MULTIFUNCTIONAL AROMATIC ALCOHOLS FOR PERSONAL CARE, HOME CARE AND INDUSTRIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL COMPOSITIONS

Abstract

Single ingredient, multifunctional additives for use in a wide variety of products comprise aromatic alcohols including without limitation 3-phenylpropanol, 2-phenylethanol, 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol, methyl benzene ethanol, methyl benzene propanol, or 4-phenyl-1-butanol, or mixtures thereof. The multifunctional aromatic alcohols provide unexpected improvements in processing and in end use product properties of a wide variety of products and are useful at a wide range of pH.

Claims

1. A single ingredient, multifunctional additive for use in a personal care, laundry, detergent, home care, industrial, or institutional composition, consisting of an aromatic alcohol that is 3-phenylpropanol, 2-phenylethanol, 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol, methyl benzene ethanol, methyl benzene propanol, or 4-phenyl-1-butanol, present in the composition in an amount up to 2 wt. % based upon the total weight of the composition, wherein the multifunctional additive reduces or eliminates the need for single function ingredients to modify low and high shear rheology of a composition, reduces temperatures and time required to manufacture the composition, reduces or destabilizes foam generated in a process environment, and solubilizes other components of the composition.

2. A laundry detergent comprising a silicone-free defoaming agent consisting of the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive according to claim 1.

3. A stain removal additive for use in laundry detergent consisting of the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive according to claim 1.

4. A booster composition to enhance the degreasing activity of detergents and cleaning compositions consisting of the single-ingredient multifunctional additive according to claim 1.

5. The single-ingredient multifunctional additive according to claim 1, wherein the additive is present in the composition in amounts of between 0.1 and 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

6. A method to reduce manufacturing temperature and or time to manufacture of a formulation, comprising the addition of from 0.2 to 1.0 wt. % of the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive according to claim 1, based on the total weight of the formulation.

7. A method to reduce or destabilize foam production generated during the manufacture of products, comprising the addition of about 0.2 to 0.5 wt. % of the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive according to claim 1, based upon the total weight of the product.

8. A method to improve stain removal of a laundry detergent, comprising the addition of about 0.5 wt. % of the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive according to claim 1, based on the total weight of the laundry detergent.

9. An enzyme-free laundry detergent having improved stain removal properties, comprising a stain removal ingredient consisting of the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive according to claim 1, present in amounts up to 2 wt. % based upon the weight of the laundry detergent.

10. A silicone-free defoaming detergent additive, consisting of the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive according to claim 1.

11. A method of improving cleansing ability of a makeup removal product, comprising: adding the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive according to claim 1, to the makeup removal product in amounts up to 1 wt. %, based upon the weight of the makeup removal product.

12. A method of reducing or eliminating the number of single function ingredients used in a personal care, cosmetic, home care, laundry, detergent, industrial or institutional product, comprising the step of adding the single-ingredient, multifunctional additive of claim 1, to the product prior to processing or during processing of the product, wherein the additive is present in amounts up to 2 wt. % of product, and wherein the additive eliminates or reduces the need for defoamers, degreasing components, stain removers, solubilizers, solvents, preservatives, or fragrances.

13. A laundry detergent comprising: a. a builder; b. a nonionic or anionic surfactant; c. a solvent; d. a chelating agent; e. pH modifiers; f. the single ingredient, multifunctional additive of claim 1, present in amounts up to 1 wt. % based on the total weight of the laundry detergent; and g. water.

14. A single ingredient, multifunctional additive for use in personal care, laundry, detergent, home care, industrial or institutional products consisting of: 3-phenylpropanol, 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol, methyl benzene ethanol, methyl benzene propanol, and 4-phenyl-1-butanol, wherein the additive reduces or eliminates the need for single function ingredients to modify low and high shear rheology of a product, reduces the temperatures and time required to manufacture the product, reduces or destabilizes foam generated in a process environment, and solubilizes other components of the composition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a shear ramp curve of skin lotions with an aromatic alcohol (R=3 carbons) at various levels and without an aromatic alcohol (control) showing viscosity responses (Pa.Math.s) across the tested shear (1/s) band.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows relative ratings for integrity of shape of Suave Essentials® with and without increasing concentrations of an aromatic alcohol (R=3 carbons).

[0030] FIG. 3 is a shear ramp curve for hand dish washing soap dosed with varying amounts of an aromatic alcohol (R=4).

[0031] FIG. 4 shows foam loss (based on % of initial foam volume as determined by modified ASTM E2407-04 methodology) showing the effects on foam loss of using 0.4 wt. % aromatic alcohol defoamers (R=3, R=4) in sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and BioSoft® N1-7 surfactant solutions.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows foam loss using different commercial products as surfactant sources and demonstrates that the addition of 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3) does not reduce the foam stability of the finished product.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows laundry stain removal results for a variety of stains using 0.5 wt. % of an aromatic alcohol where R=3.

[0034] FIG. 7 shows the results of greasy stain removal test using Fabuloso® all-purpose cleaner and 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3), wherein the upper portion of the tiles was cleaned with Fabuloso® containing 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3) and the bottom portion of the tiles was the control cleaned with Fabuloso® alone.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows the results of greasy stain removal test using Fabuloso® all-purpose cleaner and 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=4), wherein the upper portion of the tiles was cleaned with Fabuloso® alone, while the lower portion of the tiles was cleaned with Fabuloso® containing 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=4).

[0036] FIG. 9 Shows makeup removal results for Rimmel London® Lasting Finish® lipstick (top panels) and Maybelline® Superstay™ foundation (bottom panels) when using Garnier SkinActive® micellar water with (Column X) and without (Column C) 1.0 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3).

[0037] FIG. 10 shows stability of a general purpose cleaner (having a pH of 10 (a), a pH of 7 (b) and a pH of 5 (c)) containing hydroxyethyl cellulose or xanthan gum, after storage at room temperature for one week, with (right) and without (left) 0.5 wt:% aromatic alcohol (R=3).

[0038] FIG. 11 compares the homogeneity of a general purpose cleaner (pH 7) in the absence of hydroxyethyl cellulose or xanthan gum, but containing coco fatty alcohol sulfate surfactant, with (right) and without (left) incorporation of an aromatic alcohol (R=3) at 0.5 wt. % and shows that the sample without the aromatic alcohol contained precipitated surfactant while the sample containing the aromatic alcohol remained homogeneous.

[0039] The testing reflected in the figures is more fully explained in the description of the invention and the examples herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The invention is directed to single ingredient, multifunctional additives, comprising aromatic alcohols, for use in a wide variety of products, including without limitation personal care, cosmetic, household, home care, laundry, detergent, industrial, or institutional products to eliminate or reduce the need for separate single function ingredients. The invention is also directed to methods for improving the manufacturing process for products by use of the multifunctional ingredients of the invention to modify rheology (viscosity), reduce manufacturing temperatures and time, reduce or destabilize foam in process, and solubilize components. The invention is also directed to end use products comprising the multifunctional ingredients of the invention to improve the properties of end use compositions, including without limitation viscosity stability, stain removal, and degreasing.

[0041] For purposes of the invention, “ingredient”, “additive”, “component”, and “compound” are used interchangeably to refer to single components, unless otherwise specified.

[0042] “Composition” and “formulation” shall mean an end use product and all of its ingredients. “Composition”, “formulation”, and “product” are used interchangeably herein.

[0043] “Process” shall mean and include a production or manufacturing process for producing or manufacturing a product. “Process”, “production” and “manufacturing”, and their derivative forms, are used interchangeably herein.

[0044] A “home care” or “household” product shall mean and include without limitation products purchased by individuals for use in and around the home for cleaning and other tasks related to the care of the home. “Home care” and “household” are used interchangeably herein.

[0045] An “industrial product” shall mean and include without limitation a product bought and used for industry or business purposes, distinct from consumable products bought and used for consumption and satisfaction of individual or home needs such as home care, household, or personal care products.

[0046] An “institutional product” shall mean and include without limitation a product that is designed to be used primarily in the maintenance or operation of an establishment that manufactures, transports, or sells goods or commodities, or provides services for profit, or is engaged in the non-profit promotion of a particular public, educational, or charitable cause, such as schools, universities, hospitals, charities, clubs, and similar organizations that buy products for use in producing their own goods or providing services.

[0047] A “personal care product” shall mean a product purchased, consumed and used by an individual to satisfy personal individual needs and includes a wide variety of products, including without limitation beauty products, hair products, skin products, dental products, cosmetics, toiletries, fragrances, and the like.

[0048] “Aromatic alcohol”, with respect to the invention, shall mean and include those alcohols having the formula:

##STR00003##

[0049] wherein R=an aliphatic saturated alkyl group consisting of 2-4 carbons.

[0050] “Multifunctional” when used to refer to the aromatic alcohols of the invention means a single aromatic alcohol that provides multiple functions when used in the manufacture of a product or in an end use product.

[0051] The aromatic alcohols of the invention include without limitation those alcohols having an aliphatic saturated alkyl group consisting of 2-4 carbon atoms (R=2-4). Suitable alcohols include: 3-phenylpropanol (R=3), 2-phenylethanol (R=2), 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol (R=4), methyl benzene ethanol (R=3), methyl benzene propanol (R=4), 4-phenyl-1-butanol (R=4), or mixtures thereof. The aromatic alcohols of the invention are effective used alone and are not required to be mixed with other aromatic alcohols, although they may be in some applications. Other aromatic alcohols having an aliphatic saturated alkyl group consisting of 2-4 carbon atoms will be known to one skilled in the art. Based on experimentation to date, the aromatic alcohols of the invention all achieve unexpected improvements in rheology, reduction in manufacturing temperatures and time, reducing or destabilizing foam in process, and solubilizing components, as well as improvements in viscosity stability, degreasing, and stain removal of end use products.

[0052] The aromatic alcohols of the invention are added directly to an end use composition (product) prior to processing or may be added during processing of the product.

[0053] The aromatic alcohols of the invention are added to the composition in amounts up to 2.0 wt. %, preferably between 0.1-0.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the composition. Amounts used may vary depending on the application in which the aromatic alcohol is being used. By way of example only, suitable amounts to modify low and high shear rheology of oil-in-water emulsions and aqueous surfactant containing compositions is between 0.1 and 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the emulsion or composition. Suitable amounts to reduce manufacturing temperature and or time to manufacture a formulation preferably range from 0.2 to 1.0 wt. %. Suitable amounts for destabilizing foam in a process environment are around 0.2 to 0.5 wt. %. Suitable amounts for improving stain removal of a laundry detergent are about 0.5 wt. %. Other ranges may be used as needed depending on other components included within the composition and are within the scope of the invention.

[0054] As described further herein, the invention is directed to use of the multifunctional additives in end use compositions to improve processing and end use properties of a composition. Aside from their known fragrance and/or antimicrobial properties, the aromatic alcohols of the invention unexpectedly improve rheology, reduce or destabilize process foam, solubilize polymers, gums, long chain glycols, and surfactants, and improve end use properties such as viscosity stability, stain removal, and degreasing. Heretofore, none of the aromatic alcohols of the invention were known or reasonably expected to achieve such results when used as a single component in a formulation.

[0055] As general observations in production/processing, it has been found that use of the aromatic alcohols of the invention can increase the viscosity of products and reduce splashing or spills in the process environment, resulting in a cleaner and safer process environment and reduced equipment maintenance. In addition, the use of the aromatic alcohols allow for cold processing and reduced heat in production, which is beneficial for formulations comprising heat-sensitive ingredients and volatile materials, including but not limited to solvents, enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics, polymers, dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and natural extracts. Reduced heat puts less stress on manufacturing equipment making the process cleaner and safer.

[0056] In many instances, use of the aromatic alcohols of the invention will also reduce or eliminate the need for other components in the process. Use of the multifunctional aromatic alcohols of the invention reduces inventory, number of tanks used in the process, and the number of ingredients required to be identified on products.

[0057] Solubilizing properties of the aromatic alcohols allow for preparation of pre-blend (pre-process) solutions or concentrates of hard to solubilize components and reduce solids handling during production, which is difficult and often messy.

[0058] As is clear, the addition of aromatic alcohols provide advantages to the production process as they conserve energy, are more “green” or efficient, save time, and increase production/throughput, all of which reduce the costs of production.

[0059] As additives in laundry detergents or other degreasing cleaners, the aromatic alcohols of the invention may provide viable options to the use of enzymes for greasy stain removal. Use of enzymes, while popular, are constrained by pH as enzymes require pH between about 6.5 and 8.5, whereas the aromatic alcohols of the invention have been shown to enhance cleaning performance over a wider range of pH, including neutral and acidic pH compositions that cannot use enzymes.

[0060] Similarly, use of the aromatic alcohols of the invention in personal care cleansers not only enhances cleaning performance of the product, but can also improve the consumer experience in product attributes such as richness and skin feel.

[0061] The multiple functions of the aromatic alcohol additives of the invention and their use in end use applications is further described by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

[0062] Test Methodologies. Methodologies used in the examples are described below:

[0063] Shear Ramp oil-in-water emulsion: A 25 mm parallel plate geometry was used on an AR2000ex rheometer at 25° C. A gap of 600 μm was used. The shear was ramped from 0 s.sup.−1 to 100 s.sup.−1 over one minute. Viscosity readings are expressed in Pa.Math.s.

[0064] Shear Ramp aqueous solution: The 40 mm cone and plate geometry was used on an AR2000ex rheometer at 25° C. A gap of 29 μm was used. The shear was ramped from 0 s.sup.−1 to 2000 s.sup.−1 over six minutes. Shear rate is expressed in s.sup.−1 or 1/s. Viscosity readings are expressed in Pa.Math.s.

[0065] Integrity of shape: In a petri dish, a trained panelist dispensed the product in a spiral shape using a nickel size circle, filling it from the edge to the center. A series of trained panelists then evaluated the product for its ability to maintain shape on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 representing excellent shape retention.

[0066] Laundry stain removal: The AISE stain set was used and tested by an external lab following the AISE Laundry Detergent Testing Guidelines.

[0067] Greasy Stain Removal: Testing followed HCPA Cleaning Compendium method DCC-17.

[0068] Defoaming evaluation: Process defoaming was tested using a modified ASTM method (E2407-04 (2015) Standard Test Method for Effectiveness of Defoaming Agents). 250 mL of a 2.0 wt. % surfactant solution was blended at the highest speed setting for 30 seconds, then let sit for 3 minutes. The initial foam height is measured, and then 0.4 wt. % defoamer is dropped onto the surface of the foam. The blender is turned on low speed and the solution is mixed for 1 minute. Foam height is re-measured after an additional five minutes of sitting.

[0069] Final product foam stability was tested using Blender Foam Volume/Drainage method published by Henkel Corp. 1981.

[0070] Time to dissolve: Aromatic alcohol, 1% by weight, was added to deionized water to make 500 mL of solution. Stirring was started at 300 rpm. Test ingredient was added to both a 500 mL control deionized water and the 500 mL aromatic alcohol solution as a stopwatch timer was started. The timer was stopped when solution was completely clear and/or no particles of the test ingredient were visible in either sample. This is noted as the “dissolution time”, or time to dissolve.

[0071] Makeup Removal: A new makeup applicator sponge was used to apply makeup samples—0.25 g for lipstick and 0.50 g for foundation—to white card stock, spreading evenly in a stripe across the board. Makeup was allowed to dry for 30 minutes, then excess was removed gently with a lint-free lab wipe. Test and control solutions were prepared and applied to a dry cellulose-based flushable wipe using solution mass of three times the wipe mass. The moistened wipe was wrapped around a new polyethylene foam block and inserted into the scrub tester and additional mass was placed on the block holder for a total holder mass of 700 g. Sample was scrubbed using a pneumatic scrub tester set at 6 seconds per cycle for one-half of a cycle. Test boards were dried overnight and analyzed using spectrophotometer reflectance “L” values according to Equation 1.

[00001]$\begin{array}{cc}\%\mathrm{Cleaning}\mathrm{efficiency}=\frac{C-S}{U-S}\times 100& \left(\mathrm{Equation}1\right)\end{array}$

[0072] Where: [0073] C=Reflectance value of cleaned panel [0074] S=Reflectance value of soiled panel [0075] U=Reflectance value of unsoiled panel

Example 1. Viscosity Modifier

[0076] R=3 Aromatic Alcohol. An R=3 aromatic alcohol, i.e., 3-phenylpropanol, was tested in a commercial oil-in-water emulsion, i.e., Vanicream® skin lotion, at 0.1 wt. %, 0.25 wt. % and 0.5 wt. % addition and compared to a control (without aromatic alcohol). It was found that the aromatic alcohol (R=3 carbons, 3-phenylpropanol) had a profound effect on low (≤15 s.sup.−1) and high (>15 s.sup.−1) shear rheology at concentrations up 0.5 wt. % of aromatic alcohol, based on the total weight of the emulsion. The low shear (at 10 s.sup.−1) viscosity was increased 68% over the control, while high shear viscosity (at 70 s.sup.−1) increased roughly 100% (FIG. 1). The increase in high and low shear viscosity achieved desirable rheological traits such as richness, creaminess, and enhanced texture and skin feel in this end use personal care product with the addition of the aromatic alcohol. This unexpected result allows personal care and home care formulators, among others, to reduce or eliminate use of separate rheology modifiers to manipulate the viscosity of the final product.

[0077] An example of enhanced rheological traits was also demonstrated by integrity of shape ratings of a formula as tested by a trained sensory panel on Suave Essentials® Conditioner (FIG. 2). Relative ratings for integrity of shape were determined for samples without (0 wt. %) and with increasing concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of product) of an aromatic alcohol (R=3)(3-phenylpropanol) by a trained panel. An increased or higher rating of integrity of shape heightened the consumer's perceived luxuriousness or richness of the formulation.

[0078] The use of an aromatic alcohol (R=3 carbons, 3-phenylpropanol) in a hand dish wash aqueous surfactant solution demonstrated an increase in viscosity when used in amounts up to 1.0 wt. % as compared to a control subjected to the same shear. At 0.5 wt. %, the low shear viscosity increased roughly 36% over the control, while high shear viscosity increased roughly 43%. (Results not shown.)

[0079] R=4 Aromatic Alcohols. Similarly, viscosity modifying behavior is observed in a hand dish wash aqueous surfactant solution using an aromatic alcohol, where R=4 carbons (2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol). FIG. 3 shows that with use of up to 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol, there was a consistent increase in viscosity for samples containing an aromatic alcohol across all shear rates, most notably at low shear rates (≤500 s.sup.−1). For 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol, the low shear viscosity increased 110% over the control, while high shear viscosity increased approximately 37%. At 1.0 wt. % aromatic alcohol, the viscosity profile changed, yielding increases in low and high shear viscosity of 56% and 94%, respectively.

Example 2. Defoaming Function

[0080] Foam suppression can be a vital part of the manufacturing process, preventing spills and mechanical failures while ensuring the appropriate dosing of ingredients. Aromatic alcohols unexpectedly were shown to be effective agents in dealing with process foam buildup without significantly compromising the foam stability of the final product.

[0081] Process defoaming was tested using a modified ASTM method (E2407-04 (2015) Standard Test Method for Effectiveness of Defoaming Agents) to assess surfactants and determine if there was a relationship between foam destabilization and surfactant type. Two different surfactant solutions were tested. 2.0 wt. % surfactant solutions were prepared as controls using BioSoft® N1-7 and SLES. Thereafter, 0.4 wt. % aromatic alcohols (R=3 and R=4) were added to each surfactant solution for comparison to the controls. After agitation to generate foam, the percent of initial foam volume loss was far less for the control (without aromatic alcohols). The results showed that aromatic alcohols (R=3 or 4) (3-phenylpropanol or 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol) significantly destabilized foam of a nonionic linear alcohol ethoxylate surfactant (BioSoft® N1-7) (FIG. 4). There was a very mild defoaming effect on the high-foaming surfactant, SLES, suggesting that the amount of foam loss may vary with surfactant type when the amount of aromatic alcohol is constant.

[0082] In the foam loss evaluation above, foam destabilization occurred at the time of addition (with mixing) of the aromatic alcohol. Further testing was performed to determine if the foaming ability of final products would be negatively impacted if aromatic alcohols were added to the formulations during the production process. A variety of commercial products were selected for testing, and 0.5 wt. % of aromatic alcohol (R=3, 3-phenylpropanol) was added to each. FIG. 5 shows foam loss (% of initial foam volume) for a variety of commercial products (Dawn™ Hand Dish Wash, Suave® Body Wash, Tide® Liquid Laundry Detergent, and Fabuloso® Cleaner) when 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol was incorporated into the products. Foam stability of these commercial products was not reduced by the addition of aromatic alcohol.

[0083] These results demonstrate that aromatic alcohols can be used in process to reduce or eliminate foaming without compromising the foam stability of the end use product. This may afford formulators an opportunity to eliminate conventional defoamers in process, particularly those subject to regulatory scrutiny.

Example 3. Degreasing

[0084] When used in Tide® Free & Gentle™ laundry detergent at 0.5 wt. % based on the weight of the laundry detergent, an aromatic alcohol (R=3, 3-phenylpropanol) exhibited stain removal properties on mustard stains as well as “greasy” type stains including motor oil, make-up, and cooked beef fat. FIG. 6 shows that roughly a 10% increase in Stain Removal Index (%) was achieved over the control (laundry detergent without an aromatic alcohol).

[0085] Degreasing properties of an all-purpose cleaner were also improved with the addition of aromatic alcohols. Painted wallboard tiles stained with greasy soil were cleaned using Fabuloso® with and without the addition of 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3, 3-phenylpropanol). The addition of the aromatic alcohol resulted in a 7% increase in greasy soil removal, from 89% to 96% compared to the control, as determined by reflectance values collected by spectrophotometer (FIG. 7). FIG. 7 shows that the portion of tiles (upper) cleaned with Fabuloso® containing 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol experienced greater soil removal as compared to the bottom portion of tiles cleaned with Fabuloso® alone. Similar improvement in cleaning was seen with use of 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=4, 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol), with a 5% increase in greasy soil removal (FIG. 8).

[0086] Degreasing properties can be useful in personal care products as well, including without limitation makeup removal products that are micellar waters. Typical micellar water components used in commercial makeup removal include surfactants, humectants, emulsifiers, fragrances, preservatives and pH adjusters. One commercial micellar water (Garnier SkinActive®) used for makeup removal demonstrated increased cleansing ability on long-lasting makeup when 1.0 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3, 3-phenylpropanol) was added to the micellar water formulation (FIG. 9). FIG. 9 (top panels across) shows results achieved for Rimmel London® Lasting Finish® lipstick removal. The bottom panels (across) show results achieved for Maybelline® Superstay™ foundation removal. In sets of panels, columns labeled “C” were tested with Garnier SkinActive® micellar water, and columns labeled “X” were tested with Garnier SkinActive® micellar water with 1.0 wt. % aromatic alcohol added. The results demonstrated that the addition of aromatic alcohol improved the degreasing and_cleaning properties of the makeup removal product.

[0087] Rimmel London® Lasting Finish® lipstick removal was increased 96% compared to the control (with no aromatic alcohol). For Maybelline® Superstay™ foundation, the addition of 1.0 wt. % aromatic alcohol resulted in a 17% increase in cleaning compared to the control. Cleaning improvement values were determined by spectrophotometer reflectance measurement “L” values, average of three trials, according to the method described above (Equation 1).

Example 4. Formulation Stability and Cold Processing

[0088] Aromatic alcohols can help solubilize hard-to-dissolve formulation ingredients more quickly and/or without the use of heat. The addition of 1.0 wt. % aromatic alcohol decreased the dissolution time of several common, hard-to-dissolve ingredients as shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 reflects the time to completely dissolve ingredients in water (Control) or water with 1 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3 denotes 3-phenylpropanol; R=4 denotes 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Wt. Time to Dissolve at 22° C. (minutes) Ingredient % Control R = 3 R = 4 Coco fatty alcohol 2.0 >15 4.0 3.5 sulfate 1,2-octanediol 1.0 >30 8.1 7.8

[0089] It was also found that the addition of 0.4 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=2, 2-phenylethanol) solubilized a solution of 2% Glucopon® 600 UP, lauryl/myristyl glucoside surfactant, at room temperature compared to control (results not shown).

[0090] Rapid and complete dissolution of raw materials into aqueous solutions can prevent problems with solution instability over time. For example, a general purpose cleaner containing sodium coco fatty alcohol sulfate and 0.1 wt. % of either hydroxyethyl cellulose or xanthan gum (Table 2) becomes unstable over time across a range of pH values. However, the addition of 0.2-0.5 wt. % of an aromatic alcohol (R=3, 3-phenylpropanol) was observed to solubilize the formulations (FIG. 10).

[0091] FIG. 10, panel (a), shows a general purpose cleaner containing hydroxyethyl cellulose at pH 10 in the absence of aromatic alcohol (left side of panel) compared with the same formulation containing 0.2 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3, 3-phenylpropanol) (right side of panel) after sitting undisturbed at room temperature one week after preparation. Panel (b) of FIG. 10 compares a general purpose cleaner containing hydroxyethyl cellulose at pH 7 with (right side of panel) and without (left side of panel) the use of 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol, stored at room temperature for one week, then shaken to disperse precipitants. Panel (c) of FIG. 10 compares a general purpose cleaner containing xanthan gum at pH 5 with (right side of panel) and without (left side of panel) the use of 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (right,) stored at room temperature for one week, then shaken to disperse precipitants. These observations demonstrated that the use of aromatic alcohols stabilized formulations over a wide range of pH that contained components that are traditionally unstable over time.

[0092] Similar observations were made with formulations of a general purpose cleaner in the absence of hydroxyethyl cellulose or xanthan gum but containing sodium coco fatty alcohol sulfate surfactant (FIG. 11). FIG. 11 compares a sample of a general purpose cleaner at pH 7 with and without 0.5 wt. % aromatic alcohol (R=3, 3-phenylpropanol). The sample on the left (without aromatic alcohol) contained precipitated surfactant after 7 days of aging at 22° C. as compared to the sample on the right containing the aromatic alcohol at 0.5 wt. %.

[0093] This solubilizing property can achieve a cost savings for manufacturers due to decreased time and heat requirements during manufacturing. Solutions (such as the general cleaner formula below) that previously required heat to solubilize ingredients can now be processed at room temperature, i.e., cold processed. Formulations traditionally requiring longer mixing times will have that time reduced by first adding an aromatic alcohol to the process.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Formulation components of a general purpose cleaner. Ingredients Wt. % Water Q.S. Citric Acid 1.00% Glycerin 2.50% Hydroxyethyl Cellulose or Xanthan Gum 0.10% Sodium Coco Fatty Alcohol Sulfate 1.30% Sodium Benzoate 1.00% Sodium Hydroxide to pH

Example 5. Reduction or Elimination of Components of Laundry Detergents Using the Inventive Multifunctional Additives

[0094] The use of multifunctional aromatic alcohols for personal care, home care, detergents, industrial, and institutional compositions results in defoaming activity, unexpected stain removal and degreasing, reduction in process aids, and reduction or elimination of fragrances and preservatives. The addition of aromatic alcohols in the manufacturing process reduces the number of processing aids needed, reduces foaming that occurs during the manufacturing process, improves rheology/viscosity profiles resulting less splashing and fewer spills, thus making the process environment safer, and saves energy by allowing for cold processing. The use of aromatic alcohols in laundry detergents obviates the need for enzymes in the removal of greasy stains and improves greasy stain removal without pH constraints typically encountered with detergents using enzyme stain removers. Similarly, the addition of aromatic alcohols in general purpose degreasing cleaners results in greasy stain removal in products with a neutral or acidic pH or without enzymes for fat or grease removal. Those skilled in the art will find other evident advantages for processing and end product properties.

[0095] Tables 3-7 below show five typical, commercially available, enzyme free, laundry detergents (Laundry 1, Laundry 2, Laundry 3, Laundry 4 and Laundry 5) with and without the single ingredient, multifunctional additives of the invention. The top sections (“A” portion of the tables) show the standard detergent formulations without the inventive additive and the bottom section (“B” portions of the tables) show the detergents with the additives. The addition of the multifunctional additives of the invention allows a formulator to eliminate a variety of single function components in favor a single multifunctional component, thus reducing the ingredient load of the formulation, while achieving unexpected advantages in processing and end use properties.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 A Without Additive Laundry 1 Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 71.70% Linear Alkylbenzene 7.50% anionic surfactant Sulfonic Acid Alcohol Ethoxylates, 7 EO 12.00% nonionic surfactant Sodium Laureth Sulfate 3.00% anionic surfactant Propylene glycol 3.00% solvent/process aid Sodium borate 1.00% builder EDTA 0.40% chelator Oleic acid 1.00% defoamer Benzisothiazolinone 100 ppm Preservative Fragrance 0.40% NaOH/Citric Acid Varies pH adjustment

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 B With Additive Laundry 1: Additive reduces required level of preservative, omits need for defoamer, reduces PG solvent Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 72.60% Linear Alkylbenzene 7.50% anionic surfactant Sulfonic Acid Alcohol Ethoxylates, 7 EO 12.00% nonionic surfactant Sodium Laureth Sulfate 3.00% anionic surfactant Propylene glycol 3.00% solvent/process aid Sodium borate 1.00% builder EDTA 0.40% chelator 3-phenylpropanol 0.50% Multifunctional/ defoamer Oleic acid defoamer Benzisothiazolinone 45 ppm Preservative Fragrance 0.40% NaOH/Citric Acid 8 pH adjustment

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 A Without Additive Laundry 2 Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 72.69% Sodium Citrate 3.00% builder Alcohol Ethoxylates, 10.00% nonionic surfactant 7 EO Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.00% anionic surfactant Glycerin 3.00% solvent/process aid Tetrasodium glutamate 0.71% chelating agent diacetate Oleic Acid 1.00% defoamer Fragrance 0.60% Sodium Benzoate 2.00% Preservative NaOH/citric acid pH 6.8

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 4 B With Additive Laundry 2: Additive reduces process aids, preservatives, omits need for defoamer, enhances greasy stain removal in absence of enzymes Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 75.44% Sodium Citrate 3.00% builder Alcohol Ethoxylates, 7 EO 10.00% nonionic surfactant Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.00% anionic surfactant Glycerin 1.00% solvent/process aid Tetrasodium glutamate 0.71% chelating agent diacetate Oleic Acid defoamer 3-phenylpropanol 1.00% Preservative/ defoamer Fragrance 0.60% Sodium Benzoate 1.25% Preservative NaOH/citric acid pH 6.8

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 5 A Without Additive Laundry 3 Active Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 76.05% Trisodiunn citrate 3.00% builder Tetrasodium glutamate 2.00% chelating agent diacetate Ethanol 3.00% solvent Linear Alkylbenzene 5.00% anionic Sulfonic Acid Sodium Laureth Sulfate 2.00% anionic Alcohol Ethoxylates, 7 EO 7.00% non-ionic Sodium xylene sulfonate 1.00% coupling agent Dimethicone 0.10% defoamer Fragrance 0.65% Optical brightener 0.20%

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 5 B With Additive Laundry 3: Additive Reduces solvent, omits need for fragrance Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 77.90% trisodium citrate 3.00% builder tetrasodium glutamate 2.00% chelating agent diacetate ethanol 2.00% solvent Linear Alkylbenzene 5.00% anionic Sulfonic Acid Sodium Laureth Sulfate 2.00% anionic Alcohol Ethoxylates, 7 EO 7.00% non-ionic Sodium xylene sulfonate 1.00% coupling agent dimethicone 0.10% defoamer Fragrance 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanol 0.70% Optical brightener 0.20%

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 6 A Without Additive Laundry 4 - Typical Formula in Literature Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 79.49% diluent Trisodium ethylenediamine 2.00% soil capturing disuccinate agent Tetrasodium glutamate 1.89% cleaning agent diacetate Propylene Glycol 1.00% solvent Alkylbenzene sulfonate 7.00% anionic surfactant Alcohol ethoxylate 10.00% nonionic surfactant Sodium fatty acids 3.00% anionic surfactant Polyethylenimine 1.00% soil capturing ethoxylate polymer Sodium Cumene Sulfonate 1.50% emulsifying/ dispersing agent Dimethicone 0.10% defoamer Fragrance 0.50% Ethanol 2.00% solvent/diluent Optical brightener 0.20%

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 6 B With Additive Laundry 4: Additive omits need for fragrance, reduce process aids Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 72.51% diluent Trisodium ethylenediamine 2.00% soil capturing agent disuccinate GLDA 1.89% cleaning agent Propylene Glycol 1.00% solvent Alkylbenzene sulfonate 7.00% anionic surfactant Alcohol ethoxylate 10.00% nonionic surfactant Sodium fatty acids 3.00% anionic surfactant Polyethylenimine ethoxylate 1.00% soil capturing polymer Sodium Cumene Sulfonate 1.50% emulsifying/ dispersing agent Dimethicone 0.10% defoamer Fragrance Ethanol 1.00% solvent/diluent Optical brightener 0.20% 3-phenylpropanol 0.50%

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 7 A Without Additive Laundry 5 Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 80.70% Sodium citrate 2.00% builder Sodium gluconate 2.00% anti-redeposition agent Iminodisuccinic acid 1.00% water softener/ tetrasodium salt anti-redeposition agent Alcohol ethoxylate 6.00% surfactant Fatty alcohol sulfate 4.00% Triethanolamine 3.00% defoamer, solvent Limonene 1.00% degreaser/fragrance CIT/MIT 10 ppm

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 7 B With Additives Laundry 5: Two additives omit preservatives, fragrances, degreasers, defoamers Ingredient Wt. % Function Water 83.00% Sodium citrate 2.00% builder Sodium gluconate 2.00% anti-redeposition agent Iminodisuccinic acid 1.00% water softener/ tetrasodium salt anti-redeposition agent Alcohol ethoxylate 6.00% surfactant Fatty alcohol sulfate 4.00% 4-phenylbutanol 1.00% degreaser/fragrance Phenylethyl alcohol 1.00% defoamer Triethanolamine Limonene Preservative

[0096] The examples above illustrate the unexpected results achieved with the aromatic alcohols of the invention. Advantages associated with the use of the aromatic alcohols of the invention are evident in both process improvements and end product properties. Process advantages include increased viscosity of products that can reduce splashing or spills in process environment, resulting in a cleaner and safer process environment and less equipment maintenance. Addition of aromatic alcohols saves energy, is more “green” or efficient, reduces production time, increases production/throughput, and hence saves costs of manufacturing. Solubilizing properties allow for pre-blend solutions and reduce solids handling, which is often difficult and messy. Production time may be saved by preparing pre-blends and concentrated pre-blended solutions of raw materials.

[0097] Use of aromatic alcohols in process reduces inventory of single function components and the number of tanks required in the process. Fewer ingredients in processing also results in fewer ingredients listed on products.

[0098] Cold processing or reduced heat in process is beneficial for formulations with heat-sensitive ingredients and volatile materials, including but not limited to: solvents, enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, polymers, dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and natural extracts. Reduced heat puts less stress on manufacturing equipment and makes process safer.

[0099] In laundry detergents, addition of aromatic alcohol eliminates the need for enzymes to remove greasy stains. Thus, aromatic alcohols can be used in enzyme-free (“non-bio”) or lipase-free laundry detergents as a booster to remove greasy stains. Aromatic alcohols can also improve greasy stain removal in laundry detergents without pH constraints (enzyme-containing laundry formulas are pH 6.5-8.5). A typical enzyme-free laundry detergent commonly would include surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, said anti-deposition agents, foam regulators, corrosion inhibitors, brighteners, fragrances, dyes, and dye transfer inhibitors.

[0100] In general purpose degreasing cleaners (see Table 2), addition of aromatic alcohols allows for greasy soil removal in products with neutral or acidic pH, or without lipase or other enzymes for fat removal.

[0101] In personal care cleansers, addition of aromatic alcohols can enhance cleaning performance while providing an improved consumer experience, i.e., product “richness”, luxurious feel, and improved skin feel.

[0102] Other advantages for processing and end product properties will be evident to one skilled in the art based upon the disclosure herein.

[0103] In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiments have been set forth, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.