Field of the invention.
[0001] The present invention relates to novel liquid detergent compositions which are biodegradable,
non-toxic, and non-irritant, while improves its detergency, foam stability and colour
protection in case of heavy and light duty detergent. These detergent compositions
are particulary useful to formulate shampoos, body shampoos, washing up, all purpose
cleaners, heavy and light duty detergents.
[0002] In fact, the present invention relates to cleaning formulations comprising a specific
nonionic compound.
[0003] In addition to that, the present invention relates to a method for preparing the
above mentioned nonionic.
Description of Prior Art.
[0004] Most of detergent compositions involve a combination of anionic, amphoteric and/or
nonionic surfactants, in order to get better properties according to final product
in terms of irritation, detergency and foam profile.
[0005] One of the current problems in the whole field of chemicals is the question of ecotoxicity
and the duality cleanliness/damage, that is how to get a good performance without
interact seriously with the surface (fabrics or skin).
[0006] The nonionics employed in the detergent compositions were conventionally ethoxylated
nonylphenols, C
12-18 alcohols ethoxylated with approximately 12 moles of ethylene oxides, lately C
12-15 alcohols ethoxylated with 2 to 9 moles of ethylene oxides and EO/OP derivatives.
[0007] For instance:
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 55-86894, discloses the use of a secondary C6-14 alcohols ethoxylated with 4-15 moles of ethylene oxides on average.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 52-22007, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 83037356,
disclose the use of middle alcohol ethoxylated of formula R1O(C2H4O)nH, wherein R1 is straight chain or branched alkyl radicals and n is 1-12 on average in detergent
compositions.
European Patent No. 80749, discloses the use of ethoxylated alkyl phenols in detergent
compositions.
US Patent 4908150, discloses the use of polyethylene glycol ether of a glycerol ester
compositions.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 55-133495, discloses the use of a polyoxyethylene hardened
castor oil or fatty acid ester, thereof, polyoxyethylene glyceryl ether fatty acid
ester, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propane fatty acid ester and polyoxyethylene alkylether
diester of N-lauroylglutamic acid etc, in detergent compositions.
[0008] However, use of such nonionics deteriorates detergency ability of detergent formulation.
Also in case of heavy and light duty liquids detergents tends to cause dye transfer,
especially upon repeated laundering. In addition to the above mentioned points, current
nonionics cause skin and eye irritation, and values of fish toxicity, daphnia inmobilization
and algae are not acceptable under the present environmental requirements.
[0009] Others patents describe the use of specific non-ionic compounds, different from the
usual ones, in particular applications and/or conditions.
[0010] US Patent 4247425, discloses the use of alkoxylated partial glycerol esters of a
detergent grade fatty acid in light duty detergent compositions.
[0011] EP Patent 0007120, discloses an emulsifying system, to be used in a handwashing composition,
mainly consisting of mono and diglycerides of higher natural fatty acids and ethoxylated
glycerine esterified by fatty acids.
[0012] US Patent 4897214, discloses the use of monoesters of fatty acids with polyoxyethylene
hexitan derivatives in skin cleaning preparations.
[0013] WO Patent 92/00945, discloses the use of octadienyl glycerin ethers with polyoxyethylene.
[0014] UK Patent 2197338, discloses the use of polyoxyalkylene alkyl- or alkenyl ethers
and polyoxyalkylene glycerol fatty acid esters in detergent compositions.
[0015] In none of disclosures mentioned above it is taught a nonionic like the one described
in the present invention.
[0016] The present inventors have carried out research on the developement of a detergent
composition, which will exhibit the outstanding biodegradable, non-toxic, non-irritant
performance, foam stability and better dye inhibition transfer maintaining and even
improving detergency.
[0017] It was unexpectedly found that the above mentioned requirements can be met when the
specified nonionic compound is incorporated into detergent composition.
[0018] This finding has led to the present invention.
[0019] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a detergent compositions comprising
the mono-, di- and tri-ester compounds represented by the formula (I), where the mono-di-tri-ester
proportion is 46-90/9-30/1-15

wherein:
- "B" represents "H" or the group represented by

provided that R represents alkyl or alkenyl group having C6-22. Consider that at least one of "B" is an ester group.
- "n","m" and "l" may have a value between 0 and 40 provided that (n+m+l) = 2 - 100
preferebly 9 - 19.
- R' represents H or CH3 respectively and the compound represented by the formula (II)

wherein:
- "n", "m" and "I" may have a value between 0 and 40 provided that (n+m+l) = 2 - 100
preferebly 9 - 19.
- R' represents H or CH3 respectively.
[0020] Being the high content of ethoxylated monoester in compound (I) and ratio (I)/(II)
the key parameters to get the above mentioned properties.
[0021] Ratio (I)/(II) has a value between 3 to 0.33 preferebly 1.3 to 0.75.
[0022] The compound mixture of the formula (I) + (II) in the present invention can be obtained
by conventional method for preparating it.
[0023] For example the compound can be obtained by following the reaction processes.
(A) The interesterification reaction between triglyceride and glycerine, in a molar
ratio in the proportion of 0.1-10/1, preferebly 0.15-3.5 (in presence of alkaline
catalyst), and the reaction with alkylene oxide C2-3 or viceversa will lead to a mono- di- and triglyceride mixture (I) and (I)/(II) ratio
of specific composition and structure, due to migration and exchange phenomena, with
an HLB higher than 2.
(B) The reaction of glycerine with alkylene oxide C2-3, in presence of alkaline catalysts and the later reaction with fatty acid in a molar
ratio in the proportion of 0.1-10/1, preferebly 0,7-3.5/1 in presence of acidic or
alkaline catalysts will lead to a mono- di-and triglyceride mixture of a specific
composition and structure, due to migration and exchange phenomena, with an HLB higher
than 2.
[0024] Triglyceride which can be used in process (A) includes natural fat and oil as well
as a synthetic triglyceride.
[0025] The fat and oil include vegetable oil such as coconut oil, palm oil, soybean oil;
and animal fat and oil such as beef tallow, bone oil; aquatic animal fat and oil;
hardened oils and semihardened oil thereof.
[0026] In the present invention the compound mixture of the formula (I)+(II) can be incorporated
in an amount of from 0.2% to 40%, preferebly from 3% to 20% by weight based on the
whole of the detergent composition.
[0027] The reason why the present invention exhibits the outstanding biodegradable, non-toxic
and non-irritant performance without deteriorating its detergeny is not certain, but
it seems to applicant that good performance of the present composition comes partially
from the fact that existence of fatty acid groups facilitates its biodegradability
and its very low skin irritation, oral toxicity, fish toxicity, algae and daphnia
inmobilization compared with conventional nonionics.
[0028] Furthermore incorporation of the formula of the new nonionic described in the patent,
considerably improves its foam profile, anti dye transfer and perfume solubilization
properties compared with conventional formulations, due to EO monoglyceride high ratio
and the synergistic effect between (I) and (II).
[0029] The surface active agents like anionic, other nonionic, amphoteric etc and the rest
of additive useful in the practice of this invention depends a great deal on kind
of final product to be formulated. At the same time they are standard items of commerce
so they will be not further comments upon herein.
Example
[0030] The present invention is described in detail by way of the following examples. The
present invention, however, is not limited to these examples.
REFERENTIAL EXAMPLE 1.
[0031] The compound mixture of the formula ( (I)+(II) ) is obtained, for instance by means
of the following process:
Step (c).
[0032]

Step (d).
[0033]

wherein:
- "B" represents "H" or the group represented by

and l+m+n = 15.
- "R" represents a coco alkyl chain.
- (I)/(II) ratio is 1.
[0034] 500 g (0.76 moles) of coco TRG, 210.7 g (2.29 moles) of glycerine 99% and 1.2 g of
KOH 85% as catalyst are placed in a 3 kg flask properly equipped. System is purged
several times with N
2, vacuum stripping till 110°C, and continued heating to 140°C. When temperature reaches
140°C the reactor is pressurized to 2-3 kg/cm
2 with ethylene oxide added until a total of 2013 gr (45.7 moles).
[0035] After the final charge of ethylene oxide the reaction mixture is allowed to react
for about 1/2 hour; cooled and discharged from reactor. A product like ( (I) + (II)
) is obtained.
REFERENTIAL EXAMPLE 2
[0036] The compound mixture of the formula ( (I)+(II) ) is obtained, for instance by means
of the following process:
Step (e).
[0037]

Step (f).
[0038]

wherein:
"B" represents "H" or the group represented by

and I+m+n = 10.
R' represents CH3.
R means tallow alkyl chain.
Ratio (I)/(II) = 1.3
[0039] 14.3 g (0.1554 moles) of glycerine 99% and 1.2 g of KOH 85% as catalyst are placed
in a 250 gr flask properly equipped. System is purged several times with N
2, vacuum stripping till 110°C, and continued heating to 140°C. When temperature reaches
140°C the reactor is pressurized to 2-3 kg/cm
2 with ethylene oxide added until a total of 67,9 gr (1.54 moles). After the final
charge of ethylene oxide, the reaction mixture is allowed to react for about 1/2 hour;
52.3 gr (0.15 mol) of a methyl ester of fatty acid derived from tallow, is added and
mixed for 45 minutes. Finally product is cooled and discharged from reactor. Thus
a compound mixture of the formula (I) + (II) is obtained.
EXAMPLE 1.
HDPD
[0040]
| |
COMPOSITION |
| Raw materials |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
| Na dodecyl benzene |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| sulphonate |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
| Ethoxylated (7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| C13-15 alcohol |
9 |
-- |
6 |
-- |
9 |
-- |
| Nonionic of present |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| invention. (from refe- |
-- |
9 |
-- |
6 |
-- |
9 |
| rential example 2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Coco fatty acid |
-- |
-- |
2 |
2 |
-- |
-- |
| Silicone |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
| Zeolite |
35 |
35 |
-- |
-- |
35 |
35 |
| STPP |
-- |
-- |
35 |
35 |
-- |
-- |
| Polycarboxilated |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
| CMC |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
| Perborate mono |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| hydrate |
15 |
15 |
13 |
13 |
15 |
15 |
| Na Carbonate |
12 |
12 |
15 |
15 |
12 |
12 |
| Na Silicate |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| PVP |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
0.8 |
0.6 |
| Enzyme |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
| TAED |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
| Sodium sulphate |
B. |
B. |
B. |
B. |
B. |
B. |
| Perfume |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Note: B means balance. |
Detergency evaluation test:
Washing machine:
Temperature: 30°C and 60°C.
Dosage: 6 gr/l.
Water hardness: 2 mmol/L Ca
2+ and 4 mmol/L Ca
2+ (20°HF and 40°HF).
Washing load: 2kg of not soiled cotton-polyester cloth and EMPA 101,104,117 + particulated
soil.
No pre-washing program.
[0041] Detergent ability was evaluated on detergent compositions appearing in table 1.
[0042] All variables considered, that is, temperature, water hardness and soil type the
nonionic described in this patent shows in the worst of cases equivalent eficiency
in terms of detergency.
[0043] However, on the other hand, compositions containing the nonionic of the present invention
provide a more superior colour care than usual ethoxylated alcohol.
[0044] The following test have been conducted at 30°C. 1.- Using Reactive dyestuff.
[0045] After 15 washings, differences appeared in terms of colour transfer.
[0046] Dye transfer was evaluated measuring delta E values (L
2 + a
2 + b
2)
1/2 by Hunter-Lab. The resulting discolouration of fabrics is shown in table below:
Table 1.
| Compositions |
Blue |
Green |
Red |
| 1 |
8.0 |
14.0 |
6.0 |
| 2 |
5.7 |
10.3 |
5.0 |
| 3 |
6.0 |
8.0 |
4.5 |
| 4 |
5.0 |
6.5 |
4.0 |
| 5 |
1.3 |
0.9 |
0.5 |
| 6 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
[0047] The lower delta E, the better composition is able to prevent dye transfer. Therefore
can be concluded from the above results that the nonionic from the present invention
performs better than alcohol ethoxylated preventing dye transfer. In addition to that
it is possible to save some amount of polyvinylpirrolidone (typical dye-tranfer inhibitor).
The especific amount to be saved will depend on the effect of other components, that
means, on formulation design. It seems to the applicant that a synergistic effect
exists between the nonionic of present invention and PVP.
2.- Using Direct dyestuff.
[0048] References:
Yellow: Solar Yellow 3LG 160%
Blue: Solar Blue 2GLN 350%
| Formulations: |
Blue |
Green |
Yellow |
| Solar Blue 2GLN 350% |
1% |
1% |
-- |
| Solar Yellow 3LG 160% |
-- |
1% |
1% |
| SO4Na2 |
20 g/l |
20 g/l |
20 g/l |
| Sandofix R |
3% |
3% |
3% |
[0049] After 3 washings, differences appeared in terms of colour transfer.
[0050] Dye transfer was evaluated measuring delta E values (L
2 + a
2 + b
2 )
1/2 by Hunter-Lab. The resulting dicoloration of fabrics is shown in table below:
Table 2.
| Compositions |
Blue |
Green |
Yellow |
| 1 |
2.0 |
2.5 |
4.0 |
| 2 |
1.3 |
1.7 |
3.0 |
| 3 |
1.6 |
8.0 |
3.2 |
| 4 |
0.9 |
6.5 |
2.0 |
| 5 |
1.3 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
| 6 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
[0051] Those results, test 1 and 2, were corroborated using a 5 people panel, who evaluate
the results according to a scale.
EXAMPLE 2.
HDL
[0052]
| |
COMPOSITIONS |
| Raw materials |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| Na lauryl sulphate |
-- |
-- |
4 |
4 |
| Na dodecyl benzene |
|
|
|
|
| sulphonate |
10 |
10 |
5 |
5 |
| Ethoxylated (7) |
|
|
|
|
| C13-15 alcohol. |
-- |
5 |
-- |
15 |
| Nonionic of present |
|
|
|
|
| invention. (from refe- |
5 |
-- |
15 |
-- |
| rential example 2) |
|
|
|
|
| Potasium coconut soap |
5 |
5 |
10 |
10 |
| Ethanol |
-- |
-- |
3 |
3 |
| Propylenglycol |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
| Perfum |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Enzyme |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
| Na formiate |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Na phosphonate |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
| TEA 85% |
Req. |
Req. |
Req. |
Req. |
| NaOH 50% |
Req. |
Req. |
Req. |
Req. |
| Cl2Ca 1% |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Water |
B. |
B. |
B. |
B. |
| Note: B means balance. |
| Req. means required amount. |
[0053] Following the same test conditions than explained above for HDPD, (adapting the dosage
according to the composition) the following results were obtained:
- Good enough detergency in all cases.
- Colour appearance results are shown in table 3.
Table 3.
| Compositions |
Blue |
Green |
Red |
| 1 |
0.9 |
4.0 |
3.2 |
| 2 |
1.5 |
5.0 |
3.8 |
| 3 |
1.6 |
5.1 |
3.8 |
| 4 |
3.0 |
6.0 |
4.5 |
[0054] In short, compositions containing the nonionic of the present invention prevent better
the colour transfer even in HDL where the ph is neutral and no optical brighters are
used. (Note that HDL were used as colour save detergents before appearing the new
segment of colour saving H.D.P.D..
EXAMPLE 3.
WASHING UP.
[0055]
| |
COMPOSITIONS |
| Raw materials |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| Na lauryl ether sulphate |
10 |
10 |
7 |
7 |
| Na Alfa-olephine sulphonate |
-- |
-- |
4 |
4 |
| Alkyl amido propyl betaine |
5.3 |
4.5 |
5.7 |
2.5 |
| Ethoxylated (7) C13-15 alcohol |
13 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Nonionic of present invention. (from referential example 1) |
-- |
7 |
-- |
7 |
| Coconut diethanol amide |
5 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Amine oxide |
-- |
-- |
3.3 |
-- |
| Perfume |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Water |
bal. |
bal. |
bal. |
bal. |
Table 4.
| Composition |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| Nº of dishes: |
28 |
33 |
29 |
34 |
| Fat dispersion (*) |
R |
QG |
G |
VG |
| (*) Key: R regular; QG quite good; G good enough; VG Very good. |
[0056] Compositions containing Levenol® shows a better detergency and fat dispersion, allowing
the supresion of nitrogen derivatives (alkanol amide and amine oxide) and also the
complete substitution of ethoxylated alcohol. Other key point is the partial substitution
of betaine. The nonionic of the present invention gives also a creamy foam compared
to other compositions.
[0057] In order to check the effect on the skin of the nonionic of the present invention,
a primary skin irritation test was conducted.
EXAMPLE 4.
[0058]
| |
COMPOSITION |
|
IRRITATION INDEX |
| 1.- |
Sodium lauryl sulphate |
6.25% |
1.88 |
| 2.- |
Sodium lauryl sulphate |
4.25% |
|
| |
+ Nonionic (1) |
2.00% |
1.00 |
| 3.- |
Sodium lauryl sulphate |
4.25% |
1.38 |
EXAMPLE 5.
[0059]
| 1.- |
COMPOSITION |
|
IRRITATION INDEX |
| 1.- |
Sodium lauryl sulphate |
4.25% |
|
| |
+ Coco imidazoline betaine |
2.00% |
1.08 |
| 2.- |
Sodium lauryl sulphate |
4.25% |
|
| + Alkylamide propyl betaine |
2.00% |
0.96 |
| 3.- |
Sodium lauryl sulfate |
4.25% |
|
| + Nonionic (1) |
2.00% |
1.00 |
| (1) Represents nonionic of the present invention from the referential example 2. |
[0060] From the comparison of the above compositions, can be inferred the mild effect of
the nonionic of the present invention.
1. Waschmittelzusammensetzung, umfassend die Mono-, Di- und Triesterverbindungen, dargestellt
durch die Formel (I), worin das Gewichtsverhältnis von Mono-, Di- und Triester 46-90/9-30/1-15
beträgt,

worin
"B", "H" oder die durch

dargestellte Gruppe darstellt, vorausgesetzt, dass R eine Alkyl- oder Alkenylgruppe
mit C
6-22 darstellt, R' H oder CH
3 darstellt, und n, m und l jeweils unabhängig voneinander eine ganze Zahl von 0 bis
40 sind; wobei n+m+1=2-100, vorzugsweise 9-19 beträgt, und die Verbindung, dargestellt
durch die Formel (II)

worin
"n", "m" und "l" einen Wert zwischen 0 und 40 haben können, vorausgesetzt, dass (n+m+l)=2-100,
vorzugsweise 9-19 ist,
R' H oder CH
3 darstellt, worin das Gewichtsverhältnis (I)/(II) einen Wert zwischen 3 bis 0,33 hat.
2. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach Anspruch 1, in der das Verhältnis von (I)/(II) einen
Wert zwischen 1,3 bis 0,75 hat.
3. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Reinigungszusammensetzung wie in Anspruch 1 definiert,
durch Anwendung der folgenden Schritte (a) und (b):
(a) die Mischung aus Triglycerid und Glycerin wird einer Interveresterungsreaktion
unterworfen
(b) die Reaktionsmischung, erhalten gemäß Schritt (a), wird einer Alkoxylierung unter
Verwendung von Alkylenoxid mit C2-3 in der Gegenwart eines alkalischen Katalysators unterworfen, zur Erzeugung der Verbindungen
mit der allgemeinen Formel (I) + (II).
4. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Reinigungszusammensetzung wie in Anspruch 1 definiert,
durch Anwendung der folgenden Schritte (c) und (d):
(c) die Mischung von Glycerin und Alkylenoxid C2-3 in der Gegenwart von alkalischen Katalysatoren wird hergestellt,
(d) die Reaktionsmischung, erhalten in Schritt (c), wird mit Methylester von Fettsäure
oder Fettsäure reagiert.
1. Composition détergente contenant des monoesters, diesters ét triésters, dans laquelle
les proportions pondérales des monoesters, diesters et triesters valent 46-90/9-30/1-15,
ces composés étant représentés par la formule (I) :

où B représente un atome d'hydrogène ou un groupe représenté par

R représentant un groupe alkyle ou alcényle en C
6-22, R' représente un atome d'hydrogène ou un groupe méthyle, et chacun des indices m,
n et l est, indépendamment des autres, un nombre entier valant de 0 à 40, sous réserve
que m+n+1 vaille de 2 à 100, et de préférence de 9 à 19 ; et des composés représentés
par la formule (II) :

où R' représente un atome d'hydrogène ou un groupe méthyle, et chacun des indices
m, n et l est, indépendamment des autres, un nombre entier valant de 0 à 40, sous
réserve que m+n+l vaille de 2 à 100, et de préférence de 9 à 19 ;
et dans laquelle composition le rapport pondéral (I)/(II) vaut entre 3 et 0,33.
2. Composition détergente conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle le rapport pondéral
(I)/(II) vaut entre 1,3 et 0,75.
3. Procédé de préparation d'une composition détergente telle que définie dans la revendication
1, par recours aux étapes suivantes (a) et (b) :
a) on soumet un mélange de triglycérides et de glycérol à une réaction d'inter-estérification
;
b) on soumet le mélange réactionnel issu de l'étape (a) à une réaction d'alcoxylation,
en employant les oxydes d'alkylène en C2-3, en présence d'un catalyseur alcalin, pour obtenir des composés représentés par les
formules générales (I) et (II).
4. Procédé de préparation d'une composition détergente telle que définie dans la revendication
1, par recours aux étapes suivantes (c) et (d) :
c) on fait réagir un mélange de glycérol et d'oxydes d'alkylène en C2-3, en présence d'un catalyseur alcalin ;
d) on fait réagir le mélange réactionnel issu de l'étape (c) avec des acides gras
ou des esters méthyliques d'acide gras.