WO1998020099A1

WO1998020099A1 - Color care compositions

Info

Publication number: WO1998020099A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/019790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryan Matthew Heiden; Axel Masschelein; Joseph Fredrich Sherman; Christiaan Arthur Thoen; Richard Martin Ward
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1996-11-01
Filing date: 1997-10-30
Publication date: 1998-05-14
Also published as: CA2270389A1; EP0937128A1; WO1998020098A1; AU7527096A; AR010540A1; JP2001503822A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a color care composition comprising a modified polyamine and a chlorine scavenger, whereby reduced malodour is produced by the invention composition compared to compositions which do not comprise said chlorine scavenger.

Description

COLOR CARE COMPOSITIONS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a color care composition with reduced malodour on treated fabrics

Background of the invention

The appearance of colored fabrics, e.g., clothing, bedding, household fabrics like table linens is one of the area of concern to consumers. Indeed, upon typical consumer's uses of the fabrics such as wearing, washing, rinsing and/or tumble-drying of fabrics, a loss in the fabric appearance; which is at least partly due to loss of color fidelity and color definition, is observed. Such a problem of color loss is even more acute after multiwash cycles.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a composition which provides improved color care to the laundered fabrics, especially after multiwash cycles.

Recently, a new class of materials, namely, the modified amino-functional polymers, have found increasing use in the treatment of fabric in order to provide care to the color of fabrics.

By "modified amino-functional polymer" , it is meant that the polyamine backbones are modified in such a manner that at least one nitrogen of the polyamine chain is substituted, quaternized, oxidized, or combinations thereof. However, a problem now encountered with compositions comprising modified amino-functional polymer is the resulting malodours on the treated fabrics.

Accordingly, the formulator of a color care composition is faced with the dual problem of formulating a composition which provides care to the fabrics without being detrimental to the scent of the treated fabrics.

The Applicant has now surprisingly found that the provision of a chlorine scavenger to compositions comprising modified amino-functional polymer overcomes the problem.

Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that the malodour results from the interaction of the modified amino-functional polymer with chlorine oxidants, and which produces a fabric substantive chlorine malodorous derivative. Chlorine oxidant include for example sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, as well as chlorine dioxide. Chlorine is a common component in domestic treatments. Indeed, chlorine is used in many parts of the world to sanitize water. To ensure that the water is safe, a small residual amount, typically about 1 to 2 parts per million (ppm), of chlorine is left in the water. At least about 10% of U.S. households has about 2 ppm or more of chlorine in its tap water at some time. Chlorine may also be carried over from the wash where hypochlorite bleaches are used in washing compositions or as additives.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is a composition comprising a modified amino- functional polymer and a chlorine scavenger, and wherein said chlorine scavenger is selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts.

The present invention also encompasses the use of a chlorine scavenger, in a composition comprising a modified amino-functional polymer, for reducing malodours on treated fabrics. Detailed description of the invention

Modified amino-functional polymer

One of the essential component of the invention is a modified amino- functional polymer comprising a polyamine backbone. The amino-functional polymers of the present invention are water-soluble or dispersible, polyamines. Typically, the amino-functional polymers for use herein have a molecular weight between 200 and 1 0^, preferably between 600 and 20,000, most preferably between 1 000 and 1 0,000. These polyamines comprise backbones that can be either linear or cyclic. The polyamine backbones can also comprise polyamine branching chains to a greater or lesser degree. The polyamine backbones described herein are modified in such a manner that at least one, preferably each nitrogen of the polyamine chain is thereafter described in terms of a unit that is substituted, quaternized, oxidized, or combinations thereof.

For the purposes of the present invention the term "modification" as it relates to the chemical structure of the polyamines is defined as replacing a backbone -NH hydrogen atom by an R' unit (substitution), quaternizing a backbone nitrogen (quaternized) or oxidizing a backbone nitrogen to the N- oxide (oxidized). The terms "modification" and "substitution" are used interchangably when referring to the process of replacing a hydrogen atom attached to a backbone nitrogen with an R' unit. Quaternization or oxidation may take place in some circumstances without substitution, but substitution is preferably accompanied by oxidation or quaternization of at least one backbone nitrogen.

The linear or non-cyclic polyamine backbones that comprise the amino- functional polymer have the general formula:

' I

[R₂N-R]n+1 -[N-R]m-[N-R]_n-NR₂ _

The cyclic polyamine backbones that comprise the amino-functional polymer have the general formula: i R

[R₂N-R]n-k+r— [N-R]m-[N-R]_n-{N-R]k-NR₂

The above backbones prior to optional but preferred subsequent modification, comprise primary, secondary and tertiary amine nitrogens connected by R "linking" units

For the purpose of the present invention, primary amine nitrogens comprising the backbone or branching chain once modified are defined as V or Z "terminal" units. For example, when a primary amine moiety, located at the end of the main polyamine backbone or branching chain having the structure

H2N-R]- is modified according to the present invention, it is thereafter defined as a V "terminal" unit, or simply a V unit. However, for the purposes of the present invention, some or all of the primary amine moieties can remain unmodified subject to the restrictions further described herein below. These unmodified primary amine moieties by virtue of their position in the backbone chain remain "terminal" units. Likewise, when a primary amine moiety, located at the end of the main polyamine backbone having the structure

-NH₂ is modified according to the present invention, it is thereafter defined as a Z "terminal" unit, or simply a Z unit. This unit can remain unmodified subject to the restrictions further described herein below.

In a similar manner, secondary amine nitrogens comprising the backbone or branching chain once modified are defined as W "backbone" units. For example, when a secondary amine moiety, the major constituent of the backbones and branching chains of the present invention, having the structure

H — [N-R]- is modified according to the present invention, it is thereafter defined as a W "backbone" unit, or simply a W unit. However, for the purposes of the present invention, some or all of the secondary amine moieties can remain unmodified. These unmodified secondary amine moieties by virtue of their position in the backbone chain remain "backbone" units.

In a further similar manner, tertiary amine nitrogens comprising the backbone or branching chain once modified are further referred to as Y "branching" units. For example, when a tertiary amine moiety, which is a chain branch point of either the polyamine backbone or other branching chains or rings, having the structure

I — [N-R]- is modified according to the present invention, it is thereafter defined as a Y "branching" unit, or simply a Y unit. However, for the purposes of the present invention, some or all or the tertiary amine moieties can remain unmodified. These unmodified tertiary amine moieties by virtue of their position in the backbone chain remain "branching" units. The R units associated with the V, W and Y unit nitrogens which serve to connect the polyamine nitrogens, are described herein below.

The final modified structure of the polyamines of the present invention can be therefore represented by the general formula

V_{(n + 1 )}W_mY_nZ for linear amino-functional polymer and by the general formula

V(n-k + 1 )W_mYnY'kZ for cyclic amino-functional polymer. For the case of polyamines comprising rings, a Y' unit of the formula

I R

— [N-R]— serves as a branch point for a backbone or branch ring. For every Y' unit there is a Y unit having the formula

I — [N-R]- that will form the connection point of the ring to the main polymer chain or branch. In the unique case where the backbone is a complete ring, the polyamine backbone has the formula

R' i

[R₂N-R]_n-[N-R]_m-[N-R]_n- therefore comprising no Z terminal unit and having the formula V_n-k _mY_nY'k wherein k is the number of ring forming branching units. Preferably the polyamine backbones of the present invention comprise no rings.

In the case of non-cyclic polyamines, the ratio of the index n to the index m relates to the relative degree of branching. A fully non-branched linear modified polyamine according to the present invention has the formula vw_mz that is, n is equal to 0. The greater the value of n (the lower the ratio of m to n), the greater the degree of branching in the molecule. Typically the value for m ranges from a minimum value of 2 to 700, preferably 4 to 400, however larger values of m, especially when the value of the index n is very low or nearly 0, are also preferred.

Each polyamine nitrogen whether primary, secondary or tertiary, once modified according to the present invention, is further defined as being a member of one of three general classes; simple substituted, quaternized or oxidized. Those polyamine nitrogen units not modified are classed into V, W, Y, Y' or Z units depending on whether they are primary, secondary or tertiary nitrogens. That is unmodified primary amine nitrogens are V or Z units, unmodified secondary amine nitrogens are W units or Y' units and unmodified tertiary amine nitrogens are Y units for the purposes of the present invention.

Modified primary amine moieties are defined as V "terminal" units having one of three forms: a) simple substituted units having the structure:

R^N-R — I R' b) quaternized units having the structure:

R^* X ^"

R'-N-R — I R' / wherein X is a suitable counter ion providing charge balance; and c) oxidized units having the structure:

Modified secondary amine moieties are defined as W "backbone" units having one of three forms: a) simple substituted units having the structure:

-N-R— R' r b) quaternized units having the structure:

wherein X is a suitable counter ion providing charge balance; and c) oxidized units having the structure:

Other modified secondary amine moieties are defined as Y' units having one of three forms: a) simple substituted units having the structure:

-N-R— R b) quaternized units having the structure:

R' x -

— -N-R — I R wherein X is a suitable counter ion providing charge balance; and c) oxidized units having the structure:

Modified tertiary amine moieties are defined as Y "branching" units having one of three forms: a) unmodified units having the structure: — N-R—

I b) quaternized units having the structure:

Certain modified primary amine moieties are defined as Z "terminal" units having one of three forms: a) simple substituted units having the structure:

-N-R' R' b) quaternized units having the structure:

When any position on a nitrogen is unsubstituted or unmodified, it is understood that hydrogen will substitute for R' . For example, a primary amine unit comprising one R' unit in the form of a hydroxyethyl moiety is a V terminal unit having the formula (HOCH2CH2>HN-.

For the purposes of the present invention there are two types of chain terminating units, the V and Z units. The Z "terminal" unit derives from a terminal primary amino moiety of the structure -NH2. Non-cyclic polyamine backbones according to the present invention comprise only one Z unit whereas cyclic polyamines can comprise no Z units. The Z "terminal" unit can be substituted with any of the R' units described further herein below, except when the Z unit is modified to form an N-oxide. In the case where the Z unit nitrogen is oxidized to an N-oxide, the nitrogen must be modified and therefore R' cannot be a hydrogen.

The polyamines of the present invention comprise backbone R "linking" units that serve to connect the nitrogen atoms of the backbone. R units comprise units that for the purposes of the present invention are referred to as "hydrocarbyl R" units and "oxy R" units. The "hydrocarbyl" R units are C2-C1 2 alkylene, C4-C1 2 alkenylene, C3-C-1 2 hydroxyalkylene wherein the hydroxyl moiety may take any position on the R unit chain except the carbon atoms directly connected to the polyamine backbone nitrogens; C4- C-| 2 dihydroxyalkylene wherein the hydroxyl moieties may occupy any two of the carbon atoms of the R unit chain except those carbon atoms directly connected to the polyamine backbone nitrogens; C8-C1 2 dialkylarylene which for the purpose of the present invention are arylene moieties having two alkyl substituent groups as part of the linking chain. For example, a dialkylarylene unit has the formula

although the unit need not be 1 ,4-substituted, but can also be 1 ,2 or 1 ,3 substitutedC2-C-| 2 alkylene, preferably ethylene, 1 ,2-propylene, and mixtures thereof, more preferably ethylene. The "oxy" R units comprise - (R¹ O)_xR⁵(OR¹ )_x-, -CH2CH(OR²)CH₂O)_z(R¹ O)_yRl (OCH₂CH(OR²)CH2)_w-, - CH2CH(OR²)CH2-, -(R¹ O)_xR¹ -, and mixtures thereof. Preferred R units are selected from the group consisting of C2-C1 2 alkylene, C3-C1 2 hydroxyalkylene, C4-C1 2 dihydroxyalkylene, Cs-C-| 2 dialkylarylene, - (Rl O)_xR¹ -, -CH₂CH(OR2)CH2-, -(CH₂CH(OH)CH2θ)_z(R¹ O)_yR¹ (OCH₂CH- (OH)CH2)_w-' -(R¹ O)_xR⁵(OR¹ )_x-, more preferred R units are C2-C1 2 alkylene, C3-C1 2 hydroxy-alkylene, C4-C1 2 dihydroxyalkylene, -(R^ O)_xR^ -, -(R 1 0)_xR5(OR¹ )_X-, -(CH₂CH(OH)CH₂O)_z(Rl O)_yRl (OCH₂CH-(OH)CH₂)_w-' and mixtures thereof, even more preferred R units are C2-C1 2 alkylene, C3 hydroxyalkylene, and mixtures thereof, most preferred are C2-Cβ alkylene. The most preferred backbones of the present invention comprise at least 50% R units that are ethylene. R 1 units are C2-C6 alkylene, and mixtures thereof, preferably ethylene. R² is hydrogen, and -(R¹ O)_xB, preferably hydrogen.

R³ is C1 - 1 8 a'kyl, 7-C1 2 arylalkylene, C7-C1 2 alkyl substituted aryl, CQ-C -\ 2 ^arv'' ^anc* mixtures thereof , preferably C1 -C1 2 alkyl, C7-C1 2 arylalkylene, more preferably C-| -C-] 2 alkyl, most preferably methyl. R3 units serve as part of R' units described herein below.

R⁴ is C-] -C-| 2 alkylene, C4-C1 2 alkenylene, Cs-C-| 2 arylalkylene, CQ- C1 0 arylene, preferably C-] -C-| o alkylene, C8-C1 2 arylalkylene, more preferably C2-C8 alkylene, most preferably ethylene or butylene.

R⁵ is C-| -C-| 2 alkylene, C3-C-1 2 hydroxyalkylene, C4-C1 2 dihydroxyalkylene, C8-C 1 2 dialkylarylene, -C(O)-, -C(O)NHR⁶NHC(O)-, - C(O)(R⁴)_rC(O)-, -R¹ (0R1 )-, -CH₂CH(OH)CH₂O(Rl O)_yR¹ OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂-, -C(O)(R⁴)_rC(O)-, -CH₂CH(OH)CH2-, R⁵ is preferably ethylene, -C(O)-, - C(O)NHR⁶NHC(O)-, -R ¹ (OR¹ )-, -CH₂CH(OH)CH₂-,

CH₂CH(OH)CH2O(R¹ O)yR¹ OCH₂CH-(OH)CH2-, more preferably CH₂CH(OH)CH₂-.

R^ is C2-C-J 2 alkylene or Cβ-C-] 2 arylene.

The preferred "oxy" R units are further defined in terms of the R-! , R², and R5 units. Preferred "oxy" R units comprise the preferred R1 , R², and R^ units. The preferred cotton soil release agents of the present invention comprise at least 50% R¹ units that are ethylene. Preferred R¹ , R², and R^ units are combined with the "oxy" R units to yield the preferred "oxy" R units in the following manner. i) Substituting more preferred R^ into

(CH2CH2O)_xR⁵(OCH₂CH₂)_x- yields

(CH2CH2O)_xCH₂CHOHCH2(OCH2CH₂)_x-. ii) Substituting preferred R¹ and R² into -(CH2CH(OR²)CH2θ)_z-

(Rl O)yR¹ O(CH₂CH(OR²)CH2)_w- yields -(CH₂CH(OH)CH₂O)_z-

(CH2CH2θ)yCH₂CH2θ(CH₂CH(OH)CH2)w-- iii) Substituting preferred R² into -CH2CH(OR²)CH2- yields

-CH2CH(OH)CH₂-.

R' units are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 -C22 alkyl, C3-C22 alkenyl, C7-C22 arylalkyl, C2-C22 hydroxyalkyl, -(CH2>_pCO2M, - (CH₂)_qSO₃M, -CH(CH₂CO₂M)CO₂M, -(CH₂)_pPO₃M, -(Rl θ)_mB, -C(O)R³, preferably hydrogen, C2-C22 hydroxyalkylene, benzyl, C1 -C22 alkylene, - (R¹ O)_mB, -C(0)R3, -(CH₂)_pCO₂M, -(CH₂)qSO₃M, -CH(CH₂CO₂M)CO₂M, more preferably C-| -C22 alkylene, -(R ¹ O)_xB, -C(O)R³, -(CH2)_pCO2M, - (CH2)qSO3M, -CH(CH2CO2M)CO2M, most preferably C-| -C22 alkylene, - (R^ O)_xB, and -C(0) R3. When no modification or substitution is made on a nitrogen then hydrogen atom will remain as the moiety representing R'.

R' units do not comprise hydrogen atom when the V, W or Z units are oxidized, that is the nitrogens are N-oxides. For example, the backbone chain or branching chains do not comprise units of the following structure:

O O O t t t

— N— R or H— N— R or — N^~ H

I I I

H H H

Additionally, R' units do not comprise carbonyl moieties directly bonded to a nitrogen atom when the V, W or Z units are oxidized, that is, the nitrogens are N-oxides. According to the present invention, the R' unit -C(O)R³ moiety is not bonded to an N-oxide modified nitrogen, that is, there are no

N-oxide amides having the structure

or combinations thereof.

B is hydrogen, Ci -Cg alkyl, -(CH2>_qSO3M, -(CH2>_pCO2M, -{CH2)_q- (CHSO₃M)CH₂SO₃M, -(CH2)q(CHSO2M)CH₂SO₃M, -(CH2)_pPO₃M, - PO₃M, preferably hydrogen, -(CH₂)_qSO₃M, -(CH2)_q(CHSO₃M)CH2SO₃M, - (CH2)q-(CHSO2M)CH2SO3M, more preferably hydrogen or -(CH2>_qSO3M.

M is hydrogen or a water soluble cation in sufficient amount to satisfy charge balance. For example, a sodium cation equally satisfies (CH2>_pCO2M, and -(CH2)_qSO3M, thereby resulting in -

(CH2>_pCO2Na, and -(CH2)qSO3Na moieties. More than one monovalent cation, (sodium, potassium, etc.) can be combined to satisfy the required chemical charge balance. However, more than one anionic group may be charge balanced by a divalent cation, or more than one mono-valent cation may be necessary to satisfy the charge requirements of a poly-anionic radical. For example, a -(CH2)_pPO3M moiety substituted with sodium atoms has the formula -(CH2>_pPO3Na3. Divalent cations such as calcium (Ca^{2 +} ) or magnesium (Mg^{2 +} ) may be substituted for or combined with other suitable mono-valent water soluble cations. Preferred cations are sodium and potassium, more preferred is sodium.

X is a water soluble anion such as chlorine (Cl^"), bromine (Br) and iodine

(I^") or X can be any negatively charged radical such as sulfate (SO4^2") and methosulfate (CH3SO3^").

The formula indices have the following values: p has the value from 1 to 6, q has the value from 0 to 6; r has the value 0 or 1 ; w has the value 0 or 1 , x has the value from 1 to 100; y has the value from 0 to 1 00; z has the value 0 or 1 ; m has the value from 2 to 700, preferably from 4 to 400, n has the value from 0 to 350, preferably from 0 to 200; m + n has the value of at least 5.

Preferably x has a value lying in the range of from 1 to 20, preferably from 1 to 10.

The preferred amino-functional polymers of the present invention comprise polyamine backbones wherein less than 50% of the R groups comprise "oxy" R units, preferably less than 20% , more preferably less than 5%, most preferably the R units comprise no "oxy" R units.

The most preferred amino-functional polymers which comprise no "oxy" R units comprise polyamine backbones wherein less than 50% of the R groups comprise more than 3 carbon atoms. For example, ethylene, 1 ,2- propylene, and 1 ,3-propylene comprise 3 or less carbon atoms and are the preferred "hydrocarbyl" R units. That is when backbone R units are C2-C12 alkylene, preferred is C2-C3 alkylene, most preferred is ethylene.

The amino-functional polymers of the present invention comprise modified homogeneous and non-homogeneous polyamine backbones, wherein 100% or less of the -NH units are modified. For the purpose of the present invention the term "homogeneous polyamine backbone" is defined as a polyamine backbone having R units that are the same (i.e., all ethylene). However, this sameness definition does not exclude polyamines that comprise other extraneous units comprising the polymer backbone which are _Present due to an artifact of the chosen method of chemical synthesis. For example, it is known to those skilled in the art that ethanolamine may be used as an "initiator" in the synthesis of polyethyleneimines, therefore a sample of polyethyleneimine that comprises one hydroxyethyl moiety resulting from the polymerization "initiator" would be considered to comprise a homogeneous polyamine backbone for the purposes of the present invention. A polyamine backbone comprising all ethylene R units wherein no branching Y units are present is a homogeneous backbone. A polyamine backbone comprising all ethylene R units is a homogeneous backbone regardless of the degree of branching or the number of cyclic branches present.

For the purposes of the present invention the term "non-homogeneous polymer backbone" refers to polyamine backbones that are a composite of various R unit lengths and R unit types. For example, a non-homogeneous backbone comprises R units that are a mixture of ethylene and 1 ,2- propylene units. For the purposes of the present invention a mixture of "hydrocarbyl" and "oxy" R units is not necessary to provide a non- homogeneous backbone.

Preferred amino-functional polymers of the present invention comprise homogeneous polyamine backbones that are totally or partially substituted by polyethyleneoxy moieties, totally or partially quaternized amines, nitrogens totally or partially oxidized to N-oxides, and mixtures thereof. However, not all backbone amine nitrogens must be modified in the same manner, the choice of modification being left to the specific needs of the formulator. The degree of ethoxylation is also determined by the specific requirements of the formulator.

The preferred amino-functional polymers that comprise the backbone of the compounds of the present invention are generally polyalkyleneimines (PAI's), preferably polyethyleneimines (PEI's), or PEI's connected by moieties having longer R units than the parent PAI's or PEI's. Preferred amine polymer backbones comprise R units that are C2 alkylene (ethylene) units, also known as polyethylenimines (PEI's). Preferred PEI's have at least moderate branching, that is the ratio of m to n is less than 4: 1 , however PEI's having a ratio of m to n of 2: 1 are most preferred. Preferred backbones, prior to modification have the general formula:

^R' I

[R₂NCH₂CH₂]n-[NCH₂CH₂]m-[NCH₂CH₂]n-NR'₂ wherein R", m and n are the same as defined herein above. Preferred PEI's will have a molecular weight greater than 200 daltons.

The relative proportions of primary, secondary and tertiary amine units in the polyamine backbone, especially in the case of PEI's, will vary, depending on the manner of preparation. Each hydrogen atom attached to each nitrogen atom of the polyamine backbone chain represents a potential site for subsequent substitution, quaternization or oxidation.

These polyamines can be prepared, for example, by polymerizing ethyleneimine in the presence of a catalyst such as carbon dioxide, sodium bisulfite, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, etc. Specific methods for preparing these polyamine backbones are disclosed in U.S. Patent 2, 182,306, Ulrich et al., issued December 5, 1 939; U.S. Patent 3,033,746, Mayle et al., issued May 8, 1962; U.S. Patent 2,208,095, Esselmann et al., issued July 16, 1940; U.S. Patent 2,806,839, Crowther, issued September 17, 1957; and U.S. Patent 2,553,696, Wilson, issued May 21 , 1951 ; all herein incorporated by reference.

Examples of amino-functional polymers comprising PEI's, are illustrated in Formulas I - IV:

Formula I depicts an amino-functional polymer comprising a PEI backbone wherein all substitutable nitrogens are modified by replacement of hydrogen with a polyoxyalkyleneoxy unit, -(CH2CH2θ)H, having the formula

Formula I

This is an example of an amino-functional polymer that is fully modified by one type of moiety.

Formula II depicts an amino-functional polymer comprising a PEI backbone wherein all substitutable primary amine nitrogens are modified by replacement of hydrogen with a polyoxyalkyleneoxy unit, -(CH2CH2θ)2H, the molecule is then modified by subsequent oxidation of all oxidizable primary and secondary nitrogens to N-oxides, said polymer having the formula

Formula II

Formula III depicts an amino-functional polymer comprising a PEI backbone wherein all backbone hydrogen atoms are substituted and some backbone amine units are quaternized. The substituents are polyoxyalkyleneoxy units, -(CH2CH2θ)7H, or methyl groups. The modified PEI has the formula

Formula III

Formula IV depicts an amino-functional polymer comprising a PEI backbone wherein the backbone nitrogens are modified by substitution (i.e. by - (CH2CH2O>3H or methyl), quaternized, oxidized to N-oxides or combinations thereof. The resulting polymer has the formula

Formula IV

In the above examples, not all nitrogens of a unit class comprise the same modification. The present invention allows the formulator to have a portion of the secondary amine nitrogens ethoxylated while having other secondary amine nitrogens oxidized to N-oxides. This also applies to the primary amine nitrogens, in that the formulator may choose to modify all or a portion of the primary amine nitrogens with one or more substituents prior to oxidation or quaternization. Any possible combination of R' groups can be substituted on the primary and secondary amine nitrogens, except for the restrictions described herein above. Commercially available amino-functional polymer suitable for use herein are hydroxyethylated poly(ethyleneimine) from Polysciences, with a MW2000, and 80% hydroxyethylated poly(ethyleneimine) from Aldrich.

A typical amount of amino-functional polymer to be employed in the composition of the invention is preferably up to 90% by weight, preferably from 0.01 % to 50% active by weight, more preferably from 0.1 % to 20% by weight and most preferably from 0.5% to 5% by weight of the composition.

Chlorine scavengers

A chlorine scavenger is the other essential component of the invention. Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that the benefit provided by the invention composition is due to the higher reaction rate of the chlorine scavengers with chlorine when compared to the reaction rate of the modified amino-functional polymers with chlorine.

Suitable levels of chlorine scavengers in the compositions of the present invention range from about 0.01 % to about 1 5%, preferably from about 0.02% to about 10%, most preferably from about 0.25% to about 5%, by weight of total composition. If both the cation and the anion of the scavenger react with chlorine, which is desirable, the level may be adjusted to react with an equivalent amount of available chlorine.

Preferred examples of chlorine scavengers are selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, e.g., ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate; and mixtures thereof. Ammonium chloride is a preferred inexpensive chlorine scavenger for use herein.

Depending on the end use, the composition may also contain optional components which may be suitable for further improving the aesthetic appearance of the fabrics treated therewith. Suitable optional components are selected from the group consisting of a dye fixing agent, a polyolefin dispersion, a fabric softener component, detersive ingredients, additional components and mixtures thereof. Dye fixing agent

An optional component of the invention is a dye fixing agent. Dye fixing agents, or "fixatives", are well-known, commercially available materials which are designed to improve the appearance of dyed fabrics by minimizing the loss of dye from fabrics due to washing. Not included within this definition are components which are fabric softeners or those described hereinafter as amino-functional polymers.

Many dye fixing agents are cationic, and are based on various quaternized or otherwise cationically charged organic nitrogen compounds. Cationic fixatives are available under various trade names from several suppliers. Representative examples include: CROSCOLOR PMF (July 1 981 , Code No. 7894) and CROSCOLOR NOFF (January 1 988, Code No. 8544) from Crosfield; INDOSOL E-50 (February 27, 1 984, Ref. No. 6008.35.84; polyethyleneamine-based) from Sandoz; SANDOFIX TPS, which is also available from Sandoz and is a preferred polycationic fixative for use herein and SANDOFIX SWE (cationic resinous compound), REWIN SRF, REWIN SRF-O and REWIN DWR from CHT-Beitlich GMBH, Tinofix® ECO, Tinofix® FRD and Solfin® available from Ciba-Geigy.

Other cationic dye fixing agents are described in "Aftertreatments for improving the fastness of dyes on textile fibres" by Christopher C. Cook (REV. PROG. COLORATION Vol. 1 2, 1 982). Dye fixing agents suitable for use in the present invention are ammonium compounds such as fatty acid - diamine condensates e.g. the hydrochloride, acetate, metosulphate and benzyl hydrochloride of oleyldiethyl aminoethylamide, oleylmethyl- diethylenediaminemethosulphate, monostearyl-ethylene diaminotrimethylammonium methosulphate and oxidized products of tertiary amines; derivatives of polymeric alkyldiamines, polyamine-cyanuric chloride condensates and aminated glycerol dichlorohydrins.

A typical amount of the dye fixing agent to be employed in the composition of the invention is preferably up 90% by weight, preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably from 0.001 % to 1 0% by weight, most preferably from 0.5% to 5% active by weight of the composition. Polvolefin dispersion

A polyolefin dispersion may optionally be used in the composition of the invention in order to provide anti-wrinkles and improved water absorbency benefits to the fabrics. Preferably, the polyolefin is a polyethylene, polypropylene or mixtures thereof. The polyolefin may be at least partially modified to contain various functional groups, such as carboxyl, carbonyl, ester, ether, alkylamide, sulfonic acid or amide groups. More preferably, the polyolefin employed in the present invention is at least partially carboxyl modified or, in other words, oxidized. In particular, oxidized or carboxyl modified polyethylene is preferred in the compositions of the present invention.

For ease of formulation, the polyolefin is preferably introduced as a suspension or an emulsion of polyolefin dispersed by use of an emulsifing agent. The polyolefin suspension or emulsion preferably has from 1 to 50%, more preferably from 10 to 35% by weight, and most preferably from 1 5 to 30% by weight of polyolefin in the emulsion. The polyolefin preferably has a molecular weight of from 1 ,000 to 1 5,000 and more preferably from 4,000 to 1 0,000.

When an emulsion is employed, the emulsifier may be any suitable emulsification or suspending agent. Preferably, the emulsifier is a cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic or anionic surfactant or mixtures thereof. Most preferably, any suitable cationic, nonionic or anionic surfactant may be employed as the emulsifier. Preferred emulsifiers are cationic surfactants such as the fatty amine surfactants and in particular the ethoxylated fatty amine surfactants. In particular, the cationic surfactants are preferred as emulsifiers in the present invention. The polyolefin is dispersed with the emulsifier or suspending agent in a ratio of emulsifier to polyolefin of from 1 : 1 0 to 3: 1 . Preferably, the emulsion includes from 0.1 to 50%, more preferably from 1 to 20% and most preferably from 2.5 to 10% by weight of emulsifier in the polyolefin emulsion. Polyethylene emulsions and suspensions suitable for use in the present invention are available under the tradename VELUSTROL from HOECHST Aktiengesellschaft of Frankfurt am Main, Germany. In particular, the polyethylene emulsions sold under the tradename VELUSTROL PKS, VELUSTROL KPA, or VELUSTROL P-40 may be employed in the compositions of the present invention.

When present, the compositions of the present invention will contain from 0.01 % to 8% by weight of the dispersible polyolefin, more preferably from 0.1 % to 5% by weight and most preferably from 0.1 % to 3% by weight of the polyolefin. When the polyolefin is added to the compositions of the present invention as an emulsion or suspension, the emulsion or suspension is added at sufficient enough quantities to provide the above noted levels of dispersible polyolefin in the compositions.

Fabric softener component

Optionally, a fabric softener component may also be suitably used in the composition of the invention so as to provide softeness and antistastic properties to the treated fabrics. When used, the fabric softener component will typically be present at a level sufficient to provide softening and antistatic properties. Typical levels are those conventionally used in fabric softening compositions, i.e from 1 % to 99% by weight of the composition. Depending on the composition execution, i.e liquid or solid, the composition will preferably comprise a level of fabric softening components for liquid compositions of from 1 % to 5% by weight for the diluted compositions or from 5% to 80%, more preferably 10% to 50%, most preferably 15% to 35% by weight for concentrated compositions. Where nonionic fabric softener components are present, the level of nonionic softener component in the composition will typically be from 0.1 % to 10%, preferably from 1 % to 5% by weight.

Where the composition comprising the softener component is applied on a substrate such as a dryer-sheet, the preferred level of fabric softener component will preferably be from 20% to 99%, more preferably from 30% to 90% by weight, and even more preferably from 35% to 85% by weight.

Said fabric softening component may be selected from cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or anionic fabric softening component. The preferred, typical 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 or methyl sulfate. Preferred cationic softeners among these include the following:

1 ) ditallowyl 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) hydrogenated tallow trimethylammonium chloride;

9) C-| 2-1 8 ^a' dihydroxyethyl methylammonium chloride;

10) ditallow imidazolinium methylsulfate;

1 1 ) 1 -(2-tallowylamidoethyl)-2-tallowyl imidazolinium methylsulfate.

However, in recent years, the need has arisen for more environmentally- friendly materials, and rapidly biodegradable quaternary ammonium compounds have been presented as alternatives to the traditionally used di- long alkyl chain ammonium chlorides and methyl sulfates. 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.

The quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursors herein have the formula (I) or (II), below :

(I) (ID

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 T^ or R³;

R3 is C1 - 4 alkyl or C1 - 4 hydroxyalkyl or H;

R⁴ is H or Cι - 4 alkyl or C-1 -C4 hydroxyalkyl;

T^ , T², T3, T⁴, T^ are independently Cβ-C22 a'kyl 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.

The alkyl, or alkenyl, chain T¹ , T², T³, T⁴, T⁵ must contain at least 6 carbon atoms, preferably at least 1 1 carbon atoms, more preferably at least 1 6 carbon atoms. The chain may be straight or branched.

Tallow is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyl and alkenyl material. The compounds wherein T^ , T², τ3, T⁴, T^ represents the mixture of long chain materials typical for tallow are particularly preferred.

Specific examples of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the aqueous fabric softening compositions herein include :

1 ) N,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

2) N,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl, N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium methyl sulfate;

3) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

4) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethylcarbonyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

5) N-(tallowoyl-oxy-2-ethyl)-N-(tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

6) N,N,N-tri(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl ammonium chloride;

7) N-(tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N-tallowyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonium chloride; and

8) 1 ,2-ditallowoyl-oxy-3-trimethylammoniopropane chloride;

9) di(stearoyloxyethyl) dimethylammonium chloride (DSOEDMAC); and mixtures of any of the above materials. 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(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride, where the tallow chains are at least partially unsaturated.

The level of unsaturation of the fatty 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 200, preferably 5 to 1 50, and more preferably 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 1 5 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.

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. 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.

Additional fabric softening materials may be used in addition or alternatively to the cationic fabric softener. These may be selected from nonionic, amphoteric or anionic fabric softening material. Disclosure of such materials may be found in US 4,327, 1 33; US 4,421 ,792; US 4,426,299; US 4,460,485; US 3,644,203; US 4,661 ,269; U.S 4,439,335; U.S 3,861 ,870; US 4,308, 1 51 ; US 3,886,075; US 4,233, 1 64; US 4,401 ,578; US 3,974,076; US 4,237,01 6 and EP 472, 1 78.

Typically, such nonionic fabric softener materials have a HLB of from 2 to 9, more typically from 3 to 7. Such nonionic fabric softener materials tend to be readily dispersed either by themselves, or when combined with other materials such as single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactant described in detail hereinafter. Dispersibility can be improved by using more single-long- chain alkyl cationic surfactant, mixture with other materials as set forth hereinafter, use of hotter water, and/or more agitation. In general, the materials selected should be relatively crystalline, higher melting, (e.g. > 40°C) and relatively water-insoluble.

Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric alcohols, or anhydrides thereof, wherein the alcohol, or anhydride, contains from 2 to 1 8, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, and each fatty acid moiety contains from 1 2 to 30, preferably from 1 6 to 20, carbon atoms. Typically, such softeners contain from one to 3, preferably 2 fatty acid groups per molecule.

The polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethylene glycol, glycerol, poly (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra, penta-, and/or hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol or sorbitan. Sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monostearate are particularly preferred.

The fatty acid portion of the ester is normally derived from fatty acids having from 1 2 to 30, preferably from 1 6 to 20, carbon atoms, typical examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid.

Highly preferred optional nonionic softening agents for use in the present invention are the sorbitan esters, which are esterified dehydration products of sorbitol, and the glycerol esters.

Commercial sorbitan monostearate is a suitable material. Mixtures of sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate having stearate/palmitate weight ratios varying between 1 0: 1 and 1 : 10, and 1 ,5-sorbitan esters are also useful.

Glycerol and polyglycerol esters, especially glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, and polyglycerol mono- and/or di-esters, preferably mono-, are preferred herein (e.g. polyglycerol monostearate with a trade name of Radiasurf 7248).

Useful glycerol and polyglycerol esters include mono-esters with stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, myristic, and/or behenic acids and the diesters of stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, behenic, and/or myristic acids. It is understood that the typical mono-ester contains some di- and tri- ester, etc.

The "glycerol esters" also include the polyglycerol, e.g., diglycerol through octaglycerol esters. The polyglycerol polyols are formed by condensing glycerin or epichlorohydrin together to link the glycerol moieties via ether linkages. The mono- and/or diesters of the polyglycerol polyols are preferred, the fatty acyl groups typically being those described hereinbefore for the sorbitan and glycerol esters.

For the preceding fabric softening agents, especially with biodegradable fabric softening agents, the pH of the liquid compositions herein is an essential parameter of the present invention. Indeed, it influences the stability of the quaternary ammonium or amine precursors compounds, especially in prolonged storage conditions. The pH, as defined in the present context, is measured in the neat compositions at 20°C. For optimum hydrolytic stability of these compositions, the neat pH, measured in the above-mentioned conditions, must be in the range of from 2.0 to 4.5. Preferably, where the liquid fabric softening compositions of the invention are in a concentrated form, the pH of the neat composition is in the range of 2.0 to 3.5, while if it is in a diluted form, the pH of the neat composition is in the range of 2.0 to 3.0. The pH of these compositions herein can be regulated by the addition of a Bronsted acid.

Examples of suitable acids include the inorganic mineral acids, carboxylic acids, in particular the low molecular weight (C1 -C5) carboxylic acids, and alkylsulfonic acids. Suitable inorganic acids include HCI, H2SO4, HNO3 and H3PO4. Suitable organic acids include formic, acetic, citric, methylsulfonic and ethylsulfonic acid. Preferred acids are citric, hydrochloric, phosphoric, formic, methylsulfonic acid, and benzoic acids.

Fully formulated fabric softening compositions preferably contain, in addition to the hereinbefore described components, one or more of the following ingredients.

Enzymes

The composition herein can optionally employ one or more enzymes such as lipases, proteases, cellulase, amylases and peroxidases. A preferred enzyme for use herein is a cellulase enzyme. Indeed, this type of enzyme will further provide a color care benefit to the treated fabric. Cellulases usable herein include both bacterial and fungal types, preferably having a pH optimum between 5 and 9.5. U.S. 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al, March 6, 1 984, discloses suitable fungal cellulases from Humicola insolens or Humicola strain DSM 1 800 or a cellulase 212-producing fungus belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusk, Dolabella Auricula Solander. Suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A-2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275 and DE-OS-2.247.832. CAREZYME® and CELLUZYME^® (Novo) are especially useful. Other suitable cellulases are also disclosed in WO 91 /1 7243 to Novo, WO 96/34092, WO 96/34945 and EP-A-0,739,982.

In practical terms for current commercial preparations, typical amounts are up to about 5 mg by weight, more typically 0.01 mg to 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of the composition. Stated otherwise, the compositions herein will typically comprise from 0.001 % to 5%, preferably 0.01 %-1 % by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation. In the particular cases where activity of the enzyme preparation can be defined otherwise such as with cellulases, corresponding activity units are preferred (e.g. CEVU or cellulase Equivalent Viscosity Units). For instance, the compositions of the present invention can contain cellulase enzymes at a level equivalent to an activity from about 0.5 to 1000 CEVU/gram of composition. Cellulase enzyme preparations used for the purpose of formulating the compositions of this invention typically have an activity comprised between 1 ,000 and 10,000 CEVU/gram in liquid form, around 1 ,000 CEVU/gram in solid form.

Concentrated compositions of the present invention may require organic and/or inorganic concentration aids to go to even higher concentrations and/or to meet higher stability standards depending on the other ingredients. Surfactant concentration aids are typically selected from the group consisting of single long chain alkyl cationic surfactants; nonionic surfactants; amine oxides; fatty acids; or mixtures thereof, typically used at a level of from 0 to 1 5% of the composition.

Inorganic viscosity control agents which can also act like or augment the effect of the surfactant concentration aids, include water-soluble, ionizable salts which can also optionally be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention. A wide variety of ionizable salts can be used. Examples of suitable salts are the halides of the Group IA and IIA metals of the Periodic Table of the Elements, e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium bromide, and lithium chloride. The ionizable salts are particularly useful during the process of mixing the ingredients to make the compositions herein, and later to obtain the desired viscosity. The amount of ionizable salts used depends on the amount of active ingredients used in the compositions and can be adjusted according to the desires of the formulator. Typical levels of salts used to control the composition viscosity are from 20 to 20,000 parts per million (ppm), preferably from 20 to 1 1 ,000 ppm, by weight of the composition.

Alkylene polyammonium salts can be incorporated into the composition to give viscosity control in addition to or in place of the water-soluble, ionizable salts above. In addition, these agents can act as scavengers, forming ion pairs with anionic detergent carried over from the main wash, in the rinse, and on the fabrics, and may improve softness performance. These agents may stabilize the viscosity over a broader range of temperature, especially at low temperatures, compared to the inorganic electrolytes.

Specific examples of alkylene polyammonium salts include l-lysine monohydrochloride and 1 ,5-diammonium 2-methyl pentane dihydrochloride.

Another optional, but preferred, ingredient is a liquid carrier. The liquid carrier employed in the instant compositions is preferably at least primarily water due to its low cost, relative availability, safety, and environmental compatibility. The level of water in the liquid carrier is preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least 60%, by weight of the carrier. Mixtures of water and low molecular weight, e.g., < 200, organic solvent, e.g., lower alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol or butanol are useful as the carrier liquid. Low molecular weight alcohols include monohydric, dihydric (glycol, etc.) trihydric (glycerol, etc.), and higher polyhydric (polyols) alcohols.

Still other optional ingredients are Soil Release Polymers, bacteriocides, colorants, perfumes, preservatives, optical brighteners, anti ionisation agents, antifoam agents, and the like.

Various other optional adjunct ingredients may also be used to provide fully- formulated detergent compositions. The following ingredients are described for the convenience of the formulator, but are not intended to be limiting thereof.

Detersive ingredient

Detersive ingredients may also be used in the composition of the invention. Suitable detersive ingredients are those conventional to the detergent formulators of laundry and cleaning products. Typical of such conventional detersive ingredients include detersive surfactants, builders, bleaching compounds, and mixtures thereof. Detersive Surfactants - Nonlimiting examples of surfactants useful herein typically at levels from 1 % to 55%, by weight, include the conventional C-| i -C-] 8 ^alky' benzene sulfonates ("LAS") and primary, branched-chain and random Cι θ'^c20 ^a| sulfates ("AS"), the C1 0- 1 8 secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH3(CH2)_x(CHOSO3^"M ⁺ ) CH3 and CH3(CH2)y(CHOSO3^"M ⁺ ) CH2CH3 where x and (y + 1 ) are integers of at least 7, preferably at least 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate, the C-| o~ i 8 ^a' alkoxy sulfates ("AE_XS"; especially x up to 7 EO ethoxy sulfates), C -J Q- I 8 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates (especially the EO 1 -5 ethoxycarboxylates), the ^C10-1 8 glycerol ethers, the C -J Q-C I S ^alky' polyglycosides and their corresponding sulfated polyglycosides, and C1 2- 1 8 alpha-sulfonated fatty acid esters. If desired, the conventional nonionic and amphoteric surfactants such as the C1 2-C1 8 a'M ethoxylates ("AE") including the so- called narrow peaked alkyl ethoxylates and C6-C1 2 alkyl phenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and mixed ethoxy/propoxy), C-] 2" i 8 betaines and sulfobetaines ("sultaines"), Ci O" -| 8 amine oxides, cationic surfactants and the like, can also be included in the overall compositions. The C1 0-C1 8 N- alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amides can also be used. Typical examples include the C-| 2-^c1 8 N-methylglucamides. See WO 9,206, 1 54. Other sugar-derived surfactants include the N-alkoxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as C 10-C1 8 N-(3-methoxypropyl) glucamide. The N-propyl through N-hexyl C-| 2~ i 8 glucamides can be used for low sudsing. C-| 0" C20 conventional soaps may also be used. If high sudsing is desired, the branched-chain C-| o~Cl 6 soaps may be used. Mixtures of anionic and nonionic surfactants are especially useful. Other conventional useful surfactants are listed in standard texts.

Builders - Detergent builders can optionally be included in the compositions herein to assist in controlling mineral hardness. Inorganic as well as organic builders can be used. Builders are typically used in fabric laundering compositions to assist in the removal of particulate soils.

The level of builder can vary widely depending upon the end use of the composition and its desired physical form. When present, the compositions will typically comprise at least 1 % builder, preferably from 1 % to 80%. Liquid formulations typically comprise from 5% to 50%, more typically 5% to 30%, by weight, of detergent builder. Granular formulations typically comprise from 1 % to 80%, more typically from 5% to 50% by weight, of the detergent builder. Lower or higher levels of builder, however, are not meant to be excluded.

Inorganic or P-containing detergent builders include, but are not limited to, the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates (exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta-phosphates), phosphonates, phytic acid, silicates, carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulphates, and aluminosilicates. However, non-phosphate builders are required in some locales. Importantly, the compositions herein function surprisingly well even in the presence of the so-called "weak" builders (as compared with phosphates) such as citrate, or in the so-called "underbuilt" situation that may occur with zeolite or layered silicate builders.

Examples of silicate builders are the alkali metal silicates, particularly those having a SiO2:Na2O ratio in the range 1 .0: 1 to 3.2: 1 and layered silicates, such as the layered sodium silicates described in U.S. 4,664,839. NaSKS-6 is the trademark for a crystalline layered silicate marketed by Hoechst (commonly abbreviated herein as "SKS-6"). Unlike zeolite builders, the Na SKS-6 silicate builder does not contain aluminum. NaSKS-6 has the delta- Na2Siθ5 morphology form of layered silicate. It can be prepared by methods such as those described in German DE-A-3, 41 7,649 and DE-A- 3,742,043. SKS-6 is a highly preferred layered silicate for use herein, but other such layered silicates, such as those having the general formula NaMSi_xθ2χ + 1 yH2θ wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1 .9 to 4, preferably 2, and y is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0 can be used herein. Various other layered silicates from Hoechst include NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7 and NaSKS-1 1 , as the alpha, beta and gamma forms. As noted above, the delta-Na2SiO5 (NaSKS-6 form) is most preferred for use herein. Other silicates may also be useful such as for example magnesium silicate, which can serve as a crispening agent in granular formulations, as a stabilizing agent for oxygen bleaches, and as a component of suds control systems. Examples of carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321 ,001 published on November 1 5, 1 973.

Aluminosilicate builders are useful in the present invention. Aluminosilicate builders are of great importance in most currently marketed heavy duty granular detergent compositions, and can also be a significant builder ingredient in liquid detergent formulations. Aluminosilicate builders include those having the empirical formula:

M_z/_n[(AIO₂)_z(SiO₂)y]-xH2θ wherein z and y are integers usually of at least 6, the molar ratio of z to y is in the range from 1 .0 to 0, and x is an integer from 0 to 264, and M is a Group IA or HA element, e.g., Na, K, Mg, Ca with valence n.

Useful aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are commercially available. These aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally-occurring aluminosilicates or synthetically derived. A method for producing aluminosilicate ion exchange materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,985,669, Krummel, et al, issued October 12, 1976. Preferred synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials useful herein are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite MAP and Zeolite X. In an especially preferred embodiment, the crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange material has the formula:

Na-| 2t(AIO2) l 2(^S'°2) 12]^-x 2° wherein x is from 20 to 30, especially 27. This material is known as

Zeolite A. Dehydrated zeolites (x = 0 - 10) may also be used herein.

Preferably, the aluminosilicate has a particle size of 0.1 -10 microns in diameter.

Organic detergent builders suitable for the purposes of the present invention include, but are not restricted to, a wide variety of polycarboxylate compounds. As used herein, "polycarboxylate" refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates. Polycarboxylate builder can generally be added to the composition in acid form, but can also be added in the form of a neutralized salt. When utilized in salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, or alkanolammonium salts are preferred. Included among the polycarboxylate builders are a variety of categories of useful materials. One important category of polycarboxylate builders encompasses the ether polycarboxylates, including oxydisuccinate, as disclosed in Berg, U.S. Patent 3, 1 28,287, issued April 7, 1 964, and Lamberti et al, U.S. Patent 3,635,830, issued January 1 8, 1 972. See also "TMS/TDS" builders of U.S. Patent 4,663,071 , issued to Bush et al, on May 5, 1 987. Suitable ether polycarboxylates also include cyclic compounds, particularly alicyclic compounds, such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,923,679; 3,835, 1 63; 4, 1 58,635; 4, 1 20,874 and 4, 102,903.

Other useful detergency builders include the ether hydroxypolycarboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1 , 3, 5- trihydroxy benzene-2, 4, 6-trisulphonic acid, and carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, the various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid, as well as polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, pyromellitic, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1 ,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.

Citrate builders, e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof (particularly sodium salt), are polycarboxylate builders of particular importance for heavy duty liquid detergent formulations due to their availability from renewable resources and their biodegradability. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Oxydisuccinates are also especially useful in such compositions and combinations.

Also suitable in the detergent compositions of the present invention are the 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa-1 ,6-hexanedioates and the related compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,566,984, Bush, issued January 28, 1 986. Useful succinic acid builders include the C5-C20 alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and salts thereof. A particularly preferred compound of this type is dodecenylsuccinic acid. Specific examples of succinate builders include: laurylsuccinate, myristylsuccinate, palmitylsuccinate, 2-dodecenylsuccinate (preferred), 2-pentadecenylsuccinate, and the like. Laurylsuccinates are the preferred builders of this group, and are described in EP 0,200,263.

Other suitable polycarboxylates are disclosed in U.S 4, 144,226 and in U.S. 3,308,067 . See also U.S. 3,723,322.

Fatty acids, e.g., C -| 2"Cl 8 monocarboxylic acids such as oleic acid and/or its salts, can also be incorporated into the compositions alone, or in combination with the aforesaid builders, especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity. Such use of fatty acids will generally result in a diminution of sudsing, which should be taken into account by the formulator.

In situations where phosphorus-based builders can be used, and especially in the formulation of bars used for hand-laundering operations, the various alkali metal phosphates such as the well-known sodium tripolyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium orthophosphate can be used. Phosphonate builders such as ethane-1 -hydroxy-1 , 1 -diphosphonate and other known phosphonates (see, for example, U.S. Patents 3, 1 59,581 ; 3,21 3,030; 3,422,021 ; 3,400, 148 and 3,422, 1 37) can also be used.

Bleaching Compounds - Bleaching Agents and Bleach Activators - The detergent compositions herein may optionally contain bleaching agents or bleaching compositions containing a bleaching agent and one or more bleach activators. When present, bleaching agents will typically be at levels of from 1 % to 30%, more typically from 5% to 20%, of the detergent composition, especially for fabric laundering. If present, the amount of bleach activators will typically be from 0.1 % to 60%, more typically from 0.5% to 40% of the bleaching composition comprising the bleaching agent- plus-bleach activator.

The bleaching agents used herein can be any of the bleaching agents useful for detergent compositions in textile cleaning or other cleaning purposes that are now known or become known. These include oxygen bleaches as well as other bleaching agents. Perborate bleaches, e.g., sodium perborate (e.g., mono- or tetra-hydrate) can be used herein. Another category of bleaching agent that can be used without restriction encompasses percarboxylic acid bleaching agents and salts thereof. Suitable examples of this class of agents include magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate, the magnesium salt of metachloro perbenzoic acid, 4-nonylamino-4-oxoperoxybutyric acid and diperoxydodecanedioic acid. Such bleaching agents are disclosed in U.S 4,483,781 , U.S 740,446, EP 0, 1 33,354, and U.S 4,41 2,934. Highly preferred bleaching agents also include 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid as described in U.S 4,634,551 .

Peroxygen bleaching agents can also be used. Suitable peroxygen bleaching compounds include sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate and equivalent "percarbonate" bleaches, sodium pyrophosphate peroxyhydrate, urea peroxyhydrate, and sodium peroxide. Persulfate bleach (e.g., OXONE, manufactured commercially by DuPont) can also be used.

A preferred percarbonate bleach comprises dry particles having an average particle size in the range from 500 micrometers to 1 ,000 micrometers, not more than 10% by weight of said particles being smaller than 200 micrometers and not more than 10% by weight of said particles being larger than 1 ,250 micrometers. Optionally, the percarbonate can be coated with silicate, borate or water-soluble surfactants. Percarbonate is available from various commercial sources such as FMC, Solvay and Tokai Denka.

Mixtures of bleaching agents can also be used.

Peroxygen bleaching agents, the perborates, the percarbonates, etc., are preferably combined with bleach activators, which lead to the in situ production in aqueous solution (i.e., during the washing process) of the peroxy acid corresponding to the bleach activator. Various nonlimiting examples of activators are disclosed in U.S 4,91 5,854, and U.S 4,41 2,934. The nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS), 3,5,5-tri-methyl hexanoyl oxybenzene sulfonate (ISONOBS) and tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) activators are typical, and mixtures thereof can also be used. See also U.S. 4,634,551 for other typical bleaches and activators useful herein.

Highly preferred amido-derived bleach activators are those of the formulae: R l N(R⁵)C(O)R²C(O)L or Rl C(O)N(R⁵)R²C(O)L wherein R^ is an alkyl group containing from 6 to 1 2 carbon atoms, R² is an alkylene containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R^ is H or alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and L is any suitable leaving group. A leaving group is any group that is displaced from the bleach activator as a consequence of the nucleophilic attack on the bleach activator by the perhydrolysis anion. A preferred leaving group is phenyl sulfonate.

Preferred examples of bleach activators of the above formulae include (6- octanamido-caproyDoxybenzenesulfonate, (6-nonanamidocaproyl)- oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-decanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof as described in U.S. Patent 4,634,551 , incorporated herein by reference.

Another class of bleach activators comprises the benzoxazin-type activators disclosed by Hodge et al in U.S. Patent 4,966,723. A highly preferred activator of the benzoxazin-type is:

Still another class of preferred bleach activators includes the acyl lactam activators, especially acyl caprolactams and acyl valerolactams of the formulae:

/ wherein R^ is H or an alkyl, aryl, alkoxyaryl, or alkaryl group containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Highly preferred lactam activators include benzoyl caprolactam, octanoyl caprolactam, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl caprolactam, nonanoyl caprolactam, decanoyl caprolactam, undecenoyl caprolactam, benzoyl valerolactam, octanoyl valerolactam, decanoyl valerolactam, undecenoyl valerolactam, nonanoyl valerolactam, 3,5,5- trimethylhexanoyl valerolactam and mixtures thereof. See also U.S. Patent 4,545,784, issued to Sanderson, October 8, 1 985, incorporated herein by reference, which discloses acyl caprolactams, including benzoyl caprolactam, adsorbed into sodium perborate.

Bleaching agents other than oxygen bleaching agents are also known in the art and can be utilized herein. One type of non-oxygen bleaching agent of particular interest includes photoactivated bleaching agents such as the sulfonated zinc and/or aluminum phthalocyanines. See U.S. Patent 4,033,71 8, issued July 5, 1 977 to Holcombe et al. If used, detergent compositions will typically contain from 0.025% to 1 .25%, by weight, of such bleaches, especially sulfonate zinc phthalocyanine.

If desired, the bleaching compounds can be catalyzed by means of a manganese compound. Such compounds are well known in the art and include, for example, the manganese-based catalysts disclosed in U.S. 5,246,621 , U.S. 5,244,594; U.S. 5, 1 94,416; U.S. 5, 1 1 4,606; and EP 549,271 A1 , 549,272A1 , 544,440A2, and 544,490A1 ; Preferred examples of these catalysts include Mn'^V2(u-O)3(1 ,4,7-trimethyl-1 ,4,7- triazacyclononane)2(PF6)2' Mn'"2(u-O) -| (u-OAc>2(1 ,4,7-trimethyl-1 ,4,7- triazacyclononane)2-(CIO4)2, Mn'^fu-O^d ,4,7- triazacyclononane)4(CIO4)4, Mn"'Mn^IV4(u-O) -| (u-OAc)2-d ,4,7-trimethyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)2(CIO4)3, Mn^,v( 1 ,4,7-trimethyl-1 ,4,7- triazacyclononane)- (OCH3)3(PF6>, and mixtures thereof. Other metal- based bleach catalysts include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. 4,430,243 and U.S. 5, 1 14,61 1 . The use of manganese with various complex ligands to enhance bleaching is also reported in the following US Patents: 4,728,455; 5,284,944; 5,246,61 2; 5,256,779; 5,280, 1 1 7; 5,274, 147; 5, 1 53, 1 61 ; and 5,227,084.

As a practical matter, and not by way of limitation, the compositions and processes herein can be adjusted to provide on the order of at least one part per ten million of the active bleach catalyst species in the aqueous washing liquor, and will preferably provide from 0.1 ppm to 700 ppm, more preferably from 1 ppm to 500 ppm, of the catalyst species in the laundry liquor. Other preferred optional ingredients include enzyme stabilisers, polymeric soil release agents, materials effective for inhibiting the transfer of dyes from one fabric to another during the cleaning process (i.e., dye transfer inhibiting agents), polymeric dispersing agents, suds suppressors, optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents, chelating agents, fabric softening clay, anti-static agents, other active ingredients, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments, solvents for liquid formulations and solid fillers for bar compositions.

Liquid detergent compositions can contain water and other solvents as carriers. Low molecular weight primary or secondary alcohols exemplified by methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol are suitable. Monohydric alcohols are preferred for solubilizing surfactant, but polyols such as those containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and from 2 to 6 hydroxy groups (e.g., 1 ,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, glycerine, and 1 ,2-propanediol) can also be used. The compositions may contain from 5% to 90%, typically 1 0% to 50% of such carriers.

Granular detergents can be prepared, for example, by spray-drying (final product density 520 g/l) or agglomerating (final product density above 600 g/l) the Base Granule. The remaining dry ingredients can then be admixed in granular or powder form with the Base Granule, for example in a rotary mixing drum, and the liquid ingredients (e.g., nonionic surfactant and perfume) can be sprayed on.

The detergent compositions herein will preferably be formulated such that, during use in aqueous cleaning operations, the wash water will have a pH of between 6.5 and 1 1 , preferably between 7.5 and 10.5. Laundry products are typically at pH 9-1 1 . Techniques for controlling pH at recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis, acids, etc., and are well known to those skilled in the art.

In another aspect of the invention, the present invention encompasses the use of a chlorine scavenger, in a composition comprising a modified polyamine polymer, for reducing malodours on treated fabrics. Method

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for providing color care to fabrics upon domestic treatment which comprises the step of contacting the fabrics with an aqueous medium comprising a composition as defined hereinbefore. Preferably, said aqueous medium is at a temperature between 2 to 40°C, more preferably between 5 to 25°C.

In a further aspect of the invention, the composition of the invention may be applied on a substrate, such as a dryer-sheet. Accordingly, there is also provided a method for providing color care on treated fabrics upon domestic treatment which comprises the step of contacting the fabrics with a composition as defined hereinbefore, wherein said composition is applied on a substrate, preferably a dryer-sheet. Preferably, where the composition of the invention is applied on a dryer-sheet, the compositions are used in tumble-drying processes.

By "color care", it is meant that fabrics which have been in contact with a composition of the invention, as defined hereinbefore, and which after, and/or prior and/or simultaneously washed with a detergent composition exhibit a better fabric color appearance compared to fabrics which have not been contacted with said composition.

Applications

The compositions of the invention are suitable for use in any steps of the domestic treatment, that is as a pre-treatment composition, as a wash additive as a composition suitable for use in the rinse-cycle of the laundry cycle or applied on a dryer-sheet. Obviously, for the purpose of the invention, multiple applications can be made such as treating the fabric with a pre-treatment composition of the invention and also thereafter with a composition of the invention suitable for use in the rinse cycle and/or suitable for use as a dryer-sheet. The compositions of the invention may also be in a spray, foam, or aerosol form which for example can be suitable for use while ironing, or applied on the surfaces of the tumble dryer. The color care benefit may either be assessed visually or by determination of the so-called delta-E values.

When the visual assessment is used, a panel of expert graders visually compare, according to the established panel score unit (PSU) scales, fabrics treated with and without the composition according to the present invention. A positive PSU value indicates a better performance (PSU scale: 0 = no difference, 1 = I think there is a difference, 2 = I know there is a difference, 3 = I know there is a lot of difference, 4 = I know there is a whole lot of difference).

Another method for the assessment of the color care benefit to fabrics is the determination of the so-called delta-E values. Delta E's are defined, for instance, in ASTM D2244. Delta E is the computed color difference as defined in ASTM D2244, i.e the magnitude and direction of the difference between two psychophysical color stimuli defined by tristimulus values, or by chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor, as computed by means of a specified set of color-difference equations defined in the CIE 1 976 CIELAB opponent-color space, the Hunter opponent-color space, the Friele- Mac Adam-Chickering color space or any equivalent color space.

The invention is illustrated in the following non limiting examples, in which all percentages are on an active weight basis unless otherwise stated.

In the examples, the abbreviated component identifications have the following meanings:

DEQA Di-(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride DOEQA Di-(oleyloxyethyl) dimethyl ammonium methylsulfate DTDMAC Ditallow dimethylammonium chloride DHEQA Di-(soft-tallowyl-oxy-ethyl) hydroxyethyl methyl ammonium methylsulfate

Fatty acid tallow fatty acid IV = 1 8 Electrolyte Calcium chloride DTDMAMS Ditallow dimethyl ammonium methylsulfate SDASA 1 :2 Ratio of stearyldimethyl amine:triple-pressed stearic acid Glycosperse S-20 Polyethoxylated sorbitan monostearate available from

Lonza

Clay Calcium Bentonite Clay, Bentonite L, sold by

Southern Clay Products

TAE25 Tallow alcohol ethoxylated with 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol

PEG Polyethylene Glycol 4000

PEI 1 800 E1 Ethoxylated polyethylene imine (MW 1 800, at 50% active) as synthesised in Synthesis example 1

PEI 1 800 E3 Ethoxylated polyethylene imine (MW 1 800, at 50% active) as synthesised as per Synthesis example 1

PEI 1 800 E7 AO Amine oxide of ethoxylated polyethylene imine (MW

1 800, at 50% active) as synthesised as per

Synthesis example 4

PEI 1 200 E1 Ethoxylated polyethylene imine (MW 1 200, at 50% active in water) as synthesised in Synthesis example

5

PEI 1 200 E2 Ethoxylated polyethylene imine (MW 1 200, at 50% active in water) as synthesised per Synthesis example

5

PEI 1 200 E7 Ethoxylated polyethylene imine (MW 1 200, at 50% active in water) as synthesised per Synthesis example

5

PEI 1 200 E7 AO Amine oxide of ethoxylated polyethylene imine (MW

1 200, at 50% active) as synthesised as per

Synthesis example 5 and 4

Dye Fix 1 Cationic dye fixing agent (50% active) available under the tradename Tinofix Eco from Ciba-Geigy

Dye Fix 2 Emulsified cationic dye fixative (30% active) available under the tradename Rewin SRF-O from CHT-Beitlich

NH4CI Ammonium chloride

LAS Sodium linear C1 2 ^a'^ky' benzene sulphonate

TAS Sodium tallow alcohol sulphate C25AS Sodium C-| 2" i 5 linear alkyl sulphate CxyEzS Sodium C -| _x-C-| y branched alkyl sulphate condensed with z moles of ethylene oxide C45E7 A Ci 4_i 5 predominantly linear primary alcohol condensed with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide

C25 E3 A Ci 2-1 5 branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of 3 moles of ethylene oxide

Cationic ester Mixture of C12/C14 choline ester Soap Sodium linear alkyl carboxylate derived from an

80/20 mixture of tallow and a coconut oils.

TFAA Cl 6^~Cl 8 ^a'^kv' N-methyl glucamide TPKFA C1 2-C1 4 topped whole cut fatty acids

Zeolite A Hydrated Sodium Aluminosilicate of formula

Na-| 2(A1 θ2Siθ2h 2- 27H2O having a primary particle size in the range from

0.1 to 1 0 micrometers

Citric acid Anhydrous citric acid Carbonate Anhydrous sodium carbonate with a particle size between 200μm and 900μm

Silicate Amorphous Sodium Silicate (Siθ2:Na2θ; 2.0 ratio)

Sulphate Anhydrous sodium sulphate Citrate Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate of activity 86.4% with a particle size distribution between 425μm and 850μm

MA/AA Copolymer of 1 :4 maleic/acrylic acid, average molecular weight about 70,000. CMC Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Savinase : Proteolytic enzyme of activity 4KNPU/g

Carezyme : Cellulytic enzyme of activity 1000 CEVU/g unless otherwise stated Termamyl : Amylolytic enzyme of activity 60KNU/g

Lipolase : Lipolytic enzyme of activity 1 0OkLU/g all sold by NOVO Industries A/S and of activity mentioned above unless otherwise specified PB4 Sodium perborate tetrahydrate of nominal formula

NaBO₂.3H2θ.H₂θ2

PB1 Anhydrous sodium perborate bleach of nominal formula NaBθ2-H2θ2

TAED Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine DTPMP Diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonate), marketed by Monsanto under the

Trade name Dequest 2060

Photoactivated Sulphonated Zinc Phthlocyanin encapsulated in bleach dextrin soluble polymer Brightener Disodium 4,4'-bis(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1 .3.5- triazin-2-yl)amino) stilbene-2:2'-disulphonate.

Silicone antifoam Polydimethyldiloxane foam controller with

Siloxane-oxyalkylene copolymer as dispersing agent with a ratio of said foam controller to said dispersing agent of 10: 1 to 100: 1 .

Synthesis Example 1 -Preparation of PEI 1 800 Ei

Step A)-The ethoxylation is conducted in a 2 gallon stirred stainless steel autoclave equipped for temperature measurement and control, pressure measurement, vacuum and inert gas purging, sampling, and for introduction of ethylene oxide as a liquid. A ~ 20 lb. net cylinder of ethylene oxide (ARC) is set up to deliver ethylene oxide as a liquid by a pump to the autoclave with the cylinder placed on a scale so that the weight change of the cylinder could be monitored.

A 750 g portion of polyethyleneimine (PEI) (Nippon Shokubai, Epomin SP- 01 8 having a listed average molecular weight of 1 800 equating to 0.41 7 moles of polymer and 1 7.4 moles of nitrogen functions) is added to the autoclave. The autoclave is then sealed and purged of air (by applying vacuum to minus 28" Hg followed by pressurization with nitrogen to 250 psia, then venting to atmospheric pressure). The autoclave contents are heated to 1 30 °C while applying vacuum. After about one hour, the autoclave is charged with nitrogen to about 250 psia while cooling the autoclave to about 1 05 °C. Ethylene oxide is then added to the autoclave incrementally over time while closely monitoring the autoclave pressure, temperature, and ethylene oxide flow rate. The ethylene oxide pump is turned off and cooling is applied to limit any temperature increase resulting from any reaction exotherm. The temperature is maintained between 1 00 and 1 1 0 °C while the total pressure is allowed to gradually increase during the course of the reaction. After a total of 750 grams of ethylene oxide has been charged to the autoclave (roughly equivalent to one mole ethylene oxide per PEI nitrogen function), the temperature is increased to 1 1 0 °C and the autoclave is allowed to stir for an additional hour. At this point, vacuum is applied to remove any residual unreacted ethylene oxide.

Step B)- The reaction mixture is then deodorized by passing about 1 00 cu. ft. of inert gas (argon or nitrogen) through a gas dispersion frit and through the reaction mixture while agitating and heating the mixture to 1 30 °C.

The final reaction product is cooled slightly and collected in glass containers purged with nitrogen.

In other preparations the neutralization and deodorization is accomplished in the reactor before discharging the product.

If a PEI 1 800 E7 is desired, the following step of catalyst addition will be included between Step A and B.

Vacuum is continuously applied while the autoclave is cooled to about 50 ° C while introducing 376 g of a 25% sodium methoxide in methanol solution ( 1 .74 moles, to achieve a 10% catalyst loading based upon PEI nitrogen functions). The methoxide solution is sucked into the autoclave under vacuum and then the autoclave temperature controller setpoint is increased to 1 30 °C. A device is used to monitor the power consumed by the agitator. The agitator power is monitored along with the temperature and pressure. Agitator power and temperature values gradually increase as methanol is removed from the autoclave and the viscosity of the mixture increases and stabilizes in about 1 hour indicating that most of the methanol has been removed. The mixture is further heated and agitated under vacuum for an additional 30 minutes. Vacuum is removed and the autoclave is cooled to 105 °C while it is being charged with nitrogen to 250 psia and then vented to ambient pressure. The autoclave is charged to 200 psia with nitrogen. Ethylene oxide is again added to the autoclave incrementally as before while closely monitoring the autoclave pressure, temperature, and ethylene oxide flow rate while maintaining the temperature between 1 00 and 1 10 °C and limiting any temperature increases due to reaction exotherm. After the addition of 4500 g of ethylene oxide (resulting in a total of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of PEI nitrogen function) is achieved over several hours, the temperature is increased to 1 1 0 °C and the mixture stirred for an additional hour.

The reaction mixture is then collected in nitrogen purged containers and eventually transferred into a 22 L three neck round bottomed flask equipped with heating and agitation. The strong alkali catalyst is neutralized by adding 1 67 g methanesulfonic acid ( 1 .74 moles).

Other preferred examples such as PEI 1 800 E2, PEI 1 800 E3, PEI 1 800 E1 5 and PEI 1 800 E20 can be prepared by the above method by adjusting the reaction time and the relative amount of ethylene oxide used in the reaction.

Synthesis Example 2 -4.7% Quaternization of PEI 1 800 E7

To a 500ml erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar is added poly(ethyleneimine), MW 1 800 ethoxylated to a degree of 7 (224g, 0.637 mol nitrogen, prepared as in Synthesis Example 1 ) and acetonitrile (Baker, 1 50g, 3.65 mol). Dimethyl sulfate (Aldrich, 3.8g, 0.030 mol) is added all at once to the rapidly stirring solution, which is then stoppered and stirred at room temperature overnight. The acetonitrile is evaporated on the rotary evaporator at ~ 60°C, followed by a Kugelrohr apparatus (Aldrich) at - 80° C to afford ~ 220g of the desired material as a dark brown viscous liquid. A 1 3Q-NMR (D2O) spectrum shows the absence of a peak at ~ 58ppm corresponding to dimethyl sulfate. A ^ H-NMR (D2O) spectrum shows the partial shifting of the peak at 2.5ppm (methylenes attached to unquaternized nitrogens) to ~ 3.0ppm. Synthesis Example 3 -Oxidation of 4.7% Quaternized PEI 1 800 E7

To a 500ml erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar is added poly(ethyleneimine), MW 1 800 which has been ethoxylated to a degree of 7, and - 4.7% quaternized with dimethyl sulfate ( 1 21 .7g, - 0.32 mol oxidizeable nitrogen, prepared as in Synthesis Example 2), hydrogen peroxide (Aldrich, 40g of a 50 wt% solution in water, 0.588 mol), and water (109.4g). The flask is stoppered, and after an initial exotherm the solution is stirred at room temperature overnight. A ¹ H-NMR (D2O) spectrum shows the total shifting of the methylene peaks at 2.5-3.0ppm to ~ 3.5ppm. To the solution is added ~ 5g of 0.5% Pd on alumina pellets, and the solution is allowed to stand at room temperature for ~ 3 days. Peroxide indicator paper shows that no peroxide is left in the system. The material is stored as a 46.5% solution in water.

Synthesis Example 4 -Formation of amine oxide of PEI 1 800 E7

To a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar is added polyethyleneimine having a molecular weight of 1 800 and ethoxylated to a degree of about 7 ethoxy groups per nitrogen (PEI-1 800, E7) (209 g, 0.595 mol nitrogen, prepared as in Synthesis Example I), and hydrogen peroxide (120 g of a 30 wt % solution in water, 1 .06 mol). The flask is stoppered, and after an initial exotherm the solution is stirred at room temperature overnight. ^ H-NMR (D2O) spectrum obtained on a sample of the reaction mixture indicates complete conversion. The resonances ascribed to methylene protons adjacent to unoxidized nitrogens have shifted from the original position at - 2.5 ppm to ~ 3.5 ppm. To the reaction solution is added approximately 5 g of 0.5% Pd on alumina pellets, and the solution is allowed to stand at room temperature for approximately 3 days. The solution is tested and found to be negative for peroxide by indicator paper. The material as obtained is suitably stored as a 51 .1 % active solution in water.

Synthesis Example 5 -Preparation of PEI 1 200 Ej_

A 750 g portion of polyethyleneimine (PEI) ( having a listed average molecular weight of 1 200 equating to about 0.625 moles of polymer and 1 7.4 moles of nitrogen functions) is added to the autoclave. The autoclave is then sealed and purged of air (by applying vacuum to minus 28" Hg followed by pressurization with nitrogen to 250 psia, then venting to atmospheric pressure). The autoclave contents are heated to 1 30 °C while applying vacuum. After about one hour, the autoclave is charged with nitrogen to about 250 psia while cooling the autoclave to about 1 05 °C. Ethylene oxide is then added to the autoclave incrementally over time while closely monitoring the autoclave pressure, temperature, and ethylene oxide flow rate. The ethylene oxide pump is turned off and cooling is applied to limit any temperature increase resulting from any reaction exotherm. The temperature is maintained between 1 00 and 1 1 0 °C while the total pressure is allowed to gradually increase during the course of the reaction. After a total of 750 grams of ethylene oxide has been charged to the autoclave (roughly equivalent to one mole ethylene oxide per PEI nitrogen function), the temperature is increased to 1 10 °C and the autoclave is allowed to stir for an additional hour. At this point, vacuum is applied to remove any residual unreacted ethylene oxide.

The final reaction product is cooled slightly and collected in glass containers purged withi nitrogen.

In other preparations the neutralization and deodorization is accomplished in the reactor before discharging the product. If a PEI 1 200 E7 is desired, the following step of catalyst addition will be included between Step A and B.

Vacuum is continuously applied while the autoclave is cooled to about 50 ° C while introducing 376 g of a 25% sodium methoxide in methanol solution ( 1 .74 moles, to achieve a 1 0% catalyst loading based upon PEI nitrogen functions). The methoxide solution is sucked into the autoclave under vacuum and then the autoclave temperature controller setpoint is increased to 1 30 °C. A device is used to monitor the power consumed by the agitator. The agitator power is monitored along with the temperature and pressure. Agitator power and temperature values gradually increase as methanol is removed from the autoclave and the viscosity of the mixture increases and stabilizes in about 1 hour indicating that most of the methanol has been removed. The mixture is further heated and agitated under vacuum for an additional 30 minutes.

Vacuum is removed and the autoclave is cooled to 105 °C while it is being charged with nitrogen to 250 psia and then vented to ambient pressure. The autoclave is charged to 200 psia with nitrogen. Ethylene oxide is again added to the autoclave incrementally as before while closely monitoring the autoclave pressure, temperature, and ethylene oxide flow rate while maintaining the temperature between 100 and 1 1 0 °C and limiting any temperature increases due to reaction exotherm. After the addition of 4500 g of ethylene oxide (resulting in a total of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of PEI nitrogen function) is achieved over several hours, the temperature is increased to 1 10 °C and the mixture stirred for an additional hour.

Other preferred examples such as PEI 1 200 E2, PEI 1 200 E3, PEI 1 200 E1 5 and PEI 1 200 E20 can be prepared by the above method by adjusting the reaction time and the relative amount of ethylene oxide used in the reaction. The corresponding amine oxide of the above ethoxylated PEI can also be prepared following synthesis Example 4.

Synthesis Example 6 -9.7% Quaternization of PEI 1 200 E7

To a 500ml erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar is added poly(ethyleneimine), MW 1 200 ethoxylated to a degree of 7 (248.4g, 0.707 mol nitrogen, prepared as in Synthesis Example 5) and acetonitrile (Baker, 200 mL). Dimethyl sulfate (Aldrich, 8.48g, 0.067 mol) is added all at once to the rapidly stirring solution, which is then stoppered and stirred at room temperature overnight. The acetonitrile is evaporated on the rotary evaporator at ~ 60°C, followed by a Kugelrohr apparatus (Aldrich) at - 80° C to afford ~ 220g of the desired material as a dark brown viscous liquid. A ¹ c-NMR (D2O) spectrum shows the absence of a peak at ~ 58ppm corresponding to dimethyl sulfate. A ^ H-NMR (D2O) spectrum shows the partial shifting of the peak at 2.5ppm (methylenes attached to unquaternized nitrogens) to ~ 3.0ppm.

Synthesis Example 7-4.7% Oxidation of 9.5% Quaternized PEI 1 200 E7

To a 500ml erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar is added poly(ethyleneimine), MW 1 200 which has been ethoxylated to a degree of 7, and - 9.5% quaternized with dimethyl sulfate ( 1 44g, - 0.37 mol oxidizeable nitrogen, prepared as in Example 6), hydrogen peroxide (Aldrich, 35.4g of a 50 wt% solution in water, 0.52 mol), and water ( 1 00g). The flask is stoppered, and after an initial exotherm the solution is stirred at room temperature overnight. A ^ H-NMR (D2O) spectrum shows the total shifting of the methylene peaks at 2.5-3.0ppm to ~ 3.5ppm. To the solution is added just enough sodium bisulfite as a 40% water solution to bring the residual peroxide level down to 1 -5ppm. The sodium sulfate which forms causes an aqueous phase to separate which contains salts, but little or no organics. The aqueous salt phase is removed and the desired oxidized polyethyleneimine derivative is obtained and stored as a 52% solution in water.

Example 1 The following compositions are in accordance with the present invention

Example 2

The following compositions for use as dryer-added sheets are in accordance with the invention

Example 3

The following detergent formulations X and Y, are in accordance with the present invention:

Example 4

The following liquid detergent formulation, according to the present invention was prepared:

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 -A composition comprising a modified amino-functional polymer and a chlorine scavenger, wherein said chlorine scavenger is selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts.

2-Use of an ammonium salt, in a composition comprising a modified polyamine polymer, for reducing malodours on treated fabrics.

3-A composition or use according to either one of Claim 1 or 2, wherein said modified amino-functional polymer comprises a polyamine backbone corresponding to the formula:

T' I

[R₂N-R]n+1 -[ -R]_m-[N-R]_n-NR₂

having a modified polyamine formula V(_{n +} -| )W_mY_nZ; or a polyamine backbone corresponding to the formula:

having a polyamine formula Vjp.^+ i jWmYnY ^Z, wherein k is less than or equal to n, said polyamine backbone has a molecular weight greater than 200 daltons, wherein i) V units are terminal units having the formula:

ii) W units are backbone units having the formula:

— ψ-R— or —N f-R— _or — N ?-R— R' R' R' iii) Y units are branching units having the formula:

iv) Y^* units are branch point for a backbone or branch ring having the formula:

— N-R — or — N τl-^χR- — _or — N ?-R — I I ^or I

R R R

v) Z units are terminal units having the formula:

wherein backbone linking R units are selected from the group consisting of C2-C12 alkylene, C4-C12 alkenylene, C3-C12 hydroxyalkylene, C4-C12 dihydroxy-alkylene, C8-C12 dialkylarylene, -(R¹ O)_xR¹ -, -(R¹ O)_xR⁵(OR¹ )_x-, -(CH₂CH(OR²)CH2O)_z(R¹ O)yR ' (OCH₂CH(OR²)CH2)w-' -C(O)(R⁴)_rC(O)-, - CH2CH(OR²)CH2-, and mixtures thereof;

wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of C2-C6 alkylene and mixtures thereof; R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, - (R¹ O)_xB, and mixtures thereof; R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of ^c1 "^c12 alkylene, C4-C12 alkenylene, C8-C12 arylalkylene, Cβ-C-jo arylene, and mixtures thereof; R^ is selected from the group consisting of C-j -Ci 2 alkylene, C3-C12 hydroxyalkylene, C4-C12 dihydroxy-alkylene, C₈-C_{1 2} dialkylarylene, -C(O)-, -C(O)NHR6NHC(O)-, -R1 (0R1 )-, - C(O)(R )_rC(O)-, -CH₂CH(OH)CH₂-,

CH2CH(OH)CH2θ(R¹ O)_yR¹ OCH2CH(OH)CH2-, and mixtures thereof; R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of C2-C12 alkylene or Cø-Ci 2 arylene; R' units are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 -C22 alkyl, C3-C22 alkenyl, C7-C22 arylalkyl, C2-C22 hydroxyalkyl, -(CH2) Cθ2M, - (CH₂)_qSO₃M, -CH(CH₂C0₂M)CO₂M, -(CH₂)_pP0₃M, -(R¹ O)_xB, -C(0)R³, and mixtures thereof; B is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, -(CH2>qSO₃M, -(CH₂)_pCO2M, -(CH₂)q(CHSθ3M)CH₂Sθ3M, - (CH₂)q-(CHSθ2M)CH₂Sθ3M, -(CH₂)_pPO₃M, -PO3M, and mixtures thereof; R³ is selected from the group consisting of C-j- i s alkyl, C7-C-12 arylalkyl, C7-C12 ^alky' substituted aryl, Cβ-C^ aryl, and mixtures thereof; M is hydrogen or a water soluble cation in sufficient amount to satisfy charge balance; X is a water soluble anion; m has the value from 2 to 700; n has the value from 0 to 350; p has the value from 1 to 6, q has the value from 0 to 6; r has the value of 0 or 1 ; w has the value 0 or 1 ; x has the value from 1 to 100; y has the value from 0 to 100; z has the value 0 or 1 .

4-A composition or use according to Claim 3, wherein said R' units are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C3-C22 hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, C^<| -C₂2 alkyl, -(R¹ O)_xB, -CtOJRS, -(CH₂)_pCO₂-M + , -(CH2)_qSO₃- M ⁺ , -CH(CH2CO2M)CO2M and mixtures thereof, preferably R' units are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C22 alkyl, -(R¹0)_xB, - C(O)R3, and mixtures thereof, more preferably R' units are -(R¹ O)_xB.

5-A composition or use according to either one of Claims 3 or 4, wherein x has a value lying in the range of from 1 to 20, preferably from 1 to 10.

6-A composition or use according to any one of Claims 1-5, wherein said composition further comprises a dye fixing agent, preferably a cationic dye fixing agent, more preferably a polycationic dye fixing agent.

7-A composition or use according to any one of Claim 1-6, wherein said composition further comprises a dispersible polyolefin.

8-A composition or use according to any one of Claims 1 -7, wherein said composition further comprises a fabric softener, preferably a cationic fabric softener, more preferably a biodegradable cationic fabric softener selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursors having the formula (I) or (II), below :

(I) (II)

wherein Q is selected from -O-C(O)-, -C(O)-O-, -O-C(O)-O-, -NR⁴-C(O)-,

C(O)-NR⁴-;

R is (CH₂)_n-Q-T² or T³;

R² is (CH₂)m-Q-T⁴ or τ5 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 C6-C22 alkyl or alkenyl; n and m are integers from 1 to 4; and

X" is a softener-compatible anion.

9- A composition or use according to any one of Claims 1-8, wherein said composition further comprises one or more detersive ingredients.

10- A composition according to any one of Claims 1 -9, wherein said composition further comprises an enzyme, preferably a cellulase.

1 1 -A composition or use according to any one of Claims 1 -10, wherein said composition is in a liquid form.

12-A composition or use according to any one of Claim 1-10, wherein said composition is applied on a substrate, preferably a dryer-sheet.

13-A method for providing color care on treated fabrics upon domestic treatment which comprises the step of contacting the fabrics with an aqueous medium comprising a composition as defined in Claim 1 or any one of Claim 3-12.

14-A method according to Claim 13, wherein said aqueous medium is at a temperature between 2 to 40°C, preferably between 5 to 25°C. 15-A method for providing color care on treated fabrics upon domestic treatment which comprises the step of contacting the fabrics with a composition as defined in Claim 12.