Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a composition and a process for inhibiting dye transfer
between fabrics during washing.
Background of the Invention
[0002] One of the most persistent and troublesome problems arising during modern fabric
laundering operations is the tendency of some colored fabrics to release dye into
the laundering solutions. The dye is then transferred onto other fabrics being washed
therewith.
[0003] One way of overcoming this problem would be to bleach the fugitive dyes washed out
of dyed fabrics before they have the opportunity to become attached to other articles
in the wash.
[0004] Suspended or solubilized dyes can to some degree be oxidized in solution by employing
known bleaching agents.
[0005] GB 2 101 167 describes a stable liquid bleaching composition containing a hydrogen
peroxide precursor which is activated to yield hydrogen peroxide on dilution.
[0006] However it is important at the same time not to bleach the dyes actually remaining
on the fabrics, that is, not to cause color damage.
[0007] U.S. Patent 4,077,768 describes a process for inhibiting dye transfer by the use
of an oxidizing bleaching agent together with a catalytic compound such as iron porphins.
[0008] Copending EP Patent Application 91202655.6 filed October 9, 1991, relates to dye
transfer inhibiting compositions comprising an enzymatic system capable of generating
hydrogen peroxide and porphin catalysts.
[0009] It has now been found that certain amine base catalyst stabilizers when added to
said enzymatic dye transfer inhibiting compositions enhances the overall performance
of said compositions.
The addition of said catalyst stabilizers reduces the rate of self-destruction of
the porphin catalyst resulting in improved through-the-wash stability of the porphin
catalyst.
Also, improved whiteness benefits are obtained in the presence of catalyst stabilizers,
due to a substantial reduction in the amount of porphin catalyst deposited onto the
fabrics.
Furthermore, it has been found that said catalyst stabilizers accelerate the oxidation
reactivity of the porphin catalyst thereby increasing the rate of the dye bleaching.
[0010] Accordingly, a dye transfer inhibiting composition is provided which exhibits optimum
dye transfer inhibiting properties.
[0011] According to another embodiment, the invention provides an efficient process for
laundering operations involving colored fabrics.
Summary of the Invention
[0012] The present invention relates to inhibiting dye transfer compositions comprising
:
A. a metallo catalyst selected from
a) metallo porphin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
b) metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
c) metallo phthalocyanine and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
B. an amine base catalyst stabilizer capable of binding to the 5th ligand of the metallo
catalyst.
C. an enzymatic system capable of generating hydrogen peroxide.
[0013] According to another embodiment of this invention a process is also provided for
laundering operations involving colored fabrics.
Detailed description of the invention
[0014] The present invention provides a dye transfer inhibiting composition comprising :
A. a metallo catalyst selected from
a) metallo porphin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
b) metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
c) metallo phthalocyanine and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
B. an amine base catalyst stabilizer capable of binding to the 5th ligand of the metallo
catalyst.
C. an enzymatic system capable of generating hydrogen peroxide.
The Hydrogen Peroxide Precursor
[0015] The oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide is generated in situ by using an enzymatic
hydrogen peroxide generation system.
[0016] The use of an enzymatic hydrogen peroxide generating system allows the continuous
generation of low levels of hydrogen peroxide and provides a practical way of controlling
a low steady-state level of hydrogen peroxide. Maximum effectiveness occurs when the
component levels are such that the hydrogen peroxide is replenished at a rate similar
to its removal due to the oxidation of dyes in the wash water.
The enzyme used in the present invention is an oxidase.
The oxidase is present by 0.1 - 20000 units, preferably 0.5 to 5000 units per gram
of the composition. One unit is the amount of enzyme needed to convert 1 µmole of
substrate per minute.
[0017] Suitable oxidases are urate oxidase, galactose oxidase, alcohol oxidases, amine oxidases,
amino acid oxidases, cholesterol oxidase and glucose oxidase, malate oxidase, glycollate
oxidase, hexose oxidase, aryl alcohol oxidase, L-gulonolactose oxidase, pyranose oxidase,
L-sorbose oxidase, pyridoxine 4-oxidase, 2-2-hydroxyacid oxidase, choline oxidase,
ecdysone oxidase.
[0018] The preferred enzymatic systems are alcohol and aldehyde oxidases, glucose oxidase.
[0019] The more preferred systems for granular detergent application would have solid alcohols,
e.g. glucose whose oxidation is catalysed by glucose oxidase to glucoronic acid with
the formation of hydrogen peroxide.
[0020] The more preferred systems for liquid detergent application would involve liquid
alcohols which could for example, also act as solvents. An example is ethanol/ethanol
oxidase.
[0021] The quantity of oxidase to be employed in compositions according to the invention
should be at least sufficient to provide in the wash a constant generation of 0.005
to 10 ppm AvO per minute. For example, with the glucose oxidase , this can be achieved
at room temperature and at pH 6 to 11, preferentially 7 to 9 with 1-20000 U/l glucose
oxidase, 0.005 to 0.5 % glucose under constant aeration in the washing process.
Metallo catalyst
[0022] The preferred usage range of the catalyst in the wash is 10⁻⁸ molar to 10⁻³ molar,
more preferred 10⁻⁶ - 10⁻⁴ molar.
[0023] The essential metallo porphin structure may be visualized as indicated in Formula
I in the accompanying drawings. In Formula I the atom positions of the porphin structure
are numbered conventionally and the double bonds are put in conventionally. In other
formula, the double bonds have been omitted in the drawings, but are actually present
as in I.
[0024] Preferred metallo porphin structures are those substituted at one or more of the
5, 10, 15 and 20 carbon positions of Formula I (Meso positions), with a phenyl or
pyridyl substituent selected from the group consisting of

wherein n and m may be 0 or 1; A may be sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate or carboxylate
groups; and B is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, polyethoxy alkyl or hydroxy alkyl.
[0025] Preferred molecules are those in which the substituents on the phenyl or pyridyl
groups are selected from the group consisting of
-CH₃, -C₂H₅, -CH₂CH₂CH₂SO₃-, -CH₂--, and -CH₂CH(OH)CH₂SO₃-, - SO₃
[0026] A particularly preferred metallo phorphin is one in which the molecule is substituted
at the 5, 10 15, and 20 carbon positions with the substituent

This preferred compound is known as metallo tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin.
The symbol X¹ is (=CY-) wherein each Y, independently, is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine
or meso substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkaryl or heteroaryl.
[0027] The symbol X² of Formula I represents an anion, preferably OH⁻ or Cl⁻. The compound
of Formula I may be substituted at one or more of the remaining carbon positions with
C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or oxyalkyl groups.

Porphin derivatives also include chlorophyls, chlorines, i.e. isobacterio chlorines
and bacteriochlorines.
[0028] Metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof have
a structure given in formula II.

where X can be alkyl, alkyl carboxy, alkyl hydroxyl, vinyl, alkenyl, alkyl sulfate,
alkylsulfonate, sulfate, sulfonate, aryl.
[0029] The symbol X² of Formula II represents an anion, preferably OH⁻ or Cl⁻.
[0030] The symbol X
i can be alkyl, alkylcarboxy, alkylhydroxyl, vinyl, alkenyl, alkylsulfate, alkylsulfonate,
sulfate, sulfonate.
[0031] Metallo phthalocyanine and derivatives have the structure indicated in Formula III,
wherein the atom positions of the phthalocyanine structure are numbered conventionally.
The anionic groups in the above structures contain cations selected from the group
consisting of sodium and potassium cations or other non-interfering cations which
leave the structures water-soluble. Preferred phthalocyanine derivatives are metallo
phthalocyanine trisulfonate and metallo phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate.

Another form of substitution possible for the present invention is substitution
of the central metal by Fe, Mn, Co Rh, Cr, Ru, Mo or other transition metals.
[0032] Still a number of considerations are significant in selecting variants of or substituents
in the basic porphin or azaporphin structure. In the first place, one would choose
compounds which are available or can be readily synthesized.
[0033] Beyond this, the choice of the substituent groups can be used to control the solubility
of the catalyst in water or in detergent solutions. Yet again, especially where it
is desired to avoid attacking dyes attached to solid surfaces, the substituents can
control the affinity of the catalyst compound for the surface. Thus, strongly negatively
charged substituted compounds, for instance the tetrasulfonated porphin, may be repelled
by negatively charged stains or stained surfaces and are therefore most likely not
to cause attack on fixed dyes, whereas the cationic or zwitterionic compounds may
be attracted to, or at least not repelled by such stained surfaces.
Amine base catalyst stabilizer
[0034] The dye transfer inhibiting benefits can be optimized by adding small amounts of
catalyst stabilizers.
It is well known in art that catalyst e.g. metallo porphins are susceptible to self-destruction.
As a result of said selfdestruction, the level of catalyst should be such that sufficient
active catalyst is present to bleach the dyes throughout the total wash cycle.
It has now been found that the stability of metallo catalyst used in the present invention
is improved by adding amine base catalyst stabilizers capable of binding the 5th ligand
of the central atom in the metallo porphin structure. Preferred heterocyclic compounds
suitable for the present invention are imidazole compounds of the formula :

wherein Y is hydrogen or oxygen or a C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, R
i, R₁ and R₂ are selected independently hydrogen or C₁-C₃₀ alkyl or alkenyl groups,
and X is selected from the group of :

―R₃―
―R₃―O―
wherein R₃ is a C₁-C₅ alkanediyl group, or is

with n being an integer from 0 to 10, and m is an integer from 0 to 2, n+m>1, and
R₄ being a C₁₋₄ alkyl group or hydrogen. Most preferred are imidazole derivatives
including histidine, purines, hipoxanthine, imidazolidicarboxylic acid, histamine,
polyhistidine, alkylated imidazole.
[0035] Other heterocyclic compounds suitable for the present invention are pyridine and
alkylated pyridines and derivatives thereof, pyrole and derivatives thereof.
[0036] Non heterocyclic compounds capable of binding the 5th ligand of the central atom
in the porphin structure are suitable for the present invention.
[0037] These non heterocyclic compounds include non heterocyclic amines, having the formula
(C₂H₅)₃N, C₃H₇NH₂, (C₆H₁₁)₂NH, 1,5 - diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene.
Second, the catalyst stabilizers of the present invention reduce the deposition of
the porphin catalyst onto the fabric, resulting in better whiteness maintenance of
white fabrics.
Also, it has been found that the addition of the catalyst stabilizers mentioned hereinabove
not only results in less self-destruction of the structure but also results in less
deposition of oxidized or non oxidized porphin.
[0038] Furthermore, it has been found that the rate of dye oxidation by the porphin catalyst
is greatly enhanced by the presence of the said catalyst stabilizers. This results
in an increased dye bleaching.
The amine base catalyst stabilizer is present in a molar ratio of iron porphin to
amine base catalyst from 1:1 to 1:5000, preferably from 1:1 to 1:2500.
[0039] The present compositions are conveniently used as additives to conventional detergent
compositions for use in laundry operations.
The present invention also encompasses dye transfer inhibiting compositions which
will contain detergent ingredients and thus serve as detergent compositions.
DETERGENT INGREDIENTS
[0040] A wide range of surfactants can be used in the detergent compositions. A typical
listing of anionic, nonionic, ampholytic and zwitterionic classes, and species of
these surfactants, is given in US Patent 3,664,961 issued to Norris on May 23, 1972.
[0041] Mixtures of anionic surfactants are particularly suitable herein, especially mixtures
of sulphonate and sulphate surfactants in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:2, preferably
from 3:1 to 2:3, more preferably from 3:1 to 1:1. Preferred sulphonates include alkyl
benzene sulphonates having from 9 to 15, especially 11 to 13 carbon atoms in the alkyl
radical, and alpha-sulphonated methyl fatty acid esters in which the fatty acid is
derived from a C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty source preferably from a C₁₆-C₁₈ fatty source. In each
instance the cation is an alkali metal, preferably sodium. Preferred sulphate surfactants
are alkyl sulphates having from 12 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, optionally
in admixture with ethoxy sulphates having from 10 to 20, preferably 10 to 16 carbon
atoms in the alkyl radical and an average degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 6. Examples
of preferred alkyl sulphates herein are tallow alkyl sulphate, coconut alkyl sulphate,
and C₁₄₋₁₅ alkyl sulphates. The cation in each instance is again an alkali metal cation,
preferably sodium.
[0042] One class of nonionic surfactants useful in the present invention are condensates
of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic moiety to provide a surfactant having an average
hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) in the range from 8 to 17, preferably from 9.5
to 13.5, more preferably from 10 to 12.5. The hydrophobic (lipophilic) moiety may
be aliphatic or aromatic in nature and the length of the polyoxyethylene group which
is condensed with any particular hydrophobic group can be readily adjusted to yield
a water-soluble compound having the desired degree of balance between hydrophilic
and hydrophobic elements.
[0043] Especially preferred nonionic surfactants of this type are the C₉-C₁₅ primary alcohol
ethoxylates containing 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, particularly
the C₁₄-C₁₅ primary alcohols containing 6-8 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol
and the C₁₂-C₁₄ primary alcohols containing 3-5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of
alcohol.
[0044] Another class of nonionic surfactants comprises alkyl polyglucoside compounds of
general formula
RO (C
nH
2nO)
tZ
x
wherein Z is a moiety derived from glucose; R is a saturated hydrophobic alkyl group
that contains from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; t is from 0 to 10 and n is 2 or 3; x is
from 1.3 to 4, the compounds including less than 10% unreacted fatty alcohol and less
than 50% short chain alkyl polyglucosides. Compounds of this type and their use in
detergent are disclosed in EP-B 0 070 077, 0 075 996 and 0 094 118.
[0045] Also suitable as nonionic surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants
of the formula

wherein R¹ is H, or R¹ is C₁₋₄ 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. Preferably, R¹ is methyl, R² is a straight C₁₁₋₁₅
alkyl or alkenyl chain such as coconut alkyl or mixtures thereof, and Z is derived
from a reducing sugar such as glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, in a reductive
amination reaction.
The compositions according to the present invention may further comprise a builder
system. Any conventional builder system is suitable for use herein including aluminosilicate
materials, silicates, polycarboxylates and fatty acids, materials such as ethylenediamine
tetraacetate, metal ion sequestrants such as aminopolyphosphonates, particularly ethylenediamine
tetramethylene phosphonic acid and diethylene triamine pentamethylenephosphonic acid.
Though less preferred for obvious environmental reasons, phosphate builders can also
be used herein.
Suitable builders can be an inorganic ion exchange material, commonly an inorganic
hydrated aluminosilicate material, more particularly a hydrated synthetic zeolite
such as hydrated zeolite A, X, B or HS.
Another suitable inorganic builder material is layered silicate, e.g. SKS-6 (Hoechst).
SKS-6 is a crystalline layered silicate consisting of sodium silicate (Na₂Si₂O₅).
Suitable polycarboxylates builders for use herein include citric acid, preferably
in the form of a water-soluble salt, derivatives of succinic acid of the formula R-CH(COOH)CH2(COOH)
wherein R is C10-20 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C12-16, or wherein R can be substituted
with hydroxyl, sulfo sulfoxyl or sulfone substituents. Specific examples include lauryl
succinate , myristyl succinate, palmityl succinate2-dodecenylsuccinate, 2-tetradecenyl
succinate. Succinate builders are preferably used in the form of their water-soluble
salts, including sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.
Other suitable polycarboxylates are oxodisuccinates and mixtures of tartrate monosuccinic
and tartrate disuccinic acid such as described in US 4,663,071.
Especially for the liquid execution herein, suitable fatty acid builders for use herein
are saturated or unsaturated C10-18 fatty acids, as well as the corresponding soaps.
Preferred saturated species have from 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The
preferred unsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid. Another preferred builder system for
liquid compositions is based on dodecenyl succinic acid.
Preferred builder systems for use in granular compositions include a mixture of a
water-insoluble aluminosilicate builder such as zeolite A, and a watersoluble carboxylate
chelating agent such as citric acid.
Other builder materials that can form part of the builder system for use in granular
compositions for the purposes of this invention include inorganic materials such as
alkali metal carbonates, bicarbonates, silicates, and organic materials such as the
organic phosphonates, amino polyalkylene phosphonates and amino polycarboxylates.
Other suitable water-soluble organic salts are the homo- or co-polymeric acids or
their salts, in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxyl radicals
separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms.
Polymers of this type are disclosed in GB-A-1,596,756. Examples of such salts are
polyacrylates of MW 2000-5000 and their copolymers with maleic anhydride, such copolymers
having a molecular weight of from 20,000 to 70,000, especially about 40,000.
[0046] Detergency builder salts are normally included in amounts of from 10% to 80% by weight
of the composition preferably from 20% to 70% and most usually from 30% to 60% by
weight.
[0047] The compositions of the present invention should be free from conventional bleaching
agents. Other components used in detergent compositions may be employed, such as suds
boosting or depressing agents, enzymes and stabilizers or activators therefore, soil-suspending
agents soil-release agents, optical brighteners, abrasives, bactericides, tarnish
inhibitors, coloring agents, and perfumes. Especially preferred are combinations with
enzyme technologies which also provide a type of color care benefit. Examples are
cellulase for color maintenance/rejuvenation.
These components, particularly the enzymes, optical brighteners, coloring agents,
and perfumes, should preferably be chosen such that they are compatible with the bleach
component of the composition.
The detergent compositions according to the invention can be in liquid, paste or granular
forms. Granular compositions according to the present invention can also be in "compact
form", i.e. they may have a relatively higher density than conventional granular detergents,
i.e. from 550 to 950 g/l; in such case, the granular detergent compositions according
to the present invention will contain a lower amount of "inorganic filler salt", compared
to conventional granular detergents; typical filler salts are alkaline earth metal
salts of sulphates and chlorides, typically sodium sulphate; "compact" detergents
typically comprise not more than 10% filler salt.
[0048] The present invention also relates to a process for inhibiting dye transfer from
one fabric to another of solubilized and suspended dyes encountered during fabric
laundering operations involving colored fabrics.
[0049] The process comprises contacting fabrics with a laundering solution as hereinbefore
described.
[0050] The process of the invention is conveniently carried out in the course of the washing
process. The washing process is preferably carried out at 5°C to 90°C, especially
20 to 60, but the catalysts are effective at up to 95°C. The pH of the treatment solution
is preferably from 7 to 11, especially from 7.0 to 9.0.
[0051] The process and compositions of the invention can also be used as additive during
laundry operations.
[0052] The following examples are meant to exemplify compositions of the present invention,
but are not necessarily meant to limit or otherwise define the scope of the invention,
said scope being determined according to claims which follow.
Example 1
Homogeneous dye bleaching
[0053] The extent of dye oxidation was compared between a composition containing imidazole
as amine base catalyst and a system without amine base catalyst.
Composition A: A detergent solution (100mL) containing dyes (40 ppm final concentration),
glucose (0.1% by weight) and a ferric tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin catalyst
(1 x 10⁻⁵ M) was prepared and its pH value adjusted to 8.0.
Composition B: A detergent solution (100mL) containing dyes (40 ppm final concentration),
glucose (0.1% by weight), and ferric tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin catalyst (2.5
x 10⁻⁶ M) and imidazole (10 mM) was prepared and its pH value adjusted to pH 8.0.
Test method :
[0054] The absorbance spectrum was recorded (350-750 nm). This region encompasses the wavelength
maximum of the dyes (as noted in the table below) and the Soret band of the catalyst
(414 nm).
Glucose oxidase (final concentration 0.1U/mL) was then added to the stirred solution
to initiate the reaction. After 30 min the absorbance spectrum was recorded and the
decrease in the absorbance maximum of the dyes noted.
Blank experiments indicated that no oxidation of the dyes occurred over the same period
in the absence of catalyst or glucose oxidase.
Dyes |
CI # |
% destruction of dye |
|
|
lmax |
COMP A |
COMP B |
Acid Blue 9 |
42000 |
630 nm |
13 |
53 |
Direct blue 98 |
23155 |
570 nm |
62 |
90 |
Direct blue 120 |
34090 |
570 nm |
50 |
83 |
Acid blue 113 |
26360 |
595 nm |
39 |
95 |
FD&C Red 40 |
16035 |
500 nm |
0 |
30 |
Acid Yellow 40 |
18950 |
440 nm |
0 |
30 |
Conclusion : Even though a lower level of iron porphin catalyst is present in composition
B, dyes are oxidized to a much bigger extent compared to composition A containing
4 times the iron porphin catalyst level.
Example 2
Stability of the metallo catalysts
[0055] The stability of different porphyrins and phthalocyanines was determined in the presence
of imidazole as amine base catalyst.
A detergent solution (100mL) of glucose (0.1% by weight) and different metallo catalysts
(10 x 10⁻⁵ M) was prepared and the pH adjusted to 8.0. To initiate the reaction, different
levels of glucose oxidase were added. The destruction of the catalyst was measured
in each case by quantifying the decrease in absorption of the Soret band (414 nm).
The catalyst destruction was compared with and without imidazole at different time
intervals.

Example 3
Deposition of FeTPPS
[0056] A 50 mM borate buffer solution (pH 8.0) of ferric tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin
catalyst (FeTPPS) (10⁻⁵ M, 10 ppm by weight) was prepared. The FeTPPS deposition was
studied as follows: a knitted cotton fabric (
∼14g) was soaked in the FeTPPS solution (100 mL) for 15 min. At the end the fabric
was removed and the water squeezed out of it. A solution sample (2 mL) was taken before
and after soaking. The concentration of FeTPPS in the solution was determined spectrophotometrically
from the 2 ml sample by observing the absorbance peak at 414 nm (characteristic of
the FeTPPS Soret band).
This experimental procedure was repeated with and without imidazole (10 mM).
solution |
% Porphyrin left in solution |
FeTPPS only |
50 |
FeTPPS+Imidazole |
84 |
Conclusion : The presence of imidazole strongly reduces the tendency of FeTPPS to
deposit onto fabrics.
Example IV
[0057] A liquid dye transfer inhibiting composition according to the present invention is
prepared, having the following compositions :
|
% |
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate |
10 |
Alkyl sulphate |
4 |
Fatty alcohol (C₁₂-C₁₅) ethoxylate |
12 |
Fatty acid |
10 |
Oleic acid |
4 |
Citric acid |
1 |
NaOH |
3.4 |
Propanediol |
1.5 |
Ethanol |
5 |
Ethanoloxidase |
5 u/ml |
Ferric tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin |
0.1 |
imidazole |
3 |
Minors |
up to 100 |
Example V
[0058] A compact granular dye transfer inhibiting composition according to the present invention
is prepared, having the following formulation:
|
% |
Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate |
11.40 |
Tallow alkyl sulphate |
1.80 |
C₄₅ alkyl sulphate |
3.00 |
C₄₅ alcohol 7 times ethoxylated |
4.00 |
Tallow alcohol 11 times ethoxylated |
1.80 |
Dispersant |
0.07 |
Silicone fluid |
0.80 |
Trisodium citrate |
14.00 |
Citric acid |
3.00 |
Zeolite |
32.50 |
Maleic acid actylic acid copolymer |
5.00 |
DETMPA |
1.00 |
Cellulase (active protein) |
0.03 |
Alkalase/BAN |
0.60 |
Lipase |
0.36 |
Sodium silicate |
2.00 |
Sodium sulphate |
3.50 |
Ferric tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin |
0.025 |
Glucose |
10.00 |
Glucose oxidase |
100 u/ml |
imidazole |
3 |
Minors |
up to 100 |
1. A dye transfer inhibiting composition comprising:
A. a metallo catalyst selected from
a) metallo porphin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
b) metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
c) metallo phthalocyanine and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
B. an amine base catalyst stabilizer capable of binding the 5th ligand of the metallo
catalyst.
C. an enzymatic system capable of generating hydrogen peroxide.
2. A dye transfer inhibiting compositions according to claim 1 wherein said amine base
catalyst stabilizer is selected from imidazole and derivates thereof.
3. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 wherein said amine base
catalyst stabilizer is selected from pyridine and its derivatives thereof.
4. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1-3 wherein said enzymatic
system comprises an oxidase and as a substrate an alcohol, an aldehyde or a combination
of both.
5. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1-4, containing a metallo
porphin derivative, wherein said iron porphin is substituted on at least one of its
meso positions with a phenyl or pyridyl substituent selected from the group consisting
of

wherein n and m may be 0 or 1, A is selected from the group consisting of sulfate,
sulfonate, phosphate, and carboxylate groups, and B is selected from the group consisting
of C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ polyethoxyalkyl and C₁-C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl.
6. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 5 wherein the substituents
on the phenyl or pyridyl groups are selected from the group consisitng of -CH₃, -C₂H₅,
- CH₂CH₂CH₂SO₃-, -CH₂COO-, -CH₂C-H(OH)CH₂SO₃-, and -SO₃.
7. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claims 1-4, containing a metallo
porphin derivative, wherein said metallo porphin is substituted on at least one of
its meso positions with a phenyl substituent selected from the group consisting of

wherein X¹ is (=CY-) wherein each Y, independently, is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine
or meso substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkaryl or heteroaryl.
8. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 7 wherein the catalyst compound
is metallo tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin.
9. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 wherein the metallo of
said metallo catalyst is substituted by Fe, Mn, Co, or other transition metals.
10. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 wherein the concentration
of metallo catalyst is from 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻³ molar, preferably from 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁴ molar.
11. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 4 wherein the oxidase is
present by 0.1 - 20000 units, preferably 0.5 to 5000 units per gram of the composition.
12. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 4 wherein said substrate
is glucose.
13. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 4 wherein said substrate
consists of a C₁-C₆ alcohol.
14. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 10 wherein said substrate
is ethanol.
15. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 3 in which the substrate
is present from 0.1 to 50% by weight of the composition.
16. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 which yields hydrogen peroxide
at a concentration from 0.005 to 10 ppm/min in the wash process.
17. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 wherein said catalyst stabilizer
is present in a molair ratio of iron porphin to amine base catalyst from 1:1 to 1:5000,
preferably from 1:1 to 1:2500.
18. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claims 1-17 which is a detergent
additive, in the form of a non-dusting granule or a liquid.
19. A detergent composition which comprises a dye transfer inhibiting composition according
to any of the preceding claims further comprising enzymes, surfactants, builders,
and other conventional detergent ingredients.
20. A process for inhibiting dye transfer between fabrics during laundering operations
involving colored fabrics, said process comprising contacting said fabrics with a
laundering solution containing a dye transfer inhibition composition according to
claims 1-19.
21. A process for inhibiting dye transfer according to claim 20 which is carried out at
a temperature in the range of from 5°C to 90°C.
22. A process for inhibiting dye transfer according to claims 20-21 wherein the pH of
the bleaching bath is from 7 to 11.
23. A process for inhibiting dye transfer according to claim 22 wherein the pH of the
bleaching bath is from 7 to 9.