Disclosed are compounds of formula (I)
(R.sup.1OOC).sub.a—R.sup.2(OH).sub.c—COO—(C.sub.nH.sub.2n—O).sub.m—OC—R.sup.3(OH).sub.d—(COOR.sup.4).sub.b  (I)
wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 independently of one another are hydrogen, a metal cation, an ammonium cation, C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl, cycloalkyl with three to nine ring carbon atoms, aryl with five to ten ring carbon atoms, aryl that is substituted with one or two alkyl groups, aryl that is connected via an alkylene group with the carboxyl group, —(C.sub.nH.sub.2n—O).sub.m—H or —O—R.sup.2(COOR1).sub.a+1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently of one another are aliphatic hydrocarbon residues with one to eight carbon atoms,
a and b independently of one another are integers from 1 to 4,
c is an integer from 0 to 4,
d is an integer from 1 to 4,
n is 2, 3 or 4, and
m is 1, 2, 3 or 4, with the proviso that
R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 may be different within a molecule within the given definitions. These compounds are characterized by a very good complexation power for metal cations and can be used in detergents and cleaning agents, in oil extraction and for water softening.

Disclosed are compounds of formula (I)
(R.sup.1OOC).sub.a—R.sup.2(OH).sub.c—COO—(C.sub.nH.sub.2n—O).sub.m—OC—R.sup.3(OH).sub.d—(COOR.sup.4).sub.b  (I)
wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 independently of one another are hydrogen, a metal cation, an ammonium cation, C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl, cycloalkyl with three to nine ring carbon atoms, aryl with five to ten ring carbon atoms, aryl that is substituted with one or two alkyl groups, aryl that is connected via an alkylene group with the carboxyl group, —(C.sub.nH.sub.2n—O).sub.m—H or —O—R.sup.2(COOR1).sub.a+1,
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently of one another are aliphatic hydrocarbon residues with one to eight carbon atoms,
a and b independently of one another are integers from 1 to 4,
c is an integer from 0 to 4,
d is an integer from 1 to 4,
n is 2, 3 or 4, and
m is 1, 2, 3 or 4, with the proviso that
R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 may be different within a molecule within the given definitions. These compounds are characterized by a very good complexation power for metal cations and can be used in detergents and cleaning agents, in oil extraction and for water softening.

Provided is a composition for preserving cell-free nucleic acids and/or cells in a biological sample and methods for use thereof. The composition comprises at least one volume excluding polymer, at least one osmotic agent and at least one enzyme inhibitor. The composition optionally further comprises at least one metabolic inhibitor. Further, provided is a kit comprising the composition, preferably in a blood collection tube, or the components of the composition.

Provided is a composition for preserving cell-free nucleic acids and/or cells in a biological sample and methods for use thereof. The composition comprises at least one volume excluding polymer, at least one osmotic agent and at least one enzyme inhibitor. The composition optionally further comprises at least one metabolic inhibitor. Further, provided is a kit comprising the composition, preferably in a blood collection tube, or the components of the composition.

A system and method for a metal sequestration composition comprising combining a galactaric salt or galactaric acid with a metalloid oxyanion, and an alkali compound. The system and method enable the production of a metal sequestration composition that either alone or in combination with other functional components (e.g.,, surfactants, solvents, pH modifiers) provide water treatment or cleaning compositions.

A system and method for a metal sequestration composition comprising combining a galactaric salt or galactaric acid with a metalloid oxyanion, and an alkali compound. The system and method enable the production of a metal sequestration composition that either alone or in combination with other functional components (e.g.,, surfactants, solvents, pH modifiers) provide water treatment or cleaning compositions.

No rinse, low pH food contact disinfecting and sanitizing compositions comprising one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in combination with an acid source are provided. The compositions include antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compounds such as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides (ADBAC), alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides (ADEBAC), dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (DAAC), or a combination thereof together with an organic acid. The disinfecting and sanitizing compositions and methods of using the same provide enhanced microbial kill at an acidic pH and even at very low concentrations of the antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound.

No rinse, low pH food contact disinfecting and sanitizing compositions comprising one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in combination with an acid source are provided. The compositions include antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compounds such as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides (ADBAC), alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides (ADEBAC), dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (DAAC), or a combination thereof together with an organic acid. The disinfecting and sanitizing compositions and methods of using the same provide enhanced microbial kill at an acidic pH and even at very low concentrations of the antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound.

Provided is a composition for preserving cell-free nucleic acids and/or cells in a biological sample and methods for use thereof. The composition comprises at least one volume excluding polymer, at least one osmotic agent and at least one enzyme inhibitor. The composition optionally further comprises at least one metabolic inhibitor. Further, provided is a kit comprising the composition, preferably in a blood collection tube, or the components of the composition.

Provided is a composition for preserving cell-free nucleic acids and/or cells in a biological sample and methods for use thereof. The composition comprises at least one volume excluding polymer, at least one osmotic agent and at least one enzyme inhibitor. The composition optionally further comprises at least one metabolic inhibitor. Further, provided is a kit comprising the composition, preferably in a blood collection tube, or the components of the composition.