WO1999036494A1

WO1999036494A1 - Granular compositions having improved dissolution

Info

Publication number: WO1999036494A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/000571
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rinko Katsuda; Zayeed Alam; David Scott Bohlen; Sylvestre Canceil; Richard Timothy Hartshorn; Lester John Hollihan; Gary Roy Whitehurst
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1998-01-13
Filing date: 1998-01-13
Publication date: 1999-07-22
Also published as: AU5914498A; CN1291224A; AR014302A1; CA2318559A1; JP2001508119A; BR9813999A; EP1047760A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a granular detergent composition comprising, by weight of the total composition from about 0.1 % to about 20 % of a particulate acid source and from about 1 % to about 50 % of an alkaline carbonate source, wherein the particulate acid source and the alkaline carbonate source are capable of reacting together to produce a gas; from about 0.05 % to about 50 % potassium ions; and other detersive ingredients. The composition has improved dissolution, especially in cool water.

Description

GRANULAR COMPOSITIONS HAVING IMPROVED DISSOLUTION

FIELD The present invention relates to granular detergent compositions having improved dissolution. More particularly, it relates to granular detergent laundry compositions containing potassium ions.

BACKGROUND

There is a current trend for commercially available granular detergent compositions to have higher bulk densities as well as higher active ingredient content. Such detergent compositions offer greater convenience to the consumer and at the same time, reduce the amount of packaging materials which will ultimately be disposed of.

But for such granular detergent compositions, there are problems of poor dissolution resulting in residue and/or partially dissolved detergent clump/gel-like mass left on fabric, in the washing machine, or in a washing machine dispenser drawer. This residue can vary from fine particles to masses as large as 10 to

100 millimeters in size, and is very undesirable for consumers.

Although not wanting to be limited by theory, several examples are illustrated showing how poor dissolution may occur. For example, when consumers first put detergent composition and clothes in the washing machine prior to the addition of water in the tub, significant residue is left in the tub or on the clothes. This residue is formed as the machine is filling with water, since the detergent is trapped in the clothes and there is no agitation of the tub contents. Under these conditions, hydration and dissolution occur on the surface of the detergent, wherein the detergent forms a hydrated paste, or gel-like mass.

In another example, detergent compositions containing zeolite-built powders dispense poorly, especially when such compositions are placed in a dispenser drawer of a washing machine and/or a detergent dosing device. This poor dispensing may be caused by the formation of a gel-like mass, which have high levels of surfactant, upon contact with water. The gel-like mass prevents a proportion of the detergent powder from being solubilized in the wash water, which reduces the effectiveness of the detergent. These solubility problems especially occur in conditions having low water pressures and/or lower washing temperatures.

The use of effervescence to promote the dissolution of granular detergent compositions is well known. The effervescence material is usually a combination of an acid, such as citric acid, and an alkaline carbonate, such as sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. The prior art describes preferred effervescence systems which describes the benefits of having low levels of acid in the composition, as well as preferred particle sizes of the acid, in improving the dissolution behavior of the detergent.

Separately, the use of low levels of potassium salt in granular laundry detergent compositions for improved solubility of the detergent composition is also known.

None of the existing art provides all of the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

SUMMARY The present invention is directed to a granular detergent composition comprising, by weight of the total composition from about 0.1 % to about 20% of a particulate acid source and from about 1 % to about 50% of an alkaline carbonate source, wherein the particulate acid source and the alkaline carbonate source are capable of reacting together to produce a gas; from about 0.05% to about 50% potassium ions; and other detersive ingredients.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION While this specification concludes with claims distinctly pointing out and particularly claiming that which is regarded as the invention, it is believed that the invention can be better understood through a careful reading of the following detailed description of the invention.

All percentages and proportions are by weight, all temperatures are expressed in degrees Celsius (°C), molecular weights are in weight average, unless otherwise indicated.

Examples of the invention are set forth hereinafter by way of illustration and are not intended to be in any way limiting of the invention.

All ratios are weight ratios unless specifically stated otherwise. The term mean particle size refers to the geometric mean of the particle size distribution on a mass basis. This is typically measured by screening a sample into a number of fractions (typically, five) on a series of Tyler sieves. The cumulative mass fraction finer is then plotted on a probit scale (y-axis) against the log of the aperture size of the sieves (x-axis). Regression of this data generates a line whose x-intercept is the log of the geometric mean size.

As used herein, "comprising" means that other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end result can be added. This term encompasses the terms "consisting of and "consisting essentially of. All cited references are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Citation of any reference is not an admission regarding any determination as to its availability as prior art to the claimed invention.

As used herein, the term "alkyl" means a hydrocarbyl moiety which is straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated. Unless otherwise specified, alkyls are preferably saturated or unsaturated with double bonds, preferably with one or two double bonds.

As used herein, the term "detergent composition" or "detergent" is intended to designate any of the agents conventionally used for removing soil, such as general household detergents or laundry detergents of the synthetic or soap type.

The present invention relates to a granular detergent composition comprising, by weight of the total composition from about 0.1% to about 20% of a particulate acid source and from about 1% to about 50% of an alkaline carbonate source, wherein the particulate acid source and the alkaline carbonate source are capable of reacting together to produce a gas; from about 0.05% to about

50% potassium ions; and other detersive ingredients.

The granular detergent composition has improved dissolution. Such compositions should reduce the aggregation, association, or solidification of the detergent particles in water. As a result, the problems of solid detergent particles/lumps and/or gel-like masses remaining in the washing machine, dispensing devices, and on washed clothes is greatly reduced. Although not wanting to be limited by theory, it is believed that the particulate acid source reacting rapidly with the alkaline carbonate source produces a gas and an organic salt, which helps disperse the detergent particles and thereby improve the solubility.

Although the addition of low levels of potassium ions or low levels of effervescence materials in detergent compositions have been used to improve the dissolution of detergents, the combination of both surprisingly improves the dissolution of the granular detergent composition, as well as provide a detergent composition with better cleaning performance. This surprising benefit is not possible when either dissolution improvement technology is used solely. For example, as the level of potassium ions is increased in the composition, there is a point in which the composition can no longer be processed due to the high level of potassium ions. Technical constraints met with such compositions include crutcher mix splitting, or over agglomerating. In addition, high levels of potassium ions may also negatively affect the dissolution behavior of the finished detergent composition. Furthermore, as the level of effervescence material, such as citric acid, is increased in the composition, the pH of the composition in the wash solution will be lowered. Such compositions will negatively affect the cleaning performance, as well as dissolution behavior, of the detergent composition. Hence, detergent compositions with improved dissolution was surprisingly achieved by combining both dissolution improvement technologies.

The granular detergent compositions of the present invention contains a particulate acid source and an alkaline carbonate source which are capable to react together to form a gas, potassium ions, and other detersive ingredients. These, including a more detailed description of other detersive ingredients are described in detail below. A. Particulate Acid Source The composition of the present invention contains a particulate acid source. The acid source is present in the detergent composition such that it is capable of reacting with the alkaline carbonate source to produce a gas.

The acid source may be any suitable organic, mineral or inorganic acid, or a derivative thereof, or a mixture thereof. The source of acidity may be a mono-, bi- or tri-protonic acid. Preferred derivatives include a salt or ester of the acid. The source of acidity is preferably non-hygroscopic, in order to improve storage stability. Organic acids and their derivatives are preferred. The acid is preferably water-soluble. Suitable acids include hydroxycarboxylic acids such as malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid, dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, fumaric, succinic acid and diglycolic acid, sulphamic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid and anhydrides thereof. Additional specific examples include acrylic acid, monosodium phosphate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, boric acid, or a salt or an ester thereof. Those which are stable solids at normal temperature and are less hygroscopic are particularly desirable. Citric acid, fumaric acid, acrylic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, monosodium phosphate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, boric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, diglycolic acid, sulphamic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid, and mixtures thereof, are especially preferred.

The preferred mean particle size of the particulate acid source is about 2,000 microns or less, preferably about 1 ,000 microns or less, more preferably from about 150 microns to about 710 microns. In one example, 80% or more of the acid source has a mean particle size in the range of from about 150 microns to about 710 microns, with at least about 37% by weight of the acid source having a mean particle size of about 350 microns or less. The acid source is preferably included in the composition at a level of from about 0.1% to about 20%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, even more preferably from about 1% to about 5%, by weight of the composition. B. Alkaline Carbonate Source

The composition of the present invention contains an alkaline carbonate source. The alkaline carbonate source is present in the detergent composition such that it is capable of reacting with the particulate acid source to produce a gas. Preferably the gas is carbon dioxide, and therefore, the preferred alkaline carbonate source is a carbonate, or a suitable derivative thereof.

Examples of alkaline carbonate sources include alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates, including sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesqui-carbonate, and any mixtures thereof. Preferably, part of the alkaline carbonate source contains a source of potassium ions such as K₂CO₃ and KHC0₃.

Alkali metal percarbonates, such as sodium percarbonate and potassium percarbonate, are also examples of alkaline carbonate sources for use in the present invention. In addition, the alkaline carbonate source may contain other components, such as silicate. Suitable silicates include the water soluble sodium silicates with an SiO₂:Na₂O ratio of from 1.0 to 2.8. Alkali metal persilicates are also suitable sources of silicate.

The alkaline carbonate source is preferably included in the composition at a level of from about 1 % to about 50%, more preferably from about 5% to about 30%, even more preferably from about 10% to about 25%, by weight of the composition. C. Potassium Ion

The detergent compositions comprise from about 0.05% to about 50%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 30%, more preferably from about 1 % to about 20%, by weight, of potassium ions.

Potassium ions useful herein can be preferably provided from any salt, builder, electrolyte, or surfactant.

Some of non-limiting examples of the potassium salts useful herein are included the description below, as additional/optional detergent components in the section of "Industrial Applicability". Preferable examples of such potassium salts can be selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of alkali builders (e.g. potassium salt of carbonates, potassium salt of silicates), potassium salt of mid-chain branched surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Of the potassium salts, inorganic potassium salts are preferred, and are more preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium chloride (KCI), potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (K P O ), tripotassium pyrophosphate (HK₃P 0₇), dipotassium pyrophosphate (H K P O.,), and monopotassium pyrophosphate (H KP O ), pentapotassium tripolyphosphate (K P O ), tetrapotassium tripolyphosphate (HK₄P₃O_ιo), tripotassium tripolyphosphate (H₂K₃P₃O₁₀), dipotassium tripolyphosphate (H K P O ), and monopotassium tripolyphosphate (H KP O ); potassium hydroxide (KOH); potassium silicate; potassium citrate, potassium longer alkyl chain, mid-chain branched surfactant compounds, linear potassium alkylbenzene sulfonate, potassium alkyl sulfate, potassium alkylpolyethoxylate, and mixtures thereof. These are commercially available. Inorganic potassium salts may be dehydrated (preferably) or hydrated. Of the hydrates, those which are stable up to about 120°F (48.9°C) are preferred. Potassium carbonate is most preferred. Also suitable for use herein are salts of film forming polymers as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,080, Murphy, issued Apr. 5, 1983, column 8, line 44 to column 10, line 37, incorporated herein, which are either partially or wholly neutralized with potassium. Particularly preferred are the potassium salts of copolymers of acrylamide and acrylate having a molecular weight between about 4,000 and 20,000.

D. Other Detersive Ingredients

The granular detergent compositions herein can optionally include one or more detersive ingredients or other materials for assisting or enhancing cleaning performance, treatment of the substrate to be cleaned, or to modify the aesthetics of the detergent composition (e.g., perfumes, colorants, dyes, etc.). The following are illustrative examples of such optional detergent materials. The list of components is non-limiting. JL Detersive Surfactant

The detergent composition optionally comprises a detersive surfactant. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least about 0.01 % of a detersive surfactant; more preferably at least about 0.1%; more preferably at least about 1%; more preferably still, from about 1% to about 55%.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fine surfactant containing particles have been removed from the composition. Preferably, fine particles below 75 microns, more preferably below 150 microns, even more preferably below 250 microns, have been removed from the composition. Detersive anionic surfactants are a preferable source of potassium ions. The preferred molar ratio of potassium ions to anionic surfactant is from about 0.5 to about 30, more preferably from about 1.0 to about 20, even more preferably from about 2 to about 15. (1) Anionic Surfactants:

Nonlimiting examples of anionic surfactants useful herein, typically at levels from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight, include the conventional C-| -|-C^<|8 alkyl benzene sulfonates ("LAS") and primary, branched-chain and random C-10-C20 alky' sulfates ("AS"), the C-io-C-is secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH₃(CH2)_x(CHOSO₃ ^"M⁺) CH3 and CH3 (CH₂)_y(CHOSO3^"M⁺) CH2CH3 where x and (y + 1) are integers of at least about 7, preferably at least about 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate, the C10-C18 alpha-sulfonated fatty acid esters, the Cιo~Cl8 ^su'fated -alkyl polyglycosides, the C^<ιo-C-|8 alkyl alkoxy sulfates ("AE_XS"; especially EO 1-7 ethoxy sulfates), and C10- 18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates (especially the EO 1-5 ethoxycarboxylates). The C-12-C18 betaines and sulfobetaines ("sultaines"), C10-C18 amine oxides, and the like, can also be included in the overall compositions. C10-C20 conventional soaps may also be used. If high sudsing is desired, the branched-chain C-|o-C-|6 soaps may be used. Other conventional useful anionic surfactants are listed in standard texts.

Other suitable anionic surfactants that can be used are alkyl ester sulfonate surfactants including linear esters of C8-C20 carboxylic acids (i.e., fatty acids) which are sulfonated with gaseous SO3 according to "The Journal of the

American Oil Chemists Society", 52 (1975), pp. 323-329. Suitable starting materials would include natural fatty substances as derived from tallow, palm oil, etc.

Another suitable anionic surfactant are longer alkyl chain, mid-chain branched surfactant compounds in (a) of the formula: Ab - X - B

wherein:

(a) A^D is a hydrophobic C9 to C22 (total carbons in the moiety), preferably from about C12 to about C18, mid-chain branched alkyl moiety having: (1) a longest linear carbon chain attached to the - X - B moiety in the range of from 8 to 21 carbon atoms; (2) one or more C-| - C3 alkyl moieties branching from this longest linear carbon chain; (3) at least one of the branching alkyl moieties is attached directly to a carbon of the longest linear carbon chain at a position within the range of position 2 carbon (counting from carbon #1 which is attached to the - X - B moiety) to position ω - 2 carbon (the terminal carbon minus 2 carbons, i.e., the third carbon from the end of the longest linear carbon chain); and (4) the surfactant composition has an average total number of carbon atoms in the A^-X moiety in the above formula within the range of greater than 14.5 to about 18 (preferably greater than 14.5 to about 17.5, more preferably from about 15 to about 17); b) B is a hydophilic moiety selected from sulfates, sulfonates, amine oxides, polyoxyalkylene (such as polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene), alkoxylated sulfates, polyhydroxy moieties, phosphate esters, glycerol sulfonates, polygluconates, polyphosphate esters, phosphonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfosuccaminates, polyalkoxylated carboxylates, glucamides, taurinates, sarcosinates, glycinates, isethionates, dialkanolamides, monoalkanolamides, monoalkanolamide sulfates, diglycolamides, diglycoiamide sulfates, glycerol esters, glycerol ester sulfates, glycerol ethers, glycerol ether sulfates, polyglycerol ethers, polyglycerol ether sulfates, sorbitan esters, polyalkoxylated sorbitan esters, ammonioalkanesuifonates, amidopropyl betaines, alkylated quats, alkyated/polyhydroxyaikylated quats, alkylated quats, alkylated/polyhydroxylated oxypropyl quats, imidazolines, 2-yl-succinates, sulfonated alkyl esters, and sulfonated fatty acids [it is to be noted that more than one hydrophobic moiety may be attached to B, for example as in (Ab-X)2~B to give dimethyl quats]; and

X is selected from -CH2- and -C(O)-.

Other anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can also be included in the laundry detergent compositions. These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts) of soap, C8-C22 primary of secondary alkanesulfonates, C8-C24 olefinsulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids prepared by sulfonation of the pyrolyzed product of alkaline earth metal citrates, e.g., as described in British patent specification No. 1 ,082,179, C8-C24 alkylpolyglycolethersulfat.es (containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide); alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleoyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates such as the acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinates (especially saturated and unsaturated C-^-C-J S monoesters) and diesters of sulfosuccinates (especially saturated and unsaturated C6-C12 diesters), sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside (the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described below), and alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates such as those of the formula RO(CH2CH2O)k-CH2COO-M+ wherein R is a C8-C22 alkyl, k is an integer from 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt- forming cation. Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tallow oil. Further examples are described in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). A variety of such surfactants are also generally disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,929,678, issued December 30, 1975 to Laughlin, et al. at Column 23, line 58 through Column 29, line 23 (herein incorporated by reference). A preferred disulfate surfactant has the formula A— X ^' M

R

B— Y ^' M

where R is an alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkaryl, ether, ester, amine or amide group of chain length C-| to C28_> preferably C3 to C24, most preferably C8 to C20. or hydrogen; A and B are independently selected from alkyl, substituted alkyl, and alkenyl groups of chain length C-| to C28. preferably C*ι to C5, most preferably C*ι or C2, or a covalent bond, and A and B in total contain at least 2 atoms; A, B, and R in total contain from 4 to about 31 carbon atoms; X and Y are anionic groups selected from the group consisting of sulfate and sulfonate, provided that at least one of X or Y is a sulfate group; and M is a cationic moiety, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted ammonium ion, or an alkali or alkaline earth metal ion.

The disulfate surfactant is typically present at levels of incorporation of from about 0.1% to about 50%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 35%, most preferably from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of the detergent composition.

When included therein, the laundry detergent compositions typically comprise from about 0.1% to about 50%, preferably from about 1% to about 40% by weight of an anionic surfactant. (2) Nonionic Surfactants:

Nonlimiting examples of nonionic surfactants useful herein typically at levels from about 0.1 % to about 50%, by weight include the alkoxylated alcohols (AE's) and alkyl phenols, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides (PFAA's), alkyl polyglycosides (APG's), C10-C18 glycerol ethers, and the like. More specifically, the condensation products of primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide (AE) are suitable for use as the nonionic surfactant in the detergent composition. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms.

Examples of commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include: Tergitof M 15-S-9 (the condensation product of C-j -(-C15 linear alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide) and Tergitof M 24-L-6 NMW (the condensation product of C12-C14 primary alcohol with 6 moles ethylene oxide with a narrow molecular weight distribution), both marketed by Union Carbide Corporation; NeodofM 45-9 (the condensation product of C14-C-15 linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), NeodofM 23-3 (the condensation product of C12-C13 linear alcohol with 3 moles of ethylene oxide), NeodofM 45.7 (the condensation product of C14-C15 linear alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide) and NeodofM 45-5 (the condensation product of C14-C-15 linear alcohol with 5 moles of ethylene oxide) marketed by Shell Chemical Company; Kyro™ EOB (the condensation product of C13-C15 alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company; and Genapol LA O3O or O5O (the condensation product of C12-C14 alcohol with 3 or 5 moles of ethylene oxide) marketed by Hoechst.

Another class of preferred nonionic surfactants for use herein are the polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants of the formula.

R₂ — C — N — Z ,

II I , O R wherein R^*- is H, or C<|_4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl or a mixture thereof, R2 is C5-.31 hydrocarbyl, and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative thereof. Typical examples include the C-12-C-18 and C12-C14 N-methylglucamides. See U.S. 5,194,639 and 5,298,636. N-alkoxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amides can also be used; see U.S. 5,489,393.

Also useful as a nonionic surfactant in the detergent composition are the alkylpolysaccharides such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,565,647, Llenado, issued January 21 , 1986, having a hydrophobic group containing from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms, and a polysaccharide, e.g. a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group containing from about 1.3 to about 10, preferably from about 1.3 to about 3, most preferably from about 1.3 to about 2.7 saccharide units.

Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols are also suitable for use as the nonionic surfactant of the surfactant systems of the detergent composition, with the polyethylene oxide condensates being preferred. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably from about 8 to about 14 carbon atoms, in either a straight-chain or branched-chain configuration with the alkylene oxide. Commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include Igepaf ^M CO-630, marketed by the GAF Corporation; and Triton™ X-45, X-114, X-100 and X-102, all marketed by the Rohm & Haas Company. These surfactants are commonly referred to as alkylphenol alkoxylates (e.g., alkyl phenol ethoxylates).

The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol are also suitable for use as the additional nonionic surfactant in the detergent composition. The hydrophobic portion of these compounds will preferably have a molecular weight of from about 1500 to about 1800 and will exhibit water insolubility. Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the commercially-available PluronkfM surfactants, marketed by BASF.

Also suitable for use as a nonionic surfactant in the detergent composition, are the condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. The hydrophobic moiety of these products consists of the reaction product of ethylenediamine and excess propylene oxide, and generally has a molecular weight of from about 2500 to about 3000. This hydrophobic moiety is condensed with ethylene oxide to the extent that the condensation product contains from about 40% to about 80% by weight of polyoxyethylene and has a molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 11 ,000. Examples of this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the commercially available TetronicTM compounds, marketed by BASF.

Also preferred nonionics are amine oxide surfactants. The detergent compositions may comprise amine oxide in accordance with the general formula I:

R1 (EO)_x(PO)_y(BO)_zN(O)(CH₂R^,)2.qH2θ (I).

In general, it can be seen that the structure (I) provides one long-chain moiety R (EO)_x(PO)_y(BO)_z and two short chain moieties, C^R'. R' is preferably selected from hydrogen, methyl and -CH2OH. In general R^"- is a primary or branched hydrocarbyl moiety which can be saturated or unsaturated, preferably, R^*- is a primary alkyl moiety. When x+y+z = 0, Rl is a hydrocarbyl moiety having chainlength of from about 8 to about 18. When x+y+z is different from 0, Rl may be somewhat longer, having a chainlength in the range C-|2- 24- The general formula also encompasses amine oxides wherein x+y+z = 0, R-| = C8-C18. R' = H and q = 0-2, preferably 2. These amine oxides are illustrated by ^12-14 alkyldimethyl amine oxide, hexadecyl dimethylamine oxide, octadecylamine oxide and their hydrates, especially the dihydrates as disclosed in U.S. Patents 5,075,501 and 5,071 ,594, incorporated herein by reference. (3) Cationic Surfactants:

Nonlimiting examples of cationic surfactants useful herein typically at levels from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight include the choline ester-type quats and alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactant compounds, and the like.

Cationic surfactants useful as a component of the surfactant system is a cationic choline ester-type quat surfactant which are preferably water dispersible compounds having surfactant properties and comprise at least one ester (i.e. -COO-) linkage and at least one cationically charged group. Suitable cationic ester surfactants, including choline ester surfactants, have for example been disclosed in U.S. Patents Nos. 4,228,042, 4,239,660 and 4,260,529.

Preferred cationic ester surfactants are those having the formula:

wherein R<| is a C5-C31 linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkaryl chain or M- N⁺(R6R7R8)(CH2)_S; X and Y, independently, are selected from the group consisting of COO, OCO, O, CO, OCOO, CONH, NHCO, OCONH and NHCOO wherein at least one of X or Y is a COO, OCO, OCOO, OCONH or NHCOO group; R2, R3, R4, RQ, R7 and Rs are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkenyl and alkaryl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R5 is independently H or a C-1-C3 alkyl group; wherein the values of m, n, s and t independently lie in the range of from 0 to 8, the value of b lies in the range from 0 to 20, and the values of a, u and v independently are either 0 or 1 with the proviso that at least one of u or v must be 1 ; and wherein M is a counter anion.

Preferably R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from CH3 and -CH2CH2OH. Preferably M is selected from the group consisting of halide, methyl sulfate, sulfate, and nitrate, more preferably methyl sulfate, chloride, bromide or iodide.

Particularly preferred choline esters of this type include the stearoyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides

alkyl), palmitoyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides (R^=C-j5 alkyl), myristoyi choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides (R^=C-|3 alkyl), lauroyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides (R1=C^«| 1 alkyl), cocoyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides (Ri=C-| i-C*i3 alkyl), tallowyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides

alkyl), and any mixtures thereof.

Cationic surfactants useful herein also include alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactant compounds (referred to hereinafter as "AQA compounds") having the formula:

wherein Rl is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl moiety containing from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to about 16 carbon atoms, most preferably from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms; R2 is an alkyl group containing from one to three carbon atoms, preferably methyl; R3 and R⁴ can vary independently and are selected from hydrogen (preferred), methyl and ethyl; X" is an anion such as chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, sulfate, or the like, sufficient to provide electrical neutrality. A and A can vary independently and are each selected from C-J-C4 alkoxy, especially ethoxy (i.e., -CH2CH2O-), propoxy, butoxy and mixed ethoxy/propoxy; p is from 0 to about 30, preferably 1 to about 4 and q is from 0 to about 30, preferably 1 to about 4, and most preferably to about 4; preferably both p and q are 1. See also: EP 2,084, published May 30, 1979, by The Procter & Gamble Company, which describes cationic surfactants of this type which are also useful herein..

The levels of the AQA surfactants used to prepare finished laundry detergent compositions can range from about 0.1 % to about 5%, typically from about 0.45% to about 2.5%, by weight. The preferred bis-ethoxylated cationic surfactants herein are available under the trade name ETHOQUAD from Akzo Nobel Chemicals Company. Highly preferred bis-AQA compounds for use herein are of the formula

wherein R¹ is C-|o-C-|8 hydrocarbyl and mixtures thereof, preferably C^<ιo* C-12. C14 alkyl and mixtures thereof, and X is any convenient anion to provide charge balance, preferably chloride. With reference to the general AQA structure noted above, since in a preferred compound R1 is derived from coconut (C12-C14 alkyl) fraction fatty acids, R2 is methyl and ApR^ and A'qR⁴ are each monoethoxy, this preferred type of compound is referred to herein as "CocoMeEO2" or "AQA-1" in the above list.

Other compounds of the foregoing type include those wherein the ethoxy (CH2CH2O) units (EO) are replaced by butoxy (Bu), isopropoxy [CH(CH3)CH2θ] and [CH2CH(CH3θ] units (i-Pr) or n-propoxy units (Pr), or mixtures of EO and/or Pr and/or i-Pr units.

Additional cationic surfactants are described, for example, in the "Surfactant Science Series, Volume 4, Cationic Surfactants" or in the "Industrial Surfactants Handbook". Classes of useful cationic surfactants described in these references include amide quats (i.e., Lexquat AMG & Schercoquat CAS), glycidyl ether quats (i.e., Cyostat 609), hydroxyalkyl quats (i.e., Dehyquart E), alkoxypropyl quats (i.e., Tomah Q-17-2), polypropoxy quats (Emcol CC-9), cyclic alkylammonium compounds (i.e., pyridinium or imidazolinium quats), and/or benzalkonium quats.

Typical cationic fabric softening components include the water-insoluble quaternary-ammonium fabric softening actives or their corresponding amine precursor, the most commonly used having been di-long alkyl chain ammonium chloride or methyl sulfate. Preferred cationic softeners among these include the following:

1) ditallow dimethylammonium chloride (DTDMAC);

2) dihydrogenated tallow dimethylammonium chloride; 3) dihydrogenated tallow dimethylammonium methylsulfate;

4) distearyl dimethylammonium chloride;

5) dioleyl dimethylammonium chloride;

6) dipalmityl hydroxyethyl methylammonium chloride; 7) stearyl benzyl dimethylammonium chloride;

8) tallow trimethylammonium chloride;

9) hydrogenated tallow trimethylammonium chloride;

10) C -12- 4 alkyl hydroxyethyl dimethylammonium chloride;

11) -12-18 alkyl dihydroxyethyl methylammonium chloride; 12) di(stearoyloxyethyl) dimethylammonium chloride (DSOEDMAC);

13) di(tallow-oxy-ethyl) dimethylammonium chloride;

14) ditallow imidazolinium methylsulfate;

15) 1-(2-tallowylamidoethyl)-2-tallowyl imidazolinium methylsulfate. Biodegradable quaternary ammonium compounds have been presented as alternatives to the traditionally used di-long alkyl chain ammonium chlorides and methyl sulfates. Such quaternary ammonium compounds contain long chain alk(en)yl groups interrupted by functional groups such as carboxy groups. Said materials and fabric softening compositions containing them are disclosed in numerous publications such as EP-A-0,040,562, and EP-A-0,239,910. The quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursors herein have the formula (I) or (II), below :

(I) (ll) wherein Q is selected from -O-C(O)-, -C(0)-O-, -O-C(O)-O-, -NR⁴-C(O)-,

-C(O)-NR⁴-;

R1 is (CH₂)_n-Q-T² or T3;

R² is (CH₂)_m-Q-T⁴ or T$ or R³; R³ is C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl or H;

R⁴ is H or C-1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl;

T^"l , T-2, T³, T⁴, T^ are independently C11-C22 alkyl or alkenyl; n and m are integers from 1 to 4; and

X- is a softener-compatible anion. Non-limiting examples of softener-compatible anions include chloride or methyl sulfate.

The alkyl, or alkenyl, chain τ1 , T², T³, T⁴, T^ must contain at least 11 carbon atoms, preferably at least 16 carbon atoms. The chain may be straight or branched. Tallow is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyl and alkenyl material. The compounds wherein T¹ , T², T³, T⁴, T^ represents the mixture of long chain materials typical for tallow are particularly preferred.

Specific examples of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the aqueous fabric softening compositions herein include :

1) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

2) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl, N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate;

3) N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

4) N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxy-ethylcarbonyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

5) N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-ethyl)-N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

6) N,N,N-tri(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl ammonium chloride;

7) N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N-(tallowyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonium chloride; and 8) 1,2-ditallowyl-oxy-3-trimethylammoniopropane chloride; and mixtures of any of the above materials.

Other conventional useful surfactants are listed in standard texts. Builders Detergent builders can optionally be included in the detergent compositions herein to assist in controlling mineral hardness. These builders can be preferably added in addition to the particulate acid source, alkaline carbonate source, and potassium ion. Inorganic as well as organic builders can be used. Builders are typically used in fabric laundering compositions to assist in the removal of particulate soils.

The level of builder can vary widely depending upon the end use of the composition and its desired physical form. When present, the compositions will typically comprise at least about 1% builder. Granular formulations typically comprise from about 10% to about 80%, more typically from about 15% to about 50% by weight, of the detergent builder. Lower or higher levels of builder, however, are not meant to be excluded.

Inorganic or P-containing detergent builders include, but are not limited to, the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates (exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta-phosphates), phosphonates, phytic acid, silicates, carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulphates, and aluminosilicates. However, non-phosphate builders are required in some locales. Importantly, the compositions herein function surprisingly well even in the presence of the so- called "weak" builders (as compared with phosphates) such as citrate, or in the so-called "underbuilt" situation that may occur with zeolite or layered silicate builders.

Examples of silicate builders are the alkali metal silicates, particularly those having a Siθ2:Na2θ ratio in the range 1.6:1 to 3.2:1 and layered silicates, such as the layered sodium silicates described in U.S. Patent 4,664,839, issued May 12, 1987 to H. P. Rieck. NaSKS-6 is the trademark for a crystalline layered silicate marketed by Hoechst (commonly abbreviated herein as "SKS-6"). Unlike zeolite builders, the Na SKS-6 silicate builder does not contain aluminum. NaSKS-6 has the delta-Na2SiOs morphology form of layered silicate. SKS-6 is a highly preferred layered silicate for use herein, but other such layered silicates, such as those having the general formula NaMSi_xθ2χ+-| yH2θ wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4, preferably 2, and y is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0 can be used herein. Other silicates may also be useful such as for example magnesium silicate, which can serve as a crispening agent in granular formulations, as a stabilizing agent for oxygen bleaches, and as a component of suds control systems.

Examples of carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321 ,001 published on November 15, 1973.

Aluminosilicate builders are useful in the detergent composition. Aluminosilicate builders are of great importance in most currently marketed heavy duty granular detergent compositions. Aluminosilicate builders include those having the empirical formula: M_z(zAI02)_y] xH₂0 wherein z and y are integers of at least 6, the molar ratio of z to y is in the range from 1.0 to about 0.5, and x is an integer from about 15 to about 264.

Useful aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are commercially available. These aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally-occurring aluminosilicates or synthetically derived. Preferred synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials useful herein are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite MAP and Zeolite X. This material is known as Zeolite A. Dehydrated zeolites (x = 0 - 10) may also be used herein. Preferably, the aluminosilicate has a mean particle size of about 0.1-10 microns in diameter.

Organic detergent builders suitable for the purposes of the detergent composition include, but are not restricted to, a wide variety of polycarboxylate compounds. As used herein, "polycarboxylate" refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates. Polycarboxylate builder can generally be added to the composition in acid form, but can also be added in the form of a neutralized salt. When utilized in salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, or alkanolammonium salts are preferred.

Citrate builders, e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof (particularly sodium salt), are polycarboxylate builders of particular importance due to their availability from renewable resources and their biodegradability. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Oxydisuccinates are also especially useful in such compositions and combinations.

Also suitable in the detergent compositions are the 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa- 1 ,6-hexanedioates and the related compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,566,984 to Bush, issued January 28, 1986. Useful succinic acid builders include the C5-C20 alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and salts thereof. A particularly preferred compound of this type is dodecenylsuccinic acid. Specific examples of succinate builders include: laurylsuccinate, myristylsuccinate, palmitylsuccinate, 2-dodecenylsuccinate (preferred), 2-pentadecenylsuccinate, and the like.

Other suitable polycarboxylates are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,144,226, Crutchfield et al, issued March 13, 1979 and in U.S. Patent 3,308,067, Diehl, issued March 7, 1967. See also U.S. Patent 3,723,322 to Diehl, issued March 27, 1973. Fatty acids, e.g., C12-C18 monocarboxylic acids, can also be incorporated into the compositions alone, or in combination with the aforesaid builders, especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity. Such use of fatty acids will generally result in a diminution of sudsing, which should be taken into account by the formulator. In situations where phosphorus-based builders can be used, and especially in the formulation of solids used for hand-laundering operations, the various alkali metal phosphates such as the well-known sodium tripolyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium orthophosphate can be used. Phosphonate builders such as ethane-1-hydroxy-1 ,1-diphosphonate and other known phosphonates (see, for example, U.S. Patents 3,159,581 to Diehl, issued December 1 , 1964; 3,213,030 to Diehl, issued October 19, 1965; 3,400,148 to Quimby, issued September 3, 1968; 3,422,021 to Roy, issued January 14, 1969; and 3,422,137 to Quimby, issued January 14, 1969) can also be used.

3. Alkoxylated Polycarboxylates

Alkoxylated polycarboxylates such as those prepared from polyacrylates are useful herein to provide additional grease removal performance. Such materials are described in WO 91/08281 and PCT 90/01815 at p. 4 et seq.. Chemically, these materials comprise polyacrylates having one ethoxy side-chain per every 7-8 acrylate units. The side-chains are of the formula -(CH2CH2θ)_m(CH2)_nCH3 wherein m is 2-3 and n is 6-12. The side-chains are ester-linked to the polyacrylate "backbone" to provide a "comb" polymer type structure. The molecular weight can vary, but is typically in the range of about 2000 to about 50,000. Such alkoxylated polycarboxylates can comprise from about 0.05% to about 10% of the compositions herein, ft. Bleaching Compounds - Bleaching Agents and Bleach Activators

The detergent compositions herein may optionally contain bleaching agents or bleaching compositions containing a bleaching agent and one or more bleach activators. When present, bleaching agents will typically be at levels of from about 1% to about 30%, more typically from about 5% to about 20%, of the detergent composition, especially for fabric laundering. If present, the amount of bleach activators will typically be from about 0.1% to about 60%, more typically from about 0.5% to about 40% of the bleaching composition comprising the bleaching agent-plus-bleach activator. (1) Oxygen Bleaching Agents:

Preferred detergent compositions comprise, as part or all of the laundry or cleaning adjunct materials, an oxygen bleaching agent. Oxygen bleaching agents useful in the detergent composition can be any of the oxidizing agents known for laundry, hard surface cleaning, automatic dishwashing or denture cleaning purposes. Oxygen bleaches or mixtures thereof are preferred, though other oxidant bleaches, such as oxygen, an enzymatic hydrogen peroxide producing system, or hypohalites such as chlorine bleaches like hypochlorite, may also be used. Oxygen bleaches deliver "available oxygen" (AvO) or "active oxygen" which is typically measurable by standard methods such as iodide/thiosulfate and/or eerie sulfate titration. See the well-known work by Swern, or Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology under "Bleaching Agents". When the oxygen bleach is a peroxygen compound, it contains -O-O- linkages with one O in each such linkage being "active". AvO content of such an oxygen bleach compound, usually expressed as a percent, is equal to 100 ^* the number of active oxygen atoms ^* (16 / molecular weight of the oxygen bleach compound).

Preferably, an oxygen bleach will be used herein, since this benefits directly from combination with the transition-metal bleach catalyst. The oxygen bleach herein can have any physical form compatible with the intended application; more particularly, solid-form oxygen bleaches as well as adjuncts, promoters or activators are included.

Common oxygen bleaches of the peroxygen type include hydrogen peroxide, inorganic peroxohydrates, organic peroxohydrates and the organic peroxyacids, including hydrophilic and hydrophobic mono- or di- peroxyacids. These can be peroxycarboxylic acids, peroxyimidic acids, amidoperoxycarboxylic acids, or their salts including the calcium, magnesium, or mixed-cation salts. Peracids of various kinds can be used both in free form and as precursors known as "bleach activators" or "bleach promoters" which, when combined with a source of hydrogen peroxide, perhydrolyze to release the corresponding peracid.

Also useful herein as oxygen bleaches are the inorganic peroxides such as Na2θ2, superoxides such as KO2, organic hydroperoxides such as cumene hydroperoxide and t-butyl hydroperoxide, and the inorganic peroxoacids and their salts such as the peroxosulfuric acid salts, especially the potassium salts of peroxodisulfuric acid and, more preferably, of peroxomonosulfuric acid including the commercial triple-salt form sold as OXONE by DuPont and also any equivalent commercially available forms such as CUROX from Akzo or CAROAT from Degussa. Certain organic peroxides, such as dibenzoyl peroxide, may be useful, especially as additives rather than as primary oxygen bleach.

Mixed oxygen bleach systems are generally useful, as are mixtures of any oxygen bleaches with the known bleach activators, organic catalysts, enzymatic catalysts and mixtures thereof; moreover such mixtures may further include brighteners, photobleaches and dye transfer inhibitors of types well-known in the art.

Preferred oxygen bleaches, as noted, include the peroxohydrates, sometimes known as peroxyhyd rates or peroxohydrates. These are organic or, more commonly, inorganic salts capable of releasing hydrogen peroxide readily. They include types in which hydrogen peroxide is present as a true crystal hydrate, and types in which hydrogen peroxide is incorporated covalently and is released chemically, for example by hydrolysis. Typically, peroxohydrates deliver hydrogen peroxide readily enough that it can be extracted in measurable amounts into the ether phase of an ether/water mixture. Peroxohydrates are characterized in that they fail to give the Riesenfeld reaction, in contrast to certain other oxygen bleach types described hereinafter. Peroxohydrates are the most common examples of "hydrogen peroxide source" materials and include the perborates, percarbonates, perphosphates, and persilicates. Other materials which serve to produce or release hydrogen peroxide are, of course, useful. Mixtures of two or more peroxohydrates can be used, for example when it is desired to exploit differential solubility. Suitable peroxohydrates include sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate and equivalent commercial "percarbonate" bleaches, and any of the so-called sodium perborate hydrates, the "tetra hydrate" and "monohydrate" being preferred; though sodium pyrophosphate peroxyhydrate can be used. Many such peroxohydrates are available in processed forms with coatings, such as of silicate and/or borate and/or waxy materials and/or surfactants, or have particle geometries, such as compact spheres, which improve storage stability. By way of organic peroxohydrates, urea peroxyhydrate can also be useful herein. Percarbonate bleach includes, for example, dry particles having an mean particle size in the range from about 500 micrometers to about 1 ,000 micrometers, not more than about 10% by weight of said particles being smaller than about 200 micrometers and not more than about 10% by weight of said particles being larger than about 1 ,250 micrometers. Percarbonates and perborates are widely available in commerce, for example from FMC, Solvay and Tokai Denka.

Salts of any of the peracids mentioned below can also be utilized. Salts include, for example, sodium and potassium salts. Potassium salts are especially preferred. Organic percarboxylic acids useful herein as the oxygen bleach include magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate, available from Interox, m-chloro perbenzoic acid and its salts, 4-nonylamino-4-oxoperoxybutyric acid and diperoxydodecanedioic acid and their salts. Such bleaching agents are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,483,781 , Hartman, issued November 20, 1984, U.S. Patent Application 740,446, Burns et al, filed June 3, 1985, European Patent Application 0,133,354, Banks et al, published February 20, 1985, and U.S. Patent 4,412,934, Chung et al, issued November 1 , 1983. Highly preferred oxygen bleaches also include 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid (NAPAA) as described in U.S. Patent 4,634,551 , issued January 6, 1987 to Burns et al, and include those having formula HO-0-C(0)-R-Y wherein R is an alkylene or substituted alkylene group containing from 1 to about 22 carbon atoms or a phenylene or substituted phenylene group, and Y is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, aryl or -C(0)-OH or -C(O)- O-OH.

Organic percarboxylic acids usable herein include those containing one, two or more peroxy groups, and can be aliphatic or aromatic. When the organic percarboxylic acid is aliphatic, the unsubstituted acid suitably has the linear formula: HO-0-C(0)-(CH2)_n-Y where Y can be, for example, H, CH3, CH2CI, COOH, or C(0)OOH; and n is an integer from 1 to 20. Branched analogs are also acceptable. When the organic percarboxylic acid is aromatic, the unsubstituted acid suitably has formula: HO-0-C(0)-CβH4-Y wherein Y is hydrogen, alkyl, alkyhalogen, halogen, or -COOH or -C(0)OOH.

Monoperoxycarboxylic acids useful as oxygen bleach herein are further illustrated by alkyl percarboxylic acids and aryl percarboxylic acids such as peroxybenzoic acid and ring-substituted peroxybenzoic acids, e.g., peroxy-alpha- naphthoic acid; aliphatic, substituted aliphatic and arylalkyl monoperoxy acids such as peroxylauric acid, peroxystearic acid, and N,N- phthaloylaminoperoxycaproic acid (PAP); and 6-octylamino-6-oxo- peroxyhexanoic acid. Monoperoxycarboxylic acids can be hydrophilic, such as peracetic acid, or can be relatively hydrophobic. The hydrophobic types include those containing a chain of six or more carbon atoms, preferred hydrophobic types having a linear aliphatic C8-C14 chain optionally substituted by one or more ether oxygen atoms and/or one or more aromatic moieties positioned such that the peracid is an aliphatic peracid. More generally, such optional substitution by ether oxygen atoms and/or aromatic moieties can be applied to any of the peracids or bleach activators herein. Branched-chain peracid types and aromatic peracids having one or more C3-C16 linear or branched long-chain substituents can also be useful. The peracids can be used in the acid form or as any suitable salt with a bleach-stable cation.

Other useful peracids and bleach activators herein are in the family of imidoperacids and imido bleach activators. These include phthaloylimidoperoxycaproic acid and related arylimido-substituted and acyloxynitrogen derivatives. For listings of such compounds, preparations and their incorporation into laundry compositions, see U.S. 5,487,818; U.S. 5,470,988, U.S. 5,466,825; U.S. 5,419,846; U.S. 5,415,796; U.S. 5,391 ,324; U.S. 5,328,634; U.S. 5,310,934; U.S. 5,279,757; U.S. 5,246,620; U.S. 5,245,075; U.S. 5,294,362; U.S. 5,423,998; U.S. 5,208,340; U.S. 5,132,431 and U.S. 5,087,385.

A preferred percarboxlic acid useful herein are amide-substituted and have either of the formulae:

O 0 O 0

R1_6_N— R2-C— L, R1_N-C-R2-(U—L fc fc

or mixtures thereof, wherein R¹ is alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl containing from about 1 to about 14 carbon atoms including both hydrophilic types (short R¹) and hydrophobic types (R¹ is especially from about 8 to about 12), R² is alkylene, arylene or alkarylene containing from about 1 to about 14 carbon atoms, R⁵ is H, or an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl containing from about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, and L is a leaving group.

Useful diperoxyacids include, for example, 1 ,12-diperoxydodecanedioic acid (DPDA); 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid; diperoxybrassilic acid; diperoxysebasic acid and diperoxyisophthalic acid; 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1 ,4-dioic acid; and 4,4'- sulphonylbisperoxybenzoic acid. Owing to structures in which two relatively hydrophilic groups are disposed at the ends of the molecule, diperoxyacids have sometimes been classified separately from the hydrophilic and hydrophobic monoperacids, for example as "hydrotropic". Some of the diperacids are hydrophobic in a quite literal sense, especially when they have a long-chain moiety separating the peroxyacid moieties.

More generally, the terms "hydrophilic" and "hydrophobic" used herein in connection with any of the oxygen bleaches, especially the peracids, and in connection with bleach activators, are in the first instance based on whether a given oxygen bleach effectively performs bleaching of fugitive dyes in solution thereby preventing fabric graying and discoloration and/or removes more hydrophilic stains such as tea, wine and grape juice - in this case it is termed "hydrophilic". When the oxygen bleach or bleach activator has a significant stain removal, whiteness-improving or cleaning effect on dingy, greasy, carotenoid, or other hydrophobic soils, it is termed "hydrophobic". The terms are applicable also when referring to peracids or bleach activators used in combination with a hydrogen peroxide source. The current commercial benchmarks for hydrophilic performance of oxygen bleach systems are: TAED or peracetic acid, for benchmarking hydrophilic bleaching. NOBS or NAPAA are the corresponding benchmarks for hydrophobic bleaching. The terms "hydrophilic", "hydrophobic" and "hydrotropic" with reference to oxygen bleaches including peracids and here extended to bleach activator have also been used somewhat more narrowly in the literature. See especially Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Vol. 4., pages 284-285. This reference provides a chromatographic retention time and critical micelle concentration-based set of criteria, and is useful to identify and/or characterize preferred sub-classes of hydrophobic, hydrophilic and hydrotropic oxygen bleaches and bleach activators that can be used in the detergent composition. Bleaching agents other than oxygen bleaching agents are also known in the art and can be utilized herein. One type of non-oxygen bleaching agent of particular interest includes photoactivated bleaching agents such as the sulfonated zinc and/or aluminum phthalocyanines. See U.S. Patent 4,033,718, issued July 5, 1977 to Holcombe et al. If used, detergent compositions will typically contain from about 0.025% to about 1.25%, by weight, of such bleaches, especially sulfonate zinc phthalocyanine.

(2) Enzymatic sources of hydrogen peroxide

On a different track from the bleach activators illustrated hereinabove, another suitable hydrogen peroxide generating system is a combination of a Ci - C4 alkanol oxidase and a C1 -C4 alkanol, especially a combination of methanol oxidase (MOX) and ethanol. Such combinations are disclosed in WO 94/03003. Other enzymatic materials related to bleaching, such as peroxidases, haloperoxidases, oxidases, superoxide dismutases, catalases and their enhancers or, more commonly, inhibitors, may be used as optional ingredients in the instant compositions.

(3) Oxygen Transfer Agents and Precursors

Also useful herein are any of the known organic bleach catalysts, oxygen transfer agents or precursors therefor. These include the compounds themselves and/or their precursors, for example any suitable ketone for production of dioxiranes and/or any of the hetero-atom containing analogs of dioxirane precursors or dioxiranes, such as sulfonimines

see EP 446 982 A, published 1991 and sulfonyloxaziridines, for example:

O

1 2 / \ 3

R R C— NSO₂R see EP 446,981 A, published 1991. Preferred examples of such materials include hydrophilic or hydrophobic ketones, used especially in conjunction with monoperoxysulfates to produce dioxiranes in situ, and/or the imines described in

U.S. 5,576,282 and references described therein. Oxygen bleaches preferably used in conjunction with such oxygen transfer agents or precursors include percarboxylic acids and salts, percarbonic acids and salts, peroxymonosulfuric acid and salts, and mixtures thereof See also U.S. 5,360,568; U.S. 5,360,569; and U.S. 5,370,826. In a highly preferred embodiment, the detergent composition incorporates a transition-metal bleach catalyst and an organic bleach catalyst such as one named hereinabove, a primary oxidant such as a hydrogen peroxide source, and at least one additional detergent, hard-surface cleaner or automatic dishwashing adjunct. Preferred among such compositions are those which further include a precursor for a hydrophobic oxygen bleach, such as NOBS.

Although oxygen bleach systems and/or their precursors may be susceptible to decomposition during storage in the presence of moisture, air (oxygen and/or carbon dioxide) and trace metals (especially rust or simple salts or colloidal oxides of the transition metals) and when subjected to light, stability can be improved by adding common sequestrants (chelants) and/or polymeric dispersants and/or a small amount of antioxidant to the bleach system or product. See, for example, U.S. 5,545,349. Antioxidants are often added to detergent ingredients ranging from enzymes to surfactants. Their presence is not necessarily inconsistent with use of an oxidant bleach; for example, the introduction of a phase barrier may be used to stabilize an apparently incompatible combination of an enzyme and antioxidant, on one hand, and an oxygen bleach, on the other. Although commonly known substances can be used as antioxidants, those that are preferable include phenol-based antioxidants such as 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene and 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone; amine- based antioxidants such as N.N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine and phenyl-4- piperizinyl-carbonate; sulfur-based antioxidants such as didodecyl-3,3'- thiodipropionate and ditridecyl-3,3'-thiodipropionate; phosphorus-based antioxidants such as ths(isodecyl)phosphate and triphenylphosphate; and, natural antioxidants such as L-ascorbic acid, its sodium salts and DL- alpha - tocopherol. These antioxidants may be used independently or in combinations of two or more. From among these, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, 2,5-di-tert- butylhydroquinone and D,L-alpha -tocopherol are particularly preferable. When used, antioxidants are blended into the bleaching composition preferably at a proportion of 0.01-1.0 wt % of the organic acid peroxide precursor, and particularly preferably at a proportion of 0.05-0.5 wt %. The hydrogen peroxide or peroxide that produces hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution is blended into the mixture during use preferably at a proportion of 0.5-98 wt %, and particularly preferably at a proportion of 1-50 wt %, so that the effective oxygen concentration is preferably 0.1-3 wt %, and particularly preferably 0.2-2 wt %. In addition, the organic acid peroxide precursor is blended into the composition during use, preferably at a proportion of 0.1-50 wt % and particularly preferably at a proportion of 0.5-30 wt %. Without intending to be limited by theory, antioxidants operating to inhibit or shut down free radical mechanisms may be particularly desirable for controlling fabric damage.

While the combinations of ingredients used with the transition-metal bleach catalysts can be widely permuted, some particularly preferred combinations include:

(a) transition metal bleach catalyst + hydrogen peroxide source alone, e.g., sodium perborate or percarbonate;

(b) as (a) but with the further addition of a bleach activator selected from (i) hydrophilic bleach activators, such as TAED; (ii) hydrophobic bleach activators, such as NOBS or activators capable, on perhydrolysis, of releasing NAPAA or a similar hydrophobic peracid, and (iii) mixtures thereof; (c) transition metal bleach catalyst + peracid alone, e.g.,

(i) hydrophilic peracid, e.g., peracetic acid; (ii) hydrophobic peracid, e.g., NAPAA or peroxylauric acid; (iii) inorganic peracid, e.g., peroxymonosulfuric acid potassium salts; (d) use (a), (b) or (c) with the further addition of an oxygen transfer agent or precursor therefor; especially (c) + oxygen transfer agent. Any of (a) - (d) can be further combined with one or more detersive surfactants, especially including mid-chain branched anionic types having superior low- temperature solubility, such as mid-chain branched sodium alkyl sulfates, though high-level incorporation of nonionic detersive surfactants is also very useful, especially in compact-form heavy-duty granular detergent embodiments; polymeric dispersants, especially including biodegradable, hydrophobically modified and/or terpolymeric types; sequestrants, for example certain penta(methylenephosphonates) or ethylenediamine disuccinate; fluorescent whitening agents; enzymes, including those capable of generating hydrogen peroxide; photobleaches; and/or dye transfer inhibitors. Conventional builders, buffers or alkalis and combinations of multiple cleaning-promoting enzymes, especially proteases, cellulases, amylases, keratinases, and/or lipases may also be added. In such combinations, the transition metal bleach catalyst will preferably be at levels in a range suited to provide wash (in-use) concentrations of from about 0.1 to about 10 ppm (weight of catalyst); the other components typically being used at their known levels, which may vary widely.

While there is currently no certain advantage, the transition metal catalysts can be used in combination with heretofore-disclosed transition metal bleach or dye transfer inhibition catalysts, such as the Mn or Fe complexes of triazacyclononanes, the Fe complexes of N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl)-bis(pyridin- 2-yl)methylamine (U.S. 5,580,485) and the like. For example, when the transition metal bleach catalyst is one disclosed to be particularly effective for solution bleaching and dye transfer inhibition, as is the case for example with certain transition metal complexes of porphyrins, it may be combined with one better suited for promoting interfacial bleaching of soiled substrates. (4) Bleach Activators

Bleach activators useful herein include amides, imides, esters and anhydrides. Commonly at least one substituted or unsubstituted acyl moiety is present, covalently connected to a leaving group as in the structure R-C(0)-L. In one preferred mode of use, bleach activators are combined with a source of hydrogen peroxide, such as the perborates or percarbonates, in a single product. Conveniently, the single product leads to in situ production in aqueous solution (i.e., during the washing process) of the percarboxylic acid corresponding to the bleach activator. The product itself can be hydrous, for example a powder, provided that water is controlled in amount and mobility such that storage stability is acceptable. Alternately, the product can be anhydrous. With respect to the above bleach activator structure RC(0)L, the atom in the leaving group connecting to the peracid-forming acyl moiety R(C)0- is most typically O or N. Bleach activators can have non-charged, positively or negatively charged peracid-forming moieties and/or noncharged, positively or negatively charged leaving groups. One or more peracid-forming moieties or leaving-groups can be present. See, for example, U.S. 5,595,967, U.S. 5,561 ,235, U.S. 5,560,862 or the bis-(peroxy-carbonic) system of U.S. 5,534,179. Bleach activators can be substituted with electron-donating or electron-releasing moieties either in the leaving-group or in the peracid-forming moiety or moieties, changing their reactivity and making them more or less suited to particular pH or wash conditions. For example, electron-withdrawing groups such as NO2 improve the efficacy of bleach activators intended for use in mild-pH (e.g., from about 7.5- to about 9.5) wash conditions.

Cationic bleach activators include quaternary carbamate-, quaternary carbonate-, quaternary ester- and quaternary amide- types, delivering a range of cationic peroxyimidic, peroxycarbonic or peroxycarboxylic acids to the wash. An analogous but non-cationic palette of bleach activators is available when quaternary derivatives are not desired. In more detail, cationic activators include quaternary ammonium-substituted activators of WO 96-06915, U.S. 4,751 ,015 and 4,397,757, EP-A-284292, EP-A-331 ,229 and EP-A-03520 including 2- (N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) ethyl-4-sulphophenyl carbonate-(SPCC); N- octyl,N,N-dimethyl-N 10-carbophenoxy decyl ammonium chloride-(ODC); 3- (N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) propyl sodium-4-sulphophenyl carboxylate; and N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium toluyloxy benzene sulfonate. Also useful are cationic nitriles as disclosed in EP-A-303,520 and in European Patent Specification 458,396 and 464,880. Other nitriie types have electron-withdrawing substituents as described in U.S. 5,591 ,378; examples including 3,5-dimethoxybenzonitrile and 3,5-dinitrobenzonitrile.

Other bleach activator disclosures include GB 836,988; 864,798; 907,356; 1,003,310 and 1 ,519,351; German Patent 3,337,921; EP-A-0185522; EP-A- 0174132; EP-A-0120591 ; U.S. Pat. Nos. 1 ,246,339; 3,332,882; 4,128,494; 4,412,934 and 4,675,393, and the phenol sulfonate ester of alkanoyl aminoacids disclosed in U.S. 5,523,434. Suitable bleach activators include any acetylated diamine types, whether hydrophilic or hydrophobic in character.

Of the above classes of bleach precursors, preferred classes include the esters, including acyl phenol sulfonates, acyl alkyl phenol sulfonates or acyl oxybenzenesulfonates (OBS leaving-group); the acyl-amides; and the quaternary ammonium substituted peroxyacid precursors including the cationic nitriles.

Preferred bleach activators include N.N.N'N'-tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) or any of its close relatives including the triacetyl or other unsymmetrical derivatives. TAED and the acetylated carbohydrates such as glucose pentaacetate and tetraacetyl xylose are preferred hydrophilic bleach activators. Depending on the application, acetyl triethyl citrate, a liquid, also has some utility, as does phenyl benzoate.

Preferred hydrophobic bleach activators include decyl oxybenzoic acid, sodium lauroyl oxybenzene sulfonate, sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS or SNOBS), substituted amide types and activators related to certain imidoperacid bleaches, for example as described in U.S. Patent 5,061 ,807, issued October 29, 1991 and assigned to Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft of Frankfurt, Germany. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application (Kokai) No. 4- 28799 for example describes a bleaching agent and a bleaching detergent composition comprising an organic peracid precursor described by a general formula and illustrated by compounds which may be summarized more particularly as conforming to the formula:

wherein L is sodium p-phenolsulfonate, R^"1 is CH3 or C12H25 and R² is H. Analogs of these compounds having any of the leaving-groups identified herein and/or having R1 being linear or branched C6-C16 are also useful.

Another group of peracids and bleach activators herein are those derivable from acyclic imidoperoxycarboxylic acids and salts thereof of the formula:

cyclic imidoperoxycarboxylic acids and salts thereof of the formula:

and (iii) mixtures of said compounds, (i) and (ii); wherein M is selected from hydrogen and bleach-compatible cations having charge q; and y and z are integers such that said compound is electrically neutral; E, A and X comprise hydrocarbyl groups; and said terminal hydrocarbyl groups are contained within E and A. The structure of the corresponding bleach activators is obtained by deleting the peroxy moiety and the metal and replacing it with a leaving-group L, which can be any of the leaving-group moieties defined elsewhere herein. In preferred embodiments, there are encompassed detergent compositions wherein, in any of said compounds, X is linear C3-C8 alkyl; A is selected from:

wherein n is from 0 to about 4, and

; wherein R1 and E are said terminal hydrocarbyl groups, R², R³ and

R⁴ are independently selected from H, C1-C3 saturated alkyl, and C1-C3 unsaturated alkyl; and wherein said terminal hydrocarbyl groups are alkyl groups comprising at least six carbon atoms, more typically linear or branched alkyl having from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms.

Other suitable bleach activators include sodium-4-benzoyloxy benzene sulfonate (SBOBS); sodium-1-methyl-2-benzoyloxy benzene-4-sulphonate; sodium-4-methyl-3-benzoyloxy benzoate (SPCC); trimethyl ammonium toluyloxy-benzene sulfonate; or sodium 3,5,5-trimethyl hexanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (STHOBS).

Bleach activators may be used in an amount of up to 20%, preferably from 0.1-10% by weight, of the composition, though higher levels, 40% or more, are acceptable, for example in highly concentrated bleach additive product forms or forms intended for appliance automated dosing.

Highly preferred bleach activators useful herein are amide-substituted and have either of the formulae:

Λ or mixtures thereof, wherein R is alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl containing from about 1 to about 14 carbon atoms including both hydrophilic types (short Rl) and hydrophobic types (Rl is especially from about 8 to about 12), R is alkylene,

5 arylene or alkarylene containing from about 1 to about 14 carbon atoms, R is H, or an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl containing from about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, and

L is a leaving group. A leaving group as defined herein is any group that is displaced from the bleach activator as a consequence of attack by perhydroxide or equivalent reagent capable of liberating a more potent bleach from the reaction. Perhydrolysis is a term used to describe such reaction. Thus bleach activators perhydrolyze to liberate peracid. Leaving groups of bleach activators for relatively low-pH washing are suitably electron-withdrawing. Preferred leaving groups have slow rates of reassociation with the moiety from which they have been displaced. Leaving groups of bleach activators are preferably selected such that their removal and peracid formation are at rates consistent with the desired application, e.g., a wash cycle. In practice, a balance is struck such that leaving- groups are not appreciably liberated, and the corresponding activators do not appreciably hydrolyze or perhydrolyze, while stored in a bleaching composition. The pK of the conjugate acid of the leaving group is a measure of suitability, and is typically from about 4 to about 16, or higher, preferably from about 6 to about 12, more preferably from about 8 to about 11.

Preferred bleach activators include those of the formulae, for example the

1 2 5 amide-substituted formulae, hereinabove, wherein R , R and R are as defined for the corresponding peroxyacid and L is selected from the group consisting of:

0 0

N-C— R¹ -N Λ N — N— C ii -CH— R⁴

I U R U³ Y i

1

Y

R I ³ 0 II Y I

II

-0-C=CHR⁴ , and — N— S- -CH— R⁴

I , II R³ 0

-i and mixtures thereof, wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl

3 group containing from about 1 to about 14 carbon atoms, R is an alkyl chain

A containing from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, R is H or R , and Y is H or a solubilizing group. These and other known leaving groups are, more generally, general suitable alternatives for introduction into any bleach activator herein. Preferred solubilizing groups include -S03^"M⁺, -C02^"M⁺, -S04^"M⁺, -N⁺(R) 4X^" and 0<-N(R³)2, more preferably -S03^"M⁺ and -C02^"M⁺ wherein R³ is an alkyl chain containing from about 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, M is a bleach- stable cation and X is a bleach-stable anion, each of which is selected consistent with maintaining solubility of the activator. Under some circumstances, for example solid-form European heavy-duty granular detergents, any of the above bleach activators are preferably solids having crystalline character and melting-point above about 50 deg. C; in these cases, branched alkyl groups are preferably not included in the oxygen bleach or bleach activator. Melting-point reduction can be favored by incorporating branched, rather than linear alkyl moieties into the oxygen bleach or precursor.

When solubilizing groups are added to the leaving group, the activator can have good water-solubility or dispersibility while still being capable of delivering a relatively hydrophobic peracid. Preferably, M is alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium, more preferably Na or K, and X is halide, hydroxide, methylsulfate or acetate. Solubilizing groups can, more generally, be used in any bleach activator herein. Bleach activators of lower solubility, for example those with leaving group not having a solubilizing group, may need to be finely divided or dispersed in bleaching solutions for acceptable results.

Preferred bleach activators also include those of the above general formula wherein L is selected from the group consisting of:

3 + _ + wherein R is as defined above and Y is -S03 M or -C02 M wherein M is as defined above.

Preferred examples of bleach activators of the above formulae include: (6-octanamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-nonanamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate,

(6-decanamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof. Other useful activators, disclosed in U.S. 4,966,723, are benzoxazin-type, such as a C6H4 ring to which is fused in the 1 ,2-positions a moiety -C(0)0C(R1)=N-. Depending on the activator and precise application, good bleaching results can be obtained from bleaching systems having with in-use pH of from about 6 to about 13, preferably from about 9.0 to about 10.5. Typically, for example, activators with electron-withdrawing moieties are used for near-neutral or sub- neutral pH ranges. Alkalis and buffering agents can be used to secure such pH. Acyl lactam activators are very useful herein, especially the acyl caprolactams (see for example WO 94-28102 A) and acyl valerolactams (see U.S. 5,503,639) of the formulae:

wherein R6 is H, alkyl, aryl, alkoxyaryl, an alkaryl group containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, or substituted phenyl containing from about 6 to about 18 carbons. See also U.S. 4,545,784 which discloses acyl caprolactams, including benzoyl caprolactam adsorbed into sodium perborate. In certain preferred embodiments of the detergent composition, NOBS, lactam activators, imide activators or amide-functional activators, especially the more hydrophobic derivatives, are desirably combined with hydrophilic activators such as TAED, typically at weight ratios of hydrophobic activator:TAED in the range of 1 :5 to 5:1 , preferably about 1:1. Other suitable lactam activators are alpha-modified, see WO 96-22350 A1 , July 25, 1996. Lactam activators, especially the more hydrophobic types, are desirably used in combination with TAED, typically at weight ratios of amido-derived or caprolactam activators:TAED in the range of 1:5 to 5:1 , preferably about 1 :1. See also the bleach activators having cyclic amidine leaving-group disclosed in U.S. 5,552,556.

Nonlimiting examples of additional activators useful herein are to be found in U.S. 4,915,854, U.S. 4,412,934 and 4,634,551. The hydrophobic activator nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) and the hydrophilic tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) activator are typical, and mixtures thereof can also be used.

The superior bleaching/cleaning action of the detergent compositions is also preferably achieved with safety to natural rubber machine parts, for example of certain European washing appliances (see WO 94-28104) and other natural rubber articles, including fabrics containing natural rubber and natural rubber elastic materials. Complexities of bleaching mechanisms are legion and are not completely understood.

Additional activators useful herein include those of U.S. 5,545,349. Examples include esters of an organic acid and ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or glycerin, or the acid imide of an organic acid and ethylenediamine; wherein the organic acid is selected from methoxyacetic acid, 2-methoxypropionic acid, p- methoxybenzoic acid, ethoxyacetic acid, 2-ethoxypropionic acid, p-ethoxybenzoic acid, propoxyacetic acid, 2-propoxypropionic acid, p-propoxybenzoic acid, butoxyacetic acid, 2-butoxypropionic acid, p-butoxybenzoic acid, 2- methoxyethoxyacetic acid,2-methoxy-1-methylethoxyacetic acid, 2-methoxy-2- methylethoxyacetic acid,2-ethoxyethoxyacetic acid, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)propionic acid, p-(2-ethoxyethoxy)benzoic acid, 2-ethoxy-l-methylethoxyacetic acid, 2- ethoxy-2-methylethoxyacetic acid, 2-propoxyethoxyacetic acid, 2-propoxy-1- methylethoxyaceticacid, 2-propoxy-2-methylethoxyacetic acid, 2- butoxyethoxyacetic acid ,2-butoxy-1 -methylethoxyacetic acid, 2-butoxy-2- methylethoxyacetic acid, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxyacetic acid, 2-(2-methoxy-1- methylethoxy)ethoxyacetic acid, 2-(2-methoxy-2-methylethoxy)ethoxyacetic acid and 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethoxyacetic acid. (5) Bleach Catalysts If desired, the bleaching compounds can be catalyzed by means of a manganese compound. Such compounds are well known in the art and include, for example, the manganese-based catalysts disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,246,621 , U.S. Pat. 5,244,594; U.S. Pat. 5,194,416; U.S. Pat. 5,1 14,606; and European Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 549,271 A1 , 549.272A1 , 544.440A2, and 544.490A1 ; Preferred examples of these catalysts include MnlV2(u-0)3(1 ,4,7-trimethyl-1 ,4,7- triazacyclononane)2(PF6)2. Mnl"2(u-0)-| (u-OAc)2(1 ,4,7-trimethyl-l ,4,7- triazacyclononane)2-(CI04)2, MnlV4(u-0)6(1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)4(Clθ4)4, Mnl"Mn'^V4(u-0)ι (u-OAc)2-(1 ,4,7-trimethyl-1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)2(Clθ4)3, Mn'V(l ,4,7-trimethyl-l , 4, 7-triazacyclononane)- (OCH3)3(PF6), and mixtures thereof. Other metal-based bleach catalysts include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. 4,430,243 and U.S. Pat. 5,114,611. The use of manganese with various complex ligands to enhance bleaching is also reported in the following United States Patents: 4,728,455; 5,284,944; 5,246,612; 5,256,779; 5,280,117; 5,274,147; 5,153,161 ; and 5,227,084. As a practical matter, and not by way of limitation, the compositions and processes herein can be adjusted to provide on the order of at least one part per ten million of the active bleach catalyst species in the aqueous washing liquor, and will preferably provide from about 0.1 ppm to about 700 ppm, more preferably from about 1 ppm to about 500 ppm, of the catalyst species in the laundry liquor. (6) Bleach Reducing Agent

Any bleach reducing agent known in the art can be incorporated at levels typically from about 0.01 % to about 10%, by weight, into the detergent compositions herein. Non limiting examples of bleach reducing agents include sulfurous acid or its salt (i.e., sulfite), hydrosulfite (Na2S2θ4 dihydrates), rongalite (mixture of hydrosulfite + formalin), and thioureadioxide. 5. Brightener

Any optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents known in the art can be incorporated at levels typically from about 0.05% to about 1.2%, by weight, into the detergent compositions herein. Commercial optical brighteners which may be useful in the detergent composition can be classified into subgroups, which include, but are not necessarily limited to, derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzothiphene-5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents", M. Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982). f Chelating Agents

The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain one or more iron and/or manganese chelating agents. Such chelating agents can be selected from the group consisting of amino carboxylates, amino phosphonates, polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents and mixtures therein, all as hereinafter defined.

Amino carboxylates useful as optional chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetracetates, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilotriacetates, ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexacetates, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates, and ethanoldiglycines, alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts therein and mixtures therein. Amino phosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents in the compositions when at least low levels of total phosphorus are permitted in detergent compositions, and include ethylenediaminetetrakis

(methylenephosphonates) as DEQUEST. Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents are also useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Patent 3,812,044, issued May 21 , 1974, to Connor et al. Preferred compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1 ,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.

A preferred biodegradable chelator for use herein is ethylenediamine disuccinate ("EDDS"), especially the [S,S] isomer as described in U.S. Patent 4,704,233, November 3, 1987, to Hartman and Perkins.

The compositions herein may also contain water-soluble methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA) salts (or acid form) as a chelant or co-builder useful with, for example, insoluble builders such as zeolites, layered silicates and the like. If utilized, these chelating agents will generally comprise from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the detergent compositions herein. 7, Clay Soil Removal / Anti-redeposition Agents

The detergent compositions can also optionally contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and antiredeposition properties. Granular detergent compositions which contain these compounds typically contain from about 0.01% to about 10.0% by weight of the water-soluble ethoxylates amines.

The most preferred soil release and anti-redeposition agent is ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine. Exemplary ethoxylated amines are further described in U.S. Patent 4,597,898 to VanderMeer, issued July 1 , 1986. Another group of preferred clay soil removal-antiredeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed in European Patent Application 111 ,965, Oh and Gosselink, published June 27, 1984. Other clay soil removal/antiredeposition agents which can be used include the ethoxylated amine polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 111 ,984, Gosselink, published June 27, 1984; the zwitterionic polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 112,592, Gosselink, published July 4, 1984; and the amine oxides disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,548,744, Connor, issued October 22, 1985. Other clay soil removal and/or anti redeposition agents known in the art can also be utilized in the compositions herein. Another type of preferred antiredeposition agent includes the carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) materials. These materials are well known in the art. I Dye Transfer Inhibiting Agents

The detergent compositions may also include one or more materials effective for inhibiting the transfer of dyes from one fabric to another during the cleaning process. Generally, such dye transfer inhibiting agents include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N- vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof. If used, these agents typically comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, and more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%.

The most preferred polyamine N-oxide useful as dye transfer inhibiting polymers in the detergent compositions herein is poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) which as an average molecular weight of about 50,000 and an amine to amine N- oxide ratio of about 1 :4. Copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers (referred to as a class as "PVPVI") are also suitable for use herein. Preferably the PVPVI has an average molecular weight range from 5,000 to 1 ,000,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000, and most preferably from 10,000 to 20,000. (The average molecular weight range is determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et al., Chemical Analysis. Vol 113. "Modern Methods of Polymer Characterization".) The PVPVI copolymers typically have a molar ratio of N- vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1 :1 to 0.2:1 , more preferably from 0.8:1 to 0.3:1 , most preferably from 0.6:1 to 0.4:1. These copolymers can be either linear or branched. The detergent composition also may employ as a dye transfer inhibitor a polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP") having an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 400,000, preferably from about 5,000 to about 200,000, and more preferably from about 5,000 to about 50,000. PVP's are known to persons skilled in the detergent field; see, for example, EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696. Compositions containing PVP dye transfer inhibitors can also contain polyethylene glycol ("PEG") having an average molecular weight from about 500 to about 100,000, preferably from about 1 ,000 to about 10,000. Preferably, the ratio of PEG to PVP on a ppm basis delivered in wash solutions is from about 2:1 to about 50:1 , and more preferably from about 3:1 to about 10:1. 9. Enzymes

Enzymes can be included in the detergent compositions for a variety of purposes, including removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from substrates, for the prevention of refugee dye transfer in fabric laundering, and for fabric restoration. Suitable enzymes include proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin. Preferred selections are influenced by factors such as pH-activity and/or stability optima, thermostability, and stability to active detergents, builders and the like. In this respect bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred, such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases.

"Detersive enzyme", as used herein, means any enzyme having a cleaning, stain removing or otherwise beneficial effect in a laundry, hard surface cleaning or personal care detergent composition. Preferred detersive enzymes are hydrolases such as proteases, amylases and lipases. Preferred enzymes for laundry purposes include, but are not limited to, proteases, cellulases, lipases and peroxidases. Highly preferred for automatic dishwashing are amylases and/or proteases, including both current commercially available types and improved types which, though more and more bleach compatible though successive improvements, have a remaining degree of bleach deactivation susceptibility.

Enzymes are normally incorporated into detergent or detergent additive compositions at levels sufficient to provide a "cleaning-effective amount". The term "cleaning effective amount" refers to any amount capable of producing a cleaning, stain removal, soil removal, whitening, deodorizing, or freshness improving effect on substrates such as fabrics, dishware and the like. In practical terms for current commercial preparations, typical amounts are up to about 5 mg by weight, more typically 0.01 mg to 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of the detergent composition. Stated otherwise, the compositions herein will typically comprise from 0.001% to 5%, preferably 0.01 %-1% by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation. Protease enzymes are usually present in such commercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide from 0.005 to 0.1 Anson units (AU) of activity per gram of composition. For certain detergents, such as in automatic dishwashing, it may be desirable to increase the active enzyme content of the commercial preparation in order to minimize the total amount of non-catalytically active materials and thereby improve spotting/filming or other end-results. Higher active levels may also be desirable in highly concentrated detergent formulations. fl Fabric Softeners

Various through-the-wash fabric softeners, especially the impalpable smectite clays of U.S. Patent 4,062,647, Storm and Nirschl, issued December 13, 1977, as well as other softener clays known in the art, can optionally be used typically at levels of from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight in the detergent compositions to provide fabric softener benefits concurrently with fabric cleaning. Clay softeners can be used in combination with amine and cationic softeners as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,375,416, Crisp et al, March 1 , 1983 and U.S. Patent 4,291 ,071 , Harris et al, issued September 22, 1981. 11. Polymeric Soil Release Agent

Known polymeric soil release agents, hereinafter "SRA", can optionally be employed in the present detergent compositions. If utilized, SRA's will generally comprise from 0.01% to 10.0%, typically from 0.1 % to 5%, preferably from 0.2% to 3.0% by weight, of the compositions.

Preferred SRA's include oligomeric terephthalate esters. Suitable SRA's also include a sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and allyl-derived sulfonated terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone, for example as described in U.S. 4,968,451 , November 6, 1990 to J.J. Scheibel and E.P. Gosselink. Other SRA's include 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"). Other examples of SRA's include: 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, methyl (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.

SRA's also include: simple copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate, see U.S. 3,959,230 to Hays, May 25, 1976 and U.S. 3,893,929 to Basadur, July 8, 1975; cellulosic derivatives such as the hydroxyether cellulosic polymers available as METHOCEL from Dow; the C1-C4 alkyl celluloses and C4 hydroxyalkyl celluloses, see U.S. 4,000,093, December 28, 1976 to Nicol, et al.; and the methyl cellulose ethers having an average degree of substitution (methyl) per anhydroglucose unit from about 1.6 to about 2.3 and a solution viscosity of from about 80 to about 120 centipoise measured at 20°C as a 2% aqueous solution. Such materials are available as METOLOSE SM100 and METOLOSE SM200, which are the trade names of methyl cellulose ethers manufactured by Shin-etsu Kagaku Kogyo KK. Suitable SRA's characterized by poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobe segments include graft copolymers of poly(vinyl ester), e.g., C-i-Cβ vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate), grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones. See European Patent Application 0 219 048, published April 22, 1987 by Kud, et al. Commercially available examples include SOKALAN SRA's such as SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF, Germany. Other SRA's are polyesters with repeat units containing 10-15% by weight of ethylene terephthalate together with 80- 90% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 300-5,000. Commercial examples include ZELCON 5126 from DuPont and MILEASE T from ICI. Another preferred SRA is an oligomer having empirical formula

(CAP)2(EG/PG)5(T)5(SIP)ι which comprises terephthaloyl (T), sulfoisophthaloyl (SIP), oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1 ,2-propylene (EG/PG) units and which is preferably terminated with end-caps (CAP), preferably modified isethionates, as in an oligomer comprising one sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1 ,2-propyleneoxy units in a defined ratio, preferably about 0.5:1 to about 10:1 , and two end-cap units derived from sodium 2-(2- hydroxyethoxy)-ethanesulfonate.

Yet another group of preferred SRA's are oligomeric esters comprising: (1) a backbone comprising (a) at least one unit selected from the group consisting of dihydroxysulfonates, polyhydroxy sulfonates, a unit which is at least trifunctional whereby ester linkages are formed resulting in a branched oligomer backbone, and combinations thereof; (b) at least one unit which is a terephthaloyl moiety; and (c) at least one unsulfonated unit which is a 1 ,2- oxyalkyleneoxy moiety; and (2) one or more capping units selected from nonionic capping units, anionic capping units such as alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated, isethionates, alkoxylated propanesulfonates, alkoxylated propanedisulfonates, alkoxylated phenolsulfonates, sulfoaroyl derivatives and mixtures thereof.

Additional classes of SRA's include: (I) nonionic terephthalates using diisocyanate coupling agents to link polymeric ester structures, see U.S. 4,201 ,824, Violland et al. and U.S. 4,240,918 to Lagasse et al.; and (II) SRA's with carboxylate terminal groups made by adding trimellitic anhydride to known SRA's to convert terminal hydroxyl groups to trimellitate esters. Other classes include: (III) anionic terephthalate-based SRA's of the urethane-linked variety, see U.S. 4,201 ,824, Violland et al.; (IV) poly(vinyl caprolactam) and related co- polymers with monomers such as vinyl pyrrolidone and/or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, including both nonionic and cationic polymers, see U.S. 4,579,681 , Ruppert et al.; (V) graft copolymers, in addition to the SOKALAN types from BASF, made by grafting acrylic monomers onto sulfonated polyesters. Still other classes include: (VI) grafts of vinyl monomers such as acrylic acid and vinyl acetate onto proteins such as caseins, see EP 457,205 A to BASF (1991); and (VII) polyester-polyamide SRA's prepared by condensing adipic acid, caprolactam, and polyethylene glycol, especially for treating polyamide fabrics, see Bevan et al., DE 2,335,044 to Unilever N. V., 1974. Other useful SRA's are described in U.S. Patents 4,240,918, 4,787,989 and 4,525,524. The detergent composition can optionally contain a polyamine soil release agent related to modified polyamines. See U.S. 5,565,145 issued October 15, 1996 to Watson et al.

The preferred polyamine soil release agents that comprise the backbone of the compounds are generally polyalkyleneamines (PAA's), polyalkyleneimines (PAI's), preferably polyethyleneamine (PEA's), polyethyleneimines (PEI's), or PEA's or PEI's connected by moieties having longer R units than the parent PAA's, PAI's, PEA's or PEI's. A common polyalkyieneamine (PAA) is tetrabutylenepentamine. The common PEA's obtained are triethylenetetramine (TETA) and teraethylenepentamine (TEPA). Above the pentamines, i.e., the hexamines, heptamines, octamines and possibly nonamines, the cogenerically derived mixture does not appear to separate by distillation and can include other materials such as cyclic amines and particularly piperazines. There can also be present cyclic amines with side chains in which nitrogen atoms appear. See U.S. Patent 2,792,372 to Dickinson, issued May 14, 1957, which describes the preparation of PEA's.

The polyamine soil release agents if included in the detergent composition, is included from about 0.01% to about 5%; preferably about 0.3% to about 4%; more preferably about 0.5% to about 2.5%, by weight of the detergent composition. 12. Polymeric Dispersing Agent

Polymeric dispersing agents can advantageously be utilized at levels from about 0.1% to about 7%, by weight, in the compositions herein, especially in the presence of zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Suitable polymeric dispersing agents include polymeric polycarboxylates and polyethylene glycols, although others known in the art can also be used.

Particularly suitable polymeric polycarboxylates can be derived from acrylic acid. Such acrylic acid-based polymers which are useful herein are the water-soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid. The average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from about 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from about 4,000 to 7,000 and most preferably from about 4,000 to 5,000. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble polymers of this type are known materials. Use of polyacrylates of this type in detergent compositions has been disclosed, for example, in Diehl, U.S. Patent 3,308,067, issued march 7, 1967. Acrylic/maleic-based copolymers may also be used as a preferred component of the dispersing/anti-redeposition agent. Such materials include the water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid. The average molecular weight of such copolymers in the acid form preferably ranges from about 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably from about 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from about 7,000 to 65,000. The ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will generally range from about 30:1 to about 1:1 , more preferably from about 10:1 to 2:1.

Another polymeric material which can be included is polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG can exhibit dispersing agent performance as well as act as a clay soil removal-antiredeposition agent. Typical molecular weight ranges for these purposes range from about 500 to about 100,000, preferably from about 1 ,000 to about 50,000, more preferably from about 1 ,500 to about 10,000.

Polyaspartate and polyglutamate dispersing agents may also be used, especially in conjunction with zeolite builders. Dispersing agents such as polyaspartate preferably have a molecular weight (avg.) of about 10,000. 13. Suds Suppressors

Compounds for reducing or suppressing the formation of suds can be incorporated into the detergent compositions. Suds suppression can be of particular importance in the so-called "high concentration cleaning process" as described in U.S. 4,489,455 and 4,489,574 and in front-loading European-style washing machines.

A wide variety of materials may be used as suds suppressors, and suds suppressors are well known to those skilled in the art. See, for example, Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7, pages 430-447 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979). One category of suds suppressor of particular interest encompasses monocarboxyiic fatty acid and soluble salts therein. See U.S. Patent 2,954,347, issued September 27, 1960 to Wayne St. John. The monocarboxyiic fatty acids and salts thereof used as suds suppressor typically have hydrocarbyl chains of 10 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Suitable salts include the alkali metal salts such as sodium, potassium, and lithium salts, and ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.

The detergent compositions herein may also contain non-surfactant suds suppressors. These include, for example: high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffin, fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols, aliphatic C18-C40 ketones (e.g., stearone), etc. Other suds inhibitors include N-alkylated amino triazines such as tri- to hexa- alkylmelamines or di- to tetra-alkyldiamine chlortriazines formed as products of cyanuric chloride with two or three moles of a primary or secondary amine containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, propylene oxide, and monostearyl phosphates such as monostearyl alcohol phosphate ester and monostearyl di-alkali metal (e.g., K, Na, and Li) phosphates and phosphate esters.

Another preferred category of non-surfactant suds suppressors comprises silicone suds suppressors. This category includes the use of polyorganosiloxane oils, such as polydimethylsiloxane, dispersions or emulsions of polyorganosiloxane oils or resins, and combinations of polyorganosiloxane with silica particles wherein the polyorganosiloxane is chemisorbed or fused onto the silica.

Mixtures of silicone and silanated silica are described, for instance, in German Patent Application DOS 2,124,526. Silicone defoamers and suds controlling agents in granular detergent compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,933,672, Bartolotta et al, and in U.S. Patent 4,652,392, Baginski et al, issued March 24, 1987.

The silicone suds suppressor herein preferably comprises polyethylene glycol and a copolymer of polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol, all having an average molecular weight of less than about 1 ,000, preferably between about 100 and 800. The polyethylene glycol and polyethylene/polypropylene copolymers herein have a solubility in water at room temperature of more than about 2 weight %, preferably more than about 5 weight %. Other suds suppressors useful herein comprise the secondary alcohols (e.g., 2-alkyl alkanols) and mixtures of such alcohols with silicone oils, such as the silicones disclosed in U.S. 4,798,679, 4,075,118 and EP 150,872. The secondary alcohols include the CQ-C<\Q alkyl alcohols having a Cι-C-|6 chain. For any detergent compositions to be used in automatic laundry washing machines, suds should not form to the extent that they overflow the washing machine. Suds suppressors, when utilized, are preferably present in a "suds suppressing amount. By "suds suppressing amount" is meant that the formulator of the composition can select an amount of this suds controlling agent that will sufficiently control the suds to result in a low-sudsing laundry detergent for use in automatic laundry washing machines.

The compositions herein will generally comprise from 0% to about 5% of suds suppressor. 14. Additional Other Detersive Ingredients A wide variety of other ingredients useful in detergent compositions can be included in the compositions herein, including other active ingredients, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments, fillers for solid compositions, etc. If high sudsing is desired, suds boosters such as the C^<ιo-Ci6 alkanolamides can be incorporated into the compositions, typically at 1 %-10% levels. The C-| Q- C-J4 monoethanol and diethanol amides illustrate a typical class of such suds boosters. Use of such suds boosters with high sudsing adjunct surfactants such as the amine oxides, betaines and sultaines noted above is also advantageous. If desired, soluble magnesium salts such as MgCl2, MgSθ4, and the like, can be added at levels of, typically, 0.1%-2%, to provide additional suds and to enhance grease removal performance.

The detergent compositions herein will preferably be formulated such that, during use in aqueous cleaning operations, the wash water will have a pH of between about 6.5 and about 11 , preferably between about 7.5 and 10.5. Laundry product formulations preferably have a pH between about 9 and about 11. Techniques for controlling pH at recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis, acids, etc., and are well known to those skilled in the art.

E. Form of the composition

The bulk density of granular detergent compositions in accordance with the present invention preferably have a bulk density of at least about 250 g/litre, more preferably from about 400 g/litre to 1200 g/litre.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the detergent composition is made into a solid form, such as a tablet or other solid form.

The alkaline carbonate source is preferably either dry-added, delivered via agglomerates, and/or added as a spray dried granule. It is especially preferred that at least 1%, preferably at least 5%, of the alkaline carbonate source is admixed. The addition of the particulate acid source, preferably citric acid, (up to 10%) may be preferably introduced into the product as a dry-add, or via a separate particle. The potassium ion source is preferably added as a spray dried granule, agglomerate, or as a dry-add.

F. Laundry Methods

Machine laundry methods herein typically comprise treating soiled laundry with an aqueous wash solution in a washing machine having dissolved or dispensed therein an effective amount of a machine laundry detergent composition in accord with the invention. By an effective amount of the detergent composition it is meant from 20g to 300g of product dissolved or dispersed in a wash solution of volume from 5 to 65 litres, as are typical product dosages and wash solution volumes commonly employed in conventional machine laundry methods.

In one example, a dispensing device is employed in the washing method. The dispensing device is charged with the detergent product, and is used to introduce the product directly into the drum of the washing machine before the commencement of the wash cycle. Its volume capacity should be such as to be able to contain sufficient detergent product as would normally be used in the washing method.

Once the washing machine has been loaded with laundry the dispensing device containing the detergent product is placed inside the drum. At the commencement of the wash cycle of the washing machine water is introduced into the drum and the drum periodically rotates. The design of the dispensing device should be such that it permits containment of the dry detergent product but then allows release of this product during the wash cycle in response to its agitation as the drum rotates and also as a result of its contact with the wash water.

Alternatively, the dispensing device may be a flexible container, such as a bag or pouch. The bag may be of fibrous construction coated with a water impermeable protective material so as to retain the contents, such as is disclosed in European published Patent Application No. 0018678. Alternatively it may be formed of a water-insoluble synthetic polymeric material provided with an edge seal or closure designed to rupture in aqueous media as disclosed in European published Patent Application Nos. 001 1500, 001 1501 , 001 1502, and 0011968. A convenient form of water frangible closure comprises a water soluble adhesive disposed along and sealing one edge of a pouch formed of a water impermeable polymeric film such as polyethylene or polypropylene. G. Examples

In the following Examples, the abbreviations for the various ingredients used for the compositions have the following meanings.

NaLAS Sodium linear C12 alkyl benzene sulfonate KLAS Potassium linear C12 alkyl benzene sulfonate

KAS Potassium C14-15 linear alkyl sulfate

KMBAS Potassium Mid-chain branched primary alkyl sulfate

KMBAES Potassium Mid-chain branched primary alkyl ethoxylate (Ave. EO = 1) sulfate

SRP 1 Sulfobenzoyl end capped esters with oxyethylene oxy and terephtaloyl backbone

Borax Na tetraborate decahydrate

PAA Polyacrylic Acid (mw = 4500)

PEG Polyethylene glycol (mw=4600)

NaMES Alkyl methyl ester sulfonate, sodium salt

NaSAS Secondary alkyl sulfate, sodium salt

NaPS Sodium paraffin sulfonate

STPP Sodium Tri-polyphosphate

QAS R2.N⁺(CH3)₂(C2H₄OH) with R2 = C12 - C14

TFAA C-|g-C-|8 alkyl N-methyl glucamide

STPP Anhydrous sodium tripolyphosphate

NaZeolite A Hydrated Sodium Aluminosilicate of formula

Na-|2(A102Siθ2)i2- 27H2O having a primary particle size in the range from 0.1 to 10 micrometers size in the range from 0.1 to 10 micrometers

NaSKS-6 Crystalline layered silicate of formula δ -Na2Si2θs NaCarbonate Anhydrous sodium carbonate (mean size of the particle size distribution is between 200μm and

900μm)

KCarbonate Anhydrous potassium carbonate (mean size of the particle size distribution is between 200μm and

900μm)

NaBicarbonate Anhydrous sodium bicarbonate (mean size of the particle size distribution is between 400μm and

1200μm)

KBicarbonate Anhydrous potassium bicarbonate (mean size of the particle size distribution is between 400μm and

1200μm)

NaSilicate Amorphous Sodium Silicate (Siθ2:Na2θ; 2.0 ratio) KSilicate Amorphous Potassium Silicate (Siθ2:K2θ; 2.0 ratio) MA/AA Copolymer of 1 :4 maleic/acrylic acid, average molecular weight about 70,000.

CMC Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose Protease Proteolytic enzyme of activity 4KNPU/g sold by

NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename

Savinase

Amylase Amylolytic enzyme of activity 60KNU/g sold by

NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename Termamyl

60T

Lipase Lipolytic enzyme of activity 100kLU/g sold by NOVO

Industries A/S under the tradename Lipolase

Cellulase Cellulytic enzyme of activity 1000 CEVU/g sold by

NOVO Industries A/S under the tradename

Carezyme.

NaPercarbonate Sodium Percarbonate

Kpercarbonate Potassium Percarbonate NOBS Nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate in the form of the sodium salt.

DOBA Decyl oxybenzoic acid LOBS Sodium lauroyl oxybenzene sulfonate NACA-OBS Phenol sulfonate esther of N-nonanoyl-6-aminocaproic acid

TAED Tetraacetylethylenediamine HEDP 1 ,1-hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid Silicone antifoam Polydimethylsiloxane foam controller with siloxane- oxyalkylene copolymer as dispersing agent with a ratio of said foam controller to said dispersing agent of

10:1 to 100:1. In the following Examples all levels are quoted as % by weight of the composition. The following examples are illustrative of the present invention, but are not meant to limit or otherwise define its scope. All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are expressed as percent weight unless otherwise specified.

Example 1

The following laundry detergent compositions A to D are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 2

The following laundry detergent compositions G to J are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Moisture & Minors —Balance —

Example 3

The following laundry detergent compositions K to O are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 4

The following laundry detergent compositions P to Q are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 5

The following laundry detergent compositions R to V are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 6

The following laundry detergent compositions W to Z are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Moisture & Minors -Balance —

Example 7

The following laundry detergent compositions AA to AB are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 8

The following laundry detergent compositions AC to AF are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 9

The following laundry detergent compositions AG to AH are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 10

The following laundry detergent compositions Al to AL are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 11

The following laundry detergent compositions AM to AP are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 12

The following laundry detergent compositions AQ to AR are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Example 13

The following laundry detergent compositions AS to AT are prepared in accordance with the invention:

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A granular detergent composition comprising, by weight of the total composition: a. from about 0.1% to about 20% of a particulate acid source and from about 1% to about 50% of an alkaline carbonate source, wherein the particulate acid source and the alkaline carbonate source are capable of reacting together to produce a gas; b. from about 0.05% to about 50% potassium ions; and c. other detersive ingredients.

2. The composition of Claim 1 , wherein the particulate acid source is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, acrylic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, monosodium phosphate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, boric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, diglycolic acid, sulphamic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

3. The composition of Claim 1 , wherein the alkaline carbonate source is an alkaline metal salt selected from the group consisting of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate, bicarbonate, sesqui-carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

4. The composition of Claim 1 , further comprising a potassium salt of an anionic surfactant.

5. The composition of Claim 1 , wherein the potassium ions are included in a potassium salt selected from the group consisting of potassium chloride (KCI), potassium carbonate (K CO ), potassium sulfate (K SO ), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (K₄P₂0_?), tripotassium pyrophosphate (HK 3 P 2 O 7 ), dipotassium pyrophosphate (H 2 K 2 P 2 O 7 ), and monopotassium pyrophosphate (H KP O ), pentapotassium tripolyphosphate (K P O ), tetrapotassium tripolyphosphate (HK P O ), tripotassium tripolyphosphate (H₂K₃P₃0_1Q), dipotassium tripolyphosphate (H K P O ), and monopotassium tripolyphosphate (H KP O ); potassium hydroxide (KOH); potassium silicate; potassium citrate, potassium longer alkyl chain, mid- chain branched surfactant compounds, linear potassium alkylbenzene sulfonate, potassium alkyl sulfate, potassium alkylpolyethoxylate, and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition of Claim 4, wherein the molar ratio of potassium ions to anionic surfactant is from about 0.5 to about 30.

7. The composition of Claim 6, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl sulfate, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate, fatty acid monoglyceride sulfonates and sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfate, alkyl ethylene oxide ether sulfate, and mixtures thereof.

8. A granular detergent composition comprising, by weight of the total composition: a. from about 0.1% to about 20% of a particulate acid source selected from the group consisting of citric acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, monosodium phosphate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, boric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, diglycolic acid, sulphamic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid, and mixtures thereof; b. from about 1% to about 50% of an alkaline carbonate source is an alkaline metal salt selected from the group consisting of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate, bicarbonate, sesqui-carbonate, and mixtures thereof; wherein the particulate acid source and the alkaline carbonate source are capable of reacting together to produce a gas; c. from about 0.05% to about 30% potassium ions; and d. a potassium salt of an anionic surfactant.

9. The composition of Claim 8, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl sulfate, mid-chain branched primary alkyl sulfate, mid-chain branched primary alkyl ethoxylate sulfate, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate, fatty acid monoglyceride sulfonates and sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfate, alkyl ethylene oxide ether sulfate, and mixtures thereof.

10. A method of making the composition of Claim 1 , wherein at least 1% of the alkaline carbonate source is admixed.