| abstract |
Peroxycompound bleaching is activated by a catalytic amount of a cobalt complex of general formula A.n wherein M is Co or Cu; a=0-1; and L is a ligand forming either a mono-nuclear Co-complex or a binuclear Co-Co-complex or Co-Cu-complex; X is a common anion or small coordinating ligand and Y is a counter ion. n Bleaching and bleach detergent compositions are also disclosed comprising a peroxy compound bleach and said cobalt complex catalyst. The cobalt complex is an effective catalyst for activating hydrogen peroxide compounds, peroxyacids and peroxyacid bleach precursors on removing a wide class of stains from substrates, especially textiles and fabrics. |