Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
5~
BACKGROUND OF TIIE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fabric softener compositions
adapted for the use in the rinse cycle of a laundering process and ln
particular to concentrated aqueous fabric so-ftener compositions which
exhibit stable viscosity characteristics at both low and high ambient
temperatures, i.e. such compositions do not increase in viscosity to the
point of forming a gel.
Compositions containing quaternary ammonium salts having at
least one long chain hydrocarbylgroup are commonly used to provide fabric
softening benefits when employed in a laundry rinse operation; for
example, see U.S. Patents 3,349,033; 3,644,203; 3,946,115; 3,997,453;
4,073,735 and 4,119,545.
For most aqueous softener compositions containing cationic
quaternary ammonium compounds as active ingredients, the concentration
of such cationics has, in general, been limited to the range of about 3
to 6% by weight ~see U.S. Patent 3,904,533 and U.S. Patent 3,920,565).
Such a low concentration is generally necessitated by the fact that
cationics form gels in water systems at concentrations at about above 8%,
and while the use of electrolytes to lower the viscosity of such
compositions is known (see in particular U.S. Patent 4,199,545), such
electrolites are far from satisfactory from several points of view. On
the one hand, from an economics point of view, the use of such electrolytes
contributes to the cost of the product and this is generally undesirable.
From a functional point of view, the electrolytes often do not perform as
required particularly at concentrations of the cationics in the neighborhood
of about 12-15%. And finally, while the performance of the electro].ytes
may mitigate most of the gelling problem, their use is far from satisfact-
ory in providing a highly concentrated aqueous system of cationics which
does not gel or severely change in viscosity within the usual range of
temperatures encountered in the handling thereof, for example 0F (about
-18 C) up to about 140 F (about 60 C). In U.S. Patent 3,681,241 a
- 2 - ~ ~
58
concen~rated fabric softening emulsion is described which consists
essentially of 3.5 to 6.5 parts by weight of a compound represented for
example by distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride from 3.5 to 6.5 parts by
weight of an alkyl amido imi.dazolinium alkylsulfate and from 0 to 3 parts
by weight of a difEerent but similar fatty amido imidazolinium alkyl-
sulfate, the latter alleged]y providing low temperatures stability for
the composition. The total actives contemplated range from about 8 to 13%.
In U.S. Patent 4,155,855, there are described concentrated
liquid fabric softeners containing ~1) a fabric substantive agent which
may be a polyamine, an alkylpyridinium salt or mixture of the two and
~2) a fabric softener, in which the polyamines have the formula:
R N ( 2)n Rl ` Rl A(-)
R, _ Rl ~ m
wherein R is C10 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl or R-0-(CH2)n--; Rl may be
hydrogen, hydroxyalkoxy groups,CltoC3alkyl etc.; n is 2 to 6 and m is
1 to 5 and A( ) represents a charge balancing anion or anions. Among the
fabric softeners are alkylimidazolinium salts generally similar to those
imidazolinium salts used in the compositions of the present invention. The
composition contains 25% to about 55% of an active system of fabric sub-
stantive agent and fabric softening component, the former representing
25 to about 85% and the latter 15% to about 75% of the composition. In
prsferred aspects the fabric substantive component represents from 50 to
85% and preferably 65% to 80% and the softener 15 to 50% and preferable
20 to 35%.
In all cases the lowest concentra-tion of the fabrlc substantive
component to the total of this plus softener is yiven (in terms
of percentages) as ~5% but based on the ratios of the two agents
(6:1 to 1:4) this percentage could conceivably be as low as 20%.
The present invention provides 1GW and high tempera-
ture stable, concentrated, aqueous softener compositions based
upon imidazolinium sof-tening compounds and a minor amount of a
dicationic or conventional quaternary ammonium compound which
per se is not a softener. The present invention also provides
a method by which highly concentrated fabric sof-tening composi-
tions are produced.
The compositions of the present invention are stab]e
aqueous compositions which contain a high concentration of the
cationic fabric softener which is a mixture of two different
~ypes of quaternary ammonium compounds as hereinafter described.
According to the present invention, there is provided
a stable, aqueous, concentrated fabric softening composition
comprising about (A) 8 to 20% by weight of an imidazolinium
softener having the formula:
H2C 2
N N R3 X
~C/ \.
Rl R2
wherein: Rl is a C8 to C30 aliphatic radical; R2 and R3 inde-
pendently may be any of Rl or Cl to C4 alkyl, C1 to C~ haloalkyl,
Cl to C4 hydroxyalkyl, or acylaminoalkyl, wherein the acylamino
moiety has the formula:
~ 4 --
,. . ..,
iSB
- N - C - R5
R4
in which R4 is hydrogen, C1 to C4 alkyl or Cl to C4 substituted
alkyl; and R5 may be any of Rl and R2; and X is a water-
solubilizing anion, and ~B) from about 0.5 to about 5~ by weight
of a (i) compound of the formula:
Rl R~
_ +
R - ~---N (CH2)n N Rl X
m
Rl 1
wherein R is C10 to C30 aliphatic radical; R1's all independently
hydrogen Cl to C4 alkyl or h~droxyalkoxy; n is an integer from 2
to 6; m is an integer from 1 to 5; and x is a water-solubilizing
anion or (ii) of the formula
R R
N X
R R
wherein the R groups are A].iphatic radicals of Cl to C30 with
at least one being alkyl of C14 to C30, the weight ratio of A
to B ranging from about ~0 : 1 to about 3 : 1.
Thus, the aqueous compositions of this inveniton
contain at least about 8~ cationic softener up to about 25~
thereof and preferably from about 9-15~ thereof, said cationic
softener comprising a mixture of an imidazolinium softener
generally of the formula (A)
- 4a -
,
+
H2CCH2
N - R 3 X
Rl
- 4b -
.~
(.}~S~
Wherein:
Rl is a C8 to C30 aliphatic radical and preferably a Cl~ to C18
alkyl or alkenyl;
R2 and R3 independently may be any of Rl or preerably lower
alkyl or substituted alkyl of Cl to C4 such as haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl,
acylaminoalkyl and the like;
X is a water-solubilizing anion such as chloride, bromide,
iodide, fluoride, sulfate, methosulfate, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate,
and carboxylate, (e.g. acetate, adipa~e, phthalate, ben~oate, oleate, etc.);
the preferred compounds have the formula (AA)
.~
H C - CH 0
12 12 ll
N N - C2H4 N C - R5 X
Rl R4
Wherein:
Rl is as defined-in Formula ~A);
R2 may be any of Rl or preferably lower alkyl or subs~ituted
alkyl of Cl to C4 such as haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl and the like;
R4 may be hydrogen or Cl to C4 alkyl or substituted alkyl;
R5 may be any of Rl and R2, preferably C8 to C30 aliphatic and
more preferably C14 to C18 alkyl or alkenyl; and
X is as defined in Formula (A~
and of a dicationic, quaternary ammonium compound of the general Formula (B)
R - N - (CH2) - N Rl X~
-- 5 --
(J(.~i5~
wherein the R group is gelected from C10 to C30 aliphatic, preferably alkyl
or alkenyl or ~0-(CH2)n-where R has same meaning as above, i.e. C10 to C30
aliphatic and preferably c~lkyl or alk~nyl; the Rl's may be hydrogen; Cl to
C4 alkyl or hydroxyalkoxy groups; n is an integer of 2 to 6 and m is an
integer from 1 to 5; and X is as defined in Formula (~). The preferred
compounds are tllose where R is C12 to C18 and Rl is lower alkyl, especially
methyl; or a conventlonal quaternary ammonium compound of the general
formula (C)
R
I
R - N R Y
R
wherein the R groups are selected from Cl to C30 aliphatic, preferably alkyl
or alkenylJ aryl (e.g. phenyl, tolyl, cumyl9 etc.); aralkyl (e.g. benzyl,
phenethyl, etc.); and the halo, amide, hydroxyl, and carboxy substituents
thereof; with the proviso that at least one R is C14 to C30 and preferably
C14 to C18 and the others are lower alkyl and more preferably at least two
R's are Cl~ to C18 and the others are lower alkyl of Cl to C~ (and most
preferably methyl or ethyl) and Y is an anion as defined for X in Formula (A).
The concentration of thé imidazolinium compound (A) may range from about
8 to 20% by weight of the total composition and that oE the dicationic
compound (B) or conventional compound (C) may range from about 0.5 to 5% by
weight of the total composition with a ratio of A to B (or C) ranging from
about 40 : 1 to about 3 : 1 preferably 40 : 1 to 5 : 1 and more preferably
for (B) 15 : 1 to 7 : 1.
Typical imidazolinium softeners include the following within the above
Formula (A)
2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1-oleylamidoethyl imidazolinium ethosulfate
2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1- (2-stearoylamido)ethyl - imidazolinium sulfate,
2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1- (2~stearoylamido)ethyl - imidazolinium chloride,
2-coco-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-benzyl imidazolinium chloride,
-- 6 --
.a2(.~ s~
2-coco-1-(hydroxyethyl)-1-(~-chlorobutyl)-imidazolinium chloride,
2-coco-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-octadecenyl imidazolinium chloride,
2-tall oil fatty-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-benzyl imidazolinium chloride,
2-tall oil fatty-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-(4-chlorobutyl)-imidazolinium
chloride,
2-heptadeceny].-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-(4-chloroblltyl)-imidazolinium
chloride,
2-heptadecenyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-benzyl imidazolinium chloride7
2-heptadecyl-1-(hydroxyethyl)-1-octadecyl imidazolinium ethyl sulfate.
Typical dicationics of Formula (B) include the following:
N-Tallowyl-N,N,Nl, Nl-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediammonium dimethosulfate
N-Tallowyl-N,Nl,Nl-trimethyl-1,3-propanediammonium dimethosulfate
N-Oleyl-N,N,Nl,Nl,N -pentamethyl-1,3-propanediammonium dimethosulfate
N-Tallowyl-N,N,Nl,Nl,Nl-pentamethyl-l 9 3-propanediammonium dimethosulfate
N-stearyl-N,N,Nl,Nl,Nl-pentamethyl-1,3-propanediammonium dimethosulfa-te
N-stearyloxypropyl-N,Nl,Nltris(3-hydroxypropyl)-1,3-propane rlia cnium
diacetate
Typical cationics of formula (C) include the following:
distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride
ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride
dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride
distearyl dimethyl ammonium bromide
di (hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium bromide
distearyl, di (isopropyl) ammonium chloride
distearyl dimethyl ammonium methosulfate
In addition to the cationic components of the present invention , there
may be also included in the aqueous compositions numerous conventional,
supplemental materials or optional components which do not adversely affect
the stability and/or functional characteristics of the present invention.
Thus, for example, there may be present minor amounts of various surfactant
materials and in particular certain surfactant phosphate esters which may
be desirable to effect anti-static control of the laundered goods. Such
conventional additional components also
-- 7 --
t;S8
include perfumes, dyes, pigments, germicides, optical brighteners, anti-
corrosion agents (sodium silicate) and the like. Where used, each of
these may comprise e.g. 1% by weight of the instant compositions.
It may also be desirab]e to supplement and/or modify the
viscosity features of the composition of this invention by the addition
of electrolyte material such as calcium chloride, sodium nitrate, sodium
formate and the like in amounts from about 0.05 to about 5% by weight.
Minor proportions (.5 to 10%) of other components may also be included
such as the lower alkanols, e.g. ethyl and isopropyl alcohol as well as the
conventional opacifiers particularly of the resin emulsion types so well
known in this art.
The following examples will serve to illustrate the present
invention without being deemed limitative thereof. Parts, where specified
are by weight unless otherwise indicated.
EXAMPLE 1
The following composition is prepared:
% by weight
Deionized water 73.05
l-methyl-l-tallow amidoethyl-2-tallow
imidazolinium methosulfate 15.00
N-Tallowyl-N,N,N ,N ,N -pentamethyl-
1,3-propane diammonium
dimethyo-sulfate 2.00
Balance to 100% of color and perfume
This composition has a viscosity of about 240 cps just after preparation
which increases to somewhat less than ~00 cps after six weeks ageing at
room temperature and to about 840 cps upon six weeks ageing at 43C(110F).
At these values the product viscosity is squarely within the acceptable
range of viscosities which varies from about 100 to about 1000 centipoises
Icps~ and preferably about 200 to about 800 cps. Without the dicationic
in the composition and containing 0.1% NaCl we find the viscosity initially
to be about 324 cps, 1700 cps after six weeks ageing at room temperature
and 2300 cps after six weeks ageing at 43 C.
8 -
~.
s~
EXAMPLE 2
To 80 parts of deionized water there are added 0.05 parts
sodium formate, followed by 15 parts of l-me~hyl-l-stearyl amidoethyl-2-
stearyl imidazolinium methosulfate and 2.0 parts of dicationic of
Example 1. There are then added 0.05 parts of calcium chloride. A very
satisfactory product results from the foregoing components as well as
the operational sequence of component mixing.
EXAMPLES 3a-f
Each of Examplesl and 2 is repeated except that in place of the
dicationic thereof ~2.0% by weight) there are used the following:
% by weight
(a) dicationic of Example 1 3.0
~b) dicationic of Example 1 1.0
(c) N-Tallowyl-N,N,N ,N -tetramethyl-1,3-
propanediammonium dime~hosulfate 2.5
(d) N-Oleyl-N,N,Nl,Nl9Nl-pentamethyl-1,3-
propanediammonium dimethosulfate 1.5
(e) N-Tallowyl-N,Nl,N-trimethyl-l,~-
butanediammonium dimethosulfate Z.0
20(f) N-stearyloxypropyl,N,N ,N -tris(3-
hydroxypropyl)-1,3-propanediammonium
diacetate 2.0
;i5~3
EXAMPLES ~a-f
Each of Examples 1, 2 and 3a to 3f is repeated except that
the cationic imidazolinium softener is Teplaced as follows:
% by weight
(a) 2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1-oleylamidoethyl
imidazolinium methosulfate 12.0
~b) 2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1-oleylamidoethyl
imidazolinium methosulfate 14.0
(c) 2-heptadecenyl-1-methyl-1-oleylamidoethyl
imidaz,olinium methosulfate 16.0
(d) 2-heptadecenyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-
benzyl imidazolinium chloride 12.0
(e) 2-heptadecenyl-1-~2-hydroxyethyl)-1-
benzyl imidazolinium chloride 15.0
(f) 2-heptadecenyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-
benzyl imidazolinium chloride 10.5
- 10 -
EXAMPLE 5
The following composition is prepared:
% by wei~ht
Deionized water 78.90
NaCl (10% aqueous sol.) 1.50
methyl-l-tallow amidoethyl-2-tallow
imidazolinium methosulfate 12.00
Distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride 1.5
Balance to 100% of color and perfume
This composition has a viscosity of about 79 cps just after preparation
which increases to somewhat less than 400 cps after six weeks ageing at
43C (110F). At a viscosity of about 400 cps the product is squarely with
the acceptable range of viscosities which varies from about 100 to about
1000 centipoises (cps) and preferably about 200 to about 800 cps. Without
the dimethyl distearyl cationic softener the composition, after ageing has
, a viscosity of about 1500 and 2000 cps.
RXAMPLE 6
i Example S is repeated except that in addition to the sodium chloride
(0.15%) there are also added calcium chloride (0.15%), sodium formate
(0.15%) and sodium nitrate (0.15%).
EXAMPLE 7
A composition similar to example 5 is prepared except that the softener
is solely 13.5% distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. A very firm gel results
; which is totally unsaleable.
EXAMPLE 8
To 80 parts of deionized water there are added 0.04 parts sodium formate,
followed by 12 parts of l-methyl-l-stearyl amidoethyl-2-stearyl imida~olinium
" methosulfate and 1.5 parts of di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium
chloride. There are then added 0.04 parts of calcium chloride. A very
satisfactory product results from the foregoing components as well as the
operational sequence of component mixing.
:
-- ll --
i58
, EX~MPLES 9a-f
Each of Examples 5, 6 and 8 are repeated except that in place of distearyl
dimethyl ammonium chloride (1.5% by weight) there are used the following:
% by Wei~ht
' (a) di(tallow) di.methyl ammonium chloride 2
il (b) di(tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride 3
' (c) di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium
methosulfate . 1.5
! (d) di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium
methosulfate 2.5
(e) di(hydrogenated tallo~ dimethyl ammonium
methosulfate 3-5
(f) di-oleyl diethyl ammonium acetate 1.5
EXAMPLES 10 a-f
Each of Examples 5, 6 and 9a to 9f is repeated except that in place of
the imidazolinium compound (12% byweight) in such examples there are used
the following:
% by Weight
(a) 2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1-oleylamidoethyl
imidazolinium methosulfate 12.0
(b) 2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1-oleylamidoethyl
imidazolinium methosulfate 14.0
(c) 2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1-oleylamidoethyl
imidazolinium methosulfate 16.0
(d) 2-heptadecenyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-
benzyl imidazolinium chloride 12.0
(e) 2-heptadecenyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-
benzyl imidazolinium chloride 15.0
(f) 2-heptadecenyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-
benzyl imidazolinium chloride 10.5
- 12 -
,,
