| abstract |
The invention provides novel peracid precursors representative of which is the structure: <IMAGE> wherein R1 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R2 is OH, -O-R3, or <IMAGE> and X1, X2, Y and Z are individually selected from H, SO3-, CO2-, NO2, NR45+, halogen, R6 and mixtures thereof; wherein R3 of -O-R3 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R4 of <IMAGE> is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R5 of NR45+ is selected from H, alkyl of 1 to 24 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof; and R6 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms. In one embodiment of the invention, the novel peracid precursors are combined with a source of hydrogen peroxide and sufficient quantities of buffer to impact an alkaline pH when the composition is placed in aqueous solution. Preferred embodiments of the invention include wherein R2 is hydroxy, and R1 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms (monoester); and wherein R2 is <IMAGE> and R1 and R4 are alkyls of 1 to 20 carbon atoms (diester) and may be either symmetrical (i.e., R1=R4) or mixed (i.e., R1 NOTEQUAL R4). The mixed diester embodiment appears to provide benefits of mixed hydrophobic/hydrophilic peracid generation to oxidize both hydrophobic and hydrophilic soils. Various detergent adjuncts known to those skilled in the art may be added, such as surfactants, builders, fragrances, antimicrobial compounds and the like. |