Abstract: A process is provided for the production of detergent compositions in particulate or powder form containing anionic and nonionic active-detergent materials, which process comprises forming at least two aqueous slurries A and B of detergent ingredients. Slurry A containing an active-detergent component comprising 60-100% by weight of anionic detergents and 0-40% by weight of nonionic detergents, slurry B containing an active-detergent component comprising 0-40% by weight of anionic detergents and 60-100% by weight of nonionic detergents, which slurries are treated as separate streams in a spray-drying equipment, after which the dried products are collected to form a homogeneous mixture of particulate materials comprising the detergent composition.

Abstract: Novel polyfunctional compounds which may be hydrolyzed to the corresponding salts, which in turn are metal sequestering agents, are disclosed, as well as a novel method for their preparation. The compounds are the reaction product obtained from the reaction of selected salts of monoalkyl esters of maleic acid with selected active hydrogen containing compounds. These products are prepared by a reaction of the starting materials in preferably a substantially anhydrous medium at an elevated temperature.