Hydrotropic agent, use thereof to make non-ionic surfactants soluble, and compositions containing same

Abstract

A compound having Formula (I), nC.sub.7—H.sub.15—O-(G).sub.p-H, where G is a reducing sugar residue, and p is a decimal number ≧1.05 and ≦5. The method for preparing the compound and its use as a hydrotropic surfactant by making soluble, in an aqueous alkaline composition, at least one non-ionic surfactant having Formula (II), R—(O—CH(R′)—CH2)n-(0-CH2-CH2)m-0-H, where R is a straight, branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical including 8-14 carbon atoms, R′ is a methyl or ethyl radical, n and m are whole numbers ≧0 and ≦15, assuming that n+m≧0. Cleaning compositions containing 0.5% to 20% of compounds of Formula (I), 0.5% to 80% of compounds of Formula (II), 10-50 wt % of at least one alkaline agent, 15-89 wt % of water, and optionally, 10-50 wt % of at least one anti-limescale agent are useful for cleaning hard surfaces.

Claims

1. A composition (C.sub.1) comprising, for 100% of its weight: a) from 0.5% to 20% by weight of at least one compound of formula (I) nC.sub.7H.sub.15—O-(G).sub.p-H (I); b) from 0.5% to 80% by weight of at least one nonionic surfactant of formula (II):
R—(O—CH(R′)—CH.sub.2).sub.n—(O—CH.sub.2—CH.sub.2).sub.m—O—H  (II) in which R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbon-based aliphatic radical comprising from 8 to 14 carbon atoms, R′ represents a methyl or propyl radical, n represents an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 15, m represents an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 15, it being understood that the sum n+m is greater than zero; c) from 10% to 50% by weight of at least one alkaline agent chosen from the elements of the group made up of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline-earth metal hydroxides; d) from 15% to 89% by weight of water; and, optionally e) from 10% to 50% by weight of at least one water softening agent.

2. The composition (C.sub.1) as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the weight ratio between the compound of formula (II) and the compound of formula (I) is less than or equal to 9/1 and greater than or equal to 1/4.

Description

(1) The following examples illustrate the invention without, however, limiting it.

(2) 1) Preparation of Compounds of Formula (I) which are Subjects of the Invention and Evaluation of their Surfactant Properties

(3) 1.1) Preparation of n-heptylpolyglucosides

(4) 2.7 molar equivalents of n-heptanol are introduced into a double-jacketed glass reactor, in which a heat-transfer fluid circulates, and which is equipped with an efficient stirrer, at a temperature of 40° C. One molar equivalent of anhydrous glucose is then gradually added to the reaction medium so as to allow it to be homogeneously dispersed, and then 0.15% by mass of 98% sulfuric acid and 0.15% by mass of 50% hypophosphorous acid for 100% of the weight made up by the sum of the weight of the glucose and of the weight of the n-heptanol are introduced into the previously prepared homogeneous dispersion. The reaction medium is placed under a partial vacuum of approximately 180 mbar, and kept at a temperature of 100° C.-105° C. for a period of 4 hours with removal of the water formed by means of a distillation setup. The reaction medium is then cooled to 85° C.-90° C. and neutralized by adding 40% sodium hydroxide so as to bring the pH of a 5% solution of this mixture to a value of approximately 7.0. The resulting reaction medium is then emptied out at a temperature of 70° C. and filtered in order to remove the grains of glucose which have not reacted. The filtrate is then introduced into a double-jacketed glass reactor, in which a heat-transfer fluid circulates, equipped with an efficient stirrer and a distillation device. The excess heptanol is then removed by distillation at a temperature of 120° C. under a partial vacuum of between approximately 100 mbar and 50 mbar. The reaction medium thus distilled is immediately diluted by adding an amount of water so as to reach a concentration of reaction medium of approximately 60%. After homogenization for 30 minutes at a temperature of 50° C., the composition (X.sub.0) obtained is emptied out.

(5) The analytical characteristics of the resulting composition (X.sub.0) comprising n-heptylpolyglucosides are collated in table 1 below.

(6) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Analytical characteristics of the composition (X.sub.0) Composition (X.sub.0) Appearance at 20° C. (visual determination) liquid Acid number (standard NFT 60204) 1.7 Hydroxyl number on dry extract 813.9 (standard USP XXI NF XVI 01/01/1995) Water (% by weight) (standard NFT 73201) 58.8% Residual content of n-heptanol (gas 0.22% chromatography) as % by weight
1.2) Evaluation of the Foaming Properties of n-heptylpolyglucosides

(7) The foaming properties of the composition (X.sub.0) of n-heptylpolyglucosides, obtained according to the process previously described, were evaluated according to a static method by nitrogen bubbling and compared with solubilizing compositions of the prior art, namely: the composition of n-hexylpolyglucosides which is sold under the brand name AG 6206 by the company Akzo Nobel (composition X.sub.1), the composition of 2-ethylhexylpolyglucosides which is sold under the brand name AG 6202 by the company Akzo Nobel (composition X.sub.2), the composition of n-octylpolyglucosides/n-decylpolyglucosides which is sold under the brand name Simulsol™ SL8 (composition X.sub.3) by the company SEPPIC, the sodium cumene sulfonate (composition X.sub.4) which is sold under the brand name Eltesol™ SC Pellets by the company IMCD France.
1.2.1) Principle of the Static Method by Nitrogen Bubbling for Evaluating the Foaming Power

(8) The foam is formed by introducing a predetermined volume of nitrogen into a solution of surfactant at fixed concentration and in the presence of a fixed amount of sodium hydroxide, at a specific temperature. The volume of foam generated by introducing the volume of nitrogen is measured at the end of the introduction of said volume of nitrogen, and then at a time of 30 seconds, then of 120 seconds following the end of the introduction of the volume of nitrogen.

(9) 1.2.2) Experimental Protocol

(10) 5 cm.sup.3 of a solution at 5 g/l, with respect to dry extract, of the compositions tested are introduced into a thermostatically controlled 250 cm.sup.3 graduated measuring cylinder along with an amount of 12.5 grams of sodium hydroxide. The measurements were carried out at 20° C. and 60° C. A gas dispensing finger with a porosity of 3 (ref. Corning Pyrex 853-1) is positioned in such a way that the end of the sintered nozzle is one centimeter from the bottom of the measuring cylinder. The nitrogen flow rate is then precisely adjusted to 50 l/h and sparging is carried out for 15 seconds. After this period of time, the delivery of nitrogen is halted and the experimenter records the initial foam volume and also the foam volume after 30 seconds and 120 seconds. At least two tests producing equivalent results were carried out in different measuring cylinders for one and the same surfactant solution.

(11) 1.2.3) Expression of the Results

(12) The results of the foam volume observed in the graduated measuring cylinder initially, and then at 30 seconds and at 120 seconds are expressed in cm.sup.3.

(13) 1.2.4) Characterization of the Foaming Power of the Composition (X.sub.0) Comprising the Compounds of Formula (I) According to the Invention Compared with that of the Compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) Comprising the Prior Art Compounds

(14) 1.2.4.1) Results Obtained

(15) The experimental protocol described in section 1.2.2 of the present application was carried out for the composition of n-heptylpolyglucosides (composition X.sub.0) obtained according to the process described in section 1.1 of the present application, and for the compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) previously described.

(16) The experimental measurements were carried out at two different temperatures: at 20° C. and at 60° C. for each of the compounds described above.

(17) The experimental measures, for each composition and at each temperature, were recorded at the end of the introduction of the volume of nitrogen (t=0), 30 seconds after the end of the introduction of the volume of nitrogen (t=30 s) and 120 seconds after the end of the introduction of the volume of nitrogen (t=120 s), and were set down in tables 2 and 3 below for the measurements carried out respectively at 20° C. and at 60° C.

(18) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Foaming power at 20° C. Composition (X.sub.0) (X.sub.1) (X.sub.2) (X.sub.3) (X.sub.4) Foam At t = 0 100 65 120 125 65 volume At t = 30 s 5 5 90 110 5 (in cm.sup.3) At t = 120 s 0 0 50 100 5

(19) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Foaming power at 60° C. Composition (X.sub.0) (X.sub.1) (X.sub.2) (X.sub.3) (X.sub.4) Foam At t = 0 10 30 70 140 45 volume At t = 30 s 5 1 30 120 1 (in cm.sup.3) At t = 120 s 0 0 10 110 0
1.2.4.2. Analysis of the Results

(20) The composition (X.sub.0) which is a subject of the present invention is characterized by the generation of a foam which is very unstable at 20° C. since the foam volume decreases in 30 seconds by 95% of its initial value, compared with 92.3% for the composition (X.sub.1), 25% for the composition (X.sub.2) and 12% for the composition (X.sub.3).

(21) At 60° C., the composition (X.sub.0) of n-heptylpolyglucosides which is a subject of the present invention is also characterized by the generation of a foam which is very unstable since the foam volume decreases in 30 seconds by 100% of its initial value, compared with 57.1% for the composition (X.sub.2) and 14% for the composition (X.sub.3). At 60° C., the composition (X.sub.0) by the generation of a foam volume which is less than that generated by the prior art compositions.

(22) 1.3) Evaluation of the Wetting Properties of n-heptylpolyglucosides

(23) The wetting properties of the composition (X.sub.0) of n-heptylpolyglucosides, obtained according to the process previously described, were evaluated according to an evaluation method on a cotton disk, adapted from standards ISO 8022, 1990 edition, and NFT 73420.

(24) 1.3.1) Principle of the Method on Cotton Disk for Evaluating Wetting Power

(25) The object of this method is to determine the wettability of a surfactant compared with a textile support, in this case raw cotton. The wetting power is assessed by the measurement of the duration of wetting of a disk of raw cotton placed in a solution of surfactants at a defined concentration, in the presence of a defined amount of sodium hydroxide.

(26) 1.3.2) Experimental Protocol

(27) 700 cm.sup.3 of a solution at 5 g/l, with respect to dry extract, of the compounds tested, in distilled water, are placed in a beaker which is thermostatically controlled at the desired temperature in the presence of 35 grams of sodium hydroxide. A disk of raw cotton corresponding to standard NFT 73-406 (30 mm in diameter) and provided by the company Mortelecque, is introduced into the previously prepared solution using immersion tongs specific to this test. The duration of wetting is determined experimentally using a stopwatch started at the moment the lower part of the disk touches the solution and stopped at the moment the disk sinks by itself into the solution, so as to obtain a duration of wetting. Ten consecutive measurements of the duration of wetting were carried out with the same solution for each composition, care being taken, however, to discard the cotton disks used after each measurement.

(28) 1.3.3—Expression of the Results

(29) The wetting power is expressed by a duration t.sub.m in seconds corresponding to the mean of the ten measurements carried out for each of the compositions tested.

(30) 1.3.4) Characterization of the Wetting Power of the Composition (X.sub.0) Comprising the Compounds of Formula (I) According to the Invention Compared with that of the Compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) Comprising the Prior Art Compounds

(31) 1.3.4.1.) Results Obtained

(32) The experimental protocol described in section 1.3.2 of the present application was carried out for the composition of n-heptylpolyglucosides (composition X.sub.0) obtained according to the process described in section 1.1 of the present application, and for the compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) previously described.

(33) The experimental measurements were carried out at two different temperatures: at 20° C. and at 60° C. for each of the compositions described above.

(34) The experimental measurements of the durations of wetting t.sub.m, measured for each composition at 20° C. and at 60° C., were recorded and set out in table 4.

(35) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Wetting power at 20° C. and at 60° C. Composition (X.sub.0) (X.sub.1) (X.sub.2) (X.sub.3) (X.sub.4) Wetting power on at >300 s >300 s 25 s 11 s >300 s cotton disk 20° C. (expressed as at  155 s >300 s 49.sup.   23 s >300 s duration of wetting 60° C.
1.3.4.2) Analysis of the Results

(36) At 20° C., the composition (X.sub.0) of n-heptylpolyglucosides which is a subject of the present invention is characterized by a low wetting power, identical to that of the composition (X.sub.1) and to that of the composition (X.sub.4), but lower than those of the compositions (X.sub.2) and.

(37) At 60° C., the wetting power of the composition (X.sub.0) is better, while that of the compositions (X.sub.1) and (X.sub.4) remains low and those of the compositions (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) are decreased.

(38) 1.4) Evaluation of the Solubilizing Properties of n-heptylpolyglucosides in Sodium Medium

(39) The solubilizing properties, in a sodium medium, of the composition (X.sub.0) of n-heptylpolyglucosides, obtained according to the process previously described, were evaluated in comparison with the prior art compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) as previously described, according to the methods of evaluation described below for various nonionic surfactants and at various concentrations of sodium hydroxide.

(40) 1.4.1—Evaluation of the Solubilizing Power in a Sodium Medium for Several Weight Ratios of Surfactants to be made Soluble/Solubilizing Composition

(41) 1.4.1.1—Principle of the Method

(42) The object of this method is to determine the solubilizing power of a surfactant composition in a sodium medium for a nonionic surfactant insoluble in a sodium medium which is fixed, compared with surfactant compositions of the prior art.

(43) 1.4.1.2—Experimental Protocol

(44) An amount of one gram of a nonionic surfactant (Ti) to be made soluble, an amount of x.sub.1 gram of the solubilizing surfactant composition (Xi) to be tested, an amount of y.sub.1 grams of sodium hydroxide and an amount of distilled water to make up the volume to obtain a solution of 100 cm.sup.3 are introduced into a 120 cm.sup.3 glass flask. A magnetized magnetic bar is placed in the glass flask, which is then magnetically stirred at a speed of 100 revolutions/minute for a period of 1 hour at a temperature of 20° C.

(45) 1.4.1.3—Expression of the Results

(46) The visual appearance of the solution obtained according to the protocol of section 1.4.1.2 of the present application is noted by the experimenter and described as “clear” or “cloudy”, as appropriate.

(47) 1.4.1.4—Characterization of the Solubilizing Power in a Sodium Medium of the Composition (X.sub.0) Comprising the Compounds of Formula (I) According to the Invention Compared with that of the Compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) Comprising the Prior Art Compounds
Results Obtained

(48) The experimental protocol described in section 1.4.1.2 of the present application was carried out for the composition (X.sub.0) according to the invention and for the solubilizing prior art surfactant compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4).

(49) The experimental protocol described in section 1.4.2. of the present application was carried out for the following nonionic surfactants (Ti): composition of polyethoxylated alcohols (T1), sold under the brand name Simulsol™ OX1004L by the company SEPPIC, resulting from the reaction of one molar equivalent of an alcohol sold under the brand name Exxal™ 10 (CAS number: 68526-85-2) by the company Exxonmobil, comprising a mixture of n-nonanol, n-decanol, n-undecanol, isononanol, isodecanol and isoundecanol, with 4 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide, composition of polyethoxylated alcohols (T2), sold under the brand name Simulsol™ OX1006L by the company SEPPIC, resulting from the reaction of one molar equivalent of an alcohol sold under the brand name Exxal™ 10 (CAS number: 68526-85-2) by the company Exxonmobil, comprising a mixture of n-nonanol, n-decanol, n-undecanol, isononanol, isodecanol and isoundecanol, with 6 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide, composition of polyethoxylated alcohols (T3), sold under the brand name Simulsol™ OX1309L by the company SEPPIC, resulting from the reaction of one molar equivalent of an alcohol sold under the brand name Exxal™ 13 (CAS number: 68256-86-3) by the company Exxonmobil, comprising a mixture of n-undecanol, n-dodecanol, n-tridecanol, n-tetradecanol, isoundecanol, isododecanol and isotridecanol, with 9 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide, composition of polyethoxylated alcohols (T4), prepared by reaction between 1 molar equivalent of n-decanol and 4 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide in the presence of potassium hydroxide as basic catalyst.

(50) The experimental measurements were carried out in the presence of different amounts y.sub.1 of sodium hydroxide so as to obtain weight contents of 10%, 20%, 30% and 48% for each of the amounts x.sub.1 of the various solubilizing compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) tested, and for each of the nonionic surfactants (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4) described above. The amount x.sub.1 of the various solubilizing compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) tested is determined so as to achieve weight ratios of composition (Ti)/compositions (Xi)(Ti/Xi) equal to 1/1 to 1/2 and to 1/5.

(51) The appearances of the solutions prepared by carrying out the operating protocol for each of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) used to make the compositions (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4) soluble were noted by the experimenter and set out respectively in tables 5, 6, 7 and 8 below.

(52) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Appearance of solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant composition (T1) in the presence of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) at 20° C. (Cle: Clear; Clo: Cloudy) Appearance of the compositions X.sub.0 X.sub.1 X.sub.2 X.sub.3 X.sub.4 Amount by 10% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Cle Clo weight of ratio 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle sodium (T1/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle hydroxide 20% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo (% by ratio 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Clo Clo weight) (T1/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Clo 48% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo ratio 1/2 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo (T1/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Clo Clo

(53) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Appearance of solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant composition (T2) in the presence of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) at 20° C. (Cle: Clear; Clo: Cloudy) Appearance of the compositions X.sub.0 X.sub.1 X.sub.2 X.sub.3 X.sub.4 Amount by 10% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Cle Cle Clo weight of ratio 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle sodium (T2/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle hydroxide 20% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo (% by ratio 1/2 Cle Cle Clo Clo Clo weight) (T2/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Clo 48% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo ratio 1/2 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo (T2/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Clo

(54) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Appearance of solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant composition (T3) in the presence of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) at 20° C. (Cle: Clear; Clo: Cloudy) Appearance of the compositions X.sub.0 X.sub.1 X.sub.2 X.sub.3 X.sub.4 Amount by 10% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Cle Cle Clo weight of ratio 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle sodium (T3/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle hydroxide 48% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Cle Cle Clo (% by ratio 1/2 Cle Clo Cle Cle Clo weight) (T3/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Clo

(55) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Appearance of solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant composition (T4) in the presence of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) at 20° C. (Cle: Clear; Clo: Cloudy) Appearance of the compositions X.sub.0 X.sub.1 X.sub.2 X.sub.3 X.sub.4 Amount by 10% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo weight of ratio 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle sodium (T4/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Clo hydroxide 20% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo (% by ratio 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Clo Clo weight) (T4/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Clo 48% Weight 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo ratio 1/2 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo (T4/Xi) 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Clo Clo
Analysis of the Results

(56) The comparison between the solubilizing performance levels observed for the compositions characterized by a low foaming power, namely the composition (X.sub.0), the composition (X.sub.1) and the composition (X.sub.4), shows that whatever the amount of sodium hydroxide present in the alkaline detergent solution prepared, the composition (X.sub.0) comprising n-heptylpolyglucosides which are subjects of the present invention is characterized by a solubilizing power which is greater than that observed with the composition (X.sub.1). The comparison between the solubilizing performance levels observed for the composition (X.sub.0) and for the composition (X.sub.2) shows that the composition (X.sub.0) is characterized by a greater solubilizing power than that of the composition (X.sub.2).

(57) 1.4.2—Evaluation of the Solubilizing Power in a Sodium Medium by Determining the Minimum Amount of Solubilization Composition to Make Soluble a Fixed Amount of Surfactants to be Made Soluble

(58) 1.4.2.1—Principle of the Method

(59) The object of this method is to determine the solubilizing power of a surfactant composition in a sodium medium for a nonionic surfactant insoluble in a sodium medium which is fixed, compared with surfactant compositions of the prior art.

(60) In this method, the amount of nonionic surfactant insoluble in a sodium medium is fixed at 5% per 100% of the weight of each aqueous sodium medium selected, and the experimenter determines, by gradually adding the solubilizing surfactant composition, the minimum amount thereof to obtain a clear sodium solution. The method is carried out for the compositions according to the invention and for surfactant compositions of the prior art.

(61) 1.4.2.2—Experimental Protocol

(62) An amount of 5 grams of the nonionic surfactant (Ti) to be made soluble and an amount of 95 grams of a mixture consisting of distilled water and of y.sub.1 grams of sodium hydroxide are introduced into a 120 cm.sup.3 glass flask.

(63) A magnetized magnetic bar is placed in the glass flask, which is then magnetically stirred at a speed of 100 revolutions/minute for a period of 1 hour at a temperature of 20° C.

(64) The solubilizing surfactant composition (Xi) to be tested is then subsequently gradually introduced and the experimenter determines the minimum amount of x.sub.1 gram of said solubilizing surfactant composition (Xi) necessary to obtain a clear aqueous sodium solution.

(65) 1.4.2.3—Expression of the Results

(66) When the visual appearance of the solution obtained according to the protocol of section 1.4.2.2 of the present application is clear, the experimenter notes the amount x.sub.1 of the solubilizing surfactant composition (Xi) added in order to achieve this clear appearance.

(67) 1.4.2.4—Characterization of the Solubilizing Power in a Sodium Medium of the Composition (X.sub.0) Comprising the Compounds of Formula (I) According to the Invention Compared with that of the Compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) Comprising the Prior Art Compounds

(68) Results Obtained

(69) The experimental protocol described in section 1.4.2.2 of the present application was carried out for the solubilizing surfactant compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) and for the nonionic surfactant compositions (T5) and (T6) as described below: composition of polyethoxylated alcohols (T5), prepared by reaction between 1 molar equivalent of a mixture comprising, for 100% of its weight, 50% by weight of n-octanol and 50% by weight of n-decanol, and 4 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide in the presence of potassium hydroxide as basic catalyst, composition of polyethoxylated alcohols (T6), prepared by reaction between 1 molar equivalent of a mixture comprising, for 100% of its weight, a 85% by weight of n-decanol and 15% by weight of n-dodecanol, and 4 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide in the presence of potassium hydroxide as basic catalyst.

(70) The experimental measurements were carried out according to the experimental protocol described in section 1.4.2.2 in the presence of different amounts y.sub.1 of sodium hydroxide so as to obtain sodium hydroxide contents by weight of 10% and of 40% for each of the compositions (T5) and (T6).

(71) The minimum amounts of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) required to obtain a clear solution were noted by the experimenter and set out in table 9 below.

(72) TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Minimum amounts of compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) required to make soluble sodium solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant compositions (T5) and (T6) at 20° C. Minimum amount of composition (Xi) in Composition grams to obtain a clear solution according (Ti) to be Amount of to the protocol described in section made sodium 1.4.2.2 soluble hydroxide X.sub.0 X.sub.1 X.sub.2 X.sub.3 (T5) 10%  3.3 g  3.8 g  4.1 g  4.9 g 40%  7.6 g 13.0 g  9.3 g 12.4 g (T6) 10% 3.02 g 3.62 g 3.53 g 4.16 g 40% 6.70 g 12.79 g  9.20 g 10.92 g 
Analysis of the Results

(73) Comparison between the solubilizing performance levels observed for the compositions characterized by a low foaming power, namely the composition (X.sub.0) and the composition (X.sub.1), shows that whatever the amount of sodium hydroxide present in the alkaline detergent solution prepared, the composition (X.sub.0) comprising n-heptylpolyglucosides which are subjects of the present invention is characterized by a greater solubilizing power than that observed with the composition (X.sub.1). The comparison between the solubilizing performance levels observed for the composition (X.sub.0) and for the composition (X.sub.2) shows that the composition (X.sub.0) is characterized by a greater solubilizing power than that of the composition (X.sub.2).

(74) 1.5) Evaluation of the Solubilizing Properties of n-heptylpolyglucosides in an Electrolytic Medium

(75) The solubilizing properties in an electrolytic medium of the composition (X.sub.0) of n-heptylpolyglucosides, obtained according to the process previously described, were evaluated in comparison with the prior art compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) as previously described, according to the evaluation methods described below for various nonionic surfactants and at various concentrations of sodium metasilicate.

(76) 1.5.1)—Evaluation of the Solubilizing Power in an Electrolytic Medium for Several Weight Ratios of Surfactants to be Made Soluble/Solubilizing Composition

(77) 1.5.1.1—Principle of the Method

(78) The object of this method is to determine the solubilizing power of a surfactant composition in an electrolytic medium for a nonionic surfactant insoluble in an electrolytic medium which is fixed, compared with surfactant compositions of the prior art.

(79) 1.5.1.2—Experimental Protocol

(80) An amount of one gram of the nonionic surfactant (Ti) to be made soluble, an amount of x.sub.2 gram of the solubilizing surfactant composition (Xi) to be tested, an amount of y.sub.2 grams of sodium metasilicate and an amount of distilled water to make up the volume to obtain a solution of 100 cm.sup.3 are introduced into a 120 cm.sup.3 glass flask. A magnetized magnetic bar is placed in the glass flask, which is then magnetically stirred at a speed of 100 revolutions/minute for a period of 1 hour at a temperature of 20° C.

(81) 1.5.2.3—Expression of the Results

(82) The visual appearance of the solution obtained according to the protocol of section 1.5.1.2 of the present application is noted by the experimenter and described as “clear” or “cloudy”, as appropriate.

(83) 1.5.1.4—Characterization of the Solubilizing Power in an Electrolytic Medium of the Composition (X.sub.0) Comprising the Compounds of Formula (I) According to the Invention Compared with that of the Compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) Comprising the Prior Art Compounds
Results Obtained

(84) The experimental protocol described in section 1.5.1.2 of the present application was carried out for the solubilizing surfactant compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) and for the nonionic surfactant compositions (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4), as previously described.

(85) The experimental measurements were carried out in the presence of different amounts y.sub.2 of sodium metasilicate so as to obtain contents by weight of 10%, 20% and 30% for each of the amounts x.sub.2 of the various solubilizing compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) tested, and for each of the nonionic surfactants (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4) described above. The amount x.sub.2 of the various solubilizing compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) tested is determined so as to achieve weight ratios of composition (Ti)/compositions (Xi) equal to 1/1, to 1/2 and to 1/5.

(86) TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Appearance of solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant composition (T1) in the presence of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) at 20° C. (Cle: Clear; Clo: Cloudy) Amount by Weight ratio weight of composition sodium (T1)/compositions Appearance observed metasilicate (Xi) (X.sub.0) (X.sub.1) (X.sub.2) (X.sub.3) (X.sub.4) 10% 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 20% 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/2 Cle Cle Clo Clo Cle 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 30% 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/2 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/5 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo

(87) TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Appearance of solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant composition (T2) in the presence of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) at 20° C. (Cle: Clear; Clo: Cloudy) Amount by Weight ratio weight of composition sodium (T2)/compositions Appearance observed metasilicate (Xi) (X.sub.0) (X.sub.1) (X.sub.2) (X.sub.3) (X.sub.4) 10% 1/1 Cle Clo Cle Cle Cle 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 20% 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 30% 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/2 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/5 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo

(88) TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Appearance of solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant composition (T3) in the presence of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) at 20° C. (Cle: Clear; Clo: Cloudy) Amount by Weight ratio weight of composition sodium (T3)/compositions Appearance observed metasilicate (Xi) (X.sub.0) (X.sub.1) (X.sub.2) (X.sub.3) (X.sub.4) 10% 1/1 Cle Clo Cle Cle Cle 1/2 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 1/5 Cle Cle Cle Cle Cle 30% 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/2 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/5 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo

(89) TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Appearance of solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant composition (T4) in the presence of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2), (X.sub.3) and (X.sub.4) at 20° C. (Cle: Clear; Clo: Cloudy) Amount by Weight ratio weight of composition sodium (T4)/compositions Appearance observed metasilicate (Xi) (X.sub.0) (X.sub.1) (X.sub.2) (X.sub.3) (X.sub.4) 10% 1/1 Cle Clo Cle Cle Cle 1/2 Cle Clo Cle Cle Clo 1/5 Cle Clo Cle Cle Clo 20% 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Cle 1/2 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/5 Cle Clo Cle Clo Clo 30% 1/1 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/2 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo 1/5 Cle Clo Clo Clo Clo
Analysis of the Results Obtained

(90) The comparison between the solubilizing performance levels observed for the compositions characterized by a low foaming power, namely the composition (X.sub.0), the composition (X.sub.1) and the composition (X.sub.4), shows that for an amount of 10% by weight of sodium silicate, a single equivalent by weight of composition (X.sub.0) is required to obtain a clear alkaline detergent solution for all the nonionic surfactant compositions (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4), contrary to the other compositions.

(91) The comparison between the solubilizing performance levels observed for the composition (X.sub.0) and for the composition (X.sub.2) shows that, for an amount of sodium silicate present in a proportion of 30% by weight in the alkaline detergent composition, use of 5 equivalents by weight of the composition (X.sub.2) does not manage to make the nonionic surfactant compositions (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4) soluble, whereas a single equivalent by weight of the composition (X.sub.0) is required to make the nonionic surfactant compositions (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4) soluble.

(92) 1.5.2—Evaluation of the Solubilizing Power in an Electrolytic Medium by Determining the Minimum Amount of Solubilizing Composition to Make Soluble a Fixed Amount of Surfactants to be Made Soluble

(93) 1.5.2.1—Principle of the Method

(94) The object of this method is to determine the solubilizing power of a surfactant composition in an electrolytic medium for a nonionic surfactant insoluble in an electrolytic medium which is fixed, compared with surfactant compositions of the prior art.

(95) In this method, the amount of nonionic surfactant insoluble in an electrolytic medium is fixed at 5% for 100% of the weight of each aqueous electrolytic medium selected, and the experimenter determines, by gradually adding the solubilizing surfactant composition, the minimum amount thereof to obtain a clear electrolytic solution. The method is carried out for the compositions according to the invention and for surfactant compositions of the prior art.

(96) 1.5.2.2—Experimental Protocol

(97) An amount of 5 grams of the nonionic surfactant (Ti) to be made soluble and an amount of 95 grams of a mixture consisting of distilled water and of an amount of y.sub.2 grams of sodium metasilicate are introduced into a 120 cm.sup.3 glass flask.

(98) A magnetized magnetic bar is placed in the glass flask, which is then magnetically stirred at a speed of 100 revolutions/minute for a period of 1 hour at a temperature of 20° C.

(99) The solubilizing surfactant composition (Xi) to be tested is then gradually introduced and the experimenter determines the minimum amount of x.sub.1 gram of said solubilizing surfactant composition (Xi) required to obtain a clear aqueous electrolytic solution.

(100) 1.5.2.3—Expression of the Results

(101) When the visual appearance of the solution obtained according to the protocol of section 1.5.2.2 of the present application is clear, the experimenter notes the amount x.sub.1 of the solubilizing surfactant composition (Xi) added to achieve this clear appearance.

(102) 1.5.2.4—Characterization of the Solubilizing Power in an Electrolytic Medium of the Composition (X.sub.0) Comprising the Compounds of Formula (I) According to the Invention Compared with that of the Compositions (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) Comprising the Prior Art Compounds
Results Obtained

(103) The experimental protocol described in section 1.5.2.2 of the present application was carried out for the solubilizing surfactant compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) and for the nonionic surface compositions (T5) and (T6) as previously described.

(104) The experimental measurements were carried out according to the experimental protocol described in section 1.5.2.2 in the presence of different amounts y.sub.2 of sodium metasilicate so as to obtain contents by weight of sodium metasilicate of 10% and 20% for each of the compositions (T5) and (T6).

(105) The minimum amounts of the compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) required to obtain a clear solution were noted by the experimenter and set out in table 14 below.

(106) TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Minimum amounts of compositions (X.sub.0), (X.sub.1), (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) required to make soluble electrolytic solutions comprising the nonionic surfactant compositions (T5) and (T6) at 20° C. Minimum amount of composition (Xi) in Composition grams to obtain a clear solution (Ti) to be Amount of according to the protocol described in made sodium section 1.5.2.2 soluble metasilicate X.sub.0 X.sub.1 X.sub.2 X.sub.3 (T5) 10% 2.39 g 3.70 g 2.76 g 2.92 g 20% 4.13 g 5.04 g 6.80 g 6.08 g (T6) 10% 2.77 g 4.19 g 3.20 g 3.60 g 20% 3.84 g 4.78 g 6.17 g 6.84 g
Analysis of the Results Obtained

(107) The comparison between the solubilizing performance levels observed for the compositions characterized by a low foaming power, namely the composition (X.sub.0) and the composition (X.sub.1), shows that, whatever the amount of sodium metasilicate present in the detergent solution prepared, the composition (X.sub.0) comprising n-heptylpolyglucosides which are subjects of the invention is characterized by a greater solubilizing power than that observed for the composition (X.sub.1), since the minimum amount required to obtain a clear solution is less for the composition (X.sub.0) than for the composition (X.sub.1).

(108) The comparison between the solubilizing performance levels observed for the composition (X.sub.0) and for the compositions (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3) shows that, whatever the amount of sodium metasilicate present in the detergent solution prepared, the composition (X.sub.0) comprising n-heptylpolyglucosides which are subjects of the present invention is characterized by a greater solubilizing power than that observed for the compositions (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3), since the minimum amount required to obtain a clear solution is less for the composition (X.sub.0) than for the compositions (X.sub.2) and (X.sub.3).

(109) 1.6) Conclusions

(110) The composition (X.sub.0) comprising n-heptylpolyglucosides which are subjects of the present invention shows improved low-foaming and solubilizing properties, in an alkaline and electrolytic medium, even in high proportions, compared with the solubilizing agents known in the prior art.

(111) 2) Aqueous Alkaline Detergent Compositions

(112) 2.1. Industrial Cleaning Product for Floors

(113) 2.1.1 Preparation of the Industrial Cleaning Composition for Floors

(114) TABLE-US-00015 Ingredients Content by weight Simulsol ™ NW 900.sup.(1) 5% Composition (X.sub.0) 4% Dowanol ™ DPM.sup.(2) 2% D-Limonene 3% Sodium gluconate 5% Dequest ™ 3000S.sup.(3) 2% 5% sodium hydroxide solution qs pH = 13 Water qs 100% Fragrance qs Dye qs .sup.(1)Simulsol ™ NW 900: detergent surfactant composition sold by the company SEPPIC, comprising polyethoxylated alcohols resulting from the reaction of one molar equivalent of an alcohol sold under the brand name Exxal ™ 10 with 9 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide. .sup.(2)Dowanol ™ DPM: dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether sold by the company Dow Chemicals .sup.(3)Dequest ™ 3000 S: sodium phosphonate sold by the company Monsanto

(115) Procedure for preparing the alkaline detergent composition: each ingredient is successively introduced into a mixing tank with moderate mechanical stirring, at ambient temperature, until a homogenous and clear composition is obtained. The stirring is maintained for 30 minutes at 20° C. and then the dye and the fragrance are introduced. The composition obtained has a pH measured at 12.9, and remains clear and homogeneous after storage for a period of one month at 40° C. and clear and homogeneous after storage for a period of one month at 5° C.

(116) 2.1.2 Cleaning Process Using the Composition Prepared in 2.1.1:

(117) A dilution to 10% in water of the composition prepared in 2.1.1 is prepared at ambient temperature, and then applied to a tiled floor soiled with dirt made up of oil and grease, by means of floor cleaning machine. The floor thus impregnated with the composition prepared in 2.1.1 is then rinsed with hot water (60° C.) under pressure by means of a garden hose.

(118) 2.2. Cleaning Composition for Cars and Trucks

(119) 2.2.1 Preparation of the Cleaning Composition for Cars and Trucks

(120) TABLE-US-00016 Ingredients Content by weight Simulsol ™ OX1006L.sup.(4) 5% Composition (X.sub.0) 5% Dowanol ™ DPM.sup.(2) 5% Sodium gluconate 5% Anhydrous sodium metasilicate 0.3%   Solid potassium hydroxide qs pH = 12 Sodium nitrilotriacetate 5% Water qs 100% Fragrance qs Dye qs .sup.(4)Simulsol ™ OX1006L: detergent surfactant composition sold by the company SEPPIC, comprising polyethoxylated alcohols resulting from the reaction of one molar equivalent of an alcohol sold under the brand name Exxal ™ 10 with 6 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide.

(121) Procedure for preparing the cleaning composition for cars and trucks: each ingredient is successively mixed into a mixing tank with vigorous mechanical stirring, at ambient temperature, until a homogeneous and clear composition is obtained. The stirring is maintained for 30 minutes at 20° C. and then the dye and the fragrance are introduced. The composition obtained has a pH measured at 12.1, and remains clear and homogeneous after storage for a period of one month at 20° C.

(122) 2.2.2 Cleaning Process Using the Composition Prepared in 2.2.1:

(123) A dilution to 10% in water of the composition prepared in 2.1.1 is prepared at ambient temperature, and then applied at a temperature of 60° C. to the bodywork of a motor vehicle soiled with mud and grease, by means of a garden hose at low pressure. The vehicle impregnated with the dilution of the cleaning composition prepared in 2.2.1 is rinsed with water at 60° C. under high pressure (100 bar). The vehicle thus cleaned no longer has any dirt on its sides and has a shiny appearance.

(124) 2.2.3 Cleaning of Aluminum Wheels of Cars or of Trucks

(125) The cleaning process described in 2.2.2 is used to clean aluminum wheels of cars or of trucks soiled with oil and grease, but using a dilution to 15% by weight in water of the composition prepared in 2.2.1.

(126) 2.3 Cleaning Composition for Ovens and Cooking Grills

(127) 2.3.1 Preparation of the Cleaning Composition for Ovens and Cooking Grills

(128) TABLE-US-00017 Ingredients Content by weight Simulsol ™ OX1309L.sup.(5) 2% Composition (X.sub.0) 2% Solagum ™ SF 306.sup.(6) 6% 100% sodium hydroxide 25%  Water qs 100% .sup.(5)Simulsol ™ OX1309L: detergent surfactant composition sold by the company SEPPIC, comprising polyethoxylated alcohols resulting from the reaction of one molar equivalent of an alcohol sold under the brand name Exxal ™ 13 with 9 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide. .sup.(6)Solagum ™ SF 306: thickening composition provided in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion and comprising a crosslinked polymer based on acrylamide and on the sodium salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate.
Procedure for Preparing the Cleaning Composition for Ovens and Cooking Grills:
a) A pregel is prepared at 20° C. by adding the Simulsol™ OX1309L and then the composition (X.sub.0) according to the invention to water. The Solagum™ SF 306 is then introduced into the aqueous solution and mixed until a gel of stable viscosity is obtained.
b) The sodium hydroxide is then gradually introduced with mechanical stirring at a temperature of 20° C. until a homogeneous gel is obtained.

(129) The gel obtained at the end of step b) shows a homogeneous and clear appearance, with a viscosity of 11 000 mPa.Math.s (measured using a Brookfield LVT viscometer, at a speed of 6 revolutions/minute). After a storage period of 6 months at 25° C., the gel obtained at the end of step b) of this procedure has a homogeneous and clear appearance, with a viscosity of 12 000 mPa.Math.s (measured using a Brookfield LVT viscometer, at a speed of 6 revolutions/minute).

(130) 2.3.2 Cleaning Process Using the Composition Prepared in 2.3.1:

(131) The composition prepared in 2.3.1, provided in the form of a gel, is sprayed at ambient temperature onto the walls of an oven soiled with food fats and onto the cooking grills also soiled with food fats. After a period of 10 minutes, the oven walls and the cooking grills are rinsed with hot water at 60° C. The oven walls and the surfaces of the cooking grills thus cleaned no longer show any soiling.