Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a pre-formed peroxycarboxylic acid and a bleaching comprising same. These compositions are suitable to deliver improved bleaching performance while also being safe to color and fabric. Furthermore the compositions herein are also chemically and physically stable upon prolonged periods of storage time.

Abstract: Compounds are provided that may be used as ligands in transition metal complexes, in turn useful as bleach catalysts. Also provided are complexes, bleaching compositions and methods of using the compounds.

Abstract: A fabric bleaching composition comprising a peroxy compound and a specified manganese compound is disclosed, as well as a process for bleaching and/or cleaning a fabric by contacting it with said fabric bleaching composition.

Abstract: N,N diacyl O-substituted imide bleach activators and compositions employing them are provided. The activators have the general formula: wherein X is selected from O, NR16 and S; e is 0 or 1; f is 0 or 1; R16 is selected from H and C1-C4 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl groups; and R1 is preferably phenyl or C7-C13 linear or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl; R2 is preferably C1-C10 branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl and R3 is preferably C1-C12 linear or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl. Bleach additive and bleaching compositions including the bleach activators and methods of cleaning fabrics are also provided.

Abstract: A method for treating a fabric having a discrete stained area, wherein the fabric has a first side and a second side, the method comprises the steps of: (a) applying a spot cleaning composition to the discrete stained area of the fabric; (b) contacting the first side of the fabric adjacent the stained area with an absorbent stain receiving article; (c) subjecting the second side of the fabric adjacent the stained a to a heat source; (d) optionally, concurrently or consecutively with Step (a), contacting the fabric adjacent the stained area with a treatment member; and (e) optionally, applying an aqueous rinsing solution to the fabric adjacent the stained area. The spot cleaning composition comprises a bleach, a solvent, a surfactant and water. Also provided are spot removal kits that include instructions for performing the present spot removal methods, and a process for cleaning and refreshing fabrics that can optionally be performed before or after the present spot removal methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bleaching comprising a pre-formed peroxycarboxylic acid having solubility in an aqueous composition of from 50 ppm to 800 ppm. These compositions are suitable to deliver improved bleaching performance whilst also being safe to color and fabric. Furthermore the compositions herein are also chemically and physically stable upon prolonged periods of storage time.

Abstract: Laundry detergents and cleaners which, in addition to a peroxide compound, comprise a compound of the formula (R1R1)N—X—N(R1R1)  (I) or metal complexes thereof, where X and R1 have the meanings listed in the description, are claimed.

Abstract: This invention relates to laundry detergent products, such as heavy duty aqueous and/or non-aqueous and/or gelled liquid laundry detergents and granular and/or powder laundry detergents, which include one or more low density particles and one or more particulate solids, such as enzymes, bleaching agents, builders, chelants, alkalinity sources, anti-redeposition agents, catalysts, surfactants, and other detergent ingredients, and optionally one or more conventional cleaning adjunct materials.

Abstract: A bleaching composition is provided for effective bleaching with a bleach catalyst at low temperatures. The bleaching composition comprises of a) from 0.05 microM to 50 mM of an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal; b) a source of active oxygen corresponding to 0.05 to 100 mM of active oxygen; and c) an effective amount of liquid carbon dioxide, preferably held at 25° C. or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bleaching composition comprising a peroxy carboxylic acid and a polymer system. The compositions are suitable to deliver improved bleaching performance whilst also being safe to colour and fabric. Furthermore, the compositions herein are also chemically and physically stable upon prolonged periods of storage time.

Abstract: A bleaching composition is presented having a) an enzyme which produces hydrogen peroxide from atmospheric oxygen, b) a substrate for said enzyme, and c) a transition metal compound, where the enzyme is covalently bound to the transition metal compound. The bleaching composition is useful in disinfectants and laundry detergents as a bleaching component and for inhibiting the transfer of dyes.

Abstract: A bleaching composition is provided for effective bleaching with a bleach catalyst at low temperatures. The bleaching composition comprises of a) from 0.05 microM to 50 mM of an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal; b) a source of active oxygen corresponding to 0.05 to 100 mM of active oxygen; and c) an effective amount of liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry detergent compositions comprising one or more hrdrophobically modified polyamines and nonionic surfactants which provide enhanced hydrophilic soil, inter alia, clay, removal benefits. The present invention also relates to methods for removing hydrophilic soil from wearing apparel.

Abstract: Detergent compositions comprising photobleach delivery systems, processes for preparing them, and their methods of use, the compositions combine selected hydrophobic photobleaches, especially based on Si(IV) phthalocyanines, with selected axial ligands, with certain water-soluble polymers, nonbonded ligands, detersuve surfactants, especially certain mid-chain branched types, and non-surfactant detersive adjuncts.

Abstract: A method for bleaching stained fabrics is provided by pretreating the stained fabric, before washing, with a pretreatment composition that comprises a ligand that forms a transition metal complex as bleach catalyst, the complex catalysing bleaching of stains by atmospheric oxygen. The pretreatment composition preferably comprises an iron complex comprising the ligand N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl)-1,1-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1-aminoethane. One or both of the pretreatment composition and the wash liquor are substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system. The pretreatment provides improved or broader stain profile bleaching.

Abstract: Liquid multipurpose cleaning compositions comprising a peroxygen bleach, a surfactant that exhibits a foaming property in the presence of a peroxygen bleach and a foam reducing system and processes for using same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry detergent compositions which provide enhance hydrophilic soil cleaning benefits, said compositions comprising: a) from about 0.01% by weight, of a zwitterionic hexamethylene diamine; b) from about 0.01% by weight, of a surfactant system comprising one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of nonionic, anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, ampholytic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; and c) the balance carriers and adjunct ingredients. The preferred embodiment of the present includes laundry detergent compositions in the form of a water soluble or dispersible tablet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bleaching composition comprising a pre-formed peroxycarboxylic acid and a surfactant system comprising at least two surfactants. These compositions are stable to deliver improved bleaching performance while also being safe to color and fabric. Furthermore, the compositions herein are also chemically and physically stable upon prolonged periods of storage time.

Abstract: A bleach catalyst system comprising in combination, a macrocyclic organic ligand of formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 can each independently be absent, H, alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted; t and t′ are each independent integers from 2-3; each D can independently be N, NR3, PR3, O or S, wherein each R3 is independently H, alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted by one or more suitable substituents such as C1-4 alkyl groups, or is a bridging group such as C1-6 alkylene, either to another R3 group in the same macrocycle or to another independently defined macrocycle or to another independently defined macrocyclic ligand of formula (I), wherein any bridging group optionally contains an optionally substituted heteroatom such as nitrogen; and s is an integer from 2-5; and a water-insoluble manganese compound.

Abstract: N,N diacyl O-substituted imide bleach activators and compositions employing them are provided. The activators have the general formula: wherein X is selected from O, NR16 and S; e is 0 or 1; f is 0 or 1; R16 is selected from H and C1-C4 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl groups; and R1 is preferably phenyl or C7-C13 linear or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl; R2 is preferably C1-C10 branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl and R3 is preferably C1-C12 linear or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl. Bleach additive and bleaching compositions including the bleach activators and methods of cleaning fabrics are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the brightness retention of a laundered fabric after numerous washing cycles by adding to an aqueous wash liquor a quantity of a commercial laundry detergent which delivers at least 0.1 g of an optical brightener into said wash liquor, said optical brightener exhibiting instability in the presence of hypochlorite; and prior to, concurrent with, or after the commercial laundry detergent, adding a bleaching composition in an amount of at least about 0.5 g/L. The bleaching composition contains about 2.5-10% alkali metal hypochlorite; about 0.05-5% of a bleach stable surfactant bearing at least one nitrogen atom; a bleach stable anionic surfactant or a hydrotrope, wherein the ratio of (ii) to (iii) is between about 10:1 to about 1:10; and an effective amount of a source of alkalinity.

Abstract: Laundry or cleaning composition comprising: (a) an effective amount, preferably from about 0.0001% to about 99.9%, more typically from about 0.1% to about 25%, of a bleach activator and/or organic percarboxylic acid; (b) a catalytically effective amount, preferably from about 1 ppb to about 99.9%, of a transition-metal bleach catalyst which is a complex of a transition-metal and a cross-bridged macropolycyclic ligand; and (c) at least about 0.1% of one or more laundry or cleaning adjunct materials, preferably comprising an oxygen bleaching agent. Preferred compositions are laundry compositions and automatic dishwashing detergents which provide enhanced cleaning/bleaching benefits through the use of such catalysts in combination with bleach activators and/or organic percarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A washing and cleaning process which comprises adding to the corresponding liquor comprising a peroxide-containing washing and cleaning agent 1 to 500 millimoles per liter of liquor of one or more than one compound of the salene type.

Abstract: The inventions is drawn to mixtures of manganese complexes and organic ligands which significantly improve the bleaching effect of hydrogen peroxide in washing liquours and prevent the reabsorption of migrating dyes in peroxide-containing washing liquors.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel storage-stable formulations containing at least one peroxide compound, at least one specific mediator, and at least one pH stabilizer. The invention further relates to the use of such storage-stable formulations as a component in enzymatic two-component bleaching systems.

Abstract: Laundry detergents and cleaners which, in addition to a peroxide compound, comprise a compound of the formula (R1R1)N—X—N(R1R1)  (I) or metal complexes thereof, where X and R1 have the meanings listed in the description, are claimed.

Abstract: Water-based dispersions of the &egr;-phthalimido peroxyhexanoic acid comprising as stabilizers copolymers of methyl-vinyl-ether with the acid and/or maleic anhydride, in 1:1 ratio with alternated structure, usable in detergent, hygienizing, cosmetic applications.

Abstract: There is provided a process for enhancing the activity of a phenol oxidizing enzyme, comprising adding to the enzyme, as an enhancer for the activity of the enzyme, one or more compounds having the formula: wherein: A is an optionally substituted electron-withdrawing group, chosen from the group consisting of nitrile, carboxyl, and esters and salts thereof, amides, aldehydes, ketones, sulfoxides, sulfones, or sulphonates, and B is an optionally substituted electron-donating group, chosen from the group consisting of the oxide anion, sulfide anion, oxides, amines, imines, hydroxides, sulfides, ethers, carboxylic acids, and halogen substituents, and R1-R5 may each independently represent hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, nitroso, formyl, carboxyl, and esters and salts thereof, carbamoyl, sulfo, and esters and salts hereof, sulfamoyl, nitro, amino, phenyl, C1-C20 alkyl, C1-C8 alkoxy, carbonyl-C1-C6-alkoxy, aryl-C1-C6-alkyl, and R2 and R5 together may form an alkylene group or an alkenylene group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for pretreating soiled fabrics with a liquid composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and a soil dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of an ethoxylated monoamine, an ethoxylated diamine, and ethoxylated polyamine, an ethoxylated amine polymer and mixtures thereof. This invention also discloses liquid compositions suitable for pretreating fabrics, comprising a peroxygen bleach, a surfactant, and a soil dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of an ethoxylated monoamine, an ethoxylated diamine, an ethoxylated polyamine, an ethoxylated amine polymer and mixtures thereof, said composition being formulated either as an emulsion or a microemulsion.

Abstract: Laundry or cleaning composition comprising: a) an effective amount of a bleach activator and/or organic percarboxylic acid; b) a catalytically effective amount of a transition-metal bleach catalyst which is a complex of a transition-metal and a cross-bridged macropolycyclic ligand; and c) at least about 0.1% of one or more laundry or cleaning adjunct materials. Preferred compositions are laundry compositions and automatic dishwashing detergents which provide enhanced cleaning/bleaching benefits through the use of such catalysts in combination with bleach activators and/or organic perearboxylic acids.

Abstract: A method for bleaching stained fabrics is provided by washing a stained fabric in an aqueous wash liquor in the presence of a wash additive that comprises a ligand that forms a transition metal complex as bleach catalyst, the complex catalysing bleaching of stains by atmospheric oxygen. The wash additive preferably comprises an iron complex comprising the ligand N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl)-1,1-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1-aminoethane. One or both of the wash additive and the wash liquor are substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system. The wash additive provides improved or broader stain profile bleaching.

Abstract: A one-step process for combined desizing and “stone-washing” of dyed denim, wherein the denim is treated with an amylolytic enzyme in combination with a first abrading monocomponent endoglucanase and a second streak-reducing monocomponent endoglucanase.

Abstract: A method of treating a textile such as a laundry fabric is provided, in which the textile is contacted with an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, whereby the complex catalyses bleaching of the textile by atmospheric oxygen after the treatment. The organic substance may be used in dry form, or in a liquor that is then dried, such as an aqueous spray-on fabric treatment fluid or a wash liquor for laundry cleaning, or a non-aqueous dry cleaning fluid or spray-on aerosol fluid. The method can confer cleaning benefits to the textile after the treatment. Also provided is a dry textile having an organic substance applied or deposited thereon, whereby bleaching by atmospheric oxygen is catalyzed on the textile.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytically bleaching substrates, especially laundry fabrics, with atmospheric oxygen or air. A method of bleaching a substrate is provided that comprises applying to the substrate, in an aqueous medium, an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching of the substrate by atmospheric oxygen. Also provided is a bleaching composition comprising, in an aqueous medium, atmospheric oxygen and an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching of the substrate by the atmospheric oxygen, wherein the aqueous medium is substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of quaternary acetonitrile compounds corresponding to formula (I): in which R1, R2 and R3 independently of one another represent an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms and the groups R2 and R3 may also be part of a heterocycle including the N atom and, optionally, other hetero atoms and X is a charge-equalizing anion, for activators for detergents, more particularly detergents containing inorganic peroxygen compounds. The activators may be directly added to liquid detergents or may be added to the wash liquor together with the detergents in the form of aqueous preparations. Without the addition of hydrogen peroxide, a distinct color-lightening effect is obtained, even at low washing temperatures.

Abstract: Sequestering agents for use as a whitening and fabric strength enhancer for aqueous hypochlorite bleach compositions are provided. It was found that the sequesterants when used with hypochlorite in the presence of soluble heavy metal ions, particularly iron and manganese ions, provide significantly improved whitening and fabric protection. Most preferably, the sequesterants are selected from polyacrylic acid, a polyacrylic acid derivative, a copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and a comonomer which is maleic acid or maleic anhydride and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The use of polymers which comprise at least 5 mol % of quaternized 1-vinylimidazole units of the formula ##STR1## where R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.25 -alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 -cycloalkyl or benzylR.sup.1,R.sup.2,R.sup.3 are identical or different and are H, CH.sub.3 and C.sub.2 H.sub.5, andX.sup..crclbar. is an anion,as color-fixing and color transfer-inhibiting additive to laundry aftertreatment aids and to detergents.

Abstract: Bleach compositions comprising a percarbonate bleach and an amino tricarboxylic acid exhibit a reduced tendency to deposit calcium carbonate insolubles on substrates being bleached. Laundry compositions comprising percarbonate bleach and methyl glycine diacetic acid are provided.

Abstract: A bleach and oxidation catalyst is provided comprising a catalytically ace iron, manganese or copper complex including a specified pentadentate nitrogen-containing ligand. The metal complex can activate hydrogen peroxide or peroxyacids and provides favourable stain removal properties. In addition, a considerably improved stability of these metal complex compounds in alkaline aqueous environment has been obtained, in particular at the peroxy compound concentrations generally present in the fabric washing liquor.

Abstract: Liquid aqueous bleaching compositions are disclosed which comprise a pH buffering means with low sensitivity to water hardness and an alkali metal hypochlorite. A method of treating fabrics with said compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid bleaching process for cellulosic materials such as cotton and cotton blends. The bleaching liquor includes a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, potassium hydroxide and a stabilizer combined with controlled time and temperature to produce a rapid bleach in about 10 minutes or less. The resulting textile goods are soft, absorbent, mote-free with a Hunter Scale Whiteness Value of greater than about 110 and less than about 0.65% extractable solids.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for carpets, rugs, and the like is provided. The dispensable cleaner includes: a) an effective amount of an organic solvent having a Hansen solubility parameter of less than about 10; b) an effective amount of an emulsifying or dispersing agent; c) an effective amount of a source of hydrogen peroxide; and d) the balance being water. Emulsifying or dispersing agents that are surfactants having an HLB of less than about 10 are particularly suited for removing oily soil from absorbent or adsorbent surfaces. Optional components include sequestering agents, fragrances, builders and soil retardants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable liquid aqueous cleaning compositions having a pH above 8, and comprising a zwitterionic surfactant, a peroxygen bleach, a radical scavenger, a chelating agent, a pH buffer, an antimicrobial essential oil, and a solvent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for removing soils and stains from fabrics and other surfaces employ bleaching activators and aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid (ATMP) at a pH of from greater than 0 to about 6. Compositions comprising ATMP and various sources of peroxide and various types of activators are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses asymmetrical bleach activators for use in both solid and liquid additive, bleaching and detergent compositions. The asymmetrical bleach activators display the unique ability to form both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bleaching agents in aqueous liquors such as bleaching solutions. Thus, fabrics, hard surfaces or dishes having hydrophobic stains such as dingy and or hydrophilic stains such as beverages can be effectively cleaned or bleached using the bleach activators of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the bleaching of fabrics with liquid compositions comprising a peroxygen bleach and a solvent system comprising a hydrophilic solvent and a hydrophobic solvent. These compositions deliver improved stain removal on a variety of stains including bleachable stains, greasy stains, enzymatic stains and mud/clay stains.

Abstract: An aqueous surface cleaning composition consists essentially of water and a surfactant. The surfactant is incorporated, preferably, at a concentration of 10-100 parts per million, by weight as a proportion of the entire composition, and more preferably is within the range of about 70-93 ppm. The preferred surfactant is sodium octyl sulfate, which is resistant to combining or interacting with ozone and has the desired foaming characteristics. Other ozone resistant surfactants may be employed, alone or in combination with one another. The liquid cleaning composition is used advantageously in a fluid cycling cleaning system or a recycling system in which the liquid is provided from a canister to a cleaning tool head, then returned over a vacuum conduit to the canister for filtration and reuse.

Abstract: A liquid composition, comprising: (A) a peroxygen bleach, or a source thereof, (B) a liquid hydrophobic bleach activator, the liquid hydrophobic bleach activator being acetyl triethyl citrate, (C) a long chain acyl sarcosinate; (D) the composition having a pH from 0 to 6; and (E) the composition being formulated either as an emulsion or as a microemulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liqiuid compositions comprising a peroxygen bleach and a specific polyamine, or mixtures thereof. The present invention further encompasses a process for pretreating soiled fabrics and/or soiled colored fabrics, for reducing the color damage of said colored fabrics and/or for reducing the loss of tensile strength in said fabrics.

Abstract: The invention herein provides bleaching compositions comprising a protease enzyme which is a carbonyl hydrolase variant having an amino acid sequence not found in nature, which is derived by replacement of a plurality of amino acid residues of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase with different amino acids, wherein said plurality of amino acid residues replaced in the precursor enzyme correspond to position +76 in combination with one or more of the following residues: +99, +101, +103, +104, +107, +123, +27, +105, +109, +126, +128, +135, +156, +166, +195, +197, +204, +206, +210, +216, +217, +218, +222, +260, +265, and/or +274, where the numbered positions corresponds to naturally-occurring subtilisin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens or to equivalent amino acid residues in other carbonyl hydrolases or subtilisins (such as Bacillus lentus subtilisin) and a bleaching agent.