| abstract |
A dry bleaching composition, particularly useful for low temperature applications, is provided in which generation of hypochlorite by reaction between a peroxygen bleaching agent and a chloride salt is promoted by an aromatic diol or oxidized aromatic diol activator. Preferred activators are in ester form and provide hypochlorite generation at levels of less than about 20 ppm for at least about the first two minutes following dissolution of the compositions in aqueous solution, but rising to effective bleaching levels within a reasonable time thereafter. The initially low hypochlorite level assists in the functioning of laundry additives, such as fabric brighteners. |