Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to betaine ester compounds of active alcohols. More
particularly, it relates to stabilised betaine ester compounds of active alcohols
in an acidic environment such as in a fabric softener composition.
Background of the invention
[0002] Cleaning and laundry products are well known in the art. However, consumer acceptance
of cleaning and laundry products is determined not only by the performance achieved
with these products but also the aesthetics associated therewith. The perfume components
are therefore an important aspect of the successful formulation of such commercial
products.
[0003] Accordingly, formulations of compounds which provide a slow release of the perfume
over a longer period of time than by the use of the perfume itself have been provided.
Disclosure of such compounds may be found in WO 95/04809, WO 95/08976 and pending
application EP 95303762.9. Pending application EP 95303762.9 describes betaine ester
compounds of perfume alcohols which provide release of the perfume components over
a long period of time.
[0004] Although betaine ester compounds are effective in the slow release of perfume, it
has now been found that in an acidic environment such as in acidic product, the described
compounds hydrolyse upon storage to release their perfume component, therefore reducing
the amount of perfume alcohol released upon and after the washing or cleaning process.
By acidic environment, it is meant a pH value of less than 7.0.
[0005] The formulator of a laundry and/or cleaning compositions is thus faced with the challenge
of formulating a compound which is stable in an acidic environment but which still
produces a slow release of the active alcohol (e.g perfume) upon and after the washing
or cleaning process.
[0006] The Applicant has now found that the provision of betaine ester compounds of active
alcohols in combination with a surfactant, wherein said betaine esters at a concentration
of from 0.01% to 10% by weight are predominantly in the form of micelles, and/or are
capable of being incorporated into micelles, overcomes the problem. Preferably, said
betaine esters have at least one long alkyl chain.
[0007] Therefore, the present invention encompasses acidic compositions comprising betaine
ester compounds of active alcohol components having a long alkyl chain, which at a
concentration of from 0.01% to 10% by weight are predominantly in the form of micelles,
and/or are capable of being incorporated into micelles, in combination with a surfactant.
For optimum benefit of storage stability and slow release of the active alcohol upon
and after the washing or cleaning process, a cationic surfactant is preferred.
[0008] Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that the use of betaine ester compounds
with at least one long alkyl chain provide said betaine esters with a hydrophobic
character which enable them to be rearranged in micelle form and/or to be incorporated
into micelles, thereby protecting the ester bond from hydrolysis by the acidic environment.
[0009] For the purpose of the invention, the term "acidic aqueous composition" includes
compositions having a pH value below or equal to 7.0, whereby the pH is measured at
20°C in the neat liquid product.
[0010] By "slow release" is meant release of the active component (e.g perfume) over a longer
period of time than by the use of the active (e.g perfume) itself. Accordingly, the
slow release concept and storage stability advantage of the invention may be applied
to other active alcohol components such as a flavour alcohol ingredient, a pharmaceutical
alcohol active or a biocontrol alcohol agent and any other active alcohol component
where a slow release of said active component is necessary.
Summary of the invention
[0011] The present invention relates to an aqueous acidic composition comprising
a) a betaine ester of an active alcohol which, at a concentration of from 0.01% to
10% by weight, is predominantly in the form of micelles, and/or is capable of being
incorporated into micelles, and
b) a surfactant,
said composition comprising an acidic material in sufficient amount to render the
pH of the composition of less than 7.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the betaine ester is a hydrophobic betaine
ester of formula:
wherein each R1, R2, R3 independently, is selected from hydrogen, alkyl group, aryl group,

and with the proviso that where each R1, R2 and R3, independently, are only selected
from hydrogen, aryl or alkyl groups, then at least one of R1, R2 or R3 is an alkyl
or aryl group having at least 8 carbon atoms,
wherein R4 is an alkyl group having from 7 to 19 carbon atoms,
wherein each R'1, R'2, independently, is selected from hydrogen, alkyl group, aryl group, -CH2-COOH, -CH2-COOR,
-CH2-CH2-COOH and -CH2-CH2-COOR,
wherein each n, n1, independently, is an integer lying in the range from 1 to 20, and
wherein n2 is an integer lying in the range of 0 to 20,
wherein each n3, independently, is an integer lying in the range from 1 to 3,
and wherein each R, independently, is an organic chain of an active alcohol.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention a process for preparing said acidic composition
is provided, whereby said process further improves the betaine ester protection from
the acidic environment. A typical process for preparing a composition containing a
surfactant comprises the following steps:
- mixing the surfactant and optional components, if any, at a temperature above the
melting point of the surfactant ,
- preparing a waterseat,
- dispersing the mixture prepared above in the waterseat, and
- optionally, cooling the resulting dispersion.
Protection of the betaine ester occurs by incorporation of said betaine ester with
the molten surfactant, or prior to dispersion of the molten surfactant in a waterseat,
or with the surfactant dispersion while the dispersion is at a temperature above the
Krafft point of the surfactant or combination of any of the above.
Detailed description of the invention
Betaine ester compounds of active alcohols
[0014] An essential component of the invention is a betaine ester of an active alcohol,
which, at a concentration of from 0.01% to 10% by weight in said composition, is predominantly
in the form of micelles, and/or is capable of being incorporated into micelles, e.g
a micelle can be composed of 100% betaine esters or mixed betaine esters/surfactants.
Preferably, the betaine ester compounds of an active alcohol have the general formula
below:

wherein each R
1, R
2, R
3 independently, is selected from hydrogen, alkyl group, aryl group,

and with the proviso that where each R1, R2 and R3, independently, are only selected
from hydrogen, aryl or alkyl groups, then at least one of R1, R2 or R3 is an alkyl
or aryl group having at least 8 carbon atoms,
wherein R4 is an alkyl group having from 7 to 19 carbon atoms,
wherein each R'1, R'2, independently, is selected from hydrogen, alkyl group, aryl group, -CH2-COOH, -CH2-COOR,
-CH2-CH2-COOH and -CH2-CH2-COOR,
wherein each n, n1, independently, is an integer lying in the range from 1 to 20, and
wherein n2 is an integer lying in the range of 0 to 20,
wherein each n3, independently, is an integer lying in the range from 1 to 3, and
wherein each R, independently, is an organic chain of an active alcohol.
[0015] Preferably, each n
2, independently, is an integer lying in the range of 0 to 6. Preferably, each n3,
independently, is an integer of value 1 or 2, more preferably 1.
[0016] Preferably R
1, R
2, R
3 are each, independently selected from H, alkyl chain having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,
with the proviso that at least one of R
1, R
2 or R
3 is an alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms.
Preferably R'
1, R'
2 are, each, independently selected from H, alkyl chain having 1 to 3 carbon atoms,
phenyl.
[0017] For the above mentioned compounds, the R group, which is hydrophobic in nature, is
the organic chain of an active alcohol, said active alcohol being selected from a
flavour alcohol ingredient, a pharmaceutical alcohol active, a biocontrol alcohol
agent, a perfume alcohol component and mixtures thereof. Flavour ingredients include
spices, flavour enhancers that contribute to the overall flavour perception. Pharmaceutical
actives include drugs. Biocontrol agents include biocides, antimicrobials, bactericides,
fungicides, algaecides, mildewcides, disinfectants, antiseptics, insecticides, vermicides,
plant growth hormones. Perfume alcohol components include components having odoriferous
properties.
[0018] Preferably, for the above mentioned compounds, the R group is the organic chain of
a perfume alcohol, said alcohol being selected from 2-phenoxyethanol, phenylethylalcohol,
geraniol, citronellol, 3-methyl-5-phenyl-1-pentanol, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-methanol,
linalool, tetrahydrolinalool, 1,2-dihydromyrcenol, hydroxycitronellal, farnesol, menthol,
eugenol, vanilin, cis-3-hexenol, terpineol and mixtures thereof.
[0019] More preferred R groups, for the purpose of the invention, are selected from the
organic chain of a perfume alcohol, said alcohol being selected from geraniol, citronellol,
linalool, dihydromyrcenol and mixtures thereof.
[0020] Preferred compounds for the purpose of the invention are selected from geranyloxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylmethanaminium
bromide or chloride; citronellyloxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylmethanaminium bromide
or chloride; linalyloxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylmethanaminium bromide or chloride;
dihydromyrcenyloxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylmethanaminium bromide or chloride.
[0021] Other preferred compounds are selected from N-dodecylglycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N-dodecylglycine citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride;
N-dodecylglycine linalyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-dodecylglycine dihydromyrcenyl
ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
[0022] Other preferred compounds are selected from N,N-dioctylglycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N,N-dioctylglycine citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride;
N,N-dioctylglycine linalyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-dioctylglycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
[0023] Other preferred compounds are selected from N,N-didodecylglycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N,N-didodecylglycine citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride,
N,N-didodecylglycine linalyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-didodecylglycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
[0024] Other preferred compounds are selected from N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethanaminium
bromide or chloride; N-(2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethanaminium
bromide or chloride; N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethanaminium
bromide or chloride; N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethanaminium
bromide or chloride.
[0025] Other preferred compounds are selected from N-butyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
geranyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-butyl-N-(2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-butyl-N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
linalyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-butyl-N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
[0026] Other preferred compounds are selected from N-dodecyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
geranyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-dodecyl-N-(2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-dodecyl-N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
linalyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-dodecyl-N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
[0027] Other preferred compounds are selected from N,N-bis(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
geranyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-bis(2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-bis(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
linalyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-bis(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
[0028] Mixtures of any of the above components in the betaine ester used herein in the compositions
of the invention may be used.
[0029] Preferably, levels of incorporation of said betaine ester compounds of active alcohols,
into the acidic composition are from 0.01% to 8%, more preferably 0.05% to 5%, and
most preferably from 0.1% to 2%, by weight of the total composition.
Surfactant
[0030] The other essential component of the invention is a surfactant. Such surfactant are
selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric and zwiterrionic surfactants.
Anionic surfactant
[0031] Essentially any anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can be included
in the compositions. These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium,
ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts)
of the anionic sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate and sarcosinate surfactants.
[0032] Other anionic surfactants include the isethionates such as the acyl isethionates,
N-acyl taurates, fatty acid amides of methyl tauride, alkyl succinates and sulfosuccinates,
monoesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C
12-C
18 monoesters) diesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C
6-C
14 diesters), N-acyl sarcosinates. 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.
[0033] Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use herein include the linear and branched
primary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl
phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, the C
5-C
17 acyl-N-(C
1-C
4 alkyl) and -N-(C
1-C
2 hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the
sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside (the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described
herein).
[0034] Alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants are preferably selected from the group consisting
of the C
6-C
18 alkyl sulfates which have been ethoxylated with from about 0.5 to about 20 moles
of ethylene oxide per molecule. More preferably, the alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactant
is a C
6-C
18 alkyl sulfate which has been ethoxylated with from about 0.5 to about 20, preferably
from about 0.5 to about 5, moles of ethylene oxide per molecule.
[0035] Anionic sulfonate surfactants suitable for use herein include the salts of C
5-C
20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ester sulfonates, C
6-C
22 primary or secondary alkane sulfonates, C
6-C
24 olefin sulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids, alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty
acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfonates, and any mixtures thereof.
[0036] Anionic carboxylate surfactants suitable for use herein include the alkyl ethoxy
carboxylates, the alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and the soaps ('alkyl
carboxyls'), especially certain secondary soaps as described herein. Preferred alkyl
ethoxy carboxylates for use herein include those with the formula RO(CH
2CH
20)
x CH
2C00
-M
+ wherein R is a C
6 to C
18 alkyl group, x ranges from O to 10, and the ethoxylate distribution is such that,
on a weight basis, the amount of material where x is 0 is less than about 20 %, and
the amount of material where x is greater than 7, is less than about 25 %, the average
x is from about 2 to 4 when the average R is C
13 or less, and the average x is from about 3 to 10 when the average R is greater than
C
13, and M is a cation, preferably chosen from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium,
mono-, di-, and tri-ethanol-ammonium, most preferably from sodium, potassium, ammonium
and mixtures thereof with magnesium ions. The preferred alkyl ethoxy carboxylates
are those where R is a C
12 to C
18 alkyl group.
[0037] Alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants suitable for use herein include those
having the formula RO-(CHR
1-CHR
2-O)-R
3 wherein R is a C
6 to C
18 alkyl group, x is from 1 to 25, R
1 and R
2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl acid radical, succinic
acid radical, hydroxysuccinic acid radical, and mixtures thereof, wherein at least
one R
1 or R
2 is a succinic acid radical or hydroxysuccinic acid radical, and R
3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon
having between 1 and 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.
[0038] Preferred soap surfactants are secondary soap surfactants which contain a carboxyl
unit connected to a secondary carbon. The secondary carbon can be in a ring structure,
e.g. as in p-octyl benzoic acid, or as in alkyl-substituted cyclohexyl carboxylates.
The secondary soap surfactants should preferably contain no ether linkages, no ester
linkages and no hydroxyl groups. There should preferably be no nitrogen atoms in the
head-group (amphiphilic portion).
[0039] The secondary soap surfactants usually contain 11-15 total carbon atoms, although
slightly more (e.g., up to 16) can be tolerated, e.g. p-octyl benzoic acid.
[0040] The following general structures further illustrate some of the preferred secondary
soap surfactants:
A. A highly preferred class of secondary soaps comprises the secondary carboxyl materials
of the formula R3 CH(R4)COOM, wherein R3 is CH3(CH2)x and R4 is CH3(CH2)y, wherein y can be O or an integer from 1 to 4, x is an integer from 4 to 10 and
the sum of (x + y) is 6-10, preferably 7-9, most preferably 8.
B. Another preferred class of secondary soaps comprises those carboxyl compounds wherein
the carboxyl substituent is on a ring hydrocarbyl unit, i.e., secondary soaps of the
formula R5-R6-COOM, wherein R5 is C7-C10, preferably C8-C9, alkyl or alkenyl and R6 is a ring structure, such as benzene, cyclopentane and cyclohexane. (Note: R5 can be in the ortho, meta or para position relative to the carboxyl on the ring.)
C. Still another preferred class of secondary soaps comprises secondary carboxyl compounds
of the formula
CH3(CHR)k-(CH2)m-(CHR)n-CH(COOM)(CHR)o-(CH2)p-(CHR)q-CH3,
wherein each R is C1-C4 alkyl, wherein k, n, o, q are integers in the range of 0-8, provided that the total
number of carbon atoms (including the carboxylate) is in the range of 10 to 18.
[0041] In each of the above formulas A, B and C, the species M can be any suitable, especially
water-solubilizing, counterion.
[0042] Especially preferred secondary soap surfactants for use herein are water-soluble
members selected from the group consisting of the water-soluble salts of 2-methyl-1-undecanoic
acid, 2-ethyl-1-decanoic acid, 2-propyl-1-nonanoic acid, 2-buty-1-octanoic acid and
2-pentyl-1-heptanoic acid.
[0043] Other suitable anionic surfactants are the alkali metal sarcosinates of formula R-CON
(R
1) CH
2 COOM, wherein R is a C
5-C
17 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, R
1 is a C
1-C
4 alkyl group and M is an alkali metal ion. Preferred examples are the myristyl and
oleyl methyl sarcosinates in the form of their sodium salts.
Nonionic surfactant
[0044] Essentially any nonionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can be included
in the compositions. Exemplary, non-limiting classes of useful nonionic surfactants
are listed below.
[0045] Polyhydroxy fatty acid amides suitable for use herein are those having the structural
formula R
2CONR
1Z wherein: R1 is H, C
1-C
4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl, or a mixture thereof, preferable
C1-C4 alkyl, more preferably C
1 or C
2 alkyl, most preferably C
1 alkyl (i.e., methyl); and R
2 is a C
5-C
31 hydrocarbyl, preferably straight-chain C
5-C
19 alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight-chain C
9-C
17 alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably straight-chain C
11-C
17 alkyl or alkenyl, or mixture thereof; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a
linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain,
or an alkoxylated derivative (preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated) thereof. Z preferably
will be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction; more preferably
Z is a glycityl.
[0046] The polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols
are suitable for use herein. In general, the polyethylene oxide condensates are preferred.
These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl
group containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms in either a straight chain
or branched chain configuration with the alkylene oxide.
[0047] The alkyl ethoxylate condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about
1 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide are suitable for use herein. The alkyl chain
of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary,
and generally contains from 6 to 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation
products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms with
from about 2 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
[0048] The ethoxylated C
6-C
18 fatty alcohols and C
6-C
18 mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohols are suitable surfactants for use herein,
particularly where water soluble. Preferably the ethoxylated fatty alcohols are the
C
10-C
18 ethoxylated fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation of from 3 to 50, most preferably
these are the C
12-C
18 ethoxylated fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation from 3 to 40. Preferably
the mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohols have an alkyl chain length of from
10 to 18 carbon atoms, a degree of ethoxylation of from 3 to 30 and a degree of propoxylation
of from 1 to 10.
[0049] The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the
condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol are suitable for use herein.
The hydrophobic portion of these compounds preferably has a molecular weight of from
about 1500 to about 1800 and exhibits water insolubility. Examples of compounds of
this type include certain of the commercially-available Pluronic™ surfactants, marketed
by BASF.
[0050] The condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction
of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine are suitable for use herein. 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. Examples of this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the commercially
available Tetronic™ compounds, marketed by BASF.
[0051] Suitable alkylpolysaccharides for use herein are 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. Any reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms
can be used, e.g., glucose, galactose and galactosyl moieties can be substituted for
the glucosyl moieties. (Optionally the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-,
4-, etc. positions thus giving a glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or
galactoside.) The intersaccharide bonds can be, e.g., between the one position of
the additional saccharide units and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and/or 6- positions on the preceding
saccharide units.
[0052] The preferred alkylpolyglycosides have the formula
R
2O(C
nH
2nO)t(glycosyl)
x
wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkyl,
hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof in which the alkyl groups contain from 10
to 18, preferably from 12 to 14, carbon atoms; n is 2 or 3; t is from 0 to 10, preferably
0, and X is from 1.3 to 8, preferably from 1.3 to 3, most preferably from 1.3 to 2.7.
The glycosyl is preferably derived from glucose.
[0053] Fatty acid amide surfactants suitable for use herein are those having the formula:
R
6CON(R
7)
2 wherein R
6 is an alkyl group containing from 7 to 21, preferably from 9 to 17 carbon atoms and
each R
7 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C
1-C
4 alkyl, C
1-C
4 hydroxyalkyl, and -(C
2H
4O)
xH, where x is in the range of from 1 to 3.
Cationic surfactant
[0054] Typical cationic surfactants for the purpose of the invention are those commonly
mentioned as cationic fabric softener actives. Such cationic fabric softening components
include the water-insoluble quaternary-ammonium fabric softening actives, the most
commonly used having been di-long alkyl chain ammonium chloride.
[0055] 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) C12-14 alkyl hydroxyethyl dimethylammonium chloride;
11) C12-18 alkyl dihydroxyethyl methylammonium chloride;
12) di(stearoyloxyethyl) dimethylammonium chloride (DSOEDMAC);
13) di(tallowoyloxyethyl) dimethylammonium chloride;
14) ditallow imidazolinium methylsulfate;
15) 1-(2-tallowylamidoethyl)-2-tallowyl imidazolinium methylsulfate.
16) ditallow imidazoline
17) ditallow imidazoline ester
[0056] Also included within the scope of cationic fabric softening components are the more
environmentally-friendly materials, and rapidly biodegradable quaternary ammonium
compounds which have been presented as alternatives to the traditionally used di-long
chain ammonium chlorides. 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.
[0057] The quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursors herein have the formula (I)
or (II), below:
wherein Q is selected from -O-C(O)-, -C(O)-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 T5 or R3;
R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl or H;
R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl;
T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 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.
[0058] The alkyl, or alkenyl, chain T
1, T
2, T
3, T
4, T
5 must contain at least 11 carbon atoms, preferably at least 16 carbon atoms. The chain
may be straight or branched.
[0059] Tallow is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyl and alkenyl material.
The compounds wherein T
1, T
2, T
3, T
4, T
5 represents the mixture of long chain materials typical for tallow are particularly
preferred.
[0060] 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 chloride;
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.
[0061] Of these, compounds 1-7 are examples of compounds of Formula (I); compound 8 is a
compound of Formula (II). Particularly preferred is N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl
ammonium chloride, where the tallow chains are at least partially unsaturated. The
level of unsaturation of the tallow chain can be measured by the Iodine Value (IV)
of the corresponding fatty acid, which in the present case should preferably be in
the range of from 5 to 100 with two categories of compounds being distinguished, having
a IV below or above 25. Indeed, for compounds of Formula (I) made from tallow fatty
acids having a IV of from 5 to 25, preferably 15 to 20, it has been found that a cis/trans
isomer weight ratio greater than 30/70, preferably greater than 50/50 and more preferably
greater than 70/30 provides optimal concentrability. For compounds of Formula (I)
made from tallow fatty acids having a IV of above 25, the ratio of cis to trans isomers
has been found to be less critical unless very high concentrations are needed.
Other examples of suitable quaternary ammoniums of Formula (I) and (II) are obtained
by, e.g. :
- replacing "tallow" in the above compounds with, for example, coco, palm, lauryl, oleyl,
ricinoleyl, stearyl, palmityl, or the like, said fatty acyl chains being either fully
saturated, or preferably at least partly unsaturated;
- replacing "methyl" in the above compounds with ethyl, ethoxy, propyl, propoxy, isopropyl,
butyl, isobutyl or t-butyl;
- replacing "chloride" in the above compounds with bromide, methylsulfate, formate,
sulfate, nitrate, and the like.
[0062] In fact, the anion is merely present as a counterion of the positively charged quaternary
ammonium compounds. The nature of the counterion is not critical at all to the practice
of the present invention. The scope of this invention is not considered limited to
any particular anion.
[0063] By "amine precursors thereof" is meant the secondary or tertiary amines corresponding
to the above quaternary ammonium compounds, said amines being substantially protonated
in the present compositions due to the pH values.
[0064] Other cationic surfactants may also be used in addition to or in alternative to the
above mentioned cationic surfactants having fabric softening properties. This include
the monoalkyl ammonium halide such as trimethyl alkyl ammonium halide (R'-N
+(Me)
3 X
-) such as C16 trimethyl ammonium bromide or C14 trimethyl ammonium bromide; N-alkyl
N,N-dimethyl-N(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium ( R'-N
+(Me)
2CH
2CH
2OH X
-) and mixtures thereof, and wherein R' is an alkyl chain having at least 8 carbons
and X
- is a conteranion as defined herein before.
[0065] Preferred among these surfactants are the cationic surfactants, most preferably the
cationic surfactants mentioned above as having fabric softening properties.
[0066] Typical levels of said surfactants are from 0.1% to 80% by weight of the compositions.
Acidic material
[0067] Acidic materials are essential to the stability of the composition of the invention.
Acidity may be provided from the above mentioned betaine ester, especially with those
selected from N-dodecylglycine geranyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-dioctylglycine
geranyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-didodecylglycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N-butyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N-dodecyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N,N-bis(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; and/or the cationic surfactants above mentionned themselves.
[0068] Conventional acidic materials may also be used. Suitable conventional acidic materials
include the bronstead acids as well as the fatty acids. Examples of suitable acids
include the inorganic mineral acids, carboxylic acids, in particular the low molecular
weight (C
1-C
5) carboxylic acids, and alkyl sulfonic acids and mixtures thereof.
[0069] Suitable inorganic acids include HCl, H
2SO
4, HNO
3 and H
3PO
4. Suitable organic acids include formic, acetic, methylsulfonic and ethylsulfonic
acid. Preferred acids are hydrochloric, phopshoric, formic and methylsulfonic acid.
The amount of acidic material should be such that the pH of the composition is less
than 7, preferably from 2.0 to 5.5.
[0070] More preferably, where cationic surfactants are used, especially those mentioned
as biodegradable fabric softening agents, optimum hydrolytic stability of these compositions
will be obtained when the pH of the compositions, measured in the neat compositions
at 20°C, is in the range of from 2.0 to 4.5.
[0071] Typically the amount of acid is from 1% to 30% by weight, preferably 2% to 30%, most
preferably 3% to 15% by weight of the cationic surfactant.
Additional ingredients
[0072] Additional perfume ingredients may be added to the acidic composition. When present,
the composition will comprise up to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 1.5%
by weight of additional perfume.
[0073] Additional perfumes are those odorous materials that deposit on fabrics or surfaces
during the laundry or cleaning process and are detectable by people with normal olfactory
sensitivity. Many of the perfume ingredients along with their odour corrector and
their physical and chemical properties are given in "Perfume and Flavor chemicals
(aroma chemicals)", Stephen Arctender, Vols. I and II, Aurthor, Montclair, H.J. and
the Merck Index, 8th Edition, Merck & Co., Inc. Rahway, N.J. Perfume components and
compositions can also be found in the art, e.g. US Patent Nos. 4,145,184, 4,152,272,
4,209,417 or 4,515,705. A wide variety of chemicals are known for perfume use including
materials such as aldehydes, ketones, esters and the like. More commonly, naturally
occurring plant and animal oils and exudates comprising complex mixtures of various
chemical components are known for use as perfume, and such materials can be used herein.
Typical perfumes can comprise e.g. woody/earthy bases containing exotic materials
such as sandalwood oil, civet and patchouli oil. The perfume also can be of a light
floral fragrance e.g. rose or violet extract. Furthermore, the perfume can be formulated
to provide desirable fruity odours e.g. lime, lemon or orange.
[0074] Particular examples of optional perfume ingredients and compositions are anetole,
benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl formate, isobornyl acetate, camphene,
cis-citral (neral), citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, paracymene, decanal,
dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, dimethyl phenyl carbinol, eucalyptol, geranial,
geraniol, geranyl acetate, geranyl nitrile, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, hydroxycitronellal,
d-limonene, linalool, linalool oxide, linalyl acetate, linalyl propionate, methyl
anthranilate, alpha-methyl ionone, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl phenyl carbinyl
acetate, laevo-menthyl acetate, menthone, iso-menthone, myrcene, myrcenyl acetate,
myrcenol, nerol, neryl acetate, nonyl acetate, phenyl ethyl alcohol, alpha-pinene,
beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpineol, beta-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, vertenex
(para-tertiary-butyl cyclohexyl acetate), amyl cinnamic aldehyde, iso-amyl salicylate,
beta-caryophyllene, cedrene, cinnamic alcohol, couramin, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl
acetate, ethyl vanillin, eugenol, iso-eugenol, flor acetate, heliotrophine, 3-cis-hexenyl
salicylate, hexyl salicylate, lilial (para-tertiarybutyl-alpha-methyl hydrocinnamic
aldehyde), gamma-methyl ionone, nerolidol, patchouli alcohol, phenyl hexanol, beta-selinene,
trichloromethyl phenyl carbinyl acetate, triethyl citrate, vanillin, veratraldehyde,
alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, C15H24sesquiterpenes, benzophenone, benzyl salicylate,
ethylene brassylate, galaxolide (1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8,-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyran),
hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, lyral (4-(4-hydroxy-4-methyl pentyl)-3-cyclohexene-10-carboxaldehyde),
methyl cedrylone, methyl dihydro jasmonate, methyl-beta-naphthyl ketone, musk ambrette,
musk idanone, musk ketone, musk tibetine, musk xylol, aurantiol and phenylethyl phenyl
acetate and mixtures thereof.
[0075] The compositions according to the present invention are suitable for use where acidic
products and surfactants, preferably a cationic surfactant are present. Such acidic
products include fabric softeners, hard surface cleaners, bathroom cleaners, shower
gels, deodorants, bars, shampoos, conditioners.
Fabric softener compositions
[0076] When used as a fabric softener composition, the cationic surfactants which also act
as fabric softener will preferably be present, depending on the composition execution,
in amount of 1% to 8% by weight where the composition is in diluted form or in amount
of 8% to 80%, more preferably 10% to 50%, most preferably 15% to 35% by weight where
the composition is in concentrated form.
[0077] The fabric softener composition may also optionally comprise conventional softening
ingredients such as nonionic extenders, surfactants concentration aids, electrolyte
concentration aids, stabilisers, such as well known antioxidants and reductive agents,
Soil Release Polymers, emulsifiers, bacteriocides, colorants, perfumes, preservatives,
optical brighteners, anti ionisation agents, antifoam agents and enzymes.
Process
[0078] Also provided herein by the present invention is a process for preparing a composition
as described herein before, which comprises the steps of
a) mixing the surfactant and optional components, if any, at a temperature above the
melting point of the surfactant,
b) preparing a waterseat,
c) dispersing the mixture prepared in step a) in the waterseat,
d) adding the betaine ester to
d1)-the mixture prepared under point a), or
d2)- the waterseat under point b), or
d3)-the surfactant dispersion under c), or
d4) combination of any of the above,
e) optionally, cooling the resulting dispersion.
[0079] Preferably the molten mixture of step a) will be dispersed in a waterseat of step
b) above the Krafft temperature of the surfactant.
[0080] The waterseat may optionally contain additives such as polyethylene glycol or biocide.
Acids may be added in step a) or directly to the waterseat of step b). Optional components
such as dyes, perfumes if present will be added either before step e) once the resulting
dispersion is made or after step e).
[0081] Preferably, during dispersion of the betaine ester in step d3), care should be taken
that the temperature of the molten mixture is above the Krafft temperature of the
surfactant. By Krafft temperature is meant the temperature at which the solubility
of the surfactant becomes equal to the critical micelle concentration (CMC), the CMC
being defined in M.J ROSEN, Surfactants and interfacial phenomena, 1988, p.215.
[0082] It is also preferred to apply sufficient shear to ensure adequate incorporation of
the betaine ester into the micelles/vesicles. The amount of shear should be sufficient
to properly disperse the surfactant. Proper dispersion can be verified by controlling
the particle size of the resulting dispersion, by e.g microscopy or light scattering
techniques. The particle size should preferably be below 50µm.
[0083] With regard to the cooling step, it is preferred for optimal storage results to cool
the resulting mixture below the Krafft temperature of the surfactant before the product
is stored.
[0084] Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that such a process provides effective
protection of the weak ester linkage of the betaine ester by shielding it from water;
thus avoiding premature hydrolysis during storage. Preferably, for optimum protection
provided by this process, the surfactant used is a cationic surfactant.
Perfume synthesis examples
1-Synthesis of N,N-dioctylglycine esters and N,N-didodecylglycine esters of unhindered
alcohols by transesterification
[0085] To a mixture of N,N-dioctylglycine methyl ester (47.02 g, 150 mmol, 1 eq) in toluene
(250 ml) under argon was slowly added some sodium methoxide (1.01g, 0.019 mol, 0.125
eq) and geraniol (27.3 ml, 158 mmol, 1.05 eq). The mixture was heated under vacuum
(10 mm Hg) and the methanol produced by the transesterification reaction is distilled
with toluene over one hour after which the reaction appeared completed by 1H NMR.
Any remaining toluene is evaporated under vacuum. Diethyl ether was added (200 ml)
and the mixture stored at 4°C for one hour prior to filtration. The filtrate was then
concentrated under vacuum yielding to the expected N,N-dioctylglycine geranyl ester
as a light yellow oil (quantitative yield).
[0086] This type of synthesis can also be conveniently applied to the synthesis of N,N-dioctylglycine
phenoxanyl ester; N,N-dioctylglycine cis-3-hexenyl ester as well as for N,N-didodecylglycine
phenoxanyl ester, N,N-didodecylglycine cis-3-hexenyl ester and N,N-didodecylglycine
geranyl ester with the exception that for the three last one N,N-dioctylglycine methyl
ester is used in the synthesis instead of N,N-dioctylglycine methyl ester.
2-Synthesis of N,N-dioctylglycine esters and N,N-didodecylglycine esters of hindered
alcohols (tertiary alcohols) using their chloroacetate or bromoacetate
[0087] Dihydromyrcenyl bromoacetate (27.7 g, 100 mmol, 1 eq), in ethyl acetate (50 ml),
was slowly added to dioctylamine (33 ml, 110 mmol, 1.1 eq) and sodium carbonate (21.2g,
0.2 mol, 2 eq), in ethyl acetate (100 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient
temperature for 72 hours after which the reaction seemed completed by 1H NMR. The
sodium carbonate was filtered off, the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum and
diethyl ether (200 ml) was added before storage of the solution at 4°C for 12 hours.
Then, the solution was filtered and removal of ether under vacuum yielded to the expected
N,N-dioctylglycine dihydromyrcenyl ester as a yellow oil (38.05g, 87% yield).
[0088] Linalyl chloroacetate (5.77 g, 25 mmol, 1 eq), in toluene (50 ml), was slowly added
to didodecylamine (10 g, 28.3 mmol, 1.13 eq) and sodium carbonate (5.3 g, 0.05 mol,
2 eq), in toluene (50 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at 60°C for two weeks
after which the reaction seemed completed by 1H NMR. The sodium carbonate was filtered
off, the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum and diethyl ether (200 ml) was added
before storage of the solution at 4°C for 12 hours. Then, the solution was filtered
and removal of ether under vacuum yielded to the expected N,N-didodecylglycine linalyl
ester as a yellow oil.
[0089] This type of synthesis can also be conveniently applied to the synthesis of N,N-dioctylglycine
esters and N,N-didodecylglycine esters of unhindered alcohols.
[0090] In all these experiments, the N,N-dioctylglycine esters hydrochloride or hydrobromide
and the N,N-didodecylglycine esters hydrochloride or hydrobromide can be easily obtained
by dissolving N,N-dioctylglycine esters or N,N-didodecylglycine esters in an organic
solvant such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, petroleum ether, diethyl ether, toluene
and adding at least a stoechiometric amount of mineral acid in water or in an organic
solvant (such as HCl in isopropanol).
3-Synthesis of N-dodecyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester by transesterification
(alcohol unhindered)
[0091] To a mixture of N-dodecyl-N-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine methyl ester (6.59 g, 20
mmol, 1 eq) in toluene (80 ml) under argon was slowly added some sodium methoxide
(0.27 g, 0.005 mol, 2*0.125 eq) and geraniol (7.3 ml, 42 mmol, 2*1.05 eq). The mixture
was heated under vacuum (10 mm Hg) and the methanol produced by the transesterification
reaction was distilled with toluene over two hours after which the reaction appeared
completed by 1H NMR. Any remaining toluene was evaporated under vacuum. Diethyl ether
was added (200 ml) and the mixture stored at 4°C for one hour prior to filtration.
The filtrate was then concentrated under vacuum yielding to the expected N-dodecyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
geranyl ester as a light brown oil (quantitative yield).
[0092] This type of synthesis can also be conveniently applied to the synthesis of N-dodecyl-N-(2-phenoxanyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
phenoxanyl ester and N-dodecyl-N-(2-cis-3-hexenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine cis-3-hexenyl
ester as well as for the synthesis of N-butyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl
ester, N-butyl-N-(2-phenoxanyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine phenoxanyl ester and N-butyl-N-(2-cis-3-hexenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
cis-3-hexenyl ester with the exception that for the three last one N-butyl-N-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
methyl ester is used in the synthesis instead of N-dodecyl-N-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
methyl ester.
4-Synthesis of N-dodecyl-N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine linalyl ester or N-dodecyl-N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester (sterically hindered alcohol such as tertairy alcohols) using
their chloroacetate or bromoacetate
[0093] Dihydromyrcenyl bromoacetate (55.44 g, 200 mmol, 2 eq), in acetonitrile (75 ml),
was slowly added to dodecylamine (24.2 ml, 100 mmol, 1 eq) and sodium carbonate (42.4
g, 0.4 mol, 4 eq), in acetonitrile (250 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient
temperature for 48 hours after which the reaction seemed completed by 1H NMR. The
sodium carbonate was filtered off, the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum and
diethyl ether (200 ml) was added before storage of the solution at 4°C for 12 hours.
Then, the solution was filtered and removal of ether under vacuum yielded to the expected
N-dodecyl-N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine dihydromyrcenyl ester as a brown
oil (56.2 g, 97.2% yield).
[0094] Linalyl chloroacetate (55.04 g, 200 mmol, 2 eq), in acetonitrile (75 ml), was slowly
added to dodecylamine (24.2 ml, 100 mmol, 1 eq) and sodium carbonate (42.4 g, 0.4
mol, 4eq), in acetonitrile (50 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at 50°C for two
weeks after which the reaction seemed completed by 1H NMR. The sodium carbonate was
filtered off, the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum and diethyl ether (200 ml)
was added before storage of the solution at 4°C for 12 hours. Then, the solution was
filtered and removal of ether under vacuum yielded to the expected N-dodecyl-N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
linalyl ester as a brown oil (48.6 g, 84.7% yield).
[0095] Synthesis of N-butyl-N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine linalyl ester and N-butyl-N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester is made as above with the exception that butylamine is used
in the synthesis instead of dodecylamine
[0096] This type of synthesis can also be conveniently applied to the chloroacetate or bromoacetate
of unhindered alcohols such as geraniol, phenoxanol, cis-3-hexenol.
[0097] In all these experiments, the hydrochloride or hydrobromide salts can be obtained
by dissolving for example N-butyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester
in an organic solvant such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, petroleum ether, diethyl
ether, toluene and adding at least a stoechiometric amount of mineral acid (HCl or
HBr) in water or an organic solvant (such as HCl in isopropanol).
5-Synthesis of N,N-bis(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester by transesterification
(or any unhindered alcohol)
[0098] To a mixture of N,N-bis(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine methyl ester (7.0 g, 30 mmol,
1 eq) in toluene (80 ml) under argon was slowly added some sodium methoxide (0.49
g, 0.009 mol, 3*0.10 eq) and geraniol (14.57 g, 95 mmol, 3*1.05 eq). The mixture was
heated under vacuum (10 mm Hg) and the methanol produced by the transesterification
reaction is distilled with toluene over two hours after which the reaction appeared
completed by 1H NMR. Any remaining toluene is evaporated under vacuum. Diethyl ether
was added (200 ml) and the mixture stored at 4°C for one hour prior to filtration.
The filtrate was then concentrated under vacuum yielding to the expected N,N-bis(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
geranyl ester as a yellow oil (quantitative yield).
[0099] This type of synthesis can also be conveniently applied to the synthesis of N,N-bis(2-phenoxanyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
phenoxanyl ester and N,N-bis(2-cis-3-hexenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine cis-3-hexenyl ester.
6-Synthesis of N,N-bis(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine linalyl ester or N,N-bis(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester (sterically hindered alcohols such as tertairy alcohols) using
their chloroacetate or bromoacetate
[0100] Dihydromyrcenyl bromoacetate (83.16 g, 300 mmol, 3 eq), in acetonitrile (100 ml),
was slowly added to ammonia (50 ml of 2N solution in 2-propanol, 100 mmol, 1 eq) and
sodium carbonate (63.6 g, 0.6 mol, 6 eq), in acetonitrile (350 ml). The reaction mixture
was sealed and stirred at ambient temperature for 48 hours after which the reaction
seemed completed by 1H NMR. The sodium carbonate was filtered off, the filtrate was
concentrated under vacuum and diethyl ether (200 ml) was added before storage of the
solution at 4°C for 12 hours. Then, the solution was filtered and removal of ether
under vacuum yielded to the expected N,N-bis(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester as a brown oil.
[0101] Linalyl chloroacetate (82.56 g, 300 mmol, 3 eq), in acetonitrile (100 ml), was slowly
added to ammonia (50 ml of 2N solution in 2-propanol, 100 mmol, 1 eq) and sodium carbonate
(63.6 g, 0.6 mol, 6 eq), in acetonitrile (350 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred
at 50°C for two weeks after which the reaction seemed completed by 1H NMR. The sodium
carbonate was filtered off, the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum and diethyl
ether (200 ml) was added before storage of the solution at 4°C for 12 hours. Then,
the solution was filtered and removal of ether under vacuum yielded to the expected
N,N-bis(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine linalyl ester as a brown oil.
[0102] This type of synthesis can also be conveniently applied to the synthesis of chloroacetate
or bromoacetate of unhindered alcohols such as geraniol, phenoxanol, cis-3-hexenol.
[0103] In all these experiments, the hydrochloride or hydrobromide salts can be obtained
by dissolving for example N,N-bis(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine linalyl ester in
an organic solvant such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, petroleum ether, diethyl
ether, toluene and adding at least a stoechiometric amount of mineral acid (HCl or
HBr) in water or an organic solvant (such as HCl in isopropanol).
[0104] The invention is illustrated in the following non-limiting examples, in which all
percentages are on a weight basis unless otherwise stated.
[0105] In the examples, the abbreviated component identifications have the following meaning:
- DEQA
- : Di-(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride
- Fatty acid
- : Stearic acid of IV=1
- Electrolyte
- : Calcium chloride
- DGGE
- : N-dodecylglycine geranyl ester hydrochloride
- PEG
- : Polyethylene Glycol 4000
- CTAB
- : C16 trimethyl ammonium bromide
- Cetrimide
- : C14 trimethyl ammonium bromide
- Dobanol® 23-3
- : C12-C13 ethoxylated alcohol with an average degree of ethoxylation of 3, available
from Shell
- Lutensol® AO 30
- : C13-15 alcohol ethoxylated with an average degree of ethoxylation of 30, available
from BASF
- Dobanol® 91-10
- : C19-C21 ethoxylated alcohol with an average degree of ethoxylation of 10, available
from Shell
- Dobanol® 23-6.5
- : C12-C13 ethoxylated alcohol with an average degree of ethoxylation of 6.5, available
from Shell
- Alkyl sulphate
- : Based on Isalchem 123 ® alcohol, C12-13 alcohol, 94% branched, available from Enichem
Example 1
[0106] The following fabric softening compositions according to the present invention were
prepared:
Component |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
DEQA |
2.6 |
2.9 |
18.0 |
19.0 |
19.0 |
Fatty acid |
0.3 |
- |
1.0 |
- |
- |
Hydrochloride acid |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
PEG |
- |
- |
0.6 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
Perfume |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
Silicone antifoam |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
DGGE |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
Electrolyte |
- |
- |
600ppm |
600ppm |
1200ppm |
Dye |
10ppm |
10ppm |
50ppm |
50ppm |
50ppm |
Water and minors to balance to 100 |
Example 2
[0107] The following hard surface cleaner compositions according to the present invention
were prepared by mixing the listed ingredients
|
F |
G |
H |
I |
CTAB |
3.2 |
- |
- |
- |
Cetrimide |
- |
4.2 |
- |
- |
C8-10 dimethyl amine oxide |
- |
- |
- |
4.40 |
Lutensol® AO 30 |
- |
- |
0.75 |
3.0 |
Dobanol® 91-10 |
- |
- |
2.60 |
- |
Dobanol® 23-6.5 |
- |
- |
0.90 |
- |
Dobanol® 23-3 |
- |
- |
1.75 |
- |
Maleic acid |
8.0 |
8.6 |
- |
- |
Citric acid |
- |
- |
- |
5.50 |
Alkyl sulphate |
- |
- |
- |
4.0 |
Ammonia (as NH4OH) |
- |
- |
- |
0.40 |
Propane diol |
- |
- |
- |
1.30 |
H2O2 |
- |
- |
7.0 |
- |
H2SO4 up to pH |
- |
- |
4.0 |
- |
DGGE |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.6 |
water and miscellaneous to balance |
pH as is |
1.0 |
0.9 |
4.0 |
3.2 |
1. An aqueous acidic composition comprising
a) a betaine ester of an active alcohol which, at a concentration of from 0.01% to
10% by weight in said composition, is predominantly in the form of micelles and/ or
is capable of being incorporated into micelles,
b) a surfactant,
said composition comprising an acidic material in sufficient amount to render the
pH of the composition of less than 7.
2. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 1, wherein said betaine ester has
the formula:

wherein each R
1, R
2, R
3 independently, is selected from hydrogen, alkyl group, aryl group,

and with the proviso that where each R1, R2 and R3, independently, are only selected
from hydrogen, aryl or alkyl groups, then at least one of R1, R2 or R3 is an alkyl
or aryl group having at least 8 carbon atoms,
wherein R4 is an alkyl group having from 7 to 19 carbon atoms,
wherein each R'1, R'2, independently, is selected from hydrogen, alkyl group, aryl group, -CH2-COOH, -CH2-COOR,
-CH2-CH2-COOH and - CH2-CH2-COOR,
wherein each n, n1, independently, is an integer lying in the range from 1 to 20, and
wherein n2 is an integer lying in the range of 0 to 20,
wherein each n3, independently, is an integer lying in the range from 1 to 3, and
wherein each R, independently, is an organic chain of an active alcohol.
3. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 2, wherein said n2 is an integer lying in the range of 0 to 6.
4. An aqueous acidic composition according to either one of Claims 2 or 3, wherein each
n3, independently, is an integer of value 1 or 2, more preferably 1.
5. An aqueous acidic composition according to any one of Claims 2-4, wherein said R'1, R'2 are, each, independently selected from H, alkyl chain having 1 to 3 carbon atoms
and phenyl.
6. An aqueous acidic composition according to any one of Claims 2-5, wherein said R1, R2, R3 are each, independently selected from H, alkyl chain having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
7. An aqueous acidic composition according to any one of Claims 2-6, wherein said R group
is the organic chain of an active alcohol, said active alcohol being selected from
a flavour alcohol ingredient, a pharmaceutical alcohol active, a biocontrol alcohol
agent, a perfume alcohol component.
8. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 7, wherein said R group is the organic
chain of a perfume alcohol.
9. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 8, wherein said R group is the organic
chain of a perfume alcohol, said alcohol being selected from 2-phenoxyethanol, phenylethylalcohol,
geraniol, citronellol, 3-methyl-5-phenyl-1-pentanol, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-methanol,
linalool, tetrahydrolinalool, 1,2-dihydromyrcenol, hydroxycitronellal, farnesol, menthol,
eugenol, vanilin, cis-3-hexenol, terpineol and mixtures thereof, preferably selected
from geraniol, citronellol, linalool, dihydromyrcenol and mixtures thereof.
10. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 9, wherein said betaine ester is
selected from geranyloxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylmethanaminium bromide or chloride;
citronellyloxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylmethanaminium bromide or chloride; linalyloxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylmethanaminium
bromide or chloride; dihydromyrcenyloxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylmethanaminium
bromide or chloride.
11. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 9, wherein said betaine ester is
selected from N-dodecylglycine geranyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-dodecylglycine
citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-dodecylglycine linalyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N-dodecylglycine dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
12. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 9, wherein said betaine ester is
selected from N,N-dioctylglycine geranyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-dioctylglycine
citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-dioctylglycine linalyl ester
hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-dioctylglycine dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride.
13. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 9, wherein said betaine ester is
selected from N,N-didodecylglycine geranyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-didodecylglycine
citronellyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride, N,N-didodecylglycine linalyl ester
hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N,N-didodecylglycine dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride.
14. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 9, wherein said betaine ester is
selected from N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethanaminium
bromide or chloride; N-(2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethanaminium
bromide or chloride; N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethanaminium
bromide or chloride; N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethanaminium
bromide or chloride and mixtures thereof.
15. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 9, wherein said betaine ester is
selected from N-butyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N-butyl-N-(2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine citronellyl ester
hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-butyl-N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine linalyl
ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-butyl-N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
16. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 9, wherein said betaine ester is
selected from N-dodecyl-N-(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N-dodecyl-N-(2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine citronellyl ester
hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-dodecyl-N-(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine linalyl
ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride; N-dodecyl-N-(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine
dihydromyrcenyl ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
17. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 9, wherein said betaine ester is
selected from N,N-bis(2-geranyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine geranyl ester hydrobromide or
hydrochloride; N,N-bis(2-citronellyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine citronellyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N,N-bis(2-linalyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine linalyl ester hydrobromide
or hydrochloride; N,N-bis(2-dihydromyrcenyloxy-2-oxoethyl)glycine dihydromyrcenyl
ester hydrobromide or hydrochloride.
18. An aqueous acidic composition according to any one of Claims 1-17, wherein said surfactant
is selected from anionic, nonionic and cationic surfactant, preferably a cationic
surfactant.
19. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 18, wherein said cationic surfactant
is a cationic fabric softener compound.
20. An aqueous acidic composition according to Claim 19, wherein said cationic surfactant
is a cationic biodegradable fabric softener compound selected from quaternary ammonium
compounds and amine precursors having the formula (I) or (II), below :
wherein Q is selected from -O-C(O)-, -C(O)-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 T5 or R3;
R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl or H;
R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl;
T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 are independently C11-C22 alkyl or alkenyl;
n and m are integers from 1 to 4; and
X- is a softener-compatible anion.
21. An aqueous acidic composition according to any one of Claims 1-20, wherein said acidic
material is selected from inorganic mineral acids, carboxylic acids, alkyl sulfonic
acids and mixtures thereof.
22. An aqueous acidic composition according to any one of Claims 1-21, wherein said composition
is a fabric softening composition.
23. A process for preparing a composition according to any one of Claims 1-22, which comprises
the steps of
a) mixing the surfactant and optional components, if any, at a temperature above the
melting point of the surfactant,
b) preparing a waterseat,
c) dispersing the mixture prepared in step a) in the waterseat,
d) adding the betaine ester to
d1) the mixture prepared under point a), or
d2) the waterseat under point b), or
d3) the surfactant dispersion under c), or
d4) combination of any of the above,
e) optionally, cooling the resulting dispersion.
24. A process according to Claim 23, wherein the mixture of step d3) is at a temperature
above the Krafft temperature of the surfactant.
25. A process according to either one of Claims 23 or 24, wherein said resulting dispersion
is cooled below the Krafft temperature of the surfactant.