimal concentrability.
  • a further preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises DMONOESTER's wherein the average Iodine Value for Rl is approximately 45.
  • the Rl units suitable for use in the isotropic liquids present invention can be further characterized in that the Iodine Value (IV) of the parent fatty acid, said IV is preferably from about 10, more preferably from about 50, most preferably from about 70, to a value of about 140, preferably to about 130, more preferably to about 115.
  • formulators may wish to add an amount of fatty acyl units which have Iodine Values outside the range listed herein above. For example, "hardened stock" (IV less than or equal to about 10) may be combined with the source of fatty acid admixture to adjust the properties of the final softener active.
  • a prefered source of fatty acyl units especially fatty acyl units having branching, for example, "Guerbet branching", methyl, ethyl, etc. units substituted along the primary alkyl chain
  • synthetic sources of fatty acyl units are also suitable.
  • the formulator may with to add one or more fatty acyl units having a methyl branch at a "non-naturally occuring" position, for example, at the third carbon of a C ⁇ chain.
  • acyl units whihc are not found in significant (greater than about 0.1%) quantities is common fats and oils which serve as feedstocks for the source of triglycerides described herein.” If the desired branched chain fatty acyl unit is unavailable from readily available natural feedstocks, therefore, synthetic fatty acid can be suitably admixed with other synthetic materials or with other natural triglyceride derived sources of acyl units.
  • Amines which can be used to prepare the preferred fabric softening actives of the present invention have the formula:
  • R is the same as defined herein above; each Z is independently selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CHR 3 OH, -CH(OH)CH2OH, -NH2, and mixtures thereof; preferably -OH, -NH2, and mixtures thereof; R 3 is C1-C4 alkyl, preferably methyl; the indices m and n are the same as defined hereinabove.
  • Non-limiting examples of preferred amines which are used to form the DMONOESTER fabric softening actives according to the present invention include methyl bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine having the formula:
  • the above examples include symmetrical as well as unsymmetrical and mixed amines.
  • mixed amine is defined as "amines having different carbon chain lengths on two or more branches", that is the value of the index n is different from chain to chain.
  • An example of a mixed amine is methyl (3-aminopropyl) (2-hydroxyethyl)amine.
  • unsymetrical amine is defined as "amines having different substituents from one chain to the next", that is one chain may comprise a hydroxy unit, while another chain may comprise an amine unit.
  • R moieties which are introduced during the quaternization step are preferably methyl.
  • R moieties which are introduced during the quaternization step are preferably methyl.
  • R is preferably the same moiety (i.e. methyl) which is introduced during the quaternization step.
  • a methyl amine having the formula:
  • the fabric softening active precursor amine mixture is not fully quatemized, that is, some free amine having the general formula:
  • substituents R and R ⁇ can optionally be substituted with various groups such as alkoxyl or hydroxyl groups.
  • the preferred compounds can be considered to be diester (DMONOESTER) variations of ditallow dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate (DTDMAMS), which is a widely used fabric softener. At least 80% of the DMONOESTER is in the diester form, and from 0% to about 20%, preferably less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, can be monoester (e.g., only one -Q-R ⁇ group).
  • the diester when specified, it will include the monoester that is normally present.
  • the percentage of monoester should be as low as possible, preferably less than about 2.5%.
  • the level of monoester present can be controlled in the manufacturing of the softener active.
  • Monoesters prepared with fully saturated acyl groups are rapidly biodegradable and excellent softeners.
  • compounds prepared with at least partially unsaturated acyl groups have advantages (i.e., antistatic benefits) and are highly acceptable for consumer products when certain conditions are met.
  • Variables that must be adjusted to obtain the benefits of using unsaturated acyl groups include the Iodine Value of the fatty acids, the odor of fatty acid starting material, and/or the monoester. Any reference to Iodine Value values hereinafter refers to Iodine Value of fatty acyl groups and not to the resulting monoester compound.
  • Antistatic effects are especially important where the fabrics are dried in a tumble dryer, and/or where synthetic materials which generate static are used. As the Iodine Value is raised, there is a potential for odor problems.
  • Some highly desirable, readily available sources of fatty acids such as tallow possess odors that remain with the compound monoester despite the chemical and mechanical processing steps which convert the raw tallow to finished monoester.
  • Such sources must be deodorized, e.g., by absorption, distillation (including stripping such as steam stripping), etc., as is well known in the art.
  • care must be taken to minimize contact of the resulting fatty acyl groups to oxygen and/or bacteria by adding antioxidants, antibacterial agents, etc. The additional expense and effort associated with the unsaturated fatty acyl groups is justified by the superior performance which has not been recognized.
  • diester compounds derived from fatty acyl groups having low Iodine Value values can be made by mixing fully hydrogenated fatty acid with touch hydrogenated fatty acid at a ratio which provides an Iodine Value of from about 3 to about 60.
  • the polyunsaturation content of the touch hardened fatty acid should be less than about 5%, preferably less than about 1%.
  • touch hardening the cis/trans isomer weight ratios are controlled by methods known in the art such as by optimal mixing, using specific catalysts, providing high H2 availability, etc.
  • a solvent may be used to facilitate processing of the monoester and/or of the fabric softening composition containing the monoester.
  • Possible solvents include C1-C30 alcohols, with secondary and tertiary alcohols preferred, e.g., isopropanol, and C8-C30 fatty acids.
  • monoesters which comprise the rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softener compositions of the present invention are actives derived from amines wherein Z is an unit having the formula -CH(OH)CH2OH. For example having the formula:
  • R, R 1 , Q, X and n are the same as defined herein above, preferably R is methyl and Q is -OC(O)-, and X represents a methyl sulfate anion.
  • the straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl chains, Rl have from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 14 to about 18 carbon atoms, more preferably straight chains having from about 14 to about 18 carbon atoms.
  • Tallow is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyl and alkenyl materials.
  • a specific example of a biodegradable monoester of this type which is suitable for use in the fabric softening compositions herein is: 1 ,2-bis(tallowyl oxy)-3-trimethyl ammoniopropane methylsulfate (DTTMAPMS).
  • R 1 as "tallowyl” in the above compounds with, for example, cocoyl, lauryl, oleyl, stearyl, palmityl, or the like; and having R equal ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, or the hydroxy substituted analogs of these radicals; and replacing the methyl sulfate anion with chloride, ethylsulfate, bromide, formate, sulfate, lactate, nitrate, and the like, however, methylsulfate is preferred.
  • compositions and articles of the present invention also comprise monoesters wherein m is equal to 3 but only two of the Z units of the starting amine are converted to esters, amides, or mixtures thereof, for example, a compound having the formula:
  • R, R 1 , Q, X, Z, and n are the same as defined herein above.
  • a specific example of a softener of this type suitable for use in the fabric softening compositions herein is N- methyl-N,N-di-(2-(Cj4-Ci8-acyloxy) ethyl), N-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methylsulfate.
  • a preferred compound is N-methyl, N,N-di-(2-oleyloxyethyl) N-2- hydroxyethyl ammonium methylsulfate.
  • softener active examples include methyl bis (oleyl amidoethyl) 2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate.
  • Co- Softener Softening agents also useful in the compositions of the present invention are nonionic fabric softener materials, preferably in combination with cationic softening agents.
  • nonionic fabric softener materials typically have a HLB of from about 2 to about 9, more typically from about 3 to about 7.
  • Such nonionic fabric softener materials tend to be readily dispersed either by themselves, or when combined with other materials such as single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactant described in detail hereinafter.
  • Dispersibility can be improved by using more single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactant, mixture with other materials as set forth hereinafter, use of hotter water, and/or more agitation.
  • the materials selected should be relatively crystalline, higher melting, (e.g. >40 °C) and relatively water-insoluble.
  • the level of optional nonionic softener in the compositions herein is typically from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 5%.
  • Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric alcohols, or anhydrides thereof, wherein the alcohol, or anhydride, contains from 2 to 18, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, and each fatty acid moiety contains from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to 20, carbon atoms.
  • such softeners contain from one to 3, preferably 2 fatty acid groups per molecule.
  • the polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethylene glycol, glycerol, poly (e.g., di-, tri-, terra, penta-, and/or hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol or sorbitan. Sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monostearate are particularly preferred.
  • the fatty acid portion of the ester is normally derived from fatty acids having from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to 20, carbon atoms, typical examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic and behenic acid.
  • Highly preferred optional nonionic softening agents for use in the present invention are the sorbitan esters, which are esterified dehydration products of sorbitol, and the glycerol esters.
  • sorbitan monostearate is a suitable material. Mixtures of sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate having stearate/palmitate weight ratios varying between about 10:1 and about 1:10, and 1,5-sorbitan esters are also useful.
  • Glycerol and polyglycerol esters especially glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, and polyglycerol mono- and/or di-esters, preferably mono-, are preferred herein (e.g. polyglycerol monostearate with a trade name of Radiasurf 7248).
  • Useful glycerol and polyglycerol esters include mono-esters with stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, myristic, and or behenic acids and the diesters of stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, behenic, and/or myristic acids. It is understood that the typical mono-ester contains some di- and tri-ester, etc.
  • the "glycerol esters” also include the polyglycerol, e.g., diglycerol through octaglycerol esters.
  • the polyglycerol polyols are formed by condensing glycerin or epichlorohydrin together to link the glycerol moieties via ether linkages.
  • the mono- and or diesters of the polyglycerol polyols are preferred, the fatty acyl groups typically being those described hereinbefore for the sorbitan and glycerol esters.
  • suitable fabric softener agents useful herein may comprise one, two, or all three of the following fabric softening agents:
  • cationic nitrogenous salts having two or more long chain acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon groups or one said group and an arylalkyl group (preferably from about 10% to about 80%); with said (a), (b) and (c) preferred percentages being by weight of the fabric softening agent component of the present invention compositions.
  • Softening agents (actives) of the present invention may be the reaction products of higher fatty acids with a polyamine selected from the group consisting of hydroxyalkylalkylenediamines and dialkylenetriamines and mixtures thereof. These reaction products are mixtures of several compounds in view of the multi-functional structure of the polyamines.
  • the preferred Component (a) is a nitrogenous compound selected from the group consisting of the reaction product mixtures or some selected components of the mixtures. More specifically, the preferred Component (a) is a compound selected from the group consisting of substituted imidazoline compounds having the formula:
  • R' is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C21 hydrocarbon group and R° is a divalent C1 -C3 alkylene group.
  • Component (a) materials are commercially available as: Mazamide® 6, sold by Mazer Chemicals, or Ceranine® HC, sold by Sandoz Colors & Chemicals; stearic hydroxyethyl imidazoline sold under the trade names of Alkazine® ST by Alkaril Chemicals, Inc., or Schercozoline® S by Scher Chemicals, Inc.; N,N"- ditallowalkoyldiethylenetriamine; l-tallowamidoethyl-2 -tallowimidazoline (wherein in the preceding structure Rl is an aliphatic C15-C17 hydrocarbon group and R is a divalent ethylene group).
  • compositions (a) can also be first dispersed in a Bronsted acid dispersing aid having a pKa value of not greater than about 4; provided that the pH of the final composition is not greater than about 6.
  • a Bronsted acid dispersing aid having a pKa value of not greater than about 4; provided that the pH of the final composition is not greater than about 6.
  • Some preferred dispersing aids are hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, or methylsulfonic acid.
  • Both N,N"-ditallowalkoyldiethylenetriamine and l-tallow(amidoethyl)-2- tallowimidazoline are reaction products of tallow fatty acids and diethylenetriamine, and are precursors of the cationic fabric softening agent methyl- 1 -tallowamidoethyl-2- tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate (see "Cationic Surface Active Agents as Fabric Softeners," R. R. Egan, Journal of the American Oil Chemicals' Society, January 1978, pages 118-121).
  • N,N"-ditallow alkoyldiethylenetriamine and l-tallowamidoethyl-2- tallowimidazoline can be obtained from Witco Chemical Company as experimental chemicals.
  • Methyl- l-tallowamidoethyl-2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate is sold by Witco Chemical Company under the tradename Varisoft® 475.
  • the preferred Component (b) is a cationic nitrogenous salt containing one long chain acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon group, preferably selected from acyclic quaternary ammonium salts having the formula: R9
  • R ⁇ is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon group
  • R O and Rl 1 are C 1 -C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxy alkyl groups
  • A- is an anion.
  • Component (b) are the monoalkyltrimethylammonium salts such as monotallowtrimethylammonium chloride, mono(hydrogenated tallow)trimethylammonium chloride, palmityltrimethyl ammonium chloride and soyatrimethylammonium chloride, sold by Witco Chemical Company under the trade name Adogen® 471, Adogen® 441, Adogen® 444, and Adogen® 415, respectively.
  • R ⁇ is an acyclic aliphatic C ⁇ g-C ⁇ hydrocarbon group
  • RlO and Rl 1 are methyl groups.
  • Mono(hydrogenated tallow)trimethylammonium chloride and monotallowtrimethylammonium chloride are preferred.
  • Component (b) are behenyltrimethylammonium chloride wherein R ⁇ is a C22 hydrocarbon group and sold under the trade name Kemamine® Q2803-C by Humko Chemical Division of Witco Chemical Corporation; soyadimethylethylammonium ethylsulfate wherein R" is a Ci g-Cjg hydrocarbon group, R O is a methyl group, Rl 1 is an ethyl group, and A- is an ethylsulfate anion, sold under the trade name Jordaquat® 1033 by Jordan Chemical Company; and methyl-bis(2- hydroxyethyl)-octadecylammonium chloride wherein R ⁇ is a C1 g hydrocarbon group, RlO is a 2-hydroxyethyl group and Rl 1 is a methyl group and available under the trade name Ethoquad® 18/12 from Armak Company.
  • R ⁇ is a C22 hydrocarbon group and sold under
  • Component (b) are 1 -ethyl- 1 -(2 -hydroxy ethyl)-2- isoheptadecylimidazolinium ethylsulfate, available from Mona Industries, Inc.
  • Component (c): Preferred cationic nitrogenous salts having two or more long chain acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon groups or one said group and an arylalkyl group which can be used either alone or as part of a mixture are selected from the group consisting of:
  • R 2 is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon group
  • R!3 is a C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group
  • Rl4 is selected from the group consisting of Rl2 and Rl3 groups
  • A- is an anion defined as above;
  • R ⁇ is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C21 hydrocarbon group, each Rl is the same or different divalent alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, Rl? and Rl8 are C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, and A" is an anion;
  • n is equal to 1 to about 5, and Rl5, R16 ? R17 ⁇ d - ⁇ Q ⁇ defined above;
  • Rl ⁇ is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C21 hydrocarbon group
  • RTM is the same or different divalent alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms
  • R ⁇ l are C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups
  • A" is an anion and R 2 0is the same or different from the other R 20 .
  • Component (c) mixtures thereof.
  • Component (c) are the well-known dialkyldi methylammonium salts such as ditallowdimethylammonium chloride, ditallowdimethylammonium methylsulfate, di(hydrogenatedtallow)dimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, dibehenyldimethylammonium chloride. Di(hydrogenatedtallow)di methylammonium chloride and ditallowdimethylammonium chloride are preferred.
  • dialkyldimethyl ammonium salts examples include di(hydrogenatedtallow)dimethylammonium chloride (trade name Adogen® 442), ditallowdimethylammonium chloride (trade name Adogen® 470), distearyl dimethylammonium chloride (trade name Arosurf® TA-100), all available from Witco Chemical Company.
  • Dibehenyldimethylammonium chloride is sold under the trade name Kemamine Q-2802C by Humko Chemical Division of Witco Chemical Corporation.
  • Component (c) examples are methylbis(tallowamidoethyl)(2- hydroxyethyl)ammonium methylsulfate and methylbis(hydrogenated tallowamidoethyl)(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium methylsulfate; these materials are available from Witco Chemical Company under the trade names Varisoft® 222 and Varisoft® 110, respectively: dimethylstearylbenzyl ammonium chloride sold under the trade names Varisoft® SDC by Witco Chemical Company and Ammonyx® 490 by Onyx Chemical Company.
  • An even more preferred composition contains Component (a): the reaction product of about 2 moles of hydrogenated tallow fatty acids with about 1 mole of N-2- hydroxyethylethylenediamine and is present at a level of from about 20% to about 70% by weight of the fabric softening component of the present invention compositions; Component (b): mono(hydrogenated tallow)trimethyl ammonium chloride present at a level of from about 3% to about 30% by weight of the fabric softening component of the present invention compositions;.
  • Component (c) selected from the group consisting of di(hydrogenatedtallow)dimethylammonium chloride, ditallowdimethylammonium chloride, methyl- l-tallowamidoethyl-2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate, diethanol ester dimethylammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof; wherein Component (c) is present at a level of from about 20% to about 60% by weight of the fabric softening component of the present invention compositions; and wherein the weight ratio of said di(hydrogenated tallow)dimethylammonium chloride to said methyl- 1 -tallowamidoethyl- 2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate is from about 2:1 to about 6:1.
  • the anion A- provides charge neutrality.
  • the anion used to provide charge neutrality in these salts is a halide, such as chloride or bromide.
  • other anions can be used, such as methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, hydroxide, acetate, formate, citrate, sulfate, carbonate, and the like. Chloride and methylsulfate are preferred herein as anion A-.
  • the preferred fabric softening compounds of the present invention are biodegradable quaternary ammonium compounds according to I and II as hereinbefore described, wherein, preferably, the fatty acyl groups have an Iodine Value (IV) of from greater than about 5 to less than about 100, and, also preferably, a cis/trans isomer weight ratio of greater than about 30/70 when the IV is less than about 25, the level of unsaturation preferably being less than about 65% by weight.
  • IV Iodine Value
  • the compounds with an IV of greater than about 10 are capable of forming concentrated aqueous compositions with concentrations greater than about 13% by weight without viscosity modifiers other than normal polar organic solvents present in the raw material of the compound or added electrolyte, and wherein any fatty acyl groups from tallow are preferably modified, especially to reduce their odor.
  • the softener When the IV of the fatty acyl groups is above about 20, the softener provides excellent antistatic effect. Antistatic effects are especially important where the fabrics are dried in a tumble dryer, and/or where synthetic materials which generate static are used. Maximum static control occurs with an IV of greater than about 20, preferably greater than about 40. When fully saturated softener compounds are used in the compositions, poor static control results. Also, as discussed hereinafter, concentratability increases as IV increases. The benefits of concentratability include: use of less packaging material; use of less organic solvents, especially volatile organic solvents; use of less concentration aids which typically add nothing to performance; etc.
  • diester quaternary ammonium salt (DEQA) containing unsaturated fatty acyl groups having an IV greater than about 10 can be concentrated above about 13% without the need for additional concentration aids, especially surfactant concentration aids as discussed hereinafter.
  • DEQA diester quaternary ammonium salt
  • the above softener actives derived from highly unsaturated fatty acyl groups i.e., fatty acyl groups having a total unsaturation above about 65% by weight, do not provide any additional improvement in antistatic effectiveness. They may, however, be able to provide other benefits such as improved water absorbency of the fabrics. In general, an IV range of from about 40 to about 65 is preferred for concentratability, maximization of fatty acyl sources, excellent softness, static control, etc.
  • compositions from these softener compounds made from fatty acids having an IV of from about 5 to about 25, preferably from about 10 to about 25, more preferably from about 15 to about 20, and a cis/trans isomer weight ratio of from greater than about 30/70, preferably greater than about 50/50, more preferably greater than about 70/30, are storage stable at low temperature with minimal odor formation. These cis/trans isomer weight ratios provide optimal concentratability at these IV ranges.
  • the ratio of cis to trans isomers is less important unless higher concentrations are needed.
  • concentration that will be stable in an aqueous composition will depend on the criteria for stability (e.g., stable down to about 5°C; stable down to 0°C; doesn't gel; gels but recovers on heating, etc.) and the other ingredients present, but the concentration that is stable can be raised by adding the concentration aids, described hereinafter in more detail, to achieve the desired stability.
  • diester compounds derived from fatty acyl groups having low IV values can be made by mixing fully hydrogenated fatty acid with touch hydrogenated fatty acid at a ratio which provides an IV of from about 5 to about 25.
  • the polyunsaturation content of the touch hardened fatty acid should be less than about 5%, preferably less than about 1%.
  • touch hardening the cis/trans isomer weight ratios are controlled by methods known in the art such as by optimal mixing, using specific catalysts, providing high H2 availability, etc. Touch hardened fatty acid with high cis/trans isomer weight ratios is available commercially (i.e., Radiacid 406 from FINA).
  • moisture level in the raw material must be controlled and minimized preferably less than about 1% and more preferably less than about 0.5% water.
  • Storage temperatures should be kept as low as possible and still maintain a fluid material, ideally in the range of from about 49°C to about 66°C.
  • the optimum storage temperature for stability and fluidity depends on the specific IV of the fatty acid used to make the softener compound and the level/type of solvent selected. It is important to provide good molten storage stability to provide a commercially feasible raw material that will not degrade noticeably in the normal transportation/storage/handling of the material in manufacturing operations.
  • substituents R and Rl can optionally be substituted with various groups such as alkoxyl or hydroxyl groups.
  • the preferred compounds can be considered to be diester variations of ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (DTDMAC), which is a widely used fabric softener.
  • DTDMAC ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride
  • At least 80% of the softener compound, i.e., DEQA is preferably in the diester form, and from 0% to about 20%, preferably less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, can be monoester, i.e., DEQA monoester (e.g., containing only one -Y-R1 group).
  • the diester when specified, it will include the monoester that is normally present in manufacture. For softening, under no/low detergent carry-over laundry conditions the percentage of monoester should be as low as possible, preferably no more than about 2.5%. However, under high detergent carry-over conditions, some monoester is preferred.
  • the overall ratios of diester to monoester are from about 100:1 to about 2: 1, preferably from about 50:1 to about 5:1, more preferably from about 13:1 to about 8: 1. Under high detergent carry-over conditions, the di/monoester ratio is preferably about 11 :1.
  • the level of monoester present can be controlled in the manufacturing of the softener compound.
  • each R 22 substituent is a short chain Ci-C6, preferably C1-C3, alkyl group, e.g., methyl (most preferred), ethyl, propyl, and the like, benzyl, C1-C6, preferably C1-C3, hydroxy alkyl group, e.g., 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl, 3-hydroxy propyl, and the like, or mixtures thereof; each R 23 is C 11 -C22 hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl substituent, R 23 is preferably partially unsaturated (with Iodine Value (IV) of greater than about 5 to less than about 100), and the counterion, X", can be any suitable softener-compatible anion, for example, chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, formate, sulfate
  • stable liquid compositions herein are formulated at a pH (neat) in the range of from about 2 to about 5, preferably from about 2 to about 4.5, more preferably from about 2 to about 4.
  • a pH nitrogen
  • the neat pH is from about 2.8 to about 3.5, especially for lightly scented products.
  • the pH can be adjusted by the addition of a Bronsted acid. pH ranges for making chemically stable softener compositions containing diester quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,547, Straathof et al., issued on Aug. 30, 1988, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Suitable Bronsted acids include the inorganic mineral acids, carboxylic acids, in particular the low molecular weight (C1-C5) carboxylic acids, and alkylsulfonic acids.
  • Suitable inorganic acids include HC1, H2SO4, HNO3 and H3PO4.
  • Suitable organic acids include formic, acetic, methylsulfonic and ethylsulfonic acid.
  • Preferred acids are hydrochloric, phosphoric, and citric acids.
  • the diester quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound (DEQA) of formula II can be further defined by the general formula:
  • each R 2 ⁇ substituent is a short chain C ⁇ -C , preferably C1-C3, alkyl group, e.g., methyl (most preferred), ethyl, propyl, and the like, benzyl, C1-C6, preferably C ⁇ - C3, hydroxy alkyl group, e.g., 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl, 3-hydroxy propyl, and the like, or mixtures thereof; each R 2 ⁇ is C 11 -C22 hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl substituent, R 2 ⁇ is preferably partially unsaturated (with Iodine Value (IV) of greater than about 5 to less than about 100), and the counterion, X", can be any suitable softener-compatible anion, for example, chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, formate, sulfate, nitrate and the like.
  • Such compounds include those having the formula:
  • each R 2 ⁇ is a methyl or ethyl group and preferably each R 2 ⁇ is in the range of C15 to C19. Degrees of branching, substitution and/or non-saturation can be present in the alkyl chains.
  • the anion X" in the molecule is preferably the anion of a strong acid and can be, for example, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate and methyl sulphate; the anion can carry a double charge in which case X" represents half a group.
  • Liquid compositions of this invention typically contain from about 1% to about 80%, preferably from about 5% to about 50%, more preferably from about 4% to about 32%, of biodegradable diester quaternary ammonium softener active. Concentrated compositions are disclosed in allowed U.S. Pat. Applic. Ser. No. 08/169,858, filed December 17, 1993, Swartley, et al., said application being incorporated herein by reference. The lower limits are amounts needed to contribute effective fabric softening performance when added to laundry rinse baths in the manner which is customary in home laundry practice. The higher limits are suitable for concentrated products which provide the consumer with more economical usage due to a reduction of packaging and distributing costs.
  • An optional softening agent of the present invention is a nonionic fabric softener material.
  • nonionic fabric softener materials typically have an HLB of from about 2 to about 9, more typically from about 3 to about 7.
  • the materials selected should be relatively crystalline, higher melting, (e.g., >25°C).
  • the level of optional nonionic softener in the solid composition is typically from about 10% to about 50%, preferably from about 15% to about 40%.
  • Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric alcohols, or anhydrides thereof, wherein the alcohol, or anhydride, contains from about 2 to about 18, preferably from about 2 to about 8, carbon atoms, and each fatty acid moiety contains from about 8 to about 30, preferably from about 12 to about 20, carbon atoms.
  • such softeners contain from about one to about 3, preferably about 2 fatty acid groups per molecule.
  • the polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethylene glycol, glycerol, poly (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra, penta-, and/or hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, penta- erythritol, sorbitol or sorbitan.
  • the fatty acid portion of the ester is normally derived from fatty acids having from about 8 to about 30, preferably from about 12 to about 22, carbon atoms. Typical examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and behenic acid.
  • Highly preferred optional nonionic softening agents for use in the present invention are C10-C26 ac yl sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monostearate.
  • Sorbitan esters are esterified dehydration products of sorbitol.
  • the preferred sorbitan ester comprises a member selected from the group consisting of C10-C26 ac yl sorbitan monoesters and C10-C26 ac yl sorbitan diesters and ethoxylates of said esters wherein one or more of the unesterified hydroxyl groups in said esters contain from 1 to about 6 oxy ethylene units, and mixtures thereof.
  • sorbitan esters containing unsaturation e.g., sorbitan monooleate
  • Sorbitol which is typically prepared by the catalytic hydrogenation of glucose, can be dehydrated in well known fashion to form mixtures of 1,4- and 1,5-sorbitol anhydrides and small amounts of isosorbides.
  • sorbitan The foregoing types of complex mixtures of anhydrides of sorbitol are collectively referred to herein as "sorbitan.” It will be recognized that this "sorbitan" mixture will also contain some free, uncyclized sorbitol.
  • the preferred sorbitan softening agents of the type employed herein can be prepared by esterifying the "sorbitan" mixture with a fatty acyl group in standard fashion, e.g., by reaction with a fatty acid halide, fatty acid ester, and/or fatty acid.
  • the esterification reaction can occur at any of the available hydroxyl groups, and various mono-, di-, etc., esters can be prepared. In fact, mixtures of mono-, di-, tri-, etc., esters almost always result from such reactions, and the stoichiometric ratios of the reactants can be simply adjusted to favor the desired reaction product.
  • etherification and esterification are generally accomplished in the same processing step by reacting sorbitol directly with fatty acids.
  • Such a method of sorbitan ester preparation is described more fully in MacDonald; "Emulsifiers:” Processing and Quality Control:, Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. Vol. 45, October 1968.
  • sorbitan esters herein especially the "lower” ethoxylates thereof (i.e., mono-, di-, and tri-esters wherein one or more of the unesterified -OH groups contain one to about twenty oxyethylene moieties (T weens®) are also useful in the composition of the present invention. Therefore, for purposes of the present invention, the term "sorbitan ester" includes such derivatives.
  • ester mixtures having from 20-50% mono-ester, 25-50% di-ester and 10-35% of tri- and tetra-esters are preferred.
  • sorbitan mono-ester e.g., monostearate
  • a typical analysis of sorbitan monostearate indicates that it comprises about 27% mono-, 32% di- and 30% tri- and tetra-esters.
  • Commercial sorbitan monostearate therefore is a preferred material.
  • Mixtures of sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate having stearate/palmitate weight ratios varying between 10:1 and 1:10, and 1,5-sorbitan esters are useful. Both the 1,4- and 1,5-sorbitan esters are useful herein.
  • alkyl sorbitan esters for use in the softening compositions herein include sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monobehenate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan dilaurate, sorbitan dimyristate, sorbitan dipalmitate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan dibehenate, sorbitan dioleate, and mixtures thereof, and mixed tallowalkyl sorbitan mono- and di-esters.
  • Such mixtures are readily prepared by reacting the foregoing hydroxy-substituted sorbitans, particularly the 1,4- and 1,5-sorbitans, with the corresponding acid, ester, or acid chloride in a simple esterification reaction. It is to be recognized, of course, that commercial materials prepared in this manner will comprise mixtures usually containing minor proportions of uncyclized sorbitol, fatty acids, polymers, isosorbide structures, and the like. In the present invention, it is preferred that such impurities are present at as low a level as possible.
  • the preferred sorbitan esters employed herein can contain up to about 15% by weight of esters of the C20-C26 > nd higher, fatty acids, as well as minor amounts of Cg, and lower, fatty esters.
  • Glycerol and polyglycerol esters are also preferred herein (e.g., polyglycerol monostearate with a trade name of Radiasurf 7248).
  • Glycerol esters can be prepared from naturally occurring triglycerides by normal extraction, purification and/or interesterification processes or by esterification processes of the type set forth hereinbefore for sorbitan esters. Partial esters of glycerin can also be ethoxylated to form usable derivatives that are included within the term "glycerol esters.”
  • Useful glycerol and polyglycerol esters include mono-esters with stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, myristic, and/or behenic acids and the diesters of stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, behenic, and/or myristic acids. It is understood that the typical mono-ester contains some di- and tri-ester, etc.
  • the "glycerol esters” also include the polyglycerol, e.g., diglycerol through octaglycerol esters.
  • the polyglycerol polyols are formed by condensing glycerin or epichlorohydrin together to link the glycerol moieties via ether linkages.
  • the mono- and/or diesters of the polyglycerol polyols are preferred, the fatty acyl groups typically being those described hereinbefore for the sorbitan and glycerol esters.
  • the liquid carrier employed in the instant compositions is preferably at least primarily water due to its low cost, relative availability, safety, and environmental compatibility.
  • the level of water in the liquid carrier is preferably at least about 50%, most preferably at least about 60%, by weight of the carrier.
  • Mixtures of water and low molecular weight, e.g., ⁇ about 200, organic solvent, e.g., lower alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol or butanol are useful as the carrier liquid.
  • Low molecular weight alcohols include monohydric, dihydric (glycol, etc.) trihydric (glycerol, etc.), and higher polyhydric (polyols) alcohols. 3. Concentration aids
  • Concentrated compositions of the present invention may require organic and/or inorganic concentration aids to go to even higher concentrations and/or to meet higher stability standards depending on the other ingredients.
  • Surfactant concentration aids are typically selected from the group consisting of single long chain alkyl cationic surfactants; nonionic surfactants; amine oxides; fatty acids; or mixtures thereof, typically used at a level of from 0 to about 15% of the composition.
  • Inorganic viscosity/dispersibility control agents which can also act like or augment the effect of the surfactant concentration aids, include water-soluble, ionizable salts which can also optionally be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention.
  • ionizable salts can be used. Examples of suitable salts are the halides of the Group IA and IIA metals of the Periodic Table of the Elements, e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium bromide, and lithium chloride.
  • the ionizable salts are particularly useful during the process of mixing the ingredients to make the compositions herein, and later to obtain the desired viscosity.
  • the amount of ionizable salts used depends on the amount of active ingredients used in the compositions and can be adjusted according to the desires of the formulator. Typical levels of salts used to control the composition viscosity are from about 20 to about 20,000 parts per million (ppm), preferably from about 20 to about 11 ,000 ppm, by weight of the composition.
  • Alkylene polyammonium salts can be incorporated into the composition to give viscosity control in addition to or in place of the water-soluble, ionizable salts above.
  • these agents can act as scavengers, forming ion pairs with anionic detergent carried over from the main wash, in the rinse, and on the fabrics, and may improve softness performance. These agents may stabilize the viscosity over a broader range of temperature, especially at low temperatures, compared to the inorganic electrolytes.
  • alkylene polyammonium salts include 1-lysine monohydrochloride and 1 ,5-diammonium 2-methyl pentane dihydrochloride.
  • Soil Release Agents perfumes, preservatives/stabilizers, chelants, bacteriocides, colorants, optical brighteners, antifoam agents, and the like.
  • Soil Release Agents perfumes, preservatives/stabilizers, chelants, bacteriocides, colorants, optical brighteners, antifoam agents, and the like.
  • Soil Release agents are desirably used in fabric softening compositions of the instant invention.
  • Suitable soil release agents include those of U.S. 4,968,451, November 6, 1990 to J.J. Scheibel and E.P. Gosselink: such ester oligomers can be prepared by (a) ethoxylating allyl alcohol, (b) reacting the product of (a) with dimethyl terephthalate (“DMT”) and 1 ,2-propylene glycol (“PG”) in a two-stage transesterification/oligomerization procedure and (c) reacting the product of (b) with sodium metabisulfite in water; the nonionic end-capped 1 ,2-propylene/polyoxyethylene terephthalate polyesters of U.S.
  • DMT dimethyl terephthalate
  • PG ,2-propylene glycol
  • Gosselink et al for example those produced by transesterification/oligomerization of poly(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether, DMT, PG and poly(ethyleneglycol) ("PEG"); the partly- and fully- anionic- end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. 4,721,580, January 26, 1988 to Gosselink, such as oligomers from ethylene glycol ("EG"), PG, DMT and Na-3,6-dioxa-8- hydroxyoctanesulfonate; the nonionic-capped block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S.
  • Gosselink for example produced from DMT, Me- capped PEG and EG and/or PG, or a combination of DMT, EG and/or PG, Me-capped PEG and Na-dimethyl-5-sulfoisophthalate; and the anionic, especially sulfoaroyl, end- capped terephthalate esters of U.S.
  • Gosselink et al the latter being typical of SRA's useful in both laundry and fabric conditioning products, an example being an ester composition made from m- sulfobenzoic acid monosodium salt, PG and DMT optionally but preferably further comprising added PEG, e.g., PEG 3400.
  • Another preferred soil release agent is a sulfonated end-capped type described in US 5,415,807. Perfumes
  • pro-fragrances of the present invention can be used alone and simply mixed with essential fabric softening ingredient, most notably surfactant, they can also be desirably combined into three-part formulations which combine (a) a non-fragranced fabric softening base comprising one or more synthetic fabric softeners, (b) one or more pro-fragrant esters in accordance with the invention and (c) a fully-formulated fragrance.
  • a non-fragranced fabric softening base comprising one or more synthetic fabric softeners
  • pro-fragrant esters in accordance with the invention
  • a fully-formulated fragrance The latter provides desirable in-package and in-use (wash-time) fragrance
  • the pro- fragrance provides a long-term fragrance to the laundered textile fabrics.
  • the fully-formulated fragrance can be prepared using numerous known odorant ingredients of natural or synthetic origin.
  • the range of the natural raw substances can embrace not only readily- volatile, but also moderately- volatile and slightly-volatile components and that of the synthetics can include representatives from practically all classes of fragrant substances, as will be evident from the following illustrative compilation: natural products, such as tree moss absolute, basil oil, citrus fruit oils (such as bergamot oil, mandarin oil, etc.), mastix absolute, myrtle oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, petitgrain oil Paraguay, wormwood oil, alcohols, such as farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerol, phenylethyl alcohol, rhodinol, cinnamic alcohol, aldehydes, such as citral, HelionalTM, alpha-hexyl- cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, Lili
  • any conventional fragrant acetal or ketal known in the art can be added to the present composition as an optional component of the conventionally formulated perfume (c).
  • Such conventional fragrant acetals and ketals include the well-known methyl and ethyl acetals and ketals, as well as acetals or ketals based on benzaldehyde, those comprising phenylethyl moieties, or more recently developed specialties such as those described in a United States Patent entitled "Acetals and Ketals of Oxo-Tetralins and Oxo-Indanes, see U.S. Pat. No. 5 ,084,440, issued January 28, 1992, assigned to Givaudan Corp.
  • Stabilizers can be present in the compositions of the present invention.
  • the term "stabilizer,” as used herein, includes antioxidants and reductive agents. These agents are present at a level of from 0% to about 2%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.2%, more preferably from about 0.035% to about 0.1% for antioxidants, and more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.2% for reductive agents. These assure good odor stability under long term storage conditions for the compositions and compounds stored in molten form.
  • the use of antioxidants and reductive agent stabilizers is especially critical for low scent products (low perfume).
  • antioxidants examples include a mixture of ascorbic acid, ascorbic palmitate, propyl gallate, available from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., under the trade names Tenox® PG and Tenox S-l ; a mixture of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), propyl gallate, and citric acid, available from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., under the trade name Tenox-6; butylated hydroxytoluene, available from UOP Process Division under the trade name Sustane® BHT; tertiary butylhydroquinone, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., as Tenox TBHQ; natural tocopherols, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., as Tenox GT-l/GT-2; and butylated hydroxyanisole, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., as BHA; long chain esters (Cg-C22) of gallic acid, e.g., dodecy
  • Irganox® 1035 41484-35-9 Thiodiethylene bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyhydrocinnamate
  • Irganox® 1098 23128-74-7 N,N'-Hexamethylene bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyhydrocinnamamide
  • Irganox® 3125 34137-09-2 3,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-hydrocinnamic acid triester with l,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-S- triazine-2,4,6-(lH, 3H, 5H)-trione
  • reductive agents include sodium borohydride, hypophosphorous acid, Irgafos® 168, and mixtures thereof.
  • Other Optional Ingredients include sodium borohydride, hypophosphorous acid, Irgafos® 168, and mixtures thereof.
  • the present invention can include other optional components (minor components) conventionally used in textile treatment compositions, for example, colorants, preservatives, optical brighteners, opacifiers, stabilizers such as guar gum and polyethylene glycol, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-wrinkle agents, fabric crisping agents, spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, anti-corrosion agents, antifoam agents, and the like.
  • optional components conventionally used in textile treatment compositions, for example, colorants, preservatives, optical brighteners, opacifiers, stabilizers such as guar gum and polyethylene glycol, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-wrinkle agents, fabric crisping agents, spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, anti-corrosion agents, antifoam agents, and the like.
  • the present invention encompasses articles of manufacture.
  • Representative articles are those that are adapted to soften fabrics in an automatic laundry dryer, of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,989,631 Marsan, issued Nov. 2, 1976; 4,055,248, Marsan, issued Oct. 25, 1977; 4,073,996, Bedenk et al.. issued Feb. 14, 1978; 4,022,938, Zaki et al., issued May 10, 1977; 4,764,289, Trinh, issued Aug. 16, 1988; 4,808,086, Evans et al., issued Feb.
  • the fabric treatment compositions are provided as an article of manufacture in combination with a dispensing means such as a flexible substrate which effectively releases the composition in an automatic laundry (clothes) dryer.
  • a dispensing means such as a flexible substrate which effectively releases the composition in an automatic laundry (clothes) dryer.
  • Such dispensing means can be designed for single usage or for multiple uses.
  • the dispensing means can also be a "carrier material" that releases the fabric softener composition and then is dispersed and/or exhausted from the dryer.
  • the dispensing means will normally carry an effective amount of fabric treatment composition.
  • Such effective amount typically provides sufficient fabric conditioning/antistatic agent and/or anionic polymeric soil release agent for at least one treatment of a minimum load in an automatic laundry dryer.
  • Amounts of fabric treatment composition for multiple uses, e.g., up to about 30, can be used.
  • Typical amounts for a single article can vary from about 0.25 g to about 100 g, preferably from about 0.5 g to about 20 g, most preferably from about 1 g to about 10 g.
  • Another article comprises a sponge material releasably enclosing enough fabric treatment composition to effectively impart fabric soil release, antistatic effect and/or softness benefits during several cycles of clothes.
  • This multi-use article can be made by filling a hollow sponge with about 20 grams of the fabric treatment composition.
  • the substrate embodiment of this invention can be used for imparting the above- described fabric treatment composition to fabric to provide softening and/or antistatic effects to fabric in an automatic laundry dryer.
  • the method of using the composition of the present invention comprises: commingling pieces of damp fabric by tumbling said fabric under heat in an automatic clothes dryer with an effective amount of the fabric treatment composition. At least the continuous phase of said composition has a melting point greater than about 35°C and the composition is flowable at dryer operating temperature.
  • This composition comprises from about 10% to about 99.99%, preferably from about 15% to about 90%, of the quaternary ammonium agent selected from the above-defined cationic fabric softeners and mixtures thereof, from about 0% to about 95%, preferably from about 20% to about 75%, more preferably from about 20% to about 60% of the above-defined co-softener.
  • the present invention relates to improved solid dryer-activated fabric softener compositions which are either (A) incorporated into articles of manufacture in which the compositions are, e.g., on a substrate, or are (B) in the form of particles (including, where appropriate, agglomerates, pellets, and tablets of said particles).
  • Such compositions contain from about 30% to about 95% of normally solid, dryer-softenable material, typically fabric softening agent, containing an effective amount of unsaturation.
  • Example 1 Diester maleates of ⁇ - ⁇ -hexenol, rosalva. ⁇ -citronellol and phenoxanol
  • Diester maleates of ⁇ - ⁇ -hexenol, rosalva. ⁇ -citronellol and phenoxanol A blend of ⁇ - ⁇ -hexenol in the amount of l.55 g (0.015 mol), rosalva in the amount of 38.35 g (0.245 mol), ⁇ -citronellol in the amount of 230.05 g (1.472 mol) and phenoxanol in the amount of 230.05 g (1.290 mol), maleic anhydride in the amount of 98.99 g (1.01 mol) and toluene in the amount of 300 mL were combined in a round- bottomed flask fitted with a Dean- Stark trap, condenser and argon inlet.
  • Example 2 Diester succinates of ⁇ - ⁇ -hexenol. rosalva. ⁇ -citronellol and phenoxanol
  • a blend of ⁇ - ⁇ -hexenol in the amount of 0.138 g (1.38 mmol), rosalva in the amount of 2.05 g (0.0131 mol), geraniol in the amount of 10.26 g (0.0665 mol) and phenoxanol in the amount of 23.94 g (0.134 mol), diethyl maleate in the amount of 12.74 g (0.0718 mol), and sodium methoxide in the amount of 0.41 g (7.20 mmol) were combined in a flask fitted with a take-off condenser, argon inlet and internal thermometer. The mixture was heated to 105-115°C for 24 h.
  • Coating Mix A batch of approximately 200g is prepared as follows: Approximately 99.2g of co- softener and about 88.5g DMONOESTER(l) are melted separately at about 80°C. They are combined with high shear mixing in a vessel immersed in a hot water bath to maintain the temperature between 70-80°C. Calcium bentonite clay (8g) is mixed in to achieve the desired viscosity. The Product of Example 2 (l.Og) and perfume (3.3g) are added to the formula and mixed until homogeneous.
  • Coating mixes for Formulas 2 - 8 are made in a like manner, using the materials indicated in the table above.
  • the coating mixture is applied to pre-weighed substrate sheets of about 6.75 inches x 12inches (approximately 17 cm x 30 cm) dimensions, the substrate sheets are comprised of about 4-denier spun bonded polyester.
  • a small amount of the formula is placed on a heated metal plate with a spatula and then is spread evenly with a wire metal rod.
  • a substrate sheet is placed on the metal plate to absorb the coating mixture.
  • the sheet is then removed from the heated metal plate and allowed to cool to room temperature so that the coating mix can solidify.
  • the sheet is weighed to determine the amount of coating mixture on the sheet.
  • the target sheet weight is 3.5g. If the weight is in excess of the target weight, the sheet is placed back on the heated metal plate to remelt the coating mixture and remove some of the excess. If the weight is under the target weight, the sheet is also placed on the heated metal plate and more coating mixture is added.
  • Liquid Fabric Softener compositions according to the present invention comprising Pro-perfume blends.
  • Example 9 is made in the following manner: A blend of 250g DEQA(l) and 40g ethanol are melted at about 70°C. A 25% aqueous solution of HCl in the amount of 40g is added to about 700g of deionized water also at 70°C containing the antifoam. The DEQA alcohol blend is added to the water/HCl over a period of about five minutes with very vigorous agitation (IKA Paddle Mixer, model RW 20 DZM at 1500 rpm). A 25% aqueous solution of CaCl2 in the amount of 13.8g is added to the dispersion dropwise over 1 minute, followed by milling with an IKA Ultra Turrax T-50 high shear mill for 5 minutes.
  • IKA Paddle Mixer model RW 20 DZM at 1500 rpm
  • the dispersion is then cooled to room temperature by passing it through a plate and frame heat exchanger. Following cool-down, the soil release polymer is added into the dispersion in the form of a 40% solution and stirred for 10 minutes.
  • the product of Example 1 (6) in the amount of 8.3g is blended into the dispersion with moderate agitation. Finally, another 4.6g of 25% CaCl2 is mixed into the dispersion and stirred for several hours.
  • Example 12 is made in a like manner, excepting that the pro-perfume material is blended with the perfume component and the resulting mixture is added to the cooled product.
  • Example 10 is made in the following manner: A blend of 233 g DEQA(l) and 36.5g ethanol are melted at about 75°C. A 25% aqueous solution of HCl in the amount of 0.3g is added to about 680g of deionized water also at 75°C containing the antifoam. The DEQ A/alcohol blend is added to the water/HCl over a period of about two minutes with very vigorous agitation (IKA Padel Mixer, model RW 20 DZM at 1500 rpm).
  • a 2.5% aqueous solution of CaCl2 in the amount of 2.5g is added to the dispersion dropwise over 5 minutes, Meanwhile, 61 g of a 41% aqueous solution of the chelant is acidified by the addition of a 25% solution of HCl to a measured pH of 3.
  • a small amount, about 8g, of the acidified chelant solution is stirred into the dispersion, followed by milling with an IKA Ultra Turrax T-50 high shear mill for 5 minutes.
  • the dispersion is then cooled to room temperature. Following cool-down, the soil release polymer is added into the dispersion in the form of a 40% solution and stirred for 10 minutes.
  • the remaining acidified chelant solution is added over 3 minutes.
  • the product of Example 2 (6) in the amount of lO.Og is added, followed by the addition of ammonium chloride in the form of a 20% aqueous solution. Finally, the remaining CaCl2 is added in the form of a 25% solution.
  • Example 11 is made in a like manner, excepting that the pro-perfume material is blended with the perfume component and the resulting mixture is added to the cooled product.
  • a batch process is used. The procedure is divided in two parts: the preparation of the base product (prepared in the lab. without perfume and technology) and the addition of the perfume and the technology (ies).
  • the main tank is loaded with the water needed ( 15.1 kg ) and is heated to 43 °C .
  • Example 1 The product of Example 1 ( 1.9 g) is added to a 249g aliquot of the above product by mixing with an IKA Ultra Turrax T-50 at 6000 rpm for 15 minutes.
  • Examples L and M are made in a like manner, except that the pro-perfume material is added at the required amount.

Abstract

The present invention relates to rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions wherein the dryer-added compositions comprise: (A) pro-fragrant mixed ester compounds; (B) fabric softening compounds; and (C) optionally, (1) a carboxylic acid salt of a tertiary amine and/or a tertiary amine ester; and (2) a nonionic softener; wherein, preferably, the Iodine Value of the total number of fatty acyl groups present in (A), (C)(1), and (C)(2) is from about 3 to about 60; and said rinse-added compositions preferably comprise one or more liquid carriers and preferably an electrolyte. These compositions exhibit good antistatic properties as well as improved delivery from a substrate.

Description

RINSE-ADDED AND DRYER-ADDED FABRIC SOFTENING
COMPOSITIONS AND METHOD OF USE FOR
THE DELIVERY OF ESTER FRAGRANCE DERIVATIVES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an improvement in rinse-added and dryer- activated, e.g., dryer-added, softening products, compositions, and/or the process of making these compositions containing mixed ester pro-fragrance compounds and methods for accomplishing the delivery of such organic pro-fragrance compounds to textile articles and other surfaces treated with said compositions. These products and/or compositions are either in paniculate form, compounded with other materials in solid form, e.g., tablets, pellets, agglomerates, etc., for rinse-added preferably liquid, for dryer- added preferably attached to a substrate. The fragrance is released in fragrance-active form when the dried surface is subsequently contacted with a lower pH environment such as contact with water, carbon dioxide gas, humid air, or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Consumer acceptance of laundry products is determined not only by the performance achieved with these products but the aesthetics associated therewith. The perfume systems are therefore an important aspect of the successful formulation of such commercial products.
What perfume system to use for a given product is a matter of careful consideration by skilled perfumers. While a wide array of chemicals and ingredients are available to perfumers, considerations such as availability, cost, and compatibility with other components in the compositions limit the practical options. Thus, there continues to be a need for efficient, low-cost, compatible perfume materials useful for laundry compositions.
Furthermore, due to the high energy input and large air flow in the drying process used in the typical automatic laundry dryers, a large part of most perfumes provided by fabric softener products is lost from the dryer vent. Perfume can be lost even when the fabrics are line dried. The amount of perfume carry-over from a laundry process onto fabrics is often marginal and does not last long on the fabric. Fragrance materials are often very costly and inefficient use in rinse added and dryer added fabric softener compositions and ineffective delivery to fabrics results in a very high cost to both consumers and fabric softener manufacturers. Industry, therefore, continues to look for more efficient and effective fragrance delivery in fabric softener products, especially for improvement in the provision of long-lasting fragrance to the dried fabrics.
In addition, perfumes found in consumer products are typically composed of more than one single perfume component. Frequently, a combination of individual perfumes is employed to deliver a specific perfume "accord". Perfumes, by their very nature, are relatively volatile compounds. Individual perfumes have varying degrees of volatility. Thus, perfume accords tend to change in character over time as the more volatile components are lost at a more rapid rate than the less volatile components. Highly desirable volatile top notes can be lost before the product has been consumed in use. The use of perfume accords also introduces the risk of variability in batch to batch consistency of the specific accord. Multiple component perfumes have components with varying solubility profiles. Inadequate mixing of perfume mixtures can result in variation of the final scent of the accord. Therefore, there is a continued interest in industry for improved means of delivering consistent, long lasting perfume accords.
It has now surprisingly been discovered that these problems can unexpectedly be overcome by the use of di- and higher esters with internal blends of perfume alcohols. The hydrophobic esters of the present invention demonstrate improved substantivity through the dryer. These ingredients further provide sustained gradual release of perfume from laundry items over an extended period of time. The use of ester blends also provides a improved means of delivering consistent, long lasting perfume accords.
BACKGROUND ART
General ester chemistry is described in Carey et al., Advanced Organic Chemistry, Part A, 2nd Ed., pp. 421-426 (Plenum, N.Y.; 1984); and March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 3rd Ed., pp. 346-354 (Wiley, N.Y., 1985).
Compositions of fragrance materials (having certain values for Odour Intensity Index, Malodour Reduction Value and Odour Reduction Value) said to be used as fragrance compositions in detergent compositions and fabric conditioning compositions are described in European Patent Application Publication No. 404,470, published December 27, 1990 by Unilever PLC. Example 1 describes a fabric-washing composition containing 0.2% by weight of a fragrance composition which itself contains 4.0 % geranyl phenylacetate. A process for scenting fabrics washed with lipase- containing detergents is described in PCT application No. WO 95/04809, published February 16, 1995 by Firmenich S.A.. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions and articles of manufacture which have improved biodegradablility, provide enhanced softness benefits as well as perfume delivery. The rinse-added pro- fragrances are more substantive than perfume raw materials and are not lost in the dryer due to evaporation. The dryer-added compositions, in addition to the perfume benefits, provide increased anti-static properties.
A first aspect of the present invention relates to dryer-added compositions and/or articles comprising, as essential ingredients:
(A) from about 0.01 % to about 15%, by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5% of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of at least three parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula:
O
Figure imgf000005_0001
wherein Rλ is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C\ - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, or aryl group; R is C - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0; (B) from about 10% to about 99.99%, preferably from about 15% to about 90%, more preferably from about 30% to about 85%, and even more preferably from about 30% to about 55%, of fabric softening compound, preferably quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably biodegradable, as described hereinafter; and (C) optionally ingredients, as described hereinafter, selected from the group consisting of: i) co-softeners which are a carboxylic acid salt of a tertiary amine and/or ester amine; ii) nonionic softeners; iii) soil release agents; iv) cyclodextrin/perfume complexes and free perfume; v) stabilizers; and vi) other minor ingredients conventionally used in textile treatment compositions. The compositions of the present invention further relate to rinse-added fabric softening compositions comprising:
(a) from about 0.01% to about 15%, by weight of the composition, of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of at least three parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula:
Figure imgf000006_0001
wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted Cj - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, or aryl group; R is C - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0; and
(b) from about 85% to about 99.99%, by weight of the composition, of ingredients useful for formulating fabric softening compositions.
R' is selected to provide the perfume ester with desired chemical and physical properties such as:
1) chemical stability in the product matrix,
2) formulatability into the product matrix,
3) desirable rate of perfume release, etc.
In addition, each of the above R', and R" moieties can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more nonionic and/or anionic substituents. Such substituents can include, for example, halogens, nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, sulfate, sulfonate, hydroxy, and alkoxy, and mixtures thereof.
The use of blended alcohols to form the pro-fragrant ester results in esters having a distribution of alkoxy substituents on the R -(CO- ) backbone. The nature of this distribution can be controlled by adjusting the ratios of the individual alcohols prior to synthesis, variation of the reaction conditions, and the like. The use of di- and higher esters allows portions of the accord to be locked into a single molecule. The distribution of a desired perfume accord can thus be locked into a pro-fragrant compound which can then be used to provide this accord over an extended period of time. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from about 1% to about 80%, preferably from about 5 to about 50% of cationic fabric softening compound. Dilute liquid compositions of the present invention preferably contain from about 5% to about 1-5% of cationic fabric softening compound. Concentrated liquid compositions of the present invention preferably contain from about 15% to about 50%, more preferably from about 15% to about 35% of cationic fabric softening compound. Preferably, the cationic fabric softening compound is selected from biodegradable quaternary ammonium compounds as described hereinafter.
The active fabric softening components preferably contain unsaturation to provide improved antistatic benefits. The Iodine Value of the composition is preferably from about 3 to about 60, more preferably from about 8 to about 50, and even more preferably from about 12 to about 40. The Iodine Value of the composition represents the Iodine Value of the total fatty acyl groups present in components (B), (C)(i), and (C)(ii) described below. The unsaturation may be present in one or more of the active components of (B), (C)(i), and/or (C)(ii).
These and other objects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims.
All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified. All temperatures are in degrees Celsius (° C) unless otherwise specified. All documents cited are in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The compositions of the present invention comprise two essential elements, pro- fragrant ester compounds having an internal blend of alkoxy groups derived from at least 3 different parent perfume alcohols, and ingredients useful for formulating dryer added fabric softening compositions.
A. Pro-fragrant Ester Ingredients
The compositions of the present invention comprise from about 0.01% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5% of pro-fragrant ester compounds. Esters suitable in the present invention have the following structure:
O
RICCLR)
wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C\ - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is Cβ - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0.
For the purposses of the present invention the term substituted is defined as "having one or more hydrogen atoms of a chain substituted by an anionic or nonionic moiety". Non-limiting examples of substituents suitable to form the substituted R' and R" units halogen, nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, sulfate, sulfonate, hydroxy, alkoxy, and mixtures thereof.
When R' is C\ - C30 alkylene, a preferred unit is -CH2-CH2- (ethylene). When R' is alkenylene, a preferred unit is -CH=CH- (ethenylene). When R' is alkyl substituted with carboxy, a preferred unit is -CH2-CH2-COOH. When R' is alkenyl substituted with carboxy, a preferred unit is -CH=CH-COOH. When R' is ethylene or ethenylene, the index s is equal to 2.
The R" unit of the pro-fragrant compound is derived from a parent alcohol selected from the group consisting of fragrant C to C20 saturated or unsaturated, linear, cyclic or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alcohols, and alkoxylates of said alcohols. Specific parent alcohols of fragrant types suitable herein are likewise given in Arctander and preferably include but are not limited by amyl alcohol; undecylenic alcohol; osyrol; sandalore; dihydro carveol; dihydro linalool; dihydromyrcenol; dihydro terpineol; dimetol; mycenol; alpha-terpineol; tetrahydro linalool; tetrahydro mugol; tetrahydro myrcenol; amyl cinnamic alcohol; decenol; trans-2-hexenol; patchomint; prenol; cuminyl alcohol; para-tolyl alcohol; phenylethyl carbinol; ethyl vanillin; isoamyl salicylate; para-hydroxyphenyl butanone; phenethyl salicylate; ethyl linalool; linalool; dihydromyrcenol; nerolidol; beta gamma hexenol; decyl alcohol; dihydro floralol; hawthanol; heptyl alcohol; isoamyl alcohol; isocyclo geraniol; isononyl geraniol; mayol; methyl lavendar ketone; octyl alcohol; phenyl propyl alcohol; rhodinol 70; rosalva; camelkol dh; cyclohexyl propyl alcohol; isobutyl benzyl alcohol; lavinol; phenyl ethyl methyl carbinol; propyl benzyl carbinol; iso pulegol; menthol; patchone; rootanol; roselea; trans decahydro beta naphthol; verdol; cinnamic alcohol; farnesol; geraniol; nerol; anisic alcohol; benzyl alcohol; undecavertol; eugenol; isoeugenol; and vanillin. Most preferably, the fragrant parent alcohol is selected from the group consisting of: beta gamma hexenol; decyl alcohol; dihydro floralol; hawthanol; heptyl alcohol; isoamyl alcohol; isocyclo geraniol; isononyl geraniol; mayol; methyl lavendar ketone; octyl alcohol; phenyl propyl alcohol; rhodinol 70; rosalva; camelkol dh; cyclohexyl propyl alcohol; isobutyl benzyl alcohol; lavinol; phenyl ethyl methyl carbinol; propyl benzyl carbinol; iso pulegol; menthol; patchone; rootanol; roselea; trans decahydro beta naphthol; verdol; cinnamic alcohol; farnesol; geraniol; nerol; anisic alcohol; benzyl alcohol; undecavertol; eugenol; isoeugenol; and vanillin.
Specific preferred pro-fragrant esters compounds are nonlimitingly illustrated by the following: maleate ester of a mixture of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol; succinate ester of a mixture of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol; maleate ester of a mixture of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol. B. Fabric Softening Compound
Compositions of the present invention contain from about 10% to about 99.99%, preferably from about 15% to about 90%, more preferably from about 30% to about 85%, and even more preferably from about 30% to about 55%, of fabric softening compound, preferably ester quaternary ammonium compound (monoester).
The preferred fabric softening actives according to the present invention are amines having the formula:
(R) 'r3—-m -N-f-(CH2)n-Q-Rl m
quaternary ammonium compounds having the formula:
Figure imgf000009_0001
and mixtures thereof, wherein each R is independently Cj-C^ alkyl, C\-C hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, and mixtures thereof; R^ is preferably C\ \-C22 linear alkyl, C\ \- C22 branched alkyl, C11-C22 linear alkenyl, C1 1-C22 branched alkenyl, and mixtures thereof; Q is a carbonyl moiety independently selected from the units having the formula:
O O R2 O O R2
II II I II II I -O— C- -c— O- — N— C- -C-N — ,
Figure imgf000010_0001
wherein R^ is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, preferably hydrogen; R^ is C1-C4 alkyl, preferably hydrogen or methyl; preferably Q has the formula:
O O
II II
— O— C — or — NH-C —
X is a softener compatible anion, preferably the anion of a strong acid, for example, chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, sulfate, nitrate and mixtures thereof, more preferably chloride and methyl sulfate. The anion can also, but less preferably, carry a double charge, in which case χ(~ represents half a group. The index m has a value of from 1 to 3; the index n has a value of from 1 to 4, preferably 2 or 3, more preferably 2.
One embodiment of the present invention provides for amines and quaternized amines having two or more different values for the index n per molecule, for example, a softener active prepared from the starting amine methyl(3-aminopropyl)(2- hydroxyethyl)amine.
More preferred softener actives according to the present invention have the formula:
Figure imgf000010_0002
wherein the unit having the formula:
Figure imgf000010_0003
is a fatty acyl moiety. Suitable fatty acyl moieties for use in the softener actives of the present invention are derived from sources of triglycerides including tallow, vegetable oils and/or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils including inter alia canola oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, tall oil, rice bran oil.
The Rl units are typically mixtures of linear and branched chains of both saturated and unsaturated aliphatic fatty acids, an example of which (canola oil), is described in Table I herein below.
Table I
Figure imgf000011_0001
The formulator, depending upon the desired physical and performance properties of the final fabric softener active, can choose any of the above mentioned sources of fatty acyl moieties, or alternatively, the formulator can mix sources of triglyceride to form a "customized blend". However, those skilled in the art of fats and oils recognize that the fatty acyl composition may vary, as in the case of vegetable oil, from crop to crop, or from variety of vegetable oil source to variety of vegetable oil source. DMONOESTER's which are prepared using fatty acids derived from natural sources are preferred.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides softener actives comprising R^ units which have at least about 3%, preferably at least about 5%, more preferably at least about 10%, most preferably at least about 15% C11-C22 alkenyl, including polyalkenyl (polyunsaturated) units inter alia oleic, linoleic, linolenic.
For the purposes of the present invention the term "mixed chain fatty acyl units" is defined as "a mixture of fatty acyl units comprising alkyl and alkenyl chains having from 10 carbons to 22 carbon atoms including the carbonyl carbon atom, and in the case of alkenyl chains, from one to three double bonds, preferably all double bonds in the cis configuration". With regard to the Rl units of the present invention, it is preferred that at least a substantial percentage of the fatty acyl groups are unsaturated, e.g., from about 25%, preferably from about 50% to about 70%, preferably to about 65%. The total level of fabric softening active containing polyunsaturated fatty acyl groups can be from about 3%, preferably from about 5%, more preferably from about 10% to about 30%, preferably to about 25%, more preferably to about 18%. As stated herein above cis and trans isomers can be used, preferably with a cis/ trans ratio is of from 1 :1, preferably at least 3: 1, and more preferably from about 4:1 to about 50:1, more preferably about 20:1, however, the minimum being 1 :1.
The level of unsaturation contained within the tallow, canola, or other fatty acyl unit chain can be measured by the Iodine Value (IV) of the corresponding fatty acid, which in the present case should preferably be in the range of from 5 to 100 with two categories of compounds being distinguished, having a IV below or above 25.
Indeed, for compounds having the formula:
Figure imgf000012_0001
derived from tallow fatty acids, when the Iodine Value is from 5 to 25, preferably 15 to 20, it has been found that a cisltrans isomer weight ratio greater than about 30/70, preferably greater than about 50/50 and more preferably greater than about 70/30 provides optimal concentrability.
For compounds of this type made from tallow fatty acids having a Iodine Value of above 25, the ratio of cis to trans isomers has been found to be less critical unless very high concentrations are needed. A further preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises DMONOESTER's wherein the average Iodine Value for Rl is approximately 45.
The Rl units suitable for use in the isotropic liquids present invention can be further characterized in that the Iodine Value (IV) of the parent fatty acid, said IV is preferably from about 10, more preferably from about 50, most preferably from about 70, to a value of about 140, preferably to about 130, more preferably to about 115. However, formulators, depending upon which embodiment of the present invention they choose to execute, may wish to add an amount of fatty acyl units which have Iodine Values outside the range listed herein above. For example, "hardened stock" (IV less than or equal to about 10) may be combined with the source of fatty acid admixture to adjust the properties of the final softener active.
A prefered source of fatty acyl units, especially fatty acyl units having branching, for example, "Guerbet branching", methyl, ethyl, etc. units substituted along the primary alkyl chain, synthetic sources of fatty acyl units are also suitable. For example, the formulator may with to add one or more fatty acyl units having a methyl branch at a "non-naturally occuring" position, for example, at the third carbon of a C\η chain. What is meant herein by the term "non-naturally occuring" is "acyl units whihc are not found in significant (greater than about 0.1%) quantities is common fats and oils which serve as feedstocks for the source of triglycerides described herein." If the desired branched chain fatty acyl unit is unavailable from readily available natural feedstocks, therefore, synthetic fatty acid can be suitably admixed with other synthetic materials or with other natural triglyceride derived sources of acyl units.
Amines which can be used to prepare the preferred fabric softening actives of the present invention have the formula:
Figure imgf000013_0001
wherein R is the same as defined herein above; each Z is independently selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CHR3OH, -CH(OH)CH2OH, -NH2, and mixtures thereof; preferably -OH, -NH2, and mixtures thereof; R3 is C1-C4 alkyl, preferably methyl; the indices m and n are the same as defined hereinabove.
Non-limiting examples of preferred amines which are used to form the DMONOESTER fabric softening actives according to the present invention include methyl bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine having the formula:
CH3
I
HO' v v "OH methyl bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine having the formula:
Figure imgf000013_0002
methyl (3-aminopropyl) (2-hydroxyethyl)amine having the formula:
Figure imgf000013_0003
methyl bis(2-aminoethyl)amine having the formula:
Figure imgf000014_0001
triethanol amine having the formula:
Figure imgf000014_0002
bis(2-aminoethyl) ethanolamine having the formula:
Figure imgf000014_0003
The above examples include symmetrical as well as unsymmetrical and mixed amines. For the purposes of the present invention the term "mixed" amine is defined as "amines having different carbon chain lengths on two or more branches", that is the value of the index n is different from chain to chain. An example of a mixed amine is methyl (3-aminopropyl) (2-hydroxyethyl)amine. For the purposes of the present invention the term "unsymetrical amine" is defined as "amines having different substituents from one chain to the next", that is one chain may comprise a hydroxy unit, while another chain may comprise an amine unit.
For the purposes of the present invention, R moieties which are introduced during the quaternization step are preferably methyl. In the case of amines having the formula:
Figure imgf000014_0004
R is preferably the same moiety (i.e. methyl) which is introduced during the quaternization step. For example, a methyl amine having the formula:
Figure imgf000014_0005
after reaction with a suitable source of fatty acyl units, is preferably quaternized to the softener active having the general formula: (CH3)2- X
Figure imgf000015_0001
In one embodiment of the present invention, the fabric softening active precursor amine mixture is not fully quatemized, that is, some free amine having the general formula:
Figure imgf000015_0002
is still present in the final fabric softener mixture.
A yet further embodiment of the present invention comprises an amine of the formula:
Figure imgf000015_0003
wherein not all of the Z units are fully reacted with a fatty acyl moiety thereby leaving an amount of amine and/or quatemized ammonium compound in the final fabric softener active admixture having one or more Z units unreacted and thereby not transformed into an ester or amide.
It will be understood that substituents R and R^ can optionally be substituted with various groups such as alkoxyl or hydroxyl groups. The preferred compounds can be considered to be diester (DMONOESTER) variations of ditallow dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate (DTDMAMS), which is a widely used fabric softener. At least 80% of the DMONOESTER is in the diester form, and from 0% to about 20%, preferably less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, can be monoester (e.g., only one -Q-R^ group).
As used herein, when the diester is specified, it will include the monoester that is normally present. For the optimal antistatic benefit the percentage of monoester should be as low as possible, preferably less than about 2.5%. The level of monoester present can be controlled in the manufacturing of the softener active.
Monoesters prepared with fully saturated acyl groups are rapidly biodegradable and excellent softeners. However, it has now been discovered that compounds prepared with at least partially unsaturated acyl groups have advantages (i.e., antistatic benefits) and are highly acceptable for consumer products when certain conditions are met. Variables that must be adjusted to obtain the benefits of using unsaturated acyl groups include the Iodine Value of the fatty acids, the odor of fatty acid starting material, and/or the monoester. Any reference to Iodine Value values hereinafter refers to Iodine Value of fatty acyl groups and not to the resulting monoester compound.
Antistatic effects are especially important where the fabrics are dried in a tumble dryer, and/or where synthetic materials which generate static are used. As the Iodine Value is raised, there is a potential for odor problems.
Some highly desirable, readily available sources of fatty acids such as tallow, possess odors that remain with the compound monoester despite the chemical and mechanical processing steps which convert the raw tallow to finished monoester. Such sources must be deodorized, e.g., by absorption, distillation (including stripping such as steam stripping), etc., as is well known in the art. In addition, care must be taken to minimize contact of the resulting fatty acyl groups to oxygen and/or bacteria by adding antioxidants, antibacterial agents, etc. The additional expense and effort associated with the unsaturated fatty acyl groups is justified by the superior performance which has not been recognized.
Generally, hydrogenation of fatty acids to reduce polyunsaturation and to lower Iodine Value to insure good color and odor stability leads to a high degree of trans configuration in the molecule. Therefore, diester compounds derived from fatty acyl groups having low Iodine Value values can be made by mixing fully hydrogenated fatty acid with touch hydrogenated fatty acid at a ratio which provides an Iodine Value of from about 3 to about 60. The polyunsaturation content of the touch hardened fatty acid should be less than about 5%, preferably less than about 1%. During touch hardening the cis/trans isomer weight ratios are controlled by methods known in the art such as by optimal mixing, using specific catalysts, providing high H2 availability, etc.
It has been found that a solvent may be used to facilitate processing of the monoester and/or of the fabric softening composition containing the monoester. Possible solvents include C1-C30 alcohols, with secondary and tertiary alcohols preferred, e.g., isopropanol, and C8-C30 fatty acids.
It has also been found that for good chemical stability of the diester quaternary compound in molten storage, water levels in the raw material must be minimized to preferably less than about 1% and more preferably less than about 0.5%. Storage temperatures should be kept as low as possible and still maintain a fluid material, ideally in the range of from about 45°C to about 70°C. The optimum storage temperature for stability and fluidity depends on the specific Iodine Value of the fatty acid used to make the diester quaternary and the level/type of solvent selected. Also, exposure to oxygen should be minimized to keep the unsaturated groups from oxidizing. It can therefore be important to store the material under a reduced oxygen atmosphere such as a nitrogen blanket. It is important to provide good molten storage stability to provide a commercially feasible raw material that will not degrade noticeably in the normal transportation/storage/handling of the material in manufacturing operations.
The following are non-limiting examples of monoesters (wherein all long-chain alkyl substituents are straight-chain): Saturated
(C2H5)2 +N(CH2CH2OC(O)C17H35)2 (CH3SO4)- (HO-CH(CH3)CH2)(CH3) +N(CH2CH2OC(O)Ci5H3i)2 Br (CH3XC2H5) +N(CH2CH2OC(O)C13H27)2 (HCOO) - (C3H7)(C2H5) +N(CH2CH2OC(O)C! ^23)2 (CH3SO4) " (CH3)2+N-CH2CH2OC(O)C15H31 (CH3SO4)-
I
CH2CH2OC(O)Ci7H35 (CH3)2+N(CH2CH2θC(O)R2)2 (CH3SO4)- where -C(O)R2 is derived from saturated tallow.
Unsaturated
(CH3)2+N(CH2CH2OC(O)C17H33)2 (CH3SO4)- (HO-CH(CH3)CH2)(CH3)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)C 51*29)2 (HCOO)" (C2H5)2+N(CH2CH2OC(O)C 7H33)2 C 1 - (CH3)(C2H5)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)C13H25)2 (C6H5COO)- (CH3)2+N-CH2CH2OC(O)Ci5H29 (CH3CH2SO4)-
I
CH2CH2OC(O)Ci7H33
(CH2CH2OH)(CH3)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)R2)2 (CH3 SO )"
(CH3)2+N(CH2CH2θC(O)R2)2 (CH3SO4)- where -C(O)R2 is derived from partially hydrogenated tallow or modified tallow having the characteristics set forth herein.
Further monoesters which comprise the rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softener compositions of the present invention are actives derived from amines wherein Z is an unit having the formula -CH(OH)CH2OH. For example having the formula:
Figure imgf000017_0001
wherein R, R1, Q, X and n are the same as defined herein above, preferably R is methyl and Q is -OC(O)-, and X represents a methyl sulfate anion. The straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl chains, Rl, have from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 14 to about 18 carbon atoms, more preferably straight chains having from about 14 to about 18 carbon atoms.
Tallow is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyl and alkenyl materials.
A specific example of a biodegradable monoester of this type which is suitable for use in the fabric softening compositions herein is: 1 ,2-bis(tallowyl oxy)-3-trimethyl ammoniopropane methylsulfate (DTTMAPMS).
Other examples of suitable monoesters of this type are obtained by, e.g., replacing R1 as "tallowyl" in the above compounds with, for example, cocoyl, lauryl, oleyl, stearyl, palmityl, or the like; and having R equal ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, or the hydroxy substituted analogs of these radicals; and replacing the methyl sulfate anion with chloride, ethylsulfate, bromide, formate, sulfate, lactate, nitrate, and the like, however, methylsulfate is preferred.
In addition to the above examples, the compositions and articles of the present invention also comprise monoesters wherein m is equal to 3 but only two of the Z units of the starting amine are converted to esters, amides, or mixtures thereof, for example, a compound having the formula:
Figure imgf000018_0001
wherein R, R1, Q, X, Z, and n are the same as defined herein above. A specific example of a softener of this type suitable for use in the fabric softening compositions herein is N- methyl-N,N-di-(2-(Cj4-Ci8-acyloxy) ethyl), N-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methylsulfate. A preferred compound is N-methyl, N,N-di-(2-oleyloxyethyl) N-2- hydroxyethyl ammonium methylsulfate.
Further types of preferred softener active are, for example, methyl bis (oleyl amidoethyl) 2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate.
The compounds herein can be prepared by standard esterification and quaternization reactions, using readily available starting materials. General methods for preparation are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,180, incorporated herein by reference. Optional Ingredients
Well known optional components included in fabric conditioning compositions are narrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,047, Zaki et al., issued July 25, 1978, for "Fabric Treatment Compositions," incorporated herein by reference. Co- Softener Softening agents also useful in the compositions of the present invention are nonionic fabric softener materials, preferably in combination with cationic softening agents. Typically, such nonionic fabric softener materials have a HLB of from about 2 to about 9, more typically from about 3 to about 7. Such nonionic fabric softener materials tend to be readily dispersed either by themselves, or when combined with other materials such as single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactant described in detail hereinafter. Dispersibility can be improved by using more single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactant, mixture with other materials as set forth hereinafter, use of hotter water, and/or more agitation. In general, the materials selected should be relatively crystalline, higher melting, (e.g. >40 °C) and relatively water-insoluble.
The level of optional nonionic softener in the compositions herein is typically from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 5%.
Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric alcohols, or anhydrides thereof, wherein the alcohol, or anhydride, contains from 2 to 18, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, and each fatty acid moiety contains from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to 20, carbon atoms. Typically, such softeners contain from one to 3, preferably 2 fatty acid groups per molecule.
The polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethylene glycol, glycerol, poly (e.g., di-, tri-, terra, penta-, and/or hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol or sorbitan. Sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monostearate are particularly preferred.
The fatty acid portion of the ester is normally derived from fatty acids having from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to 20, carbon atoms, typical examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic and behenic acid.
Highly preferred optional nonionic softening agents for use in the present invention are the sorbitan esters, which are esterified dehydration products of sorbitol, and the glycerol esters.
Commercial sorbitan monostearate is a suitable material. Mixtures of sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate having stearate/palmitate weight ratios varying between about 10:1 and about 1:10, and 1,5-sorbitan esters are also useful.
Glycerol and polyglycerol esters, especially glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, and polyglycerol mono- and/or di-esters, preferably mono-, are preferred herein (e.g. polyglycerol monostearate with a trade name of Radiasurf 7248).
Useful glycerol and polyglycerol esters include mono-esters with stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, myristic, and or behenic acids and the diesters of stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, behenic, and/or myristic acids. It is understood that the typical mono-ester contains some di- and tri-ester, etc.
The "glycerol esters" also include the polyglycerol, e.g., diglycerol through octaglycerol esters. The polyglycerol polyols are formed by condensing glycerin or epichlorohydrin together to link the glycerol moieties via ether linkages. The mono- and or diesters of the polyglycerol polyols are preferred, the fatty acyl groups typically being those described hereinbefore for the sorbitan and glycerol esters.
Additional fabric softening agents useful herein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,269, issued April 28, 1987, in the names of Toan Trinh, Errol H. Wahl, Donald M. Swartley, and Ronald L. Hemingway; U.S. Pat. No. 4,439,335, Bums, issued March 27, 1984; and in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,861,870, Edwards and Diehl; 4,308,151, Cambre; 3,886,075, Bernardino; 4,233,164, Davis; 4,401,578, Verbruggen; 3,974,076, Wiersema and Rieke; 4,237,016, Rudkin, Clint, and Young; and European Patent Application publication No. 472,178, by Yamamura et al., all of said documents being incorporated herein by reference.
For example, suitable fabric softener agents useful herein may comprise one, two, or all three of the following fabric softening agents:
(a) the reaction product of higher fatty acids with a polyamine selected from the group consisting of hydroxyalkylalkylenediamines and dialkylenetriamines and mixtures thereof (preferably from about 10% to about 80%); and/or
(b) cationic nitrogenous salts containing only one long chain acyclic aliphatic Ci 5-C22 hydrocarbon group (preferably from about 3% to about 40%); and/or
(c) cationic nitrogenous salts having two or more long chain acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon groups or one said group and an arylalkyl group (preferably from about 10% to about 80%); with said (a), (b) and (c) preferred percentages being by weight of the fabric softening agent component of the present invention compositions.
Following are the general descriptions of the preceding (a), (b), and (c) softener ingredients (including certain specific examples which illustrate, but do not limit the present invention).
Component (a): Softening agents (actives) of the present invention may be the reaction products of higher fatty acids with a polyamine selected from the group consisting of hydroxyalkylalkylenediamines and dialkylenetriamines and mixtures thereof. These reaction products are mixtures of several compounds in view of the multi-functional structure of the polyamines.
The preferred Component (a) is a nitrogenous compound selected from the group consisting of the reaction product mixtures or some selected components of the mixtures. More specifically, the preferred Component (a) is a compound selected from the group consisting of substituted imidazoline compounds having the formula:
Figure imgf000021_0001
wherein R' is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C21 hydrocarbon group and R° is a divalent C1 -C3 alkylene group.
Component (a) materials are commercially available as: Mazamide® 6, sold by Mazer Chemicals, or Ceranine® HC, sold by Sandoz Colors & Chemicals; stearic hydroxyethyl imidazoline sold under the trade names of Alkazine® ST by Alkaril Chemicals, Inc., or Schercozoline® S by Scher Chemicals, Inc.; N,N"- ditallowalkoyldiethylenetriamine; l-tallowamidoethyl-2 -tallowimidazoline (wherein in the preceding structure Rl is an aliphatic C15-C17 hydrocarbon group and R is a divalent ethylene group).
Certain of the Components (a) can also be first dispersed in a Bronsted acid dispersing aid having a pKa value of not greater than about 4; provided that the pH of the final composition is not greater than about 6. Some preferred dispersing aids are hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, or methylsulfonic acid.
Both N,N"-ditallowalkoyldiethylenetriamine and l-tallow(amidoethyl)-2- tallowimidazoline are reaction products of tallow fatty acids and diethylenetriamine, and are precursors of the cationic fabric softening agent methyl- 1 -tallowamidoethyl-2- tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate (see "Cationic Surface Active Agents as Fabric Softeners," R. R. Egan, Journal of the American Oil Chemicals' Society, January 1978, pages 118-121). N,N"-ditallow alkoyldiethylenetriamine and l-tallowamidoethyl-2- tallowimidazoline can be obtained from Witco Chemical Company as experimental chemicals. Methyl- l-tallowamidoethyl-2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate is sold by Witco Chemical Company under the tradename Varisoft® 475.
Component (b): The preferred Component (b) is a cationic nitrogenous salt containing one long chain acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon group, preferably selected from acyclic quaternary ammonium salts having the formula: R9
Rl l-N-RlO
RlO
wherein R^ is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon group, R O and Rl 1 are C 1 -C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxy alkyl groups, and A- is an anion.
Examples of Component (b) are the monoalkyltrimethylammonium salts such as monotallowtrimethylammonium chloride, mono(hydrogenated tallow)trimethylammonium chloride, palmityltrimethyl ammonium chloride and soyatrimethylammonium chloride, sold by Witco Chemical Company under the trade name Adogen® 471, Adogen® 441, Adogen® 444, and Adogen® 415, respectively. In these salts, R^ is an acyclic aliphatic C^g-C^ hydrocarbon group, and RlO and Rl 1 are methyl groups. Mono(hydrogenated tallow)trimethylammonium chloride and monotallowtrimethylammonium chloride are preferred.
Other examples of Component (b) are behenyltrimethylammonium chloride wherein R^ is a C22 hydrocarbon group and sold under the trade name Kemamine® Q2803-C by Humko Chemical Division of Witco Chemical Corporation; soyadimethylethylammonium ethylsulfate wherein R" is a Ci g-Cjg hydrocarbon group, R O is a methyl group, Rl 1 is an ethyl group, and A- is an ethylsulfate anion, sold under the trade name Jordaquat® 1033 by Jordan Chemical Company; and methyl-bis(2- hydroxyethyl)-octadecylammonium chloride wherein R^ is a C1 g hydrocarbon group, RlO is a 2-hydroxyethyl group and Rl 1 is a methyl group and available under the trade name Ethoquad® 18/12 from Armak Company.
Other examples of Component (b) are 1 -ethyl- 1 -(2 -hydroxy ethyl)-2- isoheptadecylimidazolinium ethylsulfate, available from Mona Industries, Inc. under the trade name Monaquat® ISIES; mono(tallowoyloxyethyl) hydroxyethyldimethylammonium chloride, i.e., monoester of tallow fatty acid with di(hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, a by-product in the process of making diester of tallow fatty acid with di(hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, i.e., di(tallowoyloxy ethyl) dimethylammonium chloride.
Component (c): Preferred cationic nitrogenous salts having two or more long chain acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon groups or one said group and an arylalkyl group which can be used either alone or as part of a mixture are selected from the group consisting of:
(i) acyclic quaternary ammonium salts having the formula:
Figure imgf000023_0001
wherein R 2 is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C22 hydrocarbon group, R!3 is a C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, Rl4 is selected from the group consisting of Rl2 and Rl3 groups, and A- is an anion defined as above;
(ii) diamido quaternary ammonium salts having the formula:
Figure imgf000023_0002
wherein R ^ is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C21 hydrocarbon group, each Rl is the same or different divalent alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, Rl? and Rl8 are C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, and A" is an anion;
(iii) diamino alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts having the formula:
Figure imgf000023_0003
wherein n is equal to 1 to about 5, and Rl5, R16? R17 ^d - ^Q ^ defined above;
(iv)
O R21 O
II I II
R19— C-NH-R20— N-R20— O— C— R19
wherein Rl^ is an acyclic aliphatic C15-C21 hydrocarbon group, R™ is the same or different divalent alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R^l are C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, A" is an anion and R20is the same or different from the other R20.
(v) mixtures thereof. Examples of Component (c) are the well-known dialkyldi methylammonium salts such as ditallowdimethylammonium chloride, ditallowdimethylammonium methylsulfate, di(hydrogenatedtallow)dimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, dibehenyldimethylammonium chloride. Di(hydrogenatedtallow)di methylammonium chloride and ditallowdimethylammonium chloride are preferred. Examples of commercially available dialkyldimethyl ammonium salts usable in the present invention are di(hydrogenatedtallow)dimethylammonium chloride (trade name Adogen® 442), ditallowdimethylammonium chloride (trade name Adogen® 470), distearyl dimethylammonium chloride (trade name Arosurf® TA-100), all available from Witco Chemical Company. Dibehenyldimethylammonium chloride is sold under the trade name Kemamine Q-2802C by Humko Chemical Division of Witco Chemical Corporation.
Other examples of Component (c) are methylbis(tallowamidoethyl)(2- hydroxyethyl)ammonium methylsulfate and methylbis(hydrogenated tallowamidoethyl)(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium methylsulfate; these materials are available from Witco Chemical Company under the trade names Varisoft® 222 and Varisoft® 110, respectively: dimethylstearylbenzyl ammonium chloride sold under the trade names Varisoft® SDC by Witco Chemical Company and Ammonyx® 490 by Onyx Chemical Company.
An even more preferred composition contains Component (a): the reaction product of about 2 moles of hydrogenated tallow fatty acids with about 1 mole of N-2- hydroxyethylethylenediamine and is present at a level of from about 20% to about 70% by weight of the fabric softening component of the present invention compositions; Component (b): mono(hydrogenated tallow)trimethyl ammonium chloride present at a level of from about 3% to about 30% by weight of the fabric softening component of the present invention compositions;. Component (c): selected from the group consisting of di(hydrogenatedtallow)dimethylammonium chloride, ditallowdimethylammonium chloride, methyl- l-tallowamidoethyl-2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate, diethanol ester dimethylammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof; wherein Component (c) is present at a level of from about 20% to about 60% by weight of the fabric softening component of the present invention compositions; and wherein the weight ratio of said di(hydrogenated tallow)dimethylammonium chloride to said methyl- 1 -tallowamidoethyl- 2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate is from about 2:1 to about 6:1.
In the cationic nitrogenous salts described hereinbefore, the anion A- provides charge neutrality. Most often, the anion used to provide charge neutrality in these salts is a halide, such as chloride or bromide. However, other anions can be used, such as methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, hydroxide, acetate, formate, citrate, sulfate, carbonate, and the like. Chloride and methylsulfate are preferred herein as anion A-.
The preferred fabric softening compounds of the present invention are biodegradable quaternary ammonium compounds according to I and II as hereinbefore described, wherein, preferably, the fatty acyl groups have an Iodine Value (IV) of from greater than about 5 to less than about 100, and, also preferably, a cis/trans isomer weight ratio of greater than about 30/70 when the IV is less than about 25, the level of unsaturation preferably being less than about 65% by weight. Preferably, the compounds with an IV of greater than about 10 are capable of forming concentrated aqueous compositions with concentrations greater than about 13% by weight without viscosity modifiers other than normal polar organic solvents present in the raw material of the compound or added electrolyte, and wherein any fatty acyl groups from tallow are preferably modified, especially to reduce their odor.
When the IV of the fatty acyl groups is above about 20, the softener provides excellent antistatic effect. Antistatic effects are especially important where the fabrics are dried in a tumble dryer, and/or where synthetic materials which generate static are used. Maximum static control occurs with an IV of greater than about 20, preferably greater than about 40. When fully saturated softener compounds are used in the compositions, poor static control results. Also, as discussed hereinafter, concentratability increases as IV increases. The benefits of concentratability include: use of less packaging material; use of less organic solvents, especially volatile organic solvents; use of less concentration aids which typically add nothing to performance; etc.
As the IV is raised, there is a potential for odor problems. Surprisingly, some highly desirable, readily available sources of fatty acids such as tallow, possess odors that remain with the softener compounds despite the chemical and mechanical processing steps which convert the raw tallow to finished active. Such sources must be deodorized, e.g., by absorption, distillation (including stripping such as steam stripping), etc., as is well known in the art. In addition, care must be taken to minimize contact of the resulting fatty acyl groups to oxygen and/or bacteria by adding antioxidants, antibacterial agents, etc. The additional expense and effort associated with the unsaturated fatty acyl groups is justified by the superior concentratability and/or performance. For example, diester quaternary ammonium salt (DEQA) containing unsaturated fatty acyl groups having an IV greater than about 10 can be concentrated above about 13% without the need for additional concentration aids, especially surfactant concentration aids as discussed hereinafter.
The above softener actives derived from highly unsaturated fatty acyl groups, i.e., fatty acyl groups having a total unsaturation above about 65% by weight, do not provide any additional improvement in antistatic effectiveness. They may, however, be able to provide other benefits such as improved water absorbency of the fabrics. In general, an IV range of from about 40 to about 65 is preferred for concentratability, maximization of fatty acyl sources, excellent softness, static control, etc.
Highly concentrated aqueous dispersions of these softener compounds can gel and/or thicken during low (5 °C) temperature storage. Softener compounds made from only unsaturated fatty acids minimizes this problem but additionally is more likely to cause malodor formation. Surprisingly, compositions from these softener compounds made from fatty acids having an IV of from about 5 to about 25, preferably from about 10 to about 25, more preferably from about 15 to about 20, and a cis/trans isomer weight ratio of from greater than about 30/70, preferably greater than about 50/50, more preferably greater than about 70/30, are storage stable at low temperature with minimal odor formation. These cis/trans isomer weight ratios provide optimal concentratability at these IV ranges. In the IV range above about 25, the ratio of cis to trans isomers is less important unless higher concentrations are needed. The relationship between IV and concentratability is described hereinafter. For any IV, the concentration that will be stable in an aqueous composition will depend on the criteria for stability (e.g., stable down to about 5°C; stable down to 0°C; doesn't gel; gels but recovers on heating, etc.) and the other ingredients present, but the concentration that is stable can be raised by adding the concentration aids, described hereinafter in more detail, to achieve the desired stability.
Generally, hydrogenation of fatty acids to reduce polyunsaturation and to lower IV to insure good color and improve odor and odor stability leads to a high degree of trans configuration in the molecule. Therefore, diester compounds derived from fatty acyl groups having low IV values can be made by mixing fully hydrogenated fatty acid with touch hydrogenated fatty acid at a ratio which provides an IV of from about 5 to about 25. The polyunsaturation content of the touch hardened fatty acid should be less than about 5%, preferably less than about 1%. During touch hardening the cis/trans isomer weight ratios are controlled by methods known in the art such as by optimal mixing, using specific catalysts, providing high H2 availability, etc. Touch hardened fatty acid with high cis/trans isomer weight ratios is available commercially (i.e., Radiacid 406 from FINA).
It has also been found that for good chemical stability of the diester quaternary compound in molten storage, moisture level in the raw material must be controlled and minimized preferably less than about 1% and more preferably less than about 0.5% water. Storage temperatures should be kept as low as possible and still maintain a fluid material, ideally in the range of from about 49°C to about 66°C. The optimum storage temperature for stability and fluidity depends on the specific IV of the fatty acid used to make the softener compound and the level/type of solvent selected. It is important to provide good molten storage stability to provide a commercially feasible raw material that will not degrade noticeably in the normal transportation/storage/handling of the material in manufacturing operations.
It will be understood that substituents R and Rl can optionally be substituted with various groups such as alkoxyl or hydroxyl groups. The preferred compounds can be considered to be diester variations of ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (DTDMAC), which is a widely used fabric softener. At least 80% of the softener compound, i.e., DEQA is preferably in the diester form, and from 0% to about 20%, preferably less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, can be monoester, i.e., DEQA monoester (e.g., containing only one -Y-R1 group).
As used herein, when the diester is specified, it will include the monoester that is normally present in manufacture. For softening, under no/low detergent carry-over laundry conditions the percentage of monoester should be as low as possible, preferably no more than about 2.5%. However, under high detergent carry-over conditions, some monoester is preferred. The overall ratios of diester to monoester are from about 100:1 to about 2: 1, preferably from about 50:1 to about 5:1, more preferably from about 13:1 to about 8: 1. Under high detergent carry-over conditions, the di/monoester ratio is preferably about 11 :1. The level of monoester present can be controlled in the manufacturing of the softener compound.
Preferred compounds which are represented by Formula I have the formula:
X '
Figure imgf000027_0001
wherein: each Y = -O-(O)C-, or -C(O)-O-; m = 2 or 3; each n = 1 to 4; each R22 substituent is a short chain Ci-C6, preferably C1-C3, alkyl group, e.g., methyl (most preferred), ethyl, propyl, and the like, benzyl, C1-C6, preferably C1-C3, hydroxy alkyl group, e.g., 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl, 3-hydroxy propyl, and the like, or mixtures thereof; each R23 is C 11 -C22 hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl substituent, R23 is preferably partially unsaturated (with Iodine Value (IV) of greater than about 5 to less than about 100), and the counterion, X", can be any suitable softener-compatible anion, for example, chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, formate, sulfate, nitrate and the like. The following are non-limiting examples of formula I (wherein all long-chain alkyl substituents are straight-chain):
Saturated
(HOCH(CH3)CH2)(CH3 )+N(CH2CH2OC(O)C 15H31 )2 Br
(C2H5)2+N(CH2CH2OC(O)Cl7H35)2 Cl"
(CH3)(C2H5)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)Ci3H27)2 I"
(C3H7)(C2H5)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)Ci5H3l)2 (CH3SO4)-
(CH3)2+N(CH2CH2OC(O)Ci7H35) (CH2CH2OC(O)Ci5H3l) Cl"
(CH3)2+N(CH2CH2OC(O)R2)2 Cl" where -C(O)R2 is derived from saturated tallow.
Unsaturated
(HOCH(CH3)CH2)(CH3)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)C 15H29)2 Br
(C2H5)2+N(CH2CH2θC(O)Ci7H33)2 Cl"
(CH3)(C2H5)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)Ci3H25)2 I"
(C3H7)(C2H5)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)Ci5H29)2 (CH3SO4)-
[CH2CH2θH][CH3](+)N[CH2CH2OC(O)R2]2 CH3SO (-)
(CH3)2+N(CH2CH2OC(O)Ci7H33) (CH2CH2OC(O)Ci5H29) Cl"
(CH2CH2OH)(CH3)+N(CH2CH2OC(O)R2)2 Cl"
(CH3)2+N(CH2CH2OC(O)R2)2 Cl" where -C(O)R2 is derived from partially hydrogenated tallow or modified tallow having the characteristics set forth herein.
In addition, since the foregoing compounds (diesters) are somewhat labile to hydrolysis, they should be handled rather carefully when used to formulate the compositions herein. For example, stable liquid compositions herein are formulated at a pH (neat) in the range of from about 2 to about 5, preferably from about 2 to about 4.5, more preferably from about 2 to about 4. For best product odor stability, when the IV is greater that about 25, the neat pH is from about 2.8 to about 3.5, especially for lightly scented products. This appears to be true for all of the above softener compounds and is especially true for the preferred DEQA specified herein, i.e., having an IV of greater than about 20, preferably greater than about 40. The limitation is more important as IV increases. The pH can be adjusted by the addition of a Bronsted acid. pH ranges for making chemically stable softener compositions containing diester quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,547, Straathof et al., issued on Aug. 30, 1988, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Examples of suitable Bronsted acids include the inorganic mineral acids, carboxylic acids, in particular the low molecular weight (C1-C5) carboxylic acids, and alkylsulfonic acids. Suitable inorganic acids include HC1, H2SO4, HNO3 and H3PO4. Suitable organic acids include formic, acetic, methylsulfonic and ethylsulfonic acid. Preferred acids are hydrochloric, phosphoric, and citric acids.
The diester quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound (DEQA) of formula II can be further defined by the general formula:
Figure imgf000029_0001
wherein: each R2^ substituent is a short chain C\-C , preferably C1-C3, alkyl group, e.g., methyl (most preferred), ethyl, propyl, and the like, benzyl, C1-C6, preferably C\- C3, hydroxy alkyl group, e.g., 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl, 3-hydroxy propyl, and the like, or mixtures thereof; each R2^ is C 11 -C22 hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl substituent, R2^ is preferably partially unsaturated (with Iodine Value (IV) of greater than about 5 to less than about 100), and the counterion, X", can be any suitable softener-compatible anion, for example, chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, formate, sulfate, nitrate and the like. Such compounds include those having the formula:
(CH3)3+ N(CH2CH(CH2OC(O)R25)OC(O)R25) Cl" where OC(O)R2^ is derived from hardened tallow.
Preferably each R2^ is a methyl or ethyl group and preferably each R2^ is in the range of C15 to C19. Degrees of branching, substitution and/or non-saturation can be present in the alkyl chains. The anion X" in the molecule is preferably the anion of a strong acid and can be, for example, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate and methyl sulphate; the anion can carry a double charge in which case X" represents half a group. These compounds, in general, are more difficult to formulate as stable concentrated liquid compositions.
These types of compounds and general methods of making them are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,180, Naik et al., issued Jan. 30, 1979, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Liquid compositions of this invention typically contain from about 1% to about 80%, preferably from about 5% to about 50%, more preferably from about 4% to about 32%, of biodegradable diester quaternary ammonium softener active. Concentrated compositions are disclosed in allowed U.S. Pat. Applic. Ser. No. 08/169,858, filed December 17, 1993, Swartley, et al., said application being incorporated herein by reference. The lower limits are amounts needed to contribute effective fabric softening performance when added to laundry rinse baths in the manner which is customary in home laundry practice. The higher limits are suitable for concentrated products which provide the consumer with more economical usage due to a reduction of packaging and distributing costs.
Optional Nonionic Softener
An optional softening agent of the present invention is a nonionic fabric softener material. Typically, such nonionic fabric softener materials have an HLB of from about 2 to about 9, more typically from about 3 to about 7. In general, the materials selected should be relatively crystalline, higher melting, (e.g., >25°C).
The level of optional nonionic softener in the solid composition is typically from about 10% to about 50%, preferably from about 15% to about 40%.
Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric alcohols, or anhydrides thereof, wherein the alcohol, or anhydride, contains from about 2 to about 18, preferably from about 2 to about 8, carbon atoms, and each fatty acid moiety contains from about 8 to about 30, preferably from about 12 to about 20, carbon atoms. Typically, such softeners contain from about one to about 3, preferably about 2 fatty acid groups per molecule.
The polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethylene glycol, glycerol, poly (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra, penta-, and/or hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, penta- erythritol, sorbitol or sorbitan.
The fatty acid portion of the ester is normally derived from fatty acids having from about 8 to about 30, preferably from about 12 to about 22, carbon atoms. Typical examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and behenic acid.
Highly preferred optional nonionic softening agents for use in the present invention are C10-C26 acyl sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monostearate. Sorbitan esters are esterified dehydration products of sorbitol. The preferred sorbitan ester comprises a member selected from the group consisting of C10-C26 acyl sorbitan monoesters and C10-C26 acyl sorbitan diesters and ethoxylates of said esters wherein one or more of the unesterified hydroxyl groups in said esters contain from 1 to about 6 oxy ethylene units, and mixtures thereof. For the purpose of the present invention, sorbitan esters containing unsaturation (e.g., sorbitan monooleate) can be utilized.
Sorbitol, which is typically prepared by the catalytic hydrogenation of glucose, can be dehydrated in well known fashion to form mixtures of 1,4- and 1,5-sorbitol anhydrides and small amounts of isosorbides. (See U.S. Pat. No. 2,322,821, Brown, issued June 29, 1943, incorporated herein by reference.) The foregoing types of complex mixtures of anhydrides of sorbitol are collectively referred to herein as "sorbitan." It will be recognized that this "sorbitan" mixture will also contain some free, uncyclized sorbitol.
The preferred sorbitan softening agents of the type employed herein can be prepared by esterifying the "sorbitan" mixture with a fatty acyl group in standard fashion, e.g., by reaction with a fatty acid halide, fatty acid ester, and/or fatty acid. The esterification reaction can occur at any of the available hydroxyl groups, and various mono-, di-, etc., esters can be prepared. In fact, mixtures of mono-, di-, tri-, etc., esters almost always result from such reactions, and the stoichiometric ratios of the reactants can be simply adjusted to favor the desired reaction product.
For commercial production of the sorbitan ester materials, etherification and esterification are generally accomplished in the same processing step by reacting sorbitol directly with fatty acids. Such a method of sorbitan ester preparation is described more fully in MacDonald; "Emulsifiers:" Processing and Quality Control:, Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. Vol. 45, October 1968.
Details, including formula, of the preferred sorbitan esters can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,484, incorporated hereinbefore by reference.
Certain derivatives of the preferred sorbitan esters herein, especially the "lower" ethoxylates thereof (i.e., mono-, di-, and tri-esters wherein one or more of the unesterified -OH groups contain one to about twenty oxyethylene moieties (T weens®) are also useful in the composition of the present invention. Therefore, for purposes of the present invention, the term "sorbitan ester" includes such derivatives.
For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that a significant amount of di- and tri- sorbitan esters are present in the ester mixture. Ester mixtures having from 20-50% mono-ester, 25-50% di-ester and 10-35% of tri- and tetra-esters are preferred.
The material which is sold commercially as sorbitan mono-ester (e.g., monostearate) does in fact contain significant amounts of di- and tri-esters and a typical analysis of sorbitan monostearate indicates that it comprises about 27% mono-, 32% di- and 30% tri- and tetra-esters. Commercial sorbitan monostearate therefore is a preferred material. Mixtures of sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate having stearate/palmitate weight ratios varying between 10:1 and 1:10, and 1,5-sorbitan esters are useful. Both the 1,4- and 1,5-sorbitan esters are useful herein.
Other useful alkyl sorbitan esters for use in the softening compositions herein include sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monobehenate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan dilaurate, sorbitan dimyristate, sorbitan dipalmitate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan dibehenate, sorbitan dioleate, and mixtures thereof, and mixed tallowalkyl sorbitan mono- and di-esters. Such mixtures are readily prepared by reacting the foregoing hydroxy-substituted sorbitans, particularly the 1,4- and 1,5-sorbitans, with the corresponding acid, ester, or acid chloride in a simple esterification reaction. It is to be recognized, of course, that commercial materials prepared in this manner will comprise mixtures usually containing minor proportions of uncyclized sorbitol, fatty acids, polymers, isosorbide structures, and the like. In the present invention, it is preferred that such impurities are present at as low a level as possible.
The preferred sorbitan esters employed herein can contain up to about 15% by weight of esters of the C20-C26> nd higher, fatty acids, as well as minor amounts of Cg, and lower, fatty esters.
Glycerol and polyglycerol esters, especially glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, and polyglycerol mono- and/or di- esters, preferably mono-, are also preferred herein (e.g., polyglycerol monostearate with a trade name of Radiasurf 7248). Glycerol esters can be prepared from naturally occurring triglycerides by normal extraction, purification and/or interesterification processes or by esterification processes of the type set forth hereinbefore for sorbitan esters. Partial esters of glycerin can also be ethoxylated to form usable derivatives that are included within the term "glycerol esters."
Useful glycerol and polyglycerol esters include mono-esters with stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, myristic, and/or behenic acids and the diesters of stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, behenic, and/or myristic acids. It is understood that the typical mono-ester contains some di- and tri-ester, etc.
The "glycerol esters" also include the polyglycerol, e.g., diglycerol through octaglycerol esters. The polyglycerol polyols are formed by condensing glycerin or epichlorohydrin together to link the glycerol moieties via ether linkages. The mono- and/or diesters of the polyglycerol polyols are preferred, the fatty acyl groups typically being those described hereinbefore for the sorbitan and glycerol esters. Liquid carrier
Another optional, but preferred, ingredient for rinse added compositions of the present invention, is a liquid carrier. The liquid carrier employed in the instant compositions is preferably at least primarily water due to its low cost, relative availability, safety, and environmental compatibility. The level of water in the liquid carrier is preferably at least about 50%, most preferably at least about 60%, by weight of the carrier. Mixtures of water and low molecular weight, e.g., <about 200, organic solvent, e.g., lower alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol or butanol are useful as the carrier liquid. Low molecular weight alcohols include monohydric, dihydric (glycol, etc.) trihydric (glycerol, etc.), and higher polyhydric (polyols) alcohols. 3. Concentration aids
Concentrated compositions of the present invention may require organic and/or inorganic concentration aids to go to even higher concentrations and/or to meet higher stability standards depending on the other ingredients. Surfactant concentration aids are typically selected from the group consisting of single long chain alkyl cationic surfactants; nonionic surfactants; amine oxides; fatty acids; or mixtures thereof, typically used at a level of from 0 to about 15% of the composition.
Inorganic viscosity/dispersibility control agents which can also act like or augment the effect of the surfactant concentration aids, include water-soluble, ionizable salts which can also optionally be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention. A wide variety of ionizable salts can be used. Examples of suitable salts are the halides of the Group IA and IIA metals of the Periodic Table of the Elements, e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium bromide, and lithium chloride. The ionizable salts are particularly useful during the process of mixing the ingredients to make the compositions herein, and later to obtain the desired viscosity. The amount of ionizable salts used depends on the amount of active ingredients used in the compositions and can be adjusted according to the desires of the formulator. Typical levels of salts used to control the composition viscosity are from about 20 to about 20,000 parts per million (ppm), preferably from about 20 to about 11 ,000 ppm, by weight of the composition.
Alkylene polyammonium salts can be incorporated into the composition to give viscosity control in addition to or in place of the water-soluble, ionizable salts above. In addition, these agents can act as scavengers, forming ion pairs with anionic detergent carried over from the main wash, in the rinse, and on the fabrics, and may improve softness performance. These agents may stabilize the viscosity over a broader range of temperature, especially at low temperatures, compared to the inorganic electrolytes.
Specific examples of alkylene polyammonium salts include 1-lysine monohydrochloride and 1 ,5-diammonium 2-methyl pentane dihydrochloride.
Other ingredients
Still other optional ingredients include, but are not limited to Soil Release Agents, perfumes, preservatives/stabilizers, chelants, bacteriocides, colorants, optical brighteners, antifoam agents, and the like. Soil Release Agents
Soil Release agents are desirably used in fabric softening compositions of the instant invention. Suitable soil release agents include those of U.S. 4,968,451, November 6, 1990 to J.J. Scheibel and E.P. Gosselink: such ester oligomers can be prepared by (a) ethoxylating allyl alcohol, (b) reacting the product of (a) with dimethyl terephthalate ("DMT") and 1 ,2-propylene glycol ("PG") in a two-stage transesterification/oligomerization procedure and (c) reacting the product of (b) with sodium metabisulfite in water; the nonionic end-capped 1 ,2-propylene/polyoxyethylene terephthalate polyesters of U.S. 4,711,730, December 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, for example those produced by transesterification/oligomerization of poly(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether, DMT, PG and poly(ethyleneglycol) ("PEG"); the partly- and fully- anionic- end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. 4,721,580, January 26, 1988 to Gosselink, such as oligomers from ethylene glycol ("EG"), PG, DMT and Na-3,6-dioxa-8- hydroxyoctanesulfonate; the nonionic-capped block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. 4,702,857, October 27, 1987 to Gosselink, for example produced from DMT, Me- capped PEG and EG and/or PG, or a combination of DMT, EG and/or PG, Me-capped PEG and Na-dimethyl-5-sulfoisophthalate; and the anionic, especially sulfoaroyl, end- capped terephthalate esters of U.S. 4,877,896, October 31, 1989 to Maldonado, Gosselink et al, the latter being typical of SRA's useful in both laundry and fabric conditioning products, an example being an ester composition made from m- sulfobenzoic acid monosodium salt, PG and DMT optionally but preferably further comprising added PEG, e.g., PEG 3400. Another preferred soil release agent is a sulfonated end-capped type described in US 5,415,807. Perfumes
While the pro-fragrances of the present invention can be used alone and simply mixed with essential fabric softening ingredient, most notably surfactant, they can also be desirably combined into three-part formulations which combine (a) a non-fragranced fabric softening base comprising one or more synthetic fabric softeners, (b) one or more pro-fragrant esters in accordance with the invention and (c) a fully-formulated fragrance. The latter provides desirable in-package and in-use (wash-time) fragrance, while the pro- fragrance provides a long-term fragrance to the laundered textile fabrics.
In formulating the present fabric softening compositions, the fully-formulated fragrance can be prepared using numerous known odorant ingredients of natural or synthetic origin. The range of the natural raw substances can embrace not only readily- volatile, but also moderately- volatile and slightly-volatile components and that of the synthetics can include representatives from practically all classes of fragrant substances, as will be evident from the following illustrative compilation: natural products, such as tree moss absolute, basil oil, citrus fruit oils (such as bergamot oil, mandarin oil, etc.), mastix absolute, myrtle oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, petitgrain oil Paraguay, wormwood oil, alcohols, such as farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerol, phenylethyl alcohol, rhodinol, cinnamic alcohol, aldehydes, such as citral, Helional™, alpha-hexyl- cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, Lilial™ (p-tert.butyl-alpha - methyldihydrocinnamaldehyde), methylnonylacetaldehyde, ketones, such as allylionone, alpha-ionone, beta -ionone, isoraldein (isomethyl- alpha -ionone), methylionone, esters, such as allyl phenoxyacetate, benzyl salicylate, cinnamyl propionate, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl ethoxolate, decyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl butyrate, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl acetylacetate, hexenyl isobutyrate, linalyl acetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, styrallyl acetate, vetiveryl acetate, etc., lactones, such as gamma-undecalactone, various components often used in perfumery, such as musk ketone, indole, p-menthane-8-thiol-3-one, and methyl-eugenol. Likewise, any conventional fragrant acetal or ketal known in the art can be added to the present composition as an optional component of the conventionally formulated perfume (c). Such conventional fragrant acetals and ketals include the well-known methyl and ethyl acetals and ketals, as well as acetals or ketals based on benzaldehyde, those comprising phenylethyl moieties, or more recently developed specialties such as those described in a United States Patent entitled "Acetals and Ketals of Oxo-Tetralins and Oxo-Indanes, see U.S. Pat. No. 5 ,084,440, issued January 28, 1992, assigned to Givaudan Corp. Of course, other recent synthetic specialties can be included in the perfume compositions for fully-formulated fabric softening compositions. These include the enol ethers of alkyl-substituted oxo-tetralins and oxo-indanes as described in U.S. Pat. 5,332,725, July 26, 1994, assigned to Givaudan; or Schiff Bases as described in U.S. Pat. 5,264,615, December 9, 1991, assigned to Givaudan. It is preferred that the pro- fragrant material be added separately from the conventional fragrances to the fabric softening compositions of the invention.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers can be present in the compositions of the present invention. The term "stabilizer," as used herein, includes antioxidants and reductive agents. These agents are present at a level of from 0% to about 2%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.2%, more preferably from about 0.035% to about 0.1% for antioxidants, and more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.2% for reductive agents. These assure good odor stability under long term storage conditions for the compositions and compounds stored in molten form. The use of antioxidants and reductive agent stabilizers is especially critical for low scent products (low perfume).
Examples of antioxidants that can be added to the compositions of this invention include a mixture of ascorbic acid, ascorbic palmitate, propyl gallate, available from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., under the trade names Tenox® PG and Tenox S-l ; a mixture of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), propyl gallate, and citric acid, available from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., under the trade name Tenox-6; butylated hydroxytoluene, available from UOP Process Division under the trade name Sustane® BHT; tertiary butylhydroquinone, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., as Tenox TBHQ; natural tocopherols, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., as Tenox GT-l/GT-2; and butylated hydroxyanisole, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., as BHA; long chain esters (Cg-C22) of gallic acid, e.g., dodecyl gallate; Irganox® 1010; Irganox ® 1035; Irganox® B 1171; Irganox® 1425; Irganox® 3114; Irganox® 3125; and mixtures thereof; preferably Irganox® 3125, Irganox® 1425, Irganox® 3114, and mixtures thereof; more preferably Irganox® 3125 alone or mixed with citric acid and/or other chelators such as isopropyl citrate, Dequest® 2010, available from Monsanto with a chemical name of 1-hydroxyethylidene-l, 1-diphosphonic acid (etidronic acid), and Tiron®, available from Kodak with a chemical name of 4,5-dihydroxy-m-benzene- sulfonic acid/sodium salt, EDDS, and DTP A®, available from Aldrich with a chemical name of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The chemical names and CAS numbers for some of the above stabilizers are listed in Table II below.
TABLE II Antioxidant CAS No. Chemical Name used in Code of Federal Regulations
Irganox® 1010 6683-19-8 Tetrakis (methylene(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4 hydroxyhydrocinnamate)) methane
Irganox® 1035 41484-35-9 Thiodiethylene bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Irganox® 1098 23128-74-7 N,N'-Hexamethylene bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyhydrocinnamamide
Irganox® B 1171 31570-04-4
23128-74-7 1:1 Blend of Irganox® 1098 and Irgafos® 168
Irganox® 1425 65140-91-2 Calcium bis(monoethyl(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzyl)phosphonate)
Irganox® 3114 65140-91-2 Calcium bis(monoethyl(3 ,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxybenzyl)phosphonate)
Irganox® 3125 34137-09-2 3,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-hydrocinnamic acid triester with l,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-S- triazine-2,4,6-(lH, 3H, 5H)-trione
Irgafos® 168 31570-04-4 Tris(2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenyl)phosphite
Examples of reductive agents include sodium borohydride, hypophosphorous acid, Irgafos® 168, and mixtures thereof. Other Optional Ingredients
The present invention can include other optional components (minor components) conventionally used in textile treatment compositions, for example, colorants, preservatives, optical brighteners, opacifiers, stabilizers such as guar gum and polyethylene glycol, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-wrinkle agents, fabric crisping agents, spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, anti-corrosion agents, antifoam agents, and the like.
SUBSTRATE ARTICLES
In preferred dryer-added embodiments, the present invention encompasses articles of manufacture. Representative articles are those that are adapted to soften fabrics in an automatic laundry dryer, of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,989,631 Marsan, issued Nov. 2, 1976; 4,055,248, Marsan, issued Oct. 25, 1977; 4,073,996, Bedenk et al.. issued Feb. 14, 1978; 4,022,938, Zaki et al., issued May 10, 1977; 4,764,289, Trinh, issued Aug. 16, 1988; 4,808,086, Evans et al., issued Feb. 28,1989; 4,103,047, Zaki et al., issued July 25, 1978; 3,736,668, Dillarstone, issued June 5, 1973; 3,701,202, Compa et al., issued Oct. 31,1972; 3,634,947, Furgal, issued Jan. 18, 1972; 3,633,538, Hoeflin, issued Jan. 11, 1972; and 3,435,537, Rumsey, issued Apr. 1, 1969; and 4,000,340, Murphy et al., issued Dec. 28, 1976, all of said patents being incorporated herein by reference.
In a preferred substrate article embodiment, the fabric treatment compositions are provided as an article of manufacture in combination with a dispensing means such as a flexible substrate which effectively releases the composition in an automatic laundry (clothes) dryer. Such dispensing means can be designed for single usage or for multiple uses. The dispensing means can also be a "carrier material" that releases the fabric softener composition and then is dispersed and/or exhausted from the dryer.
The dispensing means will normally carry an effective amount of fabric treatment composition. Such effective amount typically provides sufficient fabric conditioning/antistatic agent and/or anionic polymeric soil release agent for at least one treatment of a minimum load in an automatic laundry dryer. Amounts of fabric treatment composition for multiple uses, e.g., up to about 30, can be used. Typical amounts for a single article can vary from about 0.25 g to about 100 g, preferably from about 0.5 g to about 20 g, most preferably from about 1 g to about 10 g.
Highly preferred paper, woven or nonwoven "absorbent" substrates useful herein are fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,686,025, Morton, issued Aug. 22, 1972, incorporated herein by reference. It is known that most substances are able to absorb a liquid substance to some degree; however, the term "absorbent" as used herein, is intended to mean a substance with an absorbent capacity (i.e., a parameter representing a substrate's ability to take up and retain a liquid) from 4 to 12, preferably 5 to 7, times its weight of water.
Another article comprises a sponge material releasably enclosing enough fabric treatment composition to effectively impart fabric soil release, antistatic effect and/or softness benefits during several cycles of clothes. This multi-use article can be made by filling a hollow sponge with about 20 grams of the fabric treatment composition. E. Usage
The substrate embodiment of this invention can be used for imparting the above- described fabric treatment composition to fabric to provide softening and/or antistatic effects to fabric in an automatic laundry dryer. Generally, the method of using the composition of the present invention comprises: commingling pieces of damp fabric by tumbling said fabric under heat in an automatic clothes dryer with an effective amount of the fabric treatment composition. At least the continuous phase of said composition has a melting point greater than about 35°C and the composition is flowable at dryer operating temperature. This composition comprises from about 10% to about 99.99%, preferably from about 15% to about 90%, of the quaternary ammonium agent selected from the above-defined cationic fabric softeners and mixtures thereof, from about 0% to about 95%, preferably from about 20% to about 75%, more preferably from about 20% to about 60% of the above-defined co-softener.
The present invention relates to improved solid dryer-activated fabric softener compositions which are either (A) incorporated into articles of manufacture in which the compositions are, e.g., on a substrate, or are (B) in the form of particles (including, where appropriate, agglomerates, pellets, and tablets of said particles). Such compositions contain from about 30% to about 95% of normally solid, dryer-softenable material, typically fabric softening agent, containing an effective amount of unsaturation.
In the specification and examples herein, all percentages, ratios and parts are by weight unless otherwise specified and all numerical limits are normal approximations.
The following examples illustrate the esters and compositions of this invention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof.
Pro-perfume Ester Blends Example 1 Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva. β-citronellol and phenoxanol A blend of β-γ-hexenol in the amount of l.55 g (0.015 mol), rosalva in the amount of 38.35 g (0.245 mol), β-citronellol in the amount of 230.05 g (1.472 mol) and phenoxanol in the amount of 230.05 g (1.290 mol), maleic anhydride in the amount of 98.99 g (1.01 mol) and toluene in the amount of 300 mL were combined in a round- bottomed flask fitted with a Dean- Stark trap, condenser and argon inlet. The mixture was heated to reflux for 18 h during which time the theoretical amount of water was collected. The cooled mixture was concentrated first by rotary evaporation to remove solvent and then by Kugelrohr distillation (85-90°C, 0.02 mm Hg) to remove unreacted starting materials. Isolated was a near colorless oil as a mixture of diesters. Purity of the product was determined by thin layer chromatography and the structures confirmed by lH and 3C NMR.
Example 2 Diester succinates of β-γ-hexenol. rosalva. β-citronellol and phenoxanol A blend of β-γ-hexenol in the amount of 1.55 g (0.015 mol), rosalva in the amount of 38.35 g (0.245 mol), β-citronellol in the amount of 230.05 g (1.472 mol) and phenoxanol in the amount of 230.05 g (1.290 mol), succinic anhydride in the amount of 101.07 g (1.01 mol) and toluene in the amount of 300 mL were combined in a round- bottomed flask fitted with a Dean-Stark trap, condenser and argon inlet. The mixture was heated to reflux for 18 h during which time the theoretical amount of water was collected. The cooled mixture was concentrated first by rotary evaporation to remove solvent and then by Kugelrohr distillation (85-90°C, 0.02 mm Hg) to remove unreacted starting materials. Isolated was a near colorless oil as a mixture of diesters. Purity of the product was determined by thin layer chromatography and the structures confirmed by iH and l^C NMR.
Example 3 Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva. geraniol and phenoxanol
A blend of β-γ-hexenol in the amount of 0.138 g (1.38 mmol), rosalva in the amount of 2.05 g (0.0131 mol), geraniol in the amount of 10.26 g (0.0665 mol) and phenoxanol in the amount of 23.94 g (0.134 mol), diethyl maleate in the amount of 12.74 g (0.0718 mol), and sodium methoxide in the amount of 0.41 g (7.20 mmol) were combined in a flask fitted with a take-off condenser, argon inlet and internal thermometer. The mixture was heated to 105-115°C for 24 h. The cooled mixture was filtered and concentrated by Kugelrohr distillation (90°C, 0.04 mm Hg) to give a yellow- brown oil. The oil was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with a 3% solution of ethyl acetate in petroleum ether. Isolated was a light yellow oil. Purity of the product was determined by thin layer chromatography and the structures confirmed by 1H and l^C NMR and mass spectrometry.
The following are examples of Dryer Sheet Compositions according to the present invention. TABLE I
weight %
Figure imgf000040_0001
(1) Di-(oleyloxyethyl) dimethyl ammonium methylsulfate
(2) Di-(soft-tallowyloxyethyl) hydroxyethyl methyl ammonium methylsulfate
(3) Di-(soft-tallowyloxy ethyl) dimethyl ammonium methylsulfate
(4) Di-(soft-tallowyloxy) trimethyl ammoniopropane methylsulfate
(5) Ditallow dimethyl ammonium methylsulfate
(6) 1 :2 Ratio of stearyl dimethyl ammine:triple-pressed stearic acid
(7) Polyethoxylated sorbitan monostearate, available from Lonza
(8) Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol
(9) Diester succinates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol
(10) Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol
(11) Ethoxylated polyethyleneimine having a molecular weight of about 1800 and an average of 7 ethoxy units per nitrogen as per U.S. 5,565,145 Watson et al, issued October 15, 1996. 39
Preparation of Coating Mix (Formula A) A batch of approximately 200g is prepared as follows: Approximately 99.2g of co- softener and about 88.5g DMONOESTER(l) are melted separately at about 80°C. They are combined with high shear mixing in a vessel immersed in a hot water bath to maintain the temperature between 70-80°C. Calcium bentonite clay (8g) is mixed in to achieve the desired viscosity. The Product of Example 2 (l.Og) and perfume (3.3g) are added to the formula and mixed until homogeneous.
Coating mixes for Formulas 2 - 8 are made in a like manner, using the materials indicated in the table above.
Preparation of Fabric Conditioning Sheets The coating mixture is applied to pre-weighed substrate sheets of about 6.75 inches x 12inches (approximately 17 cm x 30 cm) dimensions, the substrate sheets are comprised of about 4-denier spun bonded polyester. A small amount of the formula is placed on a heated metal plate with a spatula and then is spread evenly with a wire metal rod. A substrate sheet is placed on the metal plate to absorb the coating mixture. The sheet is then removed from the heated metal plate and allowed to cool to room temperature so that the coating mix can solidify. The sheet is weighed to determine the amount of coating mixture on the sheet. The target sheet weight is 3.5g. If the weight is in excess of the target weight, the sheet is placed back on the heated metal plate to remelt the coating mixture and remove some of the excess. If the weight is under the target weight, the sheet is also placed on the heated metal plate and more coating mixture is added.
The following are examples of Liquid Fabric Softener compositions according to the present invention comprising Pro-perfume blends.
TABLE II
Figure imgf000042_0001
(1) Di-(soft-tallowyloxyethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride
(2) Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic acid
(3) DC-2310, sold by Dow-Coming
(4) Kathon CG, sold by Rohm & Haas
(5) Copolymer of propylene terephthalate and ethyleneoxide
(6) Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol
(7) Diester succinates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol
(8) Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol
Process: Example 9 is made in the following manner: A blend of 250g DEQA(l) and 40g ethanol are melted at about 70°C. A 25% aqueous solution of HCl in the amount of 40g is added to about 700g of deionized water also at 70°C containing the antifoam. The DEQA alcohol blend is added to the water/HCl over a period of about five minutes with very vigorous agitation (IKA Paddle Mixer, model RW 20 DZM at 1500 rpm). A 25% aqueous solution of CaCl2 in the amount of 13.8g is added to the dispersion dropwise over 1 minute, followed by milling with an IKA Ultra Turrax T-50 high shear mill for 5 minutes. The dispersion is then cooled to room temperature by passing it through a plate and frame heat exchanger. Following cool-down, the soil release polymer is added into the dispersion in the form of a 40% solution and stirred for 10 minutes. The product of Example 1 (6) in the amount of 8.3g is blended into the dispersion with moderate agitation. Finally, another 4.6g of 25% CaCl2 is mixed into the dispersion and stirred for several hours.
Example 12 is made in a like manner, excepting that the pro-perfume material is blended with the perfume component and the resulting mixture is added to the cooled product.
Example 10 is made in the following manner: A blend of 233 g DEQA(l) and 36.5g ethanol are melted at about 75°C. A 25% aqueous solution of HCl in the amount of 0.3g is added to about 680g of deionized water also at 75°C containing the antifoam. The DEQ A/alcohol blend is added to the water/HCl over a period of about two minutes with very vigorous agitation (IKA Padel Mixer, model RW 20 DZM at 1500 rpm). A 2.5% aqueous solution of CaCl2 in the amount of 2.5g is added to the dispersion dropwise over 5 minutes, Meanwhile, 61 g of a 41% aqueous solution of the chelant is acidified by the addition of a 25% solution of HCl to a measured pH of 3. A small amount, about 8g, of the acidified chelant solution is stirred into the dispersion, followed by milling with an IKA Ultra Turrax T-50 high shear mill for 5 minutes. The dispersion is then cooled to room temperature. Following cool-down, the soil release polymer is added into the dispersion in the form of a 40% solution and stirred for 10 minutes. The remaining acidified chelant solution is added over 3 minutes. The product of Example 2 (6) in the amount of lO.Og is added, followed by the addition of ammonium chloride in the form of a 20% aqueous solution. Finally, the remaining CaCl2 is added in the form of a 25% solution.
Example 11 is made in a like manner, excepting that the pro-perfume material is blended with the perfume component and the resulting mixture is added to the cooled product.
Figure imgf000043_0001
Figure imgf000044_0001
(1) Di-(hardtallowyloxyethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride
(5) Copolymer of propylene terephthalate and ethyleneoxide
(6) Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol
(7) Diester succinates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol
(8) Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol.
TABLE III
Figure imgf000044_0002
* Added as needed to adjust viscosity
(1) Di-(hardtallowyloxy ethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride
(2) Silicone DC-2310, sold by Dow-Coming
(3) Kathon CG, sold by Rohm & Haas
(6) Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol
(7) Diester succinates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, β-citronellol and phenoxanol
(8) Diester maleates of β-γ-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol Experimental Procedure:
A batch process is used. The procedure is divided in two parts: the preparation of the base product (prepared in the lab. without perfume and technology) and the addition of the perfume and the technology (ies).
Base product (to prepare a batch of 17 kg of base)
i). The main tank is loaded with the water needed ( 15.1 kg ) and is heated to 43 °C .
Start agitation at 800 rpm and mix blue dye . The mixer used is a Lightnin model
LIU08. ii). Add HCl ( 3.8 g ) by hand ( 31% activity ). iii).Preheat DEQA (l)/ethanol at 75°C ( 1760 g at 85% actives level ) and inject into tank with water at a rate of 22ml/min. iv). Manually add low salt Kathon ( 3.4 g ) and silicone antifoam ( 25.7 g ). v). Mix about 5 minutes
Finished product preparation (to prepare 0.250 kg of finished product composition)
vi). The product of Example 1 ( 1.9 g) is added to a 249g aliquot of the above product by mixing with an IKA Ultra Turrax T-50 at 6000 rpm for 15 minutes. Examples L and M are made in a like manner, except that the pro-perfume material is added at the required amount.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A dryer activated fabric softening composition comprising:
(A) from 0.01% to 15%, by weight of the composition, of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula:
Figure imgf000046_0001
wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C\ - C30 straight, branched or alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is C - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0; and (B) from 10% to 99.99% of fabric softening compound.
2. A composition according to Claim 1 wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted Cg - C20 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C - C20 alkoxy groups; wherein said substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, sulfate, sulfonate, hydroxy, and alkoxy, and mixtures therepf.
3. A composition according to either Claim 1 of 2 wherein said parent perfume alcohol of said pro-fragrant ester is selected from the group consisting of amyl alcohol; undecylenic alcohol; osyrol; sandalore; dihydro carveol; dihydro linalool; dihydromyrcenol; dihydro terpineol; dimetol; mycenol; alpha-te ineol; tetrahydro linalool; tetrahydro mugol; tetrahydro myrcenol; amyl cinnamic alcohol; decenol; trans-2-hexenol; patchomint; prenol; cuminyl alcohol; para- tolyl alcohol; phenylethyl carbinol; ethyl vanillin; isoamyl salicylate; para- hydroxyphenyl butanone; phenethyl salicylate; ethyl linalool; linalool; dihydromyrcenol; nerolidol; beta gamma hexenol; decyl alcohol; dihydro floralol; hawthanol; heptyl alcohol; isoamyl alcohol; isocyclo geraniol; isononyl geraniol; mayol; methyl lavendar ketone; octyl alcohol; phenyl propyl alcohol; rhodinol 70; rosalva; camelkol dh; cyclohexyl propyl alcohol; isobutyl benzyl alcohol lavinol; phenyl ethyl methyl carbinol; propyl benzyl carbinol; iso pulegol menthol; patchone; rootanol; roselea; trans decahydro beta naphthol; verdol cinnamic alcohol; farnesol; geraniol; nerol; anisic alcohol; benzyl alcohol undecavertol; eugenol; isoeugenol; and vanillin.
4. A composition according to any of Claims 1-3 wherein RΛ is selected from the group consisting of : -CH2-CH2-; -CH2-CH2-COOH; -CH=CH-; and -CH=CH- COOH; and wherein s is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 2.
5. A composition according to any of Claims 1-4 wherein said pro-fragrant ester component comprises one or more esters selected from the group consisting of: maleate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, b-citronellol and phenoxanol; succinate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, b-citronellol and phenoxanol; maleate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol.
6. A dryer-activated fabric conditioning composition comprising:
A) from 0.01% to 15%, by weight of the composition, of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula:
Figure imgf000048_0001
wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C\ - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is C - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0; and from 10% to 95% by weight, of a quaternary ammonium compound having the formula:
(R): 4-m -N-f-(CH2)n-Q-Rl X m
or amine precursor having the formula:
Figure imgf000048_0002
wherein each R is independently C\-C alkyl, Cj-Cg hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, and mixtures thereof; Rl is C1-C22 alkyl, C3-C22 alkenyl, and mixtures thereof; Q is a carbonyl moiety having the formula:
Figure imgf000049_0001
O
O R3 O O— C— Rl O
II I II I II
— O— C— O — , — CH-O— C — , — CH— CH2— O— C — wherein R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1 -C4 hydroxyalkyl, and mixtures thereof; R3 is hydrogen, C1 -C4 alkyl, and mixtures thereof; X is a softener compatible anion; m is from 1 to 3; n is from 1 to.
7. A composition according to Claim 6 wherein the composition further comprises additionally comprises:
C) adjunct ingredients selected from: i) from 0% to 10% by weight, of a soil release polymer; ii) from 0% to 60% by weight, of a cyclodextrin/perfume inclusion complexes and/or free perfume; and iii) from 0% to 2% by weight, of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, ascorbic palmitate, propyl gallate, citric acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, tertiary butylhydroquinone, natural tocopherols, butylated hydroxyanisole and mixtures thereof.
8. A composition according to either of Claims 6 or 7 wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted Cg - C20 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C - C20 alkoxy groups; wherein said substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, sulfate, sulfonate, hydroxy, and alkoxy, and mixtures thereof.
9. A composition according to any of Claims 6-8 wherein said parent perfume alcohol of said pro-fragrant ester is selected from the group consisting of amyl alcohol; undecylenic alcohol; osyrol; sandalore; dihydro carveol; dihydro linalool; dihydromyrcenol; dihydro terpineol; dimetol; mycenol; alpha-terpineol; tetrahydro linalool; tetrahydro mugol; tetrahydro myrcenol; amyl cinnamic alcohol; decenol; trans-2-hexenol; patchomint; prenol; cuminyl alcohol; para- tolyl alcohol; phenylethyl carbinol; ethyl vanillin; isoamyl salicylate; para- hydroxyphenyl butanone; phenethyl salicylate; ethyl linalool; linalool; dihydromyrcenol; nerolidol; beta gamma hexenol; decyl alcohol; dihydro floralol; hawthanol; heptyl alcohol; isoamyl alcohol; isocyclo geraniol; isononyl geraniol; mayol; methyl lavendar ketone; octyl alcohol; phenyl propyl alcohol; rhodinol 70; rosalva; camelkol dh; cyclohexyl propyl alcohol; isobutyl benzyl alcohol; lavinol; phenyl ethyl methyl carbinol; propyl benzyl carbinol; iso pulegol; menthol; patchone; rootanol; roselea; trans decahydro beta naphthol; verdol; cinnamic alcohol; farnesol; geraniol; nerol; anisic alcohol; benzyl alcohol; undecavertol; eugenol; isoeugenol; and vanillin.
10. A composition according to any of Claims 6-9 wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of : -CH2-CH2-; -CH2-CH2-COOH; -CH=CH-; and -CH=CH- COOH; and wherein s is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 2.
11. A composition according to any of Claims 6-10 wherein said pro-fragrant ester component comprises one or more esters selected from the group consisting of: maleate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, b-citronellol and phenoxanol; succinate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, b-citronellol and phenoxanol; maleate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol.
12. A composition according to any of Claims 6-11 wherein the softener active is dimethyl bis(tallowyl oxy ethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate, derived from hardened tallow.
13. A composition according to any of Claims 6-12 wherein the composition comprises from 15% to 90% of a softener compound wherein R1 has an Iodine Value of from 8 to 50.
14. A composition according to any of Claims 6-13 wherein the softener active is dimethyl bis(acyl oxy ethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate derivatives of Cg-C™ fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.
15. A composition according to any of Claims 6-14 wherein the softener active is selected from the group consisting of dimethyl bis(tallowyl oxy ethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate; dimethyl bis(oleyl oxy ethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate; dimethyl bis(cocoyl oxy ethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate, and mixtures thereof.
16. A composition according to any of Claims 6-11 wherein the carboxylic acid salt forming anion moiety of the co-softener is selected from the group consisting of lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic and mixtures thereof.
17. A composition according to any of Claims 6-16 wherein the amine salt is selected from the group consisting of oleyldimethylamine stearate, dioleylmethylamine stearate, linoleyldimethylamine stearate, dilinoleylmethylamine stearate, stearyldimethylamine stearate, distearylmethylamine myristate, stearyldimethylamine palmitate, distearylmethylamine palmitate, distearylmethylamine myristate, distearylmethylamine palmitate, distearylmethylamine laurate, dioleyldistearylmethylamine oleate, distearylmethylamine oleate, and mixtures thereof.
18. A dryer activated fabric softening composition comprising:
A) from 0.01% to 15%, by weight of the composition, of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of at least three parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula: O
Figure imgf000052_0001
wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of : -CH2-CH2-; -CH2- CH2-COOH; -CH=CH-; and -CH=CH-COOH; and wherein s is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 2; R" is an alkoxy group derived from said parent perfume alcohols selected from the group consisting of : beta gamma hexenol; decyl alcohol; dihydro floralol; hawthanol; heptyl alcohol; isoamyl alcohol; isocyclo geraniol; isononyl geraniol; mayol; methyl lavendar ketone; octyl alcohol; phenyl propyl alcohol; rhodinol 70; rosalva; camelkol dh; cyclohexyl propyl alcohol; isobutyl benzyl alcohol; lavinol; phenyl ethyl methyl carbinol; propyl benzyl carbinol; iso pulegol; menthol; patchone; rootanol; roselea; trans decahydro beta naphthol; verdol; cinnamic alcohol; farnesol; geraniol; nerol; anisic alcohol; benzyl alcohol; undecavertol; eugenol; isoeugenol; and vanillin;
B) from 30% to 85% of quaternary ammonium compound selected from the group consisting of dimethyl bis(tallowyl oxy ethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate, dimethyl bis(oleyl oxy ethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate, dimethyl bis(cocoyl oxy ethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate, and mixtures thereof;
C) i) from 20% to 75% of co-softener selected from the group consisting of oleyldimethylamine stearate, distearylmethylamine myristate, and mixtures thereof; and ii) from 15% to 40% of nonionic softener selected from the group consisting of C10-C26 acyl sorbitan monoester, diester, and mixtures thereof; wherein the composition has a thermal softening point of from 35°C to 100°C.
19. The composition of Claim 18 wherein (C)(ii) is selected from the group consisting of sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monostearate, and mixtures thereof.
20. A composition according to either of Claims 18 or 19 wherein the composition comprises from 15% to 90% of a diester quarternary ammonium softener active having an Iodine Value of from 8 to 50.
21. A composition according to any of Claims 18-20 wherein the softener active is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-bis(tallowyl oxy)-3-trimethyl ammonium methylsulfate, 1 ,2-bis(oleyl oxy)-3-trimethyl ammonium methylsulfate, 1,2- bis(cocoyl oxy)-3-trimethyl ammonium methylsulfate, and mixtures thereof.
22. A composition according to any of Claims 18-21 wherein the composition additionally comprises:
C) i) from 0% to 10% of a soil release polymer; ii) from 0% to 60% of cyclodextrin/perfume inclusion complexes and/or free perfume; and iii) from 0% to 2% of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, ascorbic palmitate, propyl gallate, citric acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, tertiary butylhydroquinone, natural tocopherols, butylated hydroxyanisole and mixtures thereof.
23. An article of manufacture comprising a flexible substrate containing from 0.5g to 20g of a dryer activated fabric softening composition comprising:
A) from 0.01% to 15%, by weight of the composition, of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula:
O
R -)
wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C\ - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is C - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0;
B) from 10% to 99.99% of fabric softening compound;
C) i) optionally, from 0% to 95% of co-softener comprising a carboxylic acid salt of a tertiary amine, tertiary amine ester, or mixtures thereof; ii) optionally, from 0% to 50% of nonionic softener; iii) optionally, from 0% to 10% of a soil release polymer; iv) optionally, from 0% to 60% of cyclodextrin perfume inclusion complexes and/or free perfume; and v) optionally, from 0% to 2% of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, ascorbic palmitate, propyl gallate, citric acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, tertiary butylhydroquinone, natural tocopherols, butylated hydroxyanisole and mixtures thereof.
24. A process for providing increased softness to fabric comprising the step of contacting in an automatic laundry dryer fabric and an article according to Claim 23.
25. Rinse added fabric softening compositions comprising:
(a) from 0.01% to 15%, by weight of the composition, of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula:
O
R IR) wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C\ - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is Cβ - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0; and (b) from 85% to 99.99%, by weight of the composition, of ingredients useful for formulating fabric softening compositions.
26. A composition according to Claim 25 wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted Cβ - C20 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted Cβ - C20 alkoxy groups; and substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, sulfate, sulfonate, hydroxy, and alkoxy, and mixtures thereof.
27. A composition according to either of Claims 25 or 26 wherein said parent perfume alcohol of said pro-fragrant ester is selected from the group consisting of amyl alcohol; undecylenic alcohol; osyrol; sandalore; dihydro carveol; dihydro linalool; dihydromyrcenol; dihydro terpineol; dimetol; mycenol; alpha-terpineol; tetrahydro linalool; tetrahydro mugol; tetrahydro myrcenol; amyl cinnamic alcohol; decenol; trans-2-hexenol; patchomint; prenol; cuminyl alcohol; para- tolyl alcohol; phenylethyl carbinol; ethyl vanillin; isoamyl salicylate; para- hydroxyphenyl butanone; phenethyl salicylate; ethyl linalool; linalool; dihydromyrcenol; nerolidol; beta gamma hexenol; decyl alcohol; dihydro floralol; hawthanol; heptyl alcohol; isoamyl alcohol; isocyclo geraniol; isononyl geraniol; mayol; methyl lavendar ketone; octyl alcohol; phenyl propyl alcohol; rhodinol
70; rosalva; camelkol dh; cyclohexyl propyl alcohol; isobutyl benzyl alcohol; lavinol; phenyl ethyl methyl carbinol; propyl benzyl carbinol; iso pulegol; menthol; patchone; rootanol; roselea; trans decahydro beta naphthol; verdol; cinnamic alcohol; farnesol; geraniol; nerol; anisic alcohol; benzyl alcohol; undecavertol; eugenol; isoeugenol; and vanillin.
28. A composition according to any of Claims 25-27 wherein R" is selected from the group consisting of : -CH2-CH2- ; -CH2-CH2-COOH; -CH-CH-; and -CH=CH- COOH; and wherein s is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 2.
29. A composition according to any of Claims 25-28 wherein said pro-fragrant ester component comprises one or more esters selected from the group consisting of: maleate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, b-citronellol and phenoxanol; succinate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, b-citronellol and phenoxanol; maleate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol.
30. A composition according to any of Claims 25-29 wherein component (B) comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of : cationic fabric softening agents; nonionic fabric softening agents; liquid carrier; concentration aid; soil release agent; perfume; and preservatives/stabilizers.
31. A composition according to any of Claims 25-30 comprising from 0.05% to 10% of pro-fragrant ester by weight of the composition.
32. A composition according to any of Claims 25-31 wherein component (B) comprises from 1% to 80% of cationic fabric softening agent.
33. A composition according to any of Claims 25-32 wherein component (b) comprises: i) from 5% to 50% of a cationic fabric softening agent; ii) at least 50% of a liquid carrier; and iii) optionally, from 0 to 15% of concentration aids.
34. A composition according to any of Claims 25-33 wherein said cationic fabric softening agent is a from 10% to 95% by weight, of a quaternary ammonium compound having the formula:
+
(R) 4-m -N- -(CH2)n-Q-Rl X m
or amine precursor having the formula:
(R) 3-m -N- "(CH2)n-Q-Rl m
wherein each R is independently Cj-Cg alkyl, Ci -Cg hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, and mixtures thereof; Rl is C1-C22 alkyl, C3-C22 alkenyl, and mixtures thereof; Q is a carbonyl moiety having the formula:
Figure imgf000057_0001
wherein R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1 -C4 hydroxyalkyl, and mixtures thereof; R3 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, and mixtures thereof; X is a softener compatible anion; m is from 1 to 3; n is from 1 to.
35. Rinse added fabric softening compositions comprising:
(a) from 0.01% to 15%, by weight of the composition, of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of at least three parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula:
O
Figure imgf000058_0001
wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of : -CH2-CH2- ; - CH2-CH2-COOH; -CH=CH-; and -CH=CH-COOH; and wherein s is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 2; R" is alkoxy group derived from said parent perfume alcohols selected from the group consisting of : beta gamma hexenol; decyl alcohol; dihydro floralol; hawthanol; heptyl alcohol; isoamyl alcohol; isocyclo geraniol; isononyl geraniol; mayol; methyl lavendar ketone; octyl alcohol; phenyl propyl alcohol; rhodinol 70; rosalva; camelkol dh; cyclohexyl propyl alcohol; isobutyl benzyl alcohol; lavinol; phenyl ethyl methyl carbinol; propyl benzyl carbinol; iso pulegol; menthol; patchone; rootanol; roselea; trans decahydro beta naphthol; verdol; cinnamic alcohol; farnesol; geraniol; nerol; anisic alcohol; benzyl alcohol; undecavertol; eugenol; isoeugenol; and vanillin; (b) from 85% to 99.99%, by weight of the composition, of ingredients useful for formulating fabric softening compositions comprising: i) from 5% to 50% of a cationic fabric softening agent; ii) at least 50% of a liquid carrier; and iii) optionally, from 0 to 15% of concentration aids.
36. The composition of Claim 35 wherein said pro-fragrant ester component comprises one or more esters selected from the group consisting of: maleate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, b-citronellol and phenoxanol; succinate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, b-citronellol and phenoxanol; and maleate ester of a mixture of b-g-hexenol, rosalva, geraniol and phenoxanol.; and wherein said cationic fabric softening agent from 10% to 95% by weight, of a quaternary ammonium compound having the formula:
X
Figure imgf000059_0001
or amine precursor having the formula:
(Rfc3-m-N -(CH2)n-Q-Rl m
wherein each R is independently Ci-Cβ alkyl, Cj-C6 hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, and mixtures thereof; Rl is C1 -C22 alkyl, C3-C22 alkenyl, and mixtures thereof; Q is a carbonyl moiety having the formula:
Figure imgf000059_0002
wherein R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl, and mixtures thereof; R is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, and mixtures thereof; X is a softener compatible anion; m is from 1 to 3; n is from 1 to.
37. A process for treating textiles in a rinse cycle of a washing machine comprising the step of contacting textiles in a washing machine with a fabric softening effective amount of a rinse added fabric softening composition comprising: (a) from 0.01% to 15%, by weight of the composition, of nonionic or anionic pro-fragrant ester of a mixture of parent perfume alcohols, said ester having the formula:
O
Figure imgf000060_0001
wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of nonionic or anionic substituted or unsubstituted C\ - C30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkylene, alkenyl, alkenylene, alkynyl, alkynylene, alkylaryl, alkylarylene, aryl, arylene, and mixtures thereof; R" is Cβ - C30 nonionic or anionic, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; wherein said alkoxy group comprises a mixture of at least 3 different alkoxy groups derived from said parent perfume alcohols; and wherein s is greater than 0; and (b) from 85% to 99.99%, by weight of the composition, of ingredients useful for formulating fabric softening compositions.
PCT/US1997/023608 1996-12-19 1997-12-19 Rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions and method of use for the delivery of ester fragrance derivatives WO1998027191A1 (en)

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CA002274486A CA2274486A1 (en) 1996-12-19 1997-12-19 Rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions and method of use for the delivery of ester fragrance derivatives
JP52801398A JP2001506324A (en) 1996-12-19 1997-12-19 Rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions and method of delivering and using ester fragrance derivatives
EP97953355A EP0946700A1 (en) 1996-12-19 1997-12-19 Rinse-added and dryer-added fabric softening compositions and method of use for the delivery of ester fragrance derivatives

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WO2003087282A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2003-10-23 Ecolab Inc. Fabric softener composition and methods for manufacturing and using
WO2005085404A1 (en) * 2004-02-27 2005-09-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Multiple use fabric conditioning composition with improved perfume
US7087572B2 (en) 2002-04-10 2006-08-08 Ecolab Inc. Fabric treatment compositions and methods for treating fabric in a dryer
KR100935040B1 (en) * 2005-04-14 2009-12-30 에코랍 인코퍼레이티드 How to dispense fragrances over the laundry in the dryer
US8669281B1 (en) 2013-03-14 2014-03-11 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US9505776B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-11-29 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
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Cited By (20)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003087282A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2003-10-23 Ecolab Inc. Fabric softener composition and methods for manufacturing and using
US7087572B2 (en) 2002-04-10 2006-08-08 Ecolab Inc. Fabric treatment compositions and methods for treating fabric in a dryer
US7250393B2 (en) 2002-04-10 2007-07-31 Ecolab Inc. Fabric treatment compositions and methods for treating fabric in a dryer
CN1329497C (en) * 2002-04-10 2007-08-01 埃科莱布有限公司 Fabric softener composition and methods for manufacturing and using
US7381697B2 (en) 2002-04-10 2008-06-03 Ecolab Inc. Fabric softener composition and methods for manufacturing and using
WO2005085404A1 (en) * 2004-02-27 2005-09-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Multiple use fabric conditioning composition with improved perfume
US7524809B2 (en) 2004-02-27 2009-04-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Multiple use fabric conditioning composition with improved perfume
US8058224B2 (en) 2004-02-27 2011-11-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Multiple use fabric conditioning composition with blooming perfume
KR100935040B1 (en) * 2005-04-14 2009-12-30 에코랍 인코퍼레이티드 How to dispense fragrances over the laundry in the dryer
CN101137785B (en) * 2005-04-14 2011-04-13 埃科莱布有限公司 Fragrance dispenser for a dryer and a method for dispensing fragrance onto fabric in a dryer
US8669281B1 (en) 2013-03-14 2014-03-11 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US9090558B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-07-28 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US9505776B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-11-29 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US10406133B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-09-10 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US10596140B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2020-03-24 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US11083703B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2021-08-10 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US11230548B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2022-01-25 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US11679092B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2023-06-20 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US11905298B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2024-02-20 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases
US9604922B2 (en) 2014-02-24 2017-03-28 Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited Sulfonamide and sulfinamide prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases

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ZA9711403B (en) 1998-09-28
CA2274486A1 (en) 1998-06-25
EP0946700A1 (en) 1999-10-06

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