Abstract: An enzymatic bleach composition is provided comprising an enzymatic hydrogen peroxide-generating system and a bleach catalyst which is a coordination complex comprising manganese (Mn) and/or iron (Fe) ions, and preferably comprising a ligand L which is a macrocyclic organic compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein t is an integer form 2 to 3; s is an integer from 3 to 4, u is zero or one; each R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from H, alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, and substituted aryl.

Abstract: Novel bleach and oxidation catalysts, a method of bleaching substrates using these catalysts and bleaching (detergent) compositions containing the catalysts are reported.The catalysts are manganese complexes of formula:[L.sub.n Mn.sub.m X.sub.p ].sup.z Y.sub.qwherein Mn is manganese or iron or mixtures thereof, which can be in the II, III, IV or V oxidation state or mixtures thereof; n and m are independent integers from 1-4; X represents a co-ordination or bridging species; p is an integer from 0-12; Y is a counter-ion, the type of which is dependent upon the charge z of the complex which can be positive, zero or negative; q=z/[charge Y]; and L is a ligand being a macrocylic organic molecule.

Abstract: Novel bleach and oxidation catalysts, a method of bleaching substrates using these catalysts and bleaching (detergent) compositions containing the catalysts are reported.The catalysts are a manganese-based co-ordination complex of the general formula:[L.sub.n Mn.sub.m X.sub.p ].sup.z Y.sub.qwherein Mn is manganese in the IV-oxidation state; n and m are independent integers from 2-8; X represents a co-ordination or bridging species; p is an integer from 0-32; Y is a counter-ion, the type of which is dependent on the charge z of the complex which can be positive, zero or negative; q=z/[charge Y]; and L is a ligand which is an organic molecule containing a number of hetero-atoms selected from N, P, O, and S, which co-ordinates via all or some of its hetero-atoms and/or carbon atoms to the Mn.sup.(IV) -center(s), which latter are anti-ferromagnetically coupled.

Abstract: Concentrated detergent powder compositions having a bulk density of above 600 g/l, preferably at least 610 g/l, more preferably from 650 g/l to 1200 g/l, and comprising a surfactant, a detergency builder, enzymes, a peroxygen compound bleach, and a manganese complex as effective bleach catalyst are disclosed.Specifically preferred manganese complexes are:1) [Mn.sup.IV.sub.2 (.mu.--O).sub.3 (Me--TACN).sub.2 ](PF.sub.6).sub.2 and2) [Mn.sup.IV.sub.2(.mu.--O).sub.3 (MeMe--TACN).sub.2 ](PF.sub.6).sub.2Use of these catalysts can make the detergent powder more compact, i.e. reduce the pack volume, without loss of performance or even with a much better bleaching and washing powder.

Abstract: Peroxy compound bleaching is activated by a catalytic amount of a transition metal complex of a transition metal (Mn, Co, Fe or Cu) with a non-(macro)-cyclic ligand of the formula: ##STR1## preferably 2,2'-bispyridylamine. Bleaching agent and bleach detergent compositions are also disclosed comprising a peroxy compound bleach and said transition metal complex. The transition metal complex is an effective catalyst for activating hydrogen peroxide compounds, peroxyacids and peroxyacid bleach precursors on removing a wide class of stains from substrates, especially texiles and fabrics.

Abstract: Detergent compositions, particularly low temperature bleach detergent compositions comprising an inorganic persalt and an organic peracid precursor (persalt activator) or an organic peracid in lieu thereof, containing less than 10 mg/kg, preferably not more than 5 mg/kg of reactive titanium (IV), based on the total weight of the composition, are disclosed. These compositions show improved peracid stability, thereby improving the peracid concentration during the washing and cleaning operation to give enhanced bleaching results. The detergent compositions preferably contain a silicate.