Delayed onset active oxygen bleach composition

Reference Number: N 03-07

Inventors: Mitchell, Frances E.; deLeeuw, David L.

USPTO Link: 5130044

Invention Summary

The present invention now provides peroxygen bleach compositions which can be used together with oxygen-sensitive wash aids. These bleach compositions include a peroxygen source, a surface active or hydrotropic bleach activator or catalyst and a quaternary ammonium salt. As compared to equivalent compositions not containing the quaternary ammonium salt, these bleach compositions are characterized by a delayed onset of active oxygen production when they are added to wash solutions. When these bleach compositions are used in combination with oxygen-sensitive wash aids, the sensitive wash aids have an initial period when they can act before the active oxygen level rises to levels that could interfere with their action.

The bleach compositions of this invention which contain the added quaternary ammonium salt are also characterized by achieving higher ultimate yields or levels of active oxygen than do equivalent compositions which do not contain the ammonium salt.

In one aspect, this invention provides a bleach composition which includes a peroxygen compound, a surface active or hydrotropic bleach activator and a quantity of quaternary ammonium salt sufficient to beneficially delay formation of peracid.

In an additional aspect, this invention provides a combination laundry product which includes a peroxygen bleach made up of a peroxygen compound, a surface active or hydrotropic bleach activator and a quaternary ammonium salt together with an oxygen-sensitive wash aid.

In a preferred aspect, this invention provides a combination laundry product which includes a peroxygen bleach made up of a peroxygen compound, a surface active or hydrotropic bleach activator and a quaternary ammonium salt together with an enzymatic wash aid.

In an additional aspect, this invention provides an improved method of laundering which involves forming an aqueous solution of the combination product described above and immediately contacting clothes in need of bleaching and whitening with the solution through an initial period during which the oxygen-sensitive wash aid is active in the solution and can achieve a whitening effect on the clothes and through a subsequent period during which the peroxygen bleach components of the combination product provide an effective bleaching level of active oxygen to the solution.