Abstract: Starch is oxidized in a controlled manner using nitric acid, sulfuric acid and vanadium catalyst. The resulting oxidized starch is useful in detergent compositions as a dispersant, builder and cleaning auxiliary.

Abstract: Chemical synthesis of amido acids, and their conversion to amido acid phenyl ester sulfates for use as bleach activators, starting from carboxylic acids and lactams.

Abstract: Chemical synthesis of amido acids, and their conversion to amido acid phenyl ester sulfates for use as bleach activators, starting from carboxylic acids and lactams.

Abstract: Amino-functional compounds are economically prepared by reacting maleic anhydride with alcohols to form a maleate or fumarate "half-ester" which is combined with certain amines, most preferably aspartate or glutamate, under conditions selected to avoid hydrolysis. At low molecular weights, the compounds herein are useful detergency builders; at progressively higher molecular weights within a specific range, combined builder/dispersant and typical dispersant properties emerge. Processes for preparing the compounds and useful detergent compositions containing them are described.

Abstract: Amino-functional compounds are economically prepared by reacting maleic anhydride with alcohols to form a maleate or fumarate "half-ester" which is combined with certain amines, most preferably aspartate or glutamate, under conditions selected to avoid hydrolysis. At low molecular weights, the compounds herein are useful detergency builders; at progressively higher molecular weights within a specific range, combined builder/dispersant and typical dispersant properties emerge. Processes for preparing the compounds and useful detergent compositions containing them are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are the N,N'-(1-oxo-1,2-ethanediyl)-bisaspartates comprising the moiety ##STR1## methods for their preparation (including an unexpected preparation from glyoxal bisulfite and aspartic acid in concentrated aqueous alkaline media) and useful compositions containing the same; illustrative are general-purpose sequestrant compositions, chelating agent compositions for transition metals such as iron, manganese and copper, general-purpose laundry detergent compositions and detergent compositions comprising perborate bleach, a bleach activator and, as a bleach stabilizer/performance enhancer, the novel bisaspartates. These unique nonphosphorus compounds are useful at low levels and differ from traditional --N--C--C--N-- chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetates by the presence of one amino- and one amido- functional group which it is believed will provide additional advantages, such as improved biodegradation.

Abstract: Amino-functional compounds are economically prepared by reacting maleic anhydride with alcohols to form a maleate or fumarate "half-ester" which is combined with certain amines such as aspartate or glutamate, or alkanolamines, under conditions selected to avoid hydrolysis. At low molecular weights, the compounds herein are useful detergency builders; at progressively higher molecular weights within a specific range, combined builder/dispersant and typical dispersant properties emerge. Processes for preparing the compounds and useful detergent compositions containing them are described.

Abstract: Provided herein are ether carboxylate builder compositions comprising a combination of tartrate monosuccinic acid (or salts thereof) and tartrate disuccinic acid (or salts thereof). Such mixtures can be prepared by reacting water-soluble, mixed maleic acid salts with mixed tartaric acid salts. Both components of the resulting ether carboxylate mixture act as sequestering agents and are useful as detergency builders. Detergent and laundry additive compositions incorporating these ether carboxylates can be prepared without use of detergent builder components containing phosphorus or nitrogen.

Abstract: Ether hydroxypolycarboxylates prepared from epoxysuccinates by treatment with an alkaline calcium compound are disclosed. These compounds act as sequestering agents and are useful as detergency builders. Detergent compositions incorporating the ether hydroxypolycarboxylates can be prepared without use of detergent builder components containing phosphorus or nitrogen.