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P83072 / 2021 P00268EP

Super-concentrated dilutable powder for dishwashing application

The present invention relates to concentrates to be diluted with water for hard surface cleaning purposes, in particular manual dishwashing purposes, comprising at least one surfactant and a rheology modifier system comprising xanthan and/or a derivative thereof and guar gum and/or a derivative thereof. The present invention further relates to the use thereof as well as to a method of preparation, which comprises diluting the concentrate with water.

To minimize packaging, storage and transport costs, many products in the homecare sector are now offered as concentrates, which contain a higher level of washing- and cleaning-active ingredients than conventional products. The concentrates are either used by the consumer directly for washing or cleaning, in which case a lower quantity corresponding to the concentration is required, or they are first diluted with a specified quantity of water and only then applied like a conventional product. In a number of countries, particularly countries in which the majority of people has low income, concentrates are offered, which, after dilution with water, are used by the consumer in the same way as conventional hand dishwashing detergents. Washing and cleaning compositions provided in the form of concentrates thus constitute an excellent solution for low-income consumers seeking financial leniency, since the production, packaging, transport and storage of concentrates is less costly compared to conventional product forms.

For exactly those reasons, concentrates are also appealing to sustainability-driven consumers, who make the reduction of emission at least one of their priorities when making shopping decisions.

However, in addition to any of the aforementioned advantages that can be associated with concentrates, a respective product must nonetheless fulfill a complex profile of requirements in order to find acceptance with consumers. In other words, in addition to the primary washing and cleaning effect as well as transport and storage stability, consumers expect not only an attractive appearance, a pleasant fragrance and good skin compatibility, but also, in particular, easy handling and dosing. For this reason, in a number of applications, such as manual dishwashing or the cleaning of other hard surfaces, consumers prefer products resulting, after dilution with water, in a product having a viscosity appropriate for application, particularly a viscosity that allows forthe product to be dosed more accurately and to run more slowly on inclined and, in particular, vertical surfaces, i.e. act longer on the surface to be cleaned. It is furthermore generally desired that the final product forms quickly, readily, and without too much effort (i.e., gentle to moderate shaking of the aqueous mixture for a few seconds only without the need for repetitive shaking), and that the final product, upon dilution of the concentrate with water, exhibits a favorable flow behavior and no excessive bubbling/foaming.

Even though a plethora of cleaning compositions in the form of concentrates is known in the art and widely marketed, the need for improved compositions that meet the customers’ demands, as indicated above, remains. This objective has been solved by the present inventors, who have surprisingly found that the addition of a rheology modifier system, as herein described below, provides for the desired properties in terms of handleability, viscosity, and aesthetics of the final diluted product form.

Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a solid composition, particularly a manual dishwashing detergent composition, said composition being a concentrate to be diluted with water, characterized in that it comprises at least one surfactant and a rheology modifier system comprising at least two rheology modifiers, wherein the first rheology modifier of said at least two rheology modifiers is selected from xanthan, xanthan derivatives, and mixtures thereof, and the second rheology modifier of said at least two rheology modifiers is selected from guar gum, guar gum derivatives, and mixtures thereof, wherein the amount of rheology modifying system in the solid composition is between about 10 to 35 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the solid composition, wherein the amount of the at least two rheology modifiers in the rheology modifying system is between about 70 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the rheology modifying system, and the weight ratio of the first rheology modifier and the second rheology modifier is between about 10:90 to 30:70.

The present invention further relates to the use of a solid composition, as herein described, for cleaning hard surfaces, preferably for cleaning dishes, more preferably for manual dishwashing purposes, and to the use of a solid composition, as herein described, for the preparation of a dilute aqueous hard surface cleaning composition, preferably for the preparation of a dilute dishwashing detergent composition, more preferably for the preparation of a dilute manual dishwashing detergent composition.

In yet another aspect, the present inventio also relates to a method for the preparation of a dilute aqueous hard surface cleaning composition, preferably a dilute dishwashing detergent composition, more preferably a dilute manual dishwashing detergent composition, characterized in that a solid composition, as described herein, is diluted with about 10 to about 40 parts, preferably about 15 to about 35 parts, more preferably about 20 to about 30 parts, particularly about 22 to about 29 parts of water, based on the weight of the solid composition.

Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

When wt.-% values are given, they are based on the total weight of the composition(s) of the present invention, except explicitly stated otherwise. Numerical ranges given in the format "from x to y" include the above values. When multiple preferred numerical ranges are given in this format, it is understood that all ranges resulting from the combination of the various endpoints are also included.

“About”, as used herein in relation to a numerical value, means said value ±10%, preferably ±5%.

The term “solid”, as used herein, means a powder, granule, extrudate or compact composition. The term “liquid”, as used herein, refers to compounds or mixtures of compounds that are flowable and pourable at room temperature (about 15 °C to about 25 °C), including gels and paste-like compositions, and further to non-Newtonian liquids that exhibit a yield point.

In the present specification, the terms “a” and “an” and “at least one” are the same as the term “one or more” and can be employed interchangeably.

“One or more”, as used herein, relates to at least one and comprises 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more of the referenced species. Similarly, "at least one," as used herein, includes but is not limited to 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and more. With respect to an ingredient, it refers to the type of ingredient and not to the absolute number of molecules. "At least one surfactant" thus means, for example, at least one type of surfactant, meaning that one type of surfactant or a mixture of several different surfactants may be meant. Together with weight indications, the indication refers to all compounds of the indicated type contained in the composition/mixture, i.e., that the composition does not contain any further compounds of this type beyond the indicated amount of the corresponding compounds.

Where reference is made herein to molar masses, this information always refers to the number-average molar mass M _n , unless explicitly stated otherwise. The number average molar mass can be determined, for example, by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) according to DIN 55672-1 :2007-08 with THF as eluent. The weight average molecular weight M _w can also be determined by GPC as described for M _n .

Whenever alkaline earth metals are mentioned in the following as counterions for monovalent anions, this means that the alkaline earth metal is naturally present only in half the amount of substance - sufficient for charge balance - as the anion.

In the context of the present invention, fatty acids or fatty alcohols or derivatives thereof - unless otherwise indicated - are representative of branched or unbranched carboxylic acids or alcohols or derivatives thereof preferably having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. The former are preferred for ecological reasons, in particular because of their vegetable basis as being based on renewable raw materials, without, however, limiting the teaching according to the invention to them. In particular, the oxo-alcohols obtainable, for example, according to the ROELEN oxo-synthesis or their derivatives can also be used accordingly.

INCI means that the following or preceding name is a name according to the International Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients of The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA). The indication CAS means that the following sequence of numbers is a designation of the Chemical Abstracts Service.

The compositions according to the present invention may be referred to as “homecare compositions” or “household cleaners”. Household cleaners within the meaning of the present invention are, for example, cleaning agents for cleaning hard surfaces, such as window cleaners, bath cleaners, WC cleaners or dishwashing detergents, including hand dishwashing detergents and dishwashing detergents for machine use. Particularly preferably, the compositions disclosed herein are manual dishwashing detergent compositions.

According to the present invention, the solid compositions are in the form of concentrates to be diluted with water, which result in end-use products, i.e., dilute aqueous products, that form quickly, readily, and without too much effort (i.e., gentle to moderate shaking of the aqueous mixture for a few seconds only without the need for repetitive shaking). The resultant end-use product exhibits an appropriate viscosity, a favorable flow behavior, and no excessive bubbling/foaming, that is, no excessive bubbling/foaming upon formation of the product.

Rheology Modifier System

The solid compositions of the present invention comprise at least one rheology modifier system comprising at least two rheology modifiers, wherein the first rheology modifier of said at least two rheology modifiers is selected from xanthan, xanthan derivatives, and mixtures thereof, and the second rheology modifier of said at least two rheology modifiers is selected from guar gum, guar gum derivatives, and mixtures thereof. In the context of the present invention, the term “xanthan derivative” refers to a derivative of xanthan appropriate for employment as a rheology modifier in the context of aqueous compositions. According to certain embodiments, a xanthan derivative is selected from the group consisting of products resulting from chemical modification and/or crosslinking of xanthan gum via etherification, esterification, acetalation, amidation, or oxidation. Non-limiting examples of xanthan gums suitable for application in the context of the present invention include ethoxylated, propoxylated, and carboxymethylated xanthans, such as O-carboxymethyl xanthan gum and carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl xanthan gum; vinyl-functioned derivatives using one or more of glycidyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, acryloyl chloride, and maleic anhydride as modifying agent; and (graft) copolymerization products of xanthan with synthetic or naturally occurring monomers or polymers, non-limiting examples of which include poly(acrylamide), poly(acrylonitrile), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylamide), and poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone); as well as mixtures of the aforementioned. In the context of the present invention, the term “guar gum derivate” refers to a derivative of guar gum appropriate for employment as a rheology modifier in the context of aqueous compositions. According to certain embodiments, a guar gum derivative is selected from the group consisting of products resulting from chemical modification and/or crosslinking of guar gum via etherification, esterification, acetalation, amidation, or oxidation. Non-limiting examples of guar gum derivatives suitable for application in the context of the present invention include ethoxylated, propoxylated, carboxymethylated guar gums, such as O- carboxymethyl guar gum and carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar gum; vinyl-functioned derivatives using one or more of glycidyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, acryloyl chloride, and maleic anhydride as modifying agent; and (graft) copolymerization products of guar gum with synthetic or naturally occurring monomers or polymers, non-limiting examples of which include poly(acrylamide), poly(acrylonitrile), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylamide), and poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone); as well as mixtures of the aforementioned.

According to the present invention, the rheology modifying system is present in the solid composition in an amount of about 10 to 35 wt.-%, preferably about 12 to 32 wt.-%, more preferably about 15 to 30 wt.- %, such as about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24,2 5,2 6, 27, 28, 29 or 30 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the solid composition.

The amount of the at least two rheology modifiers, as herein defined, in the rheology modifying system is between about 70 to 100 wt.-%, preferably about 75 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably about 80 to 100 wt.-%, still more preferably about 85 to 100 %, particularly about 90 to 100 wt.-%, such as, for instance but without limitation, about 90, 91 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the rheology modifying system.

According to the present invention, the weight ratio of the first rheology modifier and the second rheology modifier is between about 10:90 to 30:70, preferably between about 12:89 to 28:72, more preferably between about 15:85 to 25:75, still more preferably between about 17:83 to 27:73.

In various embodiments, the rheology modifier system contains not more than two rheology modifiers, i.e., the first rheology modifier and the second rheology modifier, as herein defined above.

In various embodiments, the first rheology modifier consists of xanthan and a derivative thereof, wherein the amount of xanthan derivative is not more than 50 wt.-%, preferably not more than 40 wt.-%, more preferably not more than 30 wt.-%, still more preferably not more than 20 wt.-%, such as not more than 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 , 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 or 0.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the first rheology modifier.

In various embodiments, the second rheology modifier consists of guar gum and a derivative thereof, wherein the amount of guar gum derivative is not more than 50 wt.-%, preferably not more than 40 wt.- %, more preferably not more than 30 wt.-%, still more preferably not more than 20 wt.-%, such as not more than 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 , 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 or 0.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the second rheology modifier.

In various further embodiments, the first rheology modifier is xanthan and the second rheology modifier is guar gum. In further such embodiments, the rheology system consists of xanthan and guar gum.

Surfactants

The solid composition according to the present invention further comprises at least one detersive surfactant. In various embodiments, the solid composition comprises at least one surfactant, preferably at least two surfactants, selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.

The composition according to the invention preferably contains surfactants in a total quantity of 50 to about 90 wt.-%, preferably about 60 to about 85 wt.-%, more preferably about 65 to about 80 wt.-%, for example 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 , 82, 84 or 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Anionic Surfactants

The anionic surfactants, which may be used in accordance with the invention, include aliphatic sulfates, such as fatty alcohol sulfates and fatty alcohol ether sulfates, dialkyl ether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates and aliphatic sulfonates such as alkane sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, ether sulfonates, n-alkyl ether sulfonates, ester sulfonates and lignin sulfonates. Also useful in the context of the present invention are alkyl benzene sulfonates, fatty acid cyanamides, sulfosuccinic acid esters, fatty acid isethionates, acylaminoalkane sulfonates (fatty acid taurides), fatty acid sarcosinates, ether carboxylic acids and alkyl (ether) phosphates.

Suitable anionic surfactants also include anionic gemini surfactants with a diphenyl oxide basic structure, two sulfonate groups and an alkyl group on one or both benzene rings corresponding to the formula

-O3S(C ₆ H3R)O(C ₆ H3R')SO3- in which R is an alkyl group containing, for example, 6, 10, 12 or 16 carbon atoms and R' stands for R or H (Dowfax® Dry Hydrotrope Powder containing C alkyl group(s); INCI: Sodium Hexyldiphenyl Ether Sulfonate, Disodium Decyl Phenyl Ether Disulfonate, Disodium Lauryl Phenyl Ether Disulfonate, Disodium Cetyl Phenyl Ether Disulfonate) and fluorinated anionic surfactants, more particularly perfluorinated alkyl sulfonates, such as ammonium C9/10 perfluoroalkyl sulfonate (Fluorad® FC 120) and perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid potassium salt (Fluorad® FC 95).

Alkyl Ether Sulfates

Alkyl ether sulfates (fatty alcohol ether sulfates, INCI Alkyl Ether Sulfates) are products of sulfation reactions on alkoxylated alcohols. Alkoxylated alcohols are generally understood by the expert to be the reaction products of alkylene oxide, preferably ethylene oxide, with alcohols — in the context of the invention preferably with relatively long-chain alcohols, i.e. with aliphatic straight-chain or single- or multiple-branch, acyclic or cyclic, saturated or mono- or polyunsaturated, preferably straight-chain, acyclic saturated alcohols containing 6 to 22, preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16 and most preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms. Depending on the reaction conditions, a complex mixture of addition products with different degrees of ethoxylation is generally formed from n moles ethylene oxide and one mole alcohol (n =1 to 30, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 10 and most preferably 1 to 5). Another embodiment of the alkoxylation consists in using mixtures of the alkylene oxides, preferably a mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Fatty alcohols with low degrees of ethoxylation, i.e. with 1 to 4 ethylene oxide units (EO), more particularly 1 to 2 EO, for example 1 .3 EO, such as Na Ci2-i4fatty alcohol+1.3 EO sulfate, are most particularly preferred for the purposes of the invention.

The alkyl ether sulfates (as well as other anionic surfactants) are normally used in the form of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and/or mono-, di- or trialkanolammonium salts and/or in the form of the corresponding acids to be neutralized with the corresponding alkali metal hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or mono-, di or trialkanolamine. Preferred alkali metals are potassium and in particular sodium, preferred alkaline earth metals are calcium and in particular magnesium and preferred alkanolamines are mono-, di- or triethanolamine. The sodium salts are particularly preferred.

Alkyl Sulfonates

The alkyl sulfonates (INCI Sulfonic Acids) normally contain an aliphatic, straight-chain or single- or multiple-branch, acyclic or cyclic, saturated or mono- or polyunsaturated, preferably branched, acyclic, saturated alkyl group containing 6 to 22, preferably 9 to 20, more preferably 11 to 18 and most preferably 13 to 17 carbon atoms. Accordingly, suitable alkyl sulfonates are the saturated alkane sulfonates, the unsaturated olefin sulfonates and the ether sulfonates (formally derived from the alkoxylated alcohols on which the alkyl ether sulfates are also based) where terminal ester sulfonates (n-ether sulfonates) with the sulfonate function attached to the polyether chain and internal ester sulfonates (i-ester sulfonates) with the sulfonate function attached to the alkyl group. According to the invention, the alkane sulfonates, more particularly alkane sulfonates with a branched, preferably secondary, alkyl group, for example the secondary alkanesulfonate sec. Na C13-17 alkane sulfonate (INCI Sodium C -17 Alkyl Sec. Sulfonate), are preferred.

The alkyl ether sulfates and alkyl sulfonates as well as other anionic surfactants are normally used in the form of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and/or mono-, di- or trialkanolammonium salts and/or in the form of the corresponding acids to be neutralized with the corresponding alkali metal hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or mono-, di or trialkanolamine. Preferred alkali metals are potassium and in particular sodium, preferred alkaline earth metals are calcium and in particular magnesium and preferred alkanolamines are mono-, di- or triethanolamine. The sodium salts are particularly preferred.

Anionic Sulfosuccinic Acid Surfactants

Particularly preferred anionic surfactants are the anionic sulfosuccinic acid surfactants sulfosuccinates, sulfosuccinamates and sulfosuccinamides, more particularly sulfosuccinates and sulfosuccinamates and most preferably sulfosuccinates. The sulfosuccinates are the salts of the mono- and diesters of sulfosuccinic acid HOOCCH(SC>3H)CH2COOH while the sulfosuccinamates are understood to be the salts of the monoamides of sulfosuccinic acid and the sulfosuccinamides are understood to be the salts of the diamides of sulfosuccinic acid. A detailed description of these known anionic surfactants is provided by A. Domsch and B. Irrgang in Anionic Surfactants: Organic Chemistry (edited by H. W. Stache; Surfactant Science Series; Volume 56; ISBN 0-8247-9394-2; Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York 1996, pages 501-549). The salts are preferably alkali metal salts, ammonium salts and mono-, di- and trialkanolammonium salts, for example mono-, di- and triethanolammonium salts, more particularly lithium, sodium, potassium and ammonium salts, more preferably sodium and ammonium salts and most preferably sodium salts.

In the sulfosuccinates, one or both carboxyl groups of the sulfosuccinic acid is/are preferably esterified with one or two identical or different unbranched, branched, saturated or unsaturated, acyclic or cyclic, optionally alkoxylated alcohols containing 4 to 22, preferably 6 to 20, more preferably 8 to 18, most preferably 10 to 16 and, in one most particularly preferred embodiment, 12 to 14 carbon atoms. Particular preference is attributed to the esters of unbranched and/or saturated and/or acyclic and/or alkoxylated alcohols, more particularly unbranched saturated fatty alcohols and/or unbranched saturated fatty alcohols alkoxylated with ethylene and/or propylene oxide, preferably ethylene oxide, with a degree of alkoxylation of 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 15, more preferably 1 to 10, most preferably 1 to 6 and, in one most particularly preferred embodiment, 1 to 4. According to the invention, the monoesters are preferrably the diesters. A particularly preferred sulfosuccinate is sulfosuccinic acid lauryl polyglycol ester disodium salt (lauryl-EO-sulfosuccinate, disodium salt, INCI Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate) which is commercially obtainable, for example, as Tego® Sulfosuccinat F30 (Goldschmidt) with a sulfosuccinate content of 30% by weight.

In the sulfosuccinamates or sulfosuccinamides, one or both carboxyl groups of the sulfosuccinic acid preferably form a carboxylic acid amide with a primary or secondary amine which carries one or two identical or different, unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, acyclic or cyclic, optionally alkoxylated alkyl groups containing 4 to 22, preferably 6 to 20, more preferably 8 to 18, most preferably 10 to 16 and, in one most particularly preferred embodiment, 12 to 14 carbon atoms. Unbranched and/or saturated and/or acyclic alkyl groups, more particularly unbranched saturated fatty alkyl groups, are particularly preferred.

Also suitable are, for example, the following sulfosuccinates and sulfosuccinamates referred to by their INCI names which are described in more detail in International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook: Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Diammonium Dimethicone Copolyol Sulfosuccinate, Diammonium Lauramido-MEA Sulfosuccinate, Diammonium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Diammonium Oleamido PEG-2 Sulfosuccinate, Diamyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Dicapryl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Dicyclohexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Diheptyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Dihexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Diisobutyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocamido MIPA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocamido PEG-3 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Deceth-5 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Deceth-6 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Dihydroxyethyl Sulfosuccinylundecylenate, Disodium Dimethicone Copolyol Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Isodecyl Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Isostearamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Isostearamido MIPA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Isostearyl Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauramido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauramido PEG-2 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauramido PEG-5 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth-6 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth-12 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Myristamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Nonoxynol-10 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Oleamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Oleamido MIPA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Oleamido PEG-2 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Oleyl Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Palmitamido PEG-2 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Palmitoleamido PEG-2 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium PEG-4 Cocamido MIPA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate, Disodium PEG-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Ricinoleamido MEA- Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Stearamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate, Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Tallamido MEA- Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Tallowamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Tallow Sulfosuccinamate, Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate, Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Undecylenamido PEG-2 Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Wheat Germamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Wheat Germamido PEG-2 Sulfosuccinate, Di-TEA-Oleamido PEG-2 Sulfosuccinate, Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate, Sodium/MEA Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate and Tetrasodium Dicarboxyethyl Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate. Another suitable sulfosuccinamate is disodium- Ci6-i8-alkoxypropylene sulfosuccinamate.

Preferred anionic sulfosuccinic acid surfactants are imidosuccinate, mono-Na-sulfosuccinic acid diisobutyl ester (Monawet( MB 45), mono-Na-sulfosuccinic acid dioctyl ester (Monawet® MO-84 R2W, Rewopol® SB DO 75), mono-Na-sulfosuccinic acid di-tridecyl ester (Monawet® MT 70), fatty alcohol polyglycol sulfosuccinate-Na-NH4salt (sulfosuccinate, S-2), di-Na-sulfosuccinic acid mono-Ci2-i4-3EO ester (Texapon® SB-3), sodium sulfosuccinic acid diisooctyl ester (Texin® DOS 75) and di-Na- sulfosuccinic acid mono-Ci2/i8ester (Texin® 128-P), more particularly the mono-Na-sulfosuccinic acid dioctyl ester synergistically co-operating with the ternary surfactant combination according to the invention in regard to drainage and/or drying behavior.

In various embodiments, the solid composition comprises at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of aliphatic sulfates, preferably from the group consisting of fatty alcohol sulfates and fatty alcohol ether sulfates, more preferably from the group consisting of Na C12-14 fatty alcohol ether sulfate (1-4 EG), preferably Na C12-14 fatty alcohol ether sulfate (1-2 EO), as herein described above.

In various embodiments, a solid composition according to the present invention contains at least one anionic surfactant in an amount of about 55 to about 90 wt.-%, preferably about 65 to about 85 wt.-%, more preferably about 70 to about 80 wt.-%, for instance, but without limitation, in an amount of about 70, 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 or 80 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the solid composition. In various embodiments, the solid composition comprises least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of aliphatic sulfates, dialkyl ether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates and aliphatic sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, fatty acid cyanamides, sulfosuccinic acid esters, fatty acid isethionates, acylaminoalkane sulfonates (fatty acid taurides), fatty acid sarcosinates, ether carboxylic acids and alkyl (ether) phosphates, preferably from the group consisting of olefin sulfonates, particularly from the group consisting of C14-C16 alpha olefin sulfonates.

Amphoteric Surfactants

The amphoteric surfactants (zwitterionic surfactants) which may be used in accordance with the invention include betaines, alkyl amidoalkyl amines, alkyl-substituted amino acids, acylated amino acids and biosurfactants.

Betaines

Betaines suitable for incorporation according to the present invention are the alkyl betaines, the alkylamidobetaines, the imidazolinium betaines, the sulfobetaines (INCI Sultaines) and the phosphobetaines and preferably correspond to formula I:

R ¹ — [CO— X— (CH ₂ ) _n ]x— N ⁺ (R ² )(R ³ )— (CH ₂ ) _m — [CH(OH)— CH ₂ ] _y — Y" (I) in which

R ¹ is a saturated or unsaturated Ce- ₂₂ alkyl group, preferably a Cs-is alkyl group and more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl group, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl group,

X is NH, NR ⁴ with the C1-4 alkyl group R ⁴ , O or S, n is a number of 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5 and more preferably 3, x is 0 or 1 , preferably 1 ,

R ² and R ³ independently of one another represent an optionally hydroxysubstituted C1-4 alkyl group such as, for example, a hydroxyethyl group, but especially a methyl group, m is a number of 1 to 4, more particularly 1 , 2 or 3, y is 0 or 1 and

Y is -COO, -SO3, -OPO(OR ⁵ )O or -P(O)(OR ⁵ )O, where R ⁵ is a hydrogen atom

H or a C1-4 alkyl group.

The alkyl betaines and alkylamidobetaines, betaines corresponding to formula I with a carboxylate group (Y‘=COO‘), are also known as carbobetaines.

Preferred amphoteric surfactants are the alkyl betaines corresponding to formula (la), the alkylamidobetaines corresponding to formula (lb), the sulfobetaines corresponding to formula (Ic) and the amidosulfobetaines corresponding to formula (Id):

R ¹ — N ⁺ (CH ₃ )2— CH ₂ COQ- (la)

R ¹ — CO— NH— (CH ₂ ) ₃ — N ⁺ (CH ₃ ) ₂ — CH ₂ COO- (lb)

R ¹ — N ⁺ (CH ₃ )2— CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ SO ₃ - (Ic)

R ¹ — CO— NH— (CH ₂ ) ₃ — N ⁺ (CH ₃ ) ₂ -CH ₂ CH (OH)CH ₂ SO ₃ ’ (Id) in which R ¹ is as defined for formula I.

Particularly preferred amphoteric surfactants are the carbobetaines and more particularly the carbobetaines corresponding to formulae (la) and (lb), the alkylamidobetaines corresponding to formula (lb) being most particularly preferred.

Examples of suitable betaines and sulfobetaines are the following compounds identified by their INCI names: Almondamidopropyl Betaine, Apricotamidopropyl Betaine, Avocadamidopropyl Betaine, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Behenamidopropyl Betaine, Behenyl Betaine, Betaine, Canolamidopropyl Betaine, Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine, Carnitine, Cetyl Betaine, Cocamidoethyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Betaine, Coco- Hydroxysultaine, Coco/Oleamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Sultaine, Decyl Betaine, Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Soy Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Stearyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Tallow Glycinate, Dimethicone Propyl PG-Betaine, Erucamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Hydrogenated Tallow Betaine, Isostearamidopropyl Betaine, Lauramido-propyl Betaine, Lauryl Betaine, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Sultaine, Milkamidopropyl Betaine, Minkamidopropyl Betaine, Myristamidopropyl Betaine, Myristyl Betaine, Oleamidopropyl Betaine, Oleamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Oleyl Betaine, Olivamidopropyl Betaine, Palmamidopropyl Betaine, Palmitamidopropyl Betaine, Palmitoyl Carnitine, Palm Kernelamidopropyl Betaine, Polytetrafluoroethylene Acetoxypropyl Betaine, Ricinoleamidopropyl Betaine, Sesamidopropyl Betaine, Soyamidopropyl Betaine, Stearamidopropyl Betaine, Stearyl Betaine, Tallowamidopropyl Betaine, Tallowamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Tallow Betaine, Tallow Dihydroxyethyl Betaine, Undecylenamidopropyl Betaine und Wheat Germamidopropyl Betaine. A preferred betaine is Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Cocoamidopropylbetaine).

Alkylamido Alkylamines

The alkylamido alkylamines (INCI Alkylamido Alkylamines) are amphoteric surfactants corresponding to formula (III):

R ⁹ — CO— NR ¹⁰ — (CH ₂ )i— (R ¹¹ )— (CH ₂ CH ₂ O)j— (CH ₂ )k[CH(OH)]i— CH ₂ — Z— OM (III) in which

R ⁹ is a saturated or unsaturated Ce- ₂₂ alkyl group, preferably a Cs-is alkyl group and more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl group, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl group,

R ¹⁰ is a hydrogen atom H or a C1-4 alkyl group, preferably H, i is a number of 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, more preferably 2 or 3, R ¹¹ is a hydrogen atom H or CH ₂ COOM (for M, see below), j is a number of 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1 , k is a number of 0 to 4, preferably 0 or 1 , I is 0 or 1 , k being 1 where I is 1 , Z is CO, SO ₂ , OPO(OR ¹² ) or P(O)(OR ¹² ) where R ¹² is a C1-4 alkyl group or M (see below) and M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or a protonated alkanolamine, for example protonated mono-, di- or triethanolamine.

Preferred representatives correspond to formulae Illa to I lid:

R ⁹ — CO— NH— (CH ₂ )2— N(R ¹¹ )— CH2CH2O— CH ₂ — COOM (Illa)

R ⁹ — CO— NH— (CH ₂ ) ₂ — N(R ¹¹ )— CH2CH2O— CH2CH2— COOM (lllb)

R ⁹ — CO— NH— (CH ₂ ) ₂ — N(R ¹¹ )— CH2CH2O— CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ — SO ₃ M (lllc)

R ⁹ — CO— NH— (CH ₂ ) ₂ — N(R ¹¹ )— CH2CH2O— CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ — OPO3HM (I I Id) in which R ¹¹ and M are as defined for formula (III).

Examples of alkylamido alkylamines are the following compounds identified by their INCI names:

Cocoamphodipropionic Acid, Cocobetainamido Amphopropionate, DEA-Cocoamphodipropionate,

Disodium Caproamphodiacetate, Disodium Caproamphodipropionate, Disodium

Capryloamphodiacetate, Disodium Capryloamphodipropionate, Disodium

Cocoamphocarboxyethylhydroxypropylsulfonate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium

Cocoamphodipropionate, Disodium Isostearoamphodiacetate, Disodium Isostearoamphodipropionate, Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Disodium Lauroamphodipropionate, Disodium Oleoamphodipropionate, Disodium PPG-2-lsodeceth-7 Carboxyamphodiacetate, Disodium Stearoamphodiacetate, Disodium Tallowamphodiacetate, Disodium Wheatgermamphod iacetate, Lauroamphodipropionic Acid, Quaternium-85, Sodium Caproamphoacetate, Sodium Caproamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Caproamphopropionate, Sodium Capryloamphoacetate, Sodium Capryloamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Capryloamphopropionate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Cocoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Cocoamphopropionate, Sodium Cornamphopropionate, Sodium Isostearoamphoacetate, Sodium Isostearoamphopropionate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Lauroamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Lauroampho PG-Acetate Phosphate, Sodium Lauroamphopropionate, Sodium Myristoamphoacetate, Sodium Oleoamphoacetate, Sodium Oleoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Oleoamphopropionate, Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate, Sodium Stearoamphoacetate, Sodium Stearoamphohydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Stearoamphopropionate, Sodium Tallamphopropionate, Sodium Tallowamphoacetate, Sodium Undecylenoamphoacetate, Sodium Undecylenoamphopropionate, Sodium Wheat Germamphoacetate und Trisodium Lauroampho PG-Acetate Chloride Phosphate.

Alkyl-Substituted Amino Acids

According to the invention, preferred alkyl-substituted amino acids (INCI: Alkyl-Substituted Amino Acids) are monoalkyl-substituted amino acids corresponding to formula (IV):

R ¹³ — NH— CH(R ¹⁴ )— (CH ₂ ) _U — COOM' (IV) in which

R ¹³ is a saturated or unsaturated C6-22 alkyl group, preferably a Cs-is alkyl group and more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl group, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl group,

R ¹⁴ is a hydrogen atom H or a C1-4 alkyl group, preferably H, u is a number of 1 to 4, preferably 0 or 1 , more preferably 1 , and

M' is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or a protonated alkanolamine, for example protonated mono-, di- or triethanolamine, alkyl-substituted imino acids corresponding to formula (V): R ¹⁵ — N— [(CH ₂ ) _V — COOM"] ₂ (V) in which

R ¹⁵ is a saturated or unsaturated Ce- ₂₂ alkyl group, preferably a Cs-is alkyl group and more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl group, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl group, v is a number of 1 to 5, preferably 2 or 3, more preferably 2, and

M" is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or a protonated alkanolamine, for example protonated mono-, di- or triethanolamine; M" in the two carboxy groups may have the same meaning or two different meanings, for example may be hydrogen and sodium or just sodium, and mono- or dialkyl-substituted natural amino acids corresponding to formula (VI):

R ¹⁶ — N(R ¹⁷ )CH(R ¹⁸ )COOM" (VI) in which

R ¹⁶ is a saturated or unsaturated Ce- ₂₂ alkyl group, preferably a Cs-is alkyl group and more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl group, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl group,

R ¹⁷ is a hydrogen atom or an optionally hydroxy- or amine-substituted C1-4 alkyl group, for example a methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl or aminopropyl group,

R ¹⁸ is the residue of one of the 20 natural a-amino acids H ₂ NCH(R ¹⁸ )COOH and

M" is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or a protonated alkanolamine, for example protonated mono-, di- or triethanolamine.

Particularly preferred alkyl-substituted amino acids are the aminopropionates corresponding to formula (IVa):

R ¹³ — NH— CH ₂ CH ₂ COOM' (IVa) in which R ¹³ and M' have the same meanings as in formula (IV).

Examples of alkyl-substituted amino acids are the following compounds identified by their INCI names: Aminopropyl Laurylglutamine, Cocaminobutyric Acid, Cocaminopropionic Acid, DEA- Lauraminopropionate, Disodium Cocaminopropyl Iminodiacetate, Disodium Dicarboxyethyl Cocopropylenediamine, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate, Disodium Steariminodipropionate, Disodium Tallowiminodipropionate, Lauraminopropionic Acid, Lauryl Aminopropylglycine, Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine, Myristaminopropionic Acid, Sodium C12-15 Alkoxypropyl Iminodipropionate, Sodium Cocaminopropionate, Sodium Lauraminopropionate, Sodium Lauriminodipropionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, TEA-Lauraminopropionate und TEA-Myristamino-propionate.

Acylated Amino Acids

Acylated amino acids are amino acids, more particularly the 20 natural a-amino acids, which carry the acyl group R ¹⁹ CO of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid R ¹⁹ COOH at the amino nitrogen atom (R ¹⁹ being a saturated or unsaturated Ce- ₂₂ alkyl group, preferably a Cs-is alkyl group and more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl group, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl group). The acylated amino acids may also be used in the form of an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal salt or alkanolammonium salt, for example mono-, di- or triethanolamine. Examples of acylated amino acids are the acyl derivatives known collectively by the INCI name of Amino Acids, for example Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauroyl Glutamic Acid, Capryloyl Glycine Oder Myristoyl Methylalanine.

In various embodiments, the solid composition of the present invention comprises at least one amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl betaines, alkylamidobetaines, imidazolinium betaines, sulfobetaines, phosphobetaines, alkyl amidoalkyl amines, alkyl-substituted amino acids, acylated amino acids and biosurfactants, preferably from the group consisting of alkylamidobetaines.

In various embodiments, a solid composition according to the present invention contains at least one amphoteric surfactant in an amount of about 1 to about 35 wt.-%, preferably about 2 to about 30 wt.-%, more preferably about 3 to about 25 wt.-%, for instance, but without limitation, in an amount of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 , 22, 23, 24 or 25 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In various embodiments, a solid composition according to the present invention contains at least one betaine in an amount of about 1 to about 30 wt.-%, preferably about 2 to about 25 wt.-%, more preferably about 3 to about 20 wt.-%, for instance, but without limitation, in an amount of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Nonionic Surfactants

Nonionic surfactants in the context of the invention are alkoxylates, such as polyglycol ethers, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, alkyl phenol polyglycol ethers, end-capped polyglycol ethers, mixed ethers and hydroxy mixed ethers and fatty acid polyglycol esters. Block polymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and fatty acid alkanolamides and fatty acid polyglycol ethers are also suitable. Important classes of nonionic surfactants according to the invention are also the amine oxides and the sugar surfactants, more particularly the alkyl polyglucosides.

Amine Oxides

According to the invention, suitable amine oxides include alkyl amine oxides, more particularly alkyl dimethyl amine oxides, alkylamidoamine oxides and alkoxyalkyl amine oxides. Preferred amine oxides correspond to formula II:

R6R ⁷ R ⁸ N ⁺ -O- (II)

R ^e -[CO-NH-(CH2)w] _z -N ⁺ (R ⁷ )(R ⁸ )-O- (II) in which

R ⁶ is a saturated or unsaturated C6-22 alkyl group, preferably a Cs- alkyl group, more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl group, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl group which, in the alkylamidoamine oxides, is attached to the nitrogen atom via a carbonylamidoalkylene group — CO — NH — (CH2)z — and, in the alkoxyalkyl amine oxides, via an oxa-alkylene group — O — (CH2)z — where z is a number of 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5 and more preferably 3, R ⁷ and R ⁸ independently of one another represent an optionally hydroxysubstituted C1-4 alkyl group such as, for example, a hydroxyethyl group, more particularly a methyl group.

Examples of suitable amine oxides are the following compounds identified by their INCI names: Almondamidopropylamine Oxide, Babassuamidopropylamine Oxide, Behenamine Oxide, Cocamidopropyl Amine Oxide, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Cocamine Oxide, Coco-Morpholine Oxide, Decylamine Oxide, Decyltetradecylamine Oxide, Diaminopyrimidine Oxide, Dihydroxyethyl Cs-10 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide, Dihydroxyethyl Cg-11 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide, Dihydroxyethyl Ci2-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide, Dihydroxyethyl Cocamine Oxide, Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide, Dihydroxyethyl Stearamine Oxide, Dihydroxyethyl Tallowamine Oxide, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Amine Oxide, Hydrogenated Tallowamine Oxide, Hydroxyethyl Hydroxypropyl Ci2-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide, Isostearamidopropylamine Oxide, Isostearamidopropyl Morpholine Oxide, Lauramidopropylamine Oxide, Lauramine Oxide, Methyl Morpholine Oxide, Milkamidopropyl Amine Oxide, Minkamidopropylamine Oxide, Myristamidopropylamine Oxide, Myristamine Oxide, Myristyl/Cetyl Amine Oxide, Oleamidopropylamine Oxide, Oleamine Oxide, Olivamidopropylamine Oxide, Palmitamidopropylamine Oxide, Palmitamine Oxide, PEG-3 Lauramine Oxide, Potassium Dihydroxyethyl Cocamine Oxide Phosphate, Potassium Trisphosphonomethylamine Oxide, Sesamidopropylamine Oxide, Soyamidopropylamine Oxide, Stearamido-propylamine Oxide, Stearamine Oxide, Tallowamidopropylamine Oxide, Tallowamine Oxide, Undecylenamidopropylamine Oxide und Wheat Germamidopropylamine Oxide. A preferred amine oxide is, for example, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide (cocoamidopropyl amine oxide).

In various embodiments, the solid composition comprises at least one amine oxide in an amount of about 0.1 to about 25 wt.-%, preferably in an amount of about 0.5 to about 15 wt.-%, more preferably in an amount of about 1 to about 7 wt.-%, for instance, but without limitation, in an amount of about 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Fatty Alcohol Polyglycol Ethers

In the context of the invention, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers are unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated C10-22 alcohols alkoxylated with ethylene oxide (EG) and/or propylene oxide (PO) with a degree of alkoxylation of up to 30, preferably ethoxylated C10-18 fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation of less than 30, preferably with a degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 12, most preferably 1 to 8 and, in one most particularly preferred embodiment, 2 to 5, for example C12-14 fatty alcohol ethoxylates with 2, 3 or 4 EO or a mixture of the C12-14 fatty alcohol ethoxylates with 3 and 4 EO in a ratio by weight of 1 to 1 or isotridecyl alcohol ethoxylate with 5, 8 or 12 EO.

Sugar Surfactants Sugar surfactants are known surface-active compounds which include, forexample, the sugar surfactant classes of alkyl glucose esters, aldobionamides, gluconamides (sugar acid amides), glycerol amides, glycerol glycolipids, polyhydroxyfatty acid amide sugar surfactants (sugar amides) and alkyl polyglycosides described, for example, in WO 97/00609 A1 (Henkel Corporation) and the publications cited therein (pages 4 to 12) to which reference is explicitly made in this regard and of which the disclosure is hereby included in the present application. According to the invention, preferred sugar surfactants are the alkyl polyglycosides and the sugar amides and their derivatives, more particularly their ethers and esters. The ethers are the products of the reaction of one or more, preferably one, sugar hydroxy group with a compound containing one or more hydroxy groups, for example C1-22 alcohols or glycols, such as ethylene and/or propylene glycol; the sugar hydroxy group may also carry polyethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol residues. The esters are the reaction products of one or more, preferably one, sugar hydroxy group with a carboxylic acid, more particularly a C6-22 fatty acid.

Sugar Amides

Particularly preferred sugar amides correspond to the formula R'C(O)N(R")[Z], where R' is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated acyl group, preferably a linear unsaturated acyl group, containing 5 to 21 , preferably 5 to 17, more preferably 7 to 15 and most preferably 7 to 13 carbon atoms, R" is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, preferably a linear unsaturated alkyl group, containing 6 to 22, preferably 6 to 18, more preferably 8 to 16 and most preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms, a C1-5 alkyl group, more particularly a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert. butyl or n- pentyl group, or hydrogen and Z is a sugar unit, i.e. a monosaccharide unit. Particularly preferred sugar amides are the amides of glucose, the glucamides, for example lauroyl methyl glucamide.

Alkyl Polyglycosides

The alkyl polyglycosides (APGs) are particularly preferred sugar surfactants for the purposes of the present invention and preferably correspond to the general formula R ¹ O(AO) _a [G] _x , where R ¹ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group containing 6 to 22, preferably 6 to 18 and more preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms, [G] is a glycosidic sugar unit and x is a number of 1 to 10 and AO stands for an alkyleneoxy group, for example an ethyleneoxy or propyleneoxy group, and a stands for the mean degree of alkoxylation of 0 to 20. The group (AO) _a may also contain various alkyleneoxy units, for example ethyleneoxy or propyleneoxy units, in which case a stands for the mean total degree of alkoxylation, i.e. the sum of the degree of ethoxylation and the degree of propoxylation. Unless indicated in detail or indicated otherwise in the following, the alkyl groups R ¹ of the APGs are linear unsaturated groups with the indicated number of carbon atoms.

APGs are nonionic surfactants and represent known substances which may be obtained by the relevant methods of preparative organic chemistry. The index x indicates the degree of oligomerization (DP degree), i.e. distribution of mono- and oligoglycosides, and is a number of 1 to 10. Whereas x in a given compound must always be an integer and, above all, may assume a value of 1 to 6, the value x for a certain alkyl oligoglycoside is an analytically determined calculated quantity which is generally a broken number. Alkyl glycosides having an average degree of oligomerization x of 1.1 to 3.0 are preferably used. Alkyl glycosides having a degree of oligomerization of less than 1.7 and, more particularly, between 1 .2 and 1 .6 are preferred from the applicational point of view. The glycosidic sugar used is preferably xylose but especially glucose.

The alkyl or alkenyl radical R ¹ may be derived from primary alcohols containing 8 to 18 and preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms. Typical examples are caproic alcohol, caprylic alcohol, capric alcohol and undecyl alcohol and the technical mixtures thereof obtained, for example, in the hydrogenation of technical fatty acid methyl esters or in the hydrogenation of aldehydes from Roelen's oxosynthesis.

However, the alkyl or alkenyl radical R ¹ is preferably derived from lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol or oleyl alcohol and may also be derived from elaidyl alcohol, petroselinyl alcohol, arachyl alcohol, gadoleyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol and technical mixtures thereof.

Particularly preferred APGs are not alkoxylated (a=0) and correspond to the formula RO[G] _X , in which R again stands for a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, [G] is a glycosidic sugar, preferably glucose, and x is a number of 1 to 10, preferably 1.1 to 3 and more preferably 1 .2 to 1 .6. Accordingly, preferred alkyl polyglycosides are, for example, Cs- and a C12-14 alkyl polyglucoside with a DP degree of 1.4 or 1.5, more particularly C8-io alkyl-1 ,5-glucoside and Ci2-14 alkyl-1 ,4-glucoside.

According to various embodiments, the solid composition comprises at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyglycol ethers, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, alkyl phenol polyglycol ethers, end-capped polyglycol ethers, mixed ethers, hydroxy mixed ethers, fatty acid polyglycol esters, block polymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and fatty acid alkanolamides and fatty acid polyglycol ethers, amine oxides, sugar surfactants, preferably from the group consisting of amine oxides and alkyl polyglucosides.

In various embodiments, a solid composition according to the present invention contains at least one nonionic surfactant in an amount of about 1 to about 35 wt.-%, preferably about 2 to about 30 wt.-%, more preferably about 3 to about 25 wt.-%, for instance, but without limitation, in an amount of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 , 22, 23, 24 or 25 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the solid composition comprises at least one amine oxide, as herein described above, in an amount of about 1 to about 30 wt.-%, preferably about 2 to about 25 wt.-%, more preferably about 3 to about 20 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition. In various further embodiments, the solid composition comprises at least one fatty alcohol ether sulfate in an amount of about 1 to about 30 wt.-%, preferably about 3 to about 20 wt.-%, more preferably about 5 to about 15 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition; and/or at least one amine oxide in an amount of about 1 to about 30 wt.-%, preferably about 2 to about 25 wt.-%, more preferably about 3 to about 20 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition; and/or at least one betaine in an amount of about 1 to about 20 wt.-%, preferably about 2 to about 15 wt.-%, more preferably about 3 to about 10 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

It is further preferable that the solid composition comprises, in addition to any of the aforementioned ingredients, at least one further ingredient, which may improve cleaning performance, stability, aesthetics or other attributes and characteristics of the solid composition. Thus, in various preferred embodiments, the solid compositions further comprise at least one additive selected from the group consisting of additional surfactants, water-soluble salts, acids, perfumes, solvents, dyes, opacifiers, enzymes, corrosion inhibitors, pH-value adjuster, preservatives, UV stabilizers, skin-care substances, or mixtures thereof.

Cationic Surfactants

The composition according to the invention may additionally contain one or more cationic surfactants (cationic surfactants; INCI Quaternary Ammonium Compounds).

Preferred cationic surfactants are the quaternary surface-active compounds, more particularly containing an ammonium, sulfonium, phosphonium, iodonium or arsonium group, which are described as antimicrobial agents, for example, in K. H. WallhauBer's “Praxis der Sterilisation, Desinfektion- Konservierung: Keimidentifizierung-Betriebshygiene” (5 ^th Edition, Stuttgart/New York: Thieme, 1995). By using antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compounds, the composition can be given an antimicrobial effect or any antimicrobial activity already present through other ingredients can be improved.

Particularly preferred cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS; INCI Quaternary Ammonium Compounds) corresponding to the general formula (R ^I )(R")(R ^III )(R ^IV )N ⁺ X‘, in which R ¹ to R ^lv may be the same or different and represent C1-22 alkyl groups, C7-28 aralkyl groups or heterocyclic groups, two or - in the case of an aromatic compound, such as pyridine - even three groups together with the nitrogen atom forming the heterocycle, for example a pyridinium or imidazolinium compound, and X” represents halide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions or similar anions. In the interests of optimal antimicrobial activity, at least one of the substituents preferably has a chain length of 8 to 18 and, more preferably, 12 to 16 carbon atoms.

QUATS can be obtained by reaction of tertiary amines with alkylating agents such as, for example, methyl chloride, benzyl chloride, dimethyl sulfate, dodecyl bromide and also ethylene oxide. The alkylation of tertiary amines with one long alkyl chain and two methyl groups is particularly simple. The quaternization of tertiary amines containing two long chains and one methyl group can also be carried out under mild conditions using methyl chloride. Amines containing three long alkyl chains or hydroxysubstituted alkyl chains lack reactivity and are preferably quaternized with dimethyl sulfate.

Suitable QUATS are, for example, benzalkonium chloride (N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, CAS No. 8001-54-5), benzalkon B (m,p-dichlorobenzyl dimethyl-Ci2-alkyl ammonium chloride, CAS No. 58390-78-6), benzoxonium chloride (benzyldodecyl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ammonium chloride), cetrimonium bromide (N-hexadecyl-N,N-trimethyl ammonium bromide, CAS No. 57-09-0), benzetonium chloride (N,N-di-methyl-N-[2-[2-[p-(1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenoxy]-ethoxy]-ethyl]-benzyl ammonium chloride, CAS No. 121-54-0), dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, such as di-n-decyidimethyl ammonium chloride (CAS No. 7173-51-5-5), didecyldimethyl ammonium bromide (CAS No. 2390-68-3), dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, 1 -cetylpyridinium chloride (CAS No. 123-03-5) and thiazoline iodide (CAS No. 15764-48-1) and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred QUATS are the benzalkonium chlorides containing Cs-is alkyl groups, more particularly C12-14 alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. A particularly preferred QUAT is cocopentaethoxy methyl ammonium methosulfate (INCI PEG-5 Cocomonium Methosulfate; Rewoquat® CPEM).

To avoid possible incompatibilities of the cationic surfactants with the anionic surfactants, the cationic surfactant used should be compatible with anionic surfactants or should only be used in very small amounts. In one particular embodiment of the invention, no cationic surfactants are used at all.

Builder

A composition, as contemplated herein, may further contain at least one water-soluble and/or waterinsoluble, organic and/or inorganic builder.

The water-soluble organic builder substances include polycarboxylic acids, in particular citric acid and saccharic acids, monomeric and polymeric aminopolycarboxylic acids, in particular methylglycinediacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and polyaspartic acid, polyphosphonic acids, in particular aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid), ethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) and 1-hydroxyethyl-1 ,1 -diphosphonic acid, polymeric hydroxy compounds such as dextrin and polymeric (poly)carboxylic acids, in particular polycarboxylates obtainable by oxidation of polysaccharides or dextrins, polymeric acrylic acids, methacrylic acids, maleic acids and copolymers thereof, which may also contain small proportions of polymerizable substances without carboxylic acid functionality incorporated therein by polymerization. The relative molecular mass of the homopolymers of unsaturated carboxylic acids is in general between about 3,000 and about 200,000, that of the copolymers between about 2,000 and about 200,000, preferably about 30,000 to about 120,000, in each case relative to free acid. One particularly preferred acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymer has a relative molecular mass of about 30,000 to about 100,000. Conventional commercial products are for example Sokalan® CP 5, CP 10 and PA 30 from BASF. Suitable, albeit less preferred, compounds of this class are copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with vinyl ethers, such as vinyl methyl ethers, vinyl esters, ethylene, propylene and styrene, the acid fraction of which amounts to at least 50 wt. %. Terpolymers containing as monomers two unsaturated acids and/or the salts thereof and, as third monomer, vinyl alcohol and/or a esterified vinyl alcohol or a carbohydrate may also be used as water-soluble organic builder substances. The first acidic monomer or the salt thereof is derived from a monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C8-carboxylic acid and preferably from a C3-C4-monocarboxylic acid, in particular from (meth)acrylic acid. The second acidic monomer or the salt thereof may be a derivative of a C4-C8-dicarboxylic acid, maleic acid being particularly preferred, and/or a derivative of an allylsulfonic acid, which is substituted in position 2 with an alkyl or aryl residue. Such polymers generally have a relative molecular mass of between about 1 ,000 and about 200,000. Further preferred copolymers are those, which comprise acrolein and acrylic acid/acrylic acid salts or vinyl acetate as monomers.

Such organic builder substances may, if desired, be present in quantities of up to 40 wt.-%, in particular of up to 25 wt.-% and preferably of about 1 wt.-% to about 8 wt.-%. Quantities close to the stated upper limit are preferably used in the context of the present invention.

Water-soluble inorganic builder materials, which may in particular be considered, are alkali metal silicates, alkali metal carbonates and alkali metal phosphates, which may be present in the form of the alkaline, neutral or acidic sodium or potassium salts thereof. Examples of these are trisodium phosphate, tetrasodium diphosphate, disodium dihydrogendiphosphate, pentasodium triphosphate, “sodium hexametaphosphate”, oligomeric trisodium phosphate with degrees of oligomerization of 5 to 1000, in particular 5 to 50, and the corresponding potassium salts or mixtures of sodium and potassium salts. Water-insoluble, water-dispersible inorganic builder materials which are used are in particular crystalline or amorphous alkali metal aluminosilicates, in quantities of up to 50 wt. %, preferably of no more than 40 wt. %. Preferred such materials are crystalline sodium aluminosilicates of detergent grade, in particular zeolite A, P and optionally X, alone or in mixtures, for example in the form of a co-crystallization product of zeolites A and X (Vegobond® AX, a commercial product of Condea Augusta S.p.A.). Quantities close to the stated upper limit are preferably used in solid, particulate products. Suitable aluminosilicates in particular comprise no particles with a grain size of above 30 pm and preferably consist to an extent of at least 80 wt.-% of particles with a size below 10 pm. Their calcium binding capacity, which may be determined as stated in German patent DE 24 12 837, is generally in the range from 100 to 200 mg of CaO per gram.

Suitable substitutes or partial substitutes for the described aluminosilicates are crystalline alkali metal silicates, which may be present alone or mixed with amorphous silicates. The alkali metal silicates usable as builders in the products as contemplated herein preferably have a molar ratio of alkali metal oxide to SiO2 of below 0.95, in particular of about 1 :1.1 to about 1 :12 and may be in amorphous or crystalline form. Preferred alkali metal silicates are sodium silicates, in particular amorphous sodium silicates, with an Na2O:SiO2 molar ratio of 1 :2 to 1 :2.8. Those with an Na2O:SiO2 molar ratio of about 1 :1 .9 to about 1 :2.8 may be produced in accordance with the method of European patent application EP 0 425 427. Preferably used crystalline silicates, which may be present alone or mixed with amorphous silicates, are crystalline phyllosilicates of the general formula Na2Si _x C>2x+1 y H2O, in which x, or “modulus”, is a number from about 1 .9 to about 22, in particular about 1 .9 to about 4 and y is a number from 0 to about 33 and preferred values for x are 2, 3 or 4. Preferred crystalline phyllosilicates are those in which x in the stated general formula assumes the values 2 or 3.

In particular, both p- and 6-sodium disilicates (Na2Si2Os y H2O) are preferred. Virtually anhydrous crystalline alkali metal silicates of the above-stated general formula in which x means a number from about 1.9 to about 2.1 , which are produced from amorphous alkali metal silicates, may be used in detergents as contemplated herein. A crystalline sodium phyllosilicate with a modulus of about 2 to about 3, as may be produced from sand and soda, is used in a further preferred embodiment of detergents as contemplated herein. Crystalline layered silicates of the above-stated formula (I) are commercially available from Clariant GmbH under the trade name Na-SKS, for example Na-SKS-1 (Na ₂ Si ₂ 2O45xH ₂ O, kenyaite), Na-SKS-2 (Na2SiuO29xH2O, magadiite), Na-SKS-3 (Na2SisOi7xH2O) or Na- SKS-4 (Na2Si4OgxH2O, makatite). Suitable representatives of these are primarily Na-SKS-5 (a- Na ₂ Si ₂ O5), Na-SKS-7 (p-Na ₂ Si ₂ 0 ₅ , natrosilite), Na-SKS-9 (NaHSi ₂ O5'3H ₂ 0), Na-SKS-10 (NaHSi2C>5'3H20, kanemite), Na-SKS-11 (t-Na2Si2Os) and Na-SKS-13 (NaHSi2Os), but in particular Na- SKS-6 (6-Na2Si20s). In a preferred development of detergents as contemplated herein, a granular compound is used which is prepared from crystalline phyllosilicate and citrate, from crystalline phyllosilicate and above-stated (co)polymeric polycarboxylic acid, or from alkali metal silicate and alkali metal carbonate, as is commercially available for example under the name Nabion® 15.

Builder substances may be present in detergent formulations as contemplated herein in quantities of up to 20 wt.-%, in particular of about 1 wt.-% to about 15 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Skin care substances

The skin care substance may be a compound or mixture of compounds and may preferably be hydrophobic, liquid or solid and must be compatible with the other ingredients of the composition. The skin care compound may be selected, for instance, from: a) waxes such as carnauba, spermaceti, beeswax, lanolin, derivatives thereof as well as their mixtures; b) plant extracts, for example vegetal oils such as avocado oil, olive oil, palm oil, palm nut oil, rape seed oil, linseed oil, soya oil, peanut oil, coriander oil, castor oil, poppy-seed oil, coconut oil, pumpkin seed oil, wheat germ oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, macadamia nut oil, apricot nut oil, hazel nut oil, jojoba oil or canola oil, chamomile, aloe vera or also green tea extract or plankton extract as well as mixtures thereof; c) higherfatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, isostearic acid or polyunsaturated fatty acids; d) higher fatty alcohols such as lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol or 2-hexadecanol; e) esters, such as cetyl octanoate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl adipate, butyl stearate, decyl oleate, cholesterol isostearate, glycerol monostearate, glycerol distearate, glycerol tristearate, alkyl lactate, alkyl citrate or alkyl tartrate; f) hydrocarbons such as paraffins, mineral oils, squalane or squalene; g) lipids; h) vitamins such as vitamin A, C or E or vitamin alkyl esters; i) phospholipids; j) sun protection agents such as octyl methoxylcinnamate and butyl methoxybenzoylmethane; k) silicone oils such as linear or cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes, amino-, alkyl-, alkylaryl- or aryl-substituted silicone oils; and l) mixtures thereof.

Skin care substances may be present in the compositions according to the present invention in quantities of up to 5 wt.-%, in particular of about 0.1 wt.-% to about 4 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In various embodiments, the composition comprises a perfume. Suitable perfume oils may comprise individual fragrant compounds, for example synthetic products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol, and hydrocarbon type. Fragrant compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzyl carbinyl acetate (DMBCA), phenylethyl acetate, benzyl acetate, ethylmethylphenyl glycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate, benzyl salicylate, cyclohexyl salicylate, floramate, melusate and jasmecyclate. The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether and ambroxan; the aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, lilial and bourgeonal; the ketones include, for example, the ionones, isomethyl ionone and methyl cedryl ketone; the alcohols include anethol, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol and the hydrocarbons include, for example the terpenes, such as limonene and pinene. However, mixtures of various fragrances, which together produce an attractive fragrant note of the resulting perfume oil, are preferably used.

The perfume oils may also contain natural mixtures of fragrances, as are obtainable from vegetal sources, for example pine, citrus, jasmine, patchouli, rose or ylang-ylang oil. Also suitable are e.g. muscatel sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetivert oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil and laudanum oil and orange blossom oil, neroli oil, orange peel oil and sandalwood oil.

Exemplary long-lasting fragrances may be selected from essential oils, such as angelica root oil, aniseed oil, arnica flowers oil, basil oil, bay oil, bergamot oil, champax blossom oil, silver fir oil, silver fir cone oil, elemi oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, pine needle oil, galbanum oil, geranium oil, ginger grass oil, guaiacum wood oil, Indian wood oil, helichrysum oil, ho oil, ginger oil, iris oil, cajuput oil, sweet flag oil, chamomile oil, camphor oil, Canoga oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, Scotch fir oil, copaiba balsam oil, coriander oil, spearmint oil, caraway oil, cumin oil, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, limette oil, mandarin oil, melissa oil, amber seed oil, myrrh oil, clove oil, neroli oil, niaouli oil, olibanum oil, orange oil, origanum oil, Palma Rosa oil, patchouli oil, Peru balsam oil, petit grain oil, pepper oil, peppermint oil, pimento oil, pine oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, celery seed oil, lavender spike oil, Japanese anise oil, turpentine oil, thuja oil, thyme oil, verbena oil, vetiver oil, juniper berry oil, wormwood oil, Wintergreen oil, ylang- ylang oil, ysop oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon leaf oil and cypress oil. However, in the context of the present invention, the higher boiling or solid fragrances of natural or synthetic origin can be advantageously used as long-lasting fragrances or mixtures of fragrances. These compounds include for example the following compounds and their mixtures: ambrettolide, amyl cinnamaldehyde, anethol, anisaldehyde, anis alcohol, anisole, methyl anthranilate, acetophenone, benzyl acetone, benzaldehyde, ethyl benzoate, benzophenone, benzyl alcohol, borneol, bornyl acetate, bromostyrene, n-decyl aldehyde, n- dodecyl aldehyde, eugenol, eugenol methyl ether, eucalyptol, farnesol, fenchone, fenchyl acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, heliotropin, methyl heptyne carboxylate, heptaldehyde, hydroquinone dimethyl ether, hydroxycinnamaldehyde, hydroxycinnamyl alcohol, indole, irone, isoeugenol, isoeugenol methyl ether, isosafrol, jasmone, camphor, carvacrol, carvone, p-cresol methyl ether, coumarone, p- methoxyacetophenone, methyl n-amyl ketone, methyl anthranilic acid methyl ester, p- methylacetophenone, methyl chavicol, p-methylquinoline, methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl n-nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl n-nonyl ketone, muscone, naphthol ethyl ether, naphthol methyl ether, nerol, nitrobenzene, n-nonyl aldehyde, nonyl alcohol, n-octyl aldehyde, p-oxyacetophenone, pentadecanolide, phenyl ethyl alcohol, phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, phenylacetic acid, pulegone, safrol, isoamyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate, cyclohexyl salicylate, santalol, scatol, terpineol, thymine, thymol, undecalactone, vanillin, veratrum aldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, ethyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate. In the context of the present invention, the advantageously utilizable fragrances of higher volatility particularly include the lower boiling fragrances of natural or synthetic origin that can be used alone or in mixtures. Exemplary fragrances of higher volatility are alkyl isothiocyanates (alkyl mustard oils), butanedione, limonene, linalool, linalyl acetate and linalyl propionate, menthol, menthone, phellandrene, phenylacetaldehyde, terpinyl acetate, citral, citronellal.

In order to achieve an aroma therapeutic effect, essential oils may be used as the benefit agent. Exemplary essential oils are angelica fine (angelica archangelica), aniseed (pimpinella anisum), benzoe Siam (styraxtokinensis), cabreuva (myrocarpus fastigiatus), cajeput (melaleuca leucadendron), cistrose (cistrus ladaniferus), copaiba-balsam (copaifera reticulata), costic root (saussurea discolor), silver fir needle (abies alba), elemi (canarium luzonicum), fennel (foeniculum dulce) pine-needle (picea abies), geranium (pelargonium graveolens), ho-leaves (cinnamonum camphora), immortals (straw flower), helichrysum ang., ginger, perforate St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum), jojoba, German chamomile (matricaria recutita), chamomile oil blue (matricaria chamomilla), Roman chamomile (anthemis nobilis), wild chamomile (ormensis multicaulis), carrot (daucus carota), knee pine (pinus mugho), lavander (lavendula hybrida), litsea cubeba (may chang), manuca (leptospermum scoparium), balm mint (melissa officinalis), pine tree (pinus pinaster), myrrh (commiphora molmol), myrtle (myrtus communis), neem (azadirachta), niaouli (mqv) melaleuca quin, viridiflora, palmarosa (cymbopogom martini), patchouli (pogostemon patschuli), perubalsam (myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae), raventsara aromatica, rose wood (aniba rosae odora), sage (salvia officinalis), horsetail (equisetaceae), yarrow (achillea millefolia), narrow leaf plantain (plantago lanceolata), styrax (liquidambar orientalis), tagetes (marigold) tagetes patula, tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia), tolubalsam (myroxylon balsamum I.), virginia-ceder (juniperus virginiana), frankincense (olibanum) (boswellia carteri), and silver fir (abies alba).

The amount of perfume in the compositions according to the present invention may be up to 5 wt.-%, in particular about 0.01 wt.-% to about 5 wt.-%, more preferably about 0.1 to about 4 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Solvents

In the context of the teaching according to the invention, one or more solvents may be used in particular as a hydrotropic agent and/or solubilizer according to requirements. Solvents have a solubilizing effect, particularly on surfactants and electrolytes, perfumes and dyes, and thus contributes to their incorporation, prevents the formation of liquid crystalline phases and contributes to the formation of clear products. If present, the amount of one or more solvents typically does not exceed 5 wt.-%, preferably does not exceed 3 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the solid composition.

Suitable solvents are, for example, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, branched or unbranched C1-20 hydrocarbons, preferably C2-15 hydrocarbons, containing at least one hydroxy group and optionally one or more ether functions C — O — C, i.e. oxygen atoms interrupting the carbon atom chain.

Preferred solvents are the C 2-6 alkylene glycols and poly-C2-3-alkylene glycol ethers, optionally etherified on one side with a C1-6 alkanol, containing on average 1 to 9 identical or different, preferably identical, alkylene glycol groups per molecule and the C1-6 alcohols, preferably ethanol, n-propanol or isopropanol, more particularly ethanol.

Examples of solvents are the following compounds identified by their INCI names: Alcohol (Ethanol), Buteth-3, Butoxydiglycol, Butoxyethanol, Butoxyisopropanol, Butoxypropanol, n-Butyl Alcohol, t-Butyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctanol, Diethylene Glycol, Dimethoxydiglycol, Dimethyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Glycol, Hexanediol, 1 ,2,6- Hexanetriol, Hexyl Alcohol, Hexylene Glycol, Isobutoxypropanol, Isopentyldiol, Isopropyl Alcohol (isoPropanol), 3-Methoxybutanol, Methoxydiglycol, Methoxyethanol, Methoxyisopropanol, Methoxymethylbutanol, Methoxy PEG-10, Methylal, Methyl Alcohol, Methyl Hexyl Ether, Methylpropanediol, Neopentyl Glycol, PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7, PEG-8, PEG-9, PEG-6 Methyl Ether, Pentylene Glycol, PPG-7, PPG-2-Buteth-3, PPG-2 Butyl Ether, PPG-3 Butyl Ether, PPG-2 Methyl Ether, PPG-3 Methyl Ether, PPG-2 Propyl Ether, Propanediol, Propyl Alcohol (n-Propanol), Propylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether, Propylene Glycol Propyl Ether, Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol, Trimethylhexanol.

Particularly preferred solvents are the poly-C2-3-alkylene glycol ethers etherified on one side with a Ci- 6 alkanol and containing on average 1 to 9 and preferably 2 to 3 ethylene or propylene glycol groups, for example PPG-2 Methyl Ether (dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether). Most particularly preferred solvents are the C2-3 alcohols ethanol, n-propanol and/or isopropanol, more particularly ethanol.

Besides the solvents described above, suitable solubilizers, particularly for perfume and dyes, are, for example, alkanolamines and alkyl benzene sulfonates containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.

In various embodiments, the solid composition of the present invention does not comprise a solvent.

Product Form

While the composition according to the present invention may be provided in any solid form, as herein defined above, preferably the solid composition is in the form of a powder.

Dicarboxylic Acid (Salts)

In order to stabilize the final liquid composition, i.e., the diluted form, particularly where it has a high surfactant content, one or more dicarboxylic acids and/or salts thereof, more particularly a composition of Na salts of adipic acid, succinic acid and glutaric acid commercially obtainable, for example, as Sokalan® DSC, may be added to the solid composition, advantageously in quantities of 0.1 to 8% by weight, preferably in quantities of 0.5 to 7% by weight, more preferably in quantities of 1 .3 to 6% by weight and most preferably in quantities of 2 to 4% by weight.

A change in the content of dicarboxylic acid (salt), more particularly in quantities above 2% by weight, can contribute to a clear solution of the ingredients in the final product. The viscosity of the mixture can also be influenced within certain limits by this component. In addition, this component influences the solubility of the mixture. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the component in question is used where the surfactant content is high, more particularly above 30% by weight. However, if their presence is not essential, the composition according to the invention is preferably free from dicarboxylic acids (salts).

Auxiliaries and Additives

In addition, one or more other typical auxiliaries and additives, particularly in manual dishwashing detergents and cleaners for hard surfaces, more particularly builders, UV stabilizers, pearlizers (INCI Opacifying Agents; for example glycol distearate, for example Cutina® AGS of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA or mixtures containing it, for example the Euperlans® of Henkel KGaA), dyes, corrosion inhibitors, preservatives (for example the technical 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 , 3-d io I also known as Bronopol (CAS 52-51-7) which is commercially obtainable from Boots as Boots Bronopol BT) may be present in the compositions according to the invention in quantities of normally not more than 5% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 3 wt.-%. pH-value

The pH-value of the of the compositions according to the invention may be adjusted with typical pH adjusters, for example acids, such as mineral acids or citric acid, and/or alkalis, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, a pH in the range from 6.0 to 9, preferably in the range from 6.5 to 8.5 and more particularly in the range from 6.8 to 8.5 in the final product, i.e. the dilute aqueous hard surface cleaning composition, being preferred.

In order to adjust and/or stabilize the pH-value, the composition according to the invention may contain one or more buffers (INCI Buffering Agents) in quantities of typically 0.001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.005 to 3% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 2% by weight, most preferably 0.05 to 1 % by weight and, in one most particularly preferred embodiment, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, for example 0.2% by weight. Buffers which are also complexing agents or even chelators (INCI Chelating Agents) are preferred. Particularly preferred buffers are citric acid or the citrates, more particularly the sodium and potassium citrates, for example trisodium citrate *2 H2O and tripotassium citrate *H2O.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a solid composition, as herein described above, for the cleaning of hard surfaces, preferably for cleaning dishes, more preferably for manual dishwashing purposes.

In a still further aspect, the present invention also relates to the use of a solid composition, as herein described above, for the preparation of a dilute aqueous hard surface cleaning composition, preferably for the preparation of a dilute dishwashing detergent composition, more preferably for the preparation of a dilute manual dishwashing detergent composition.

Consequently, in yet another aspect, the present invention furthermore relates to a method for the preparation of a dilute aqueous hard surface cleaning composition, preferably a dilute dishwashing detergent composition, more preferably a dilute manual dishwashing detergent composition, characterized in that a solid composition according to the present invention is diluted with about 10 to about 40 parts, preferably about 15 to about 35 parts, more preferably about 20 to about 30 parts, particularly about 22 to about 29 parts of water, based on the weight of the solid composition.

Viscosity

The viscosity favorable for the dilute compositions according to the invention (at 20° C and at a shear rate of 30 s’ ¹ , as measured with a Brookfield LV DV 11 viscosimeter, spindle 25) is in the range from about 30 to about 100,000 mPa-s. After dilution of the solid composition with, based on the weight of the solid composition, about 10 to about 40 parts, preferably about 15 to about 35 parts, more preferably about 20 to about 30 parts, particularly about 22 to about 29 parts of water. Preferably, the diluted composition has a viscosity (at 20° C and at a shear rate of 30 s ^-1 , as measured with a Brookfield LV DV 1 1 viscosimeter, spindle 25) of about , preferably about 50 to about 90,000 mPa-s, in particular about 100 to about 60,000 mPa-s, most preferably about 500 to about 55,000 mPa-s, such as, for instance but without limitation, about 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1 ,000, 1 ,100, 1 ,200, 1 ,300, 1 ,400, 1 ,500, 2000, 2,500, 3,000, 3,500, 4,000, 4,500, 5,000, 5,500, 6,000, 6,500, 7,000, 7,500, 8,000, 8,500, 9,000, 9,500, 10,000, 11 ,000, 12,000, 13,000, 14,000, 15,000, 16,000, 17,000, 18,000, 19,000, 20,000, 25,000, 30,000, 35,000, 40,000, 45,000, 50,000, 55,000 or 60,000 mPa-s.

In various embodiments, the content of the at least one rheology modifying system in the dilute aqueous hard surface cleaning composition is in the range of about 0.5 to 5 wt.-%, preferably about 0.7 to 4 wt.- %, more preferably about 0.8 to 3 wt.-%, such as about 0.8, 0.9, 1 .0, 1 .1 ., 1 .2, 1 .3, 1 .4, 1 .5, 1 .6, 1 .7, 1 .8, 1 .9, 2.0, 2.1 , 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the dilute aqueous hard surface cleaning composition.

All embodiments disclosed herein in relation to the solid compositions apply similarly to the methods and uses of the invention and vice versa.

The following examples are given to illustrate the present invention. Because these examples are given for illustrative purposes only, the invention should not be deemed limited thereto.

Examples

Table 1

Amounts of ingredients given above in Table 1 in wt.-%, based on the total weight of the respective composition.

Each of the solid compositions V1-V3 was introduced into a conventional liquid hand dishwashing detergent dispenser and diluted with water as indicated in Table 1. While in the case of V1 containing only xanthan gum, the thickening effect was quick and moderate shaking for a duration of about 20 seconds resulted in a homogeneous thickened product, the resultant product exhibited very high zero shear viscosity leading to unaesthetic flow behavior and further excessive bubbling/foaming in the dispenser. On the other hand, in the case of V2 containing only guar gum, the resultant dilute product exhibited aesthetic flow behavior and only little bubbling/foaming, the swelling time was unacceptably long (20 min), the product had an inhomogeneous viscosity (comparably lower viscosity in the upper phase, comparably higher viscosity in the lower phase due to sedimentation of the thickener before swelling), due to which repetitive shaking during the swelling process would be required to improve viscosity homogeneity. Surprisingly, however, dilution of the solid composition V3 was quick and easy, with a short swelling time (about 20 seconds). No sedimentation of the thickener occurred, for which reason, after moderate shaking, the resultant product had a homogeneous viscosity, exhibited an aesthetic flow behavior and only little bubbling/foaming in the dispenser.