Aqueous surfactant compositions

Abstract

Aqueous surfactant compositions containing one or more alpha-sulfo fatty acid disalt (A) of general formula (I),
R.sup.1CH(SO.sub.3M.sup.1)COOM.sup.2(I), in which the radical R.sup.1 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2, independently of one another, are selected from the group comprising H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine; one or more isethionate (B) of general formula (II),
R.sup.18COOCHR.sup.19CHR.sup.20SO.sub.3M.sup.11(II) wherein the radical R.sup.18 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical having 7 to 19 carbon atoms and radicals R.sup.19 or R.sup.20, independently of each other, are hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, with the proviso that not both radicals R.sup.19 and R.sup.20 are an alkyl radical, and wherein the radical M.sup.11 is selected from the group comprising H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine, and water are disclosed. The compositions have good foaming ability, pleasant sensory properties of the foam, and good skin compatibility. The compositions are suitable for cosmetic agents as well, as detergents and cleaners.

Claims

1. An aqueous surfactant composition comprising one or more alpha-sulfo fatty acid (A) of general formula (I),
R.sup.1CH(SO.sub.3M.sup.1)COOM.sup.2(I), in which the radical R.sup.1 is a saturated, linear alkyl radical having 10 to 16 carbon atoms, where with regard to the compounds (A) it is the case that the fraction of the compounds (A) in which the radical R.sup.1 is a decyl or a dodecyl radical, based on the total amount of the compounds (A), is 90% by weight or more, and the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine, one or more isethionate (B) of general formula (II),
R.sup.18COOCHR.sup.19CHR.sup.20SO.sub.3M.sup.11(II) wherein the radical R.sup.18 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical having 7 to 19 carbon atoms and radicals R.sup.19 or R.sup.20, independently of each other, are hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, with the proviso that not both radicals R.sup.19 and R.sup.20 are an alkyl radical, and wherein the radical M.sup.11 is selected from the group consisting of H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine, one or more monosulfoketone (F) of general formula (VI)
R.sup.6CH.sub.2COCHR.sup.7(SO.sub.3M.sup.8)(VI), in which the radicals R.sup.6 and R.sup.7, independently of each other, are a linear or branched alkyl radical having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and the radical M.sup.8 is selected from the group consisting of H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine, one or more disulfoketone (G) of general formula (VII)
(SO.sub.3M.sup.9)R.sup.8CHCOCHR.sup.9(SO.sub.3M.sup.10)(VII), in which the radicals R.sup.8 and R.sup.9, independently of each other, are a linear or branched alkyl radical having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and the radicals M.sup.9 and M.sup.10, independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine, and water, where the following proviso applies: if the aqueous surfactant composition comprises one or more ester sulfonate (E) of general formula (V),
R.sup.2CH(SO.sub.3M.sup.7)COOR.sup.3(V) in which the radical R.sup.2 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and the radical R.sup.3 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, where the radical R.sup.3 can be an alkenyl radical or be branched only above 3 carbon atoms, and the radical M.sup.7 is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine, it is the case that the compound (A), based on the totality of the compounds (A) and (E), must be present to an extent of 50% by weight or more.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are selected from the group consisting of H (hydrogen) and Na (sodium).

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises additionally one or more compound (C) of general formula (III)
R.sup.4COOM.sup.5(III) in which the radical R.sup.4 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical having 7 to 19 carbon atoms and the radical M.sup.5 is selected from the group consisting of H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine.

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition additionally comprises one or more inorganic salt of sulfuric acid (D) of general formula (IV)
(M.sup.6).sub.2SO.sub.4(IV) wherein M.sup.6 is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium, and alkanolamine.

5. The composition according to claim 1 for use in cosmetic products, detergents, and cleaners.

6. The composition according to claim 1 for use in cosmetic products in the form of hair shampoos, shower gels, soaps, syndets, washing pastes, washing lotions, scrub preparations, foam baths, oil baths, shower baths, shaving foams, shaving lotions, shaving creams, and dental care products.

7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein, if the aqueous surfactant composition comprises the one or more ester sulfonate (E), it is the case that the compound (A), based on the totality of the compounds (A) and (E), must be present to an extent of 90% by weight or more.

8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous surfactant composition is free from the one or more ester sulfonate (E).

Description

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(1) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise, besides the compounds (A), (B) and water, additionally one or more compounds (C) of general formula (III)
R.sup.4COOM.sup.5(III)

(2) In the formula (III), the radical R.sup.4 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical having 7 to 19 carbon atoms and the radical M.sup.5 is selected from the group comprising H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium and alkanolamines. In this connection, particularly preferred alkanolamines are monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoisopropanolamine.

(3) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise, besides the compounds (A), (B) and water, additionally one or more inorganic salts of sulfuric acid (D) of general formula (IV)
(M.sup.6).sub.2SO.sub.4(IV)
wherein M.sup.6 is selected from the group comprising Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium and alkanolamine. In this connection, particularly preferred alkanolamines are monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoisopropanolamine.

(4) In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise the compounds (A), (B), (C) and (D). It is particularly preferable in this case if the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 of the compounds (A), the radical M.sup.11 of the compounds (B), the radical M.sup.5 of the compounds (C) and the radical M.sup.6 of the compounds (D) are selected from the group comprising H (hydrogen) and Na (sodium).

(5) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise, besides the compounds (A), (B) and water, additionally one or more compounds (F) of general formula (VI)
R.sup.6CH.sub.2COCHR.sup.7(SO.sub.3M.sup.5)(VI),
in which the radicals R.sup.6 and R.sup.7independently of each otherare a linear or branched alkyl radical having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and the radical M.sup.5 is selected from the group comprising H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium and alkanolamines. In this connection, particularly preferred alkanolamines are monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoisopropanolamine.

(6) In the context of the present invention, the compounds (F) are referred to as monosulfoketones.

(7) In a preferred embodiment, the radicals R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 in the formula (VI)independently of each otherare a saturated, linear radical having 10 to 16 carbon atoms, where, with regard to the compounds (F) it is the case that the fraction of the compounds (F) in which the radicals R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are a decyl and/or a dodecyl radicalbased on the total amount of the compounds (F)is 70% by weight or more and preferably 90% by weight or more. The radical M.sup.5 in formula (VI) is preferably selected from the group comprising H and Na.

(8) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise, besides the compounds (A), (B) and water, additionally one or more compounds (G) of general formula (VII)
(SO.sub.3M.sup.9)R.sup.8CHCOCHR.sup.9(SO.sub.3M.sup.10)(VII),
in which the radicals R.sup.5 and R.sup.9independently of each otherare a linear or branched alkyl radical having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and the radicals M.sup.9 and M.sup.10independently of each otherare selected from the group comprising H, Li, Na, K, Ca/2, Mg/2, ammonium and alkanolamines. In this connection, particularly preferred alkanolamines are monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoisopropanolamine.

(9) In the context of the present invention, the compounds (G) are referred to as disulfoketones.

(10) In a preferred embodiment, the radicals R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 in the formula (VII)independently of each otherare a saturated, linear radical having 10 to 16 carbon atoms, where, with regard to the compounds (G) it is the case that the fraction of the compounds (G) in which the radicals R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 are a decyl and/or a dodecyl radicalbased on the total amount of the compounds (G)is 70% by weight or more and preferably 90% by weight or more. The radicals M.sup.9 and M.sup.10 in formula (VII) are preferably selected from the group comprising H and Na.

(11) The preparation of the compounds (F) and (G) is not subject to any particular restrictions and they can be prepared by all methods known to those skilled in the art.

(12) In one embodiment, the compounds (F) and (G) are prepared by sulfonation of the corresponding ketones with gaseous sulfur trioxide, as described in the German published specification DE-A-42,20,580.

(13) In another embodiment, the preparation of the compounds (F) and (G) starts from fatty acids. In this case, the sulfation of liquid fatty acids with gaseous sulfur trioxide is conducted such that, in addition to disalts (A), the compounds (F) and (G) are also formed in this case, which can be accomplished as a result of carrying out the sulfation as follows: the ratio of fatty acid raw materials, which may also be used in the form of mixtures of fatty acids of different chain length, to sulfur trioxide is adjusted so that 1.0 to 1.5 mol and especially 1.0 to 1.25 mol of SO.sub.3 are used per mole of fatty acid(s). The fatty acids are introduced into the reactor at a reservoir temperature in the range of 70 to 100 C. After the sulfation, the resulting liquid sulfation product is maintained and aged at this temperature for 5 to 20 minutes in a temperaturecontrolled postreaction coil. Neutralization is then effected with an aqueous base, preferably sodium hydroxide, generally in a pH range of 5 to 10, especially 5 to 7. Subsequently, an acidic bleachingthe pH here is adjusted to a value of 7 or lessmay be carried out with hydrogen peroxide.

(14) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise the compounds (A), (B) and (F). It is particularly preferable in this case if the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 of the compounds (A) and the radical M.sup.11 of the compounds (B) are selected from the group comprising H (hydrogen) and Na (sodium). The proviso applies in this case that the amount of the compounds (A) must be greater than the amount of the compounds (F).

(15) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise the compounds (A), (B) and (G). It is particularly preferable in this case if the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 of the compounds (A) and the radical M.sup.11 of the compounds (B) are selected from the group comprising H and Na. The proviso applies in this case that the amount of the compounds (A) must be greater than the amount of the compounds (G).

(16) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise the compounds (A), (B), (F) and (G). It is particularly preferable in this case if the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 of the compounds (A) and the radical M.sup.11 of the compounds (B) are selected from the group comprising H and Na. The proviso applies in this case that the amount of the compounds (A) must be greater than the sum total of the amount of the compounds (F) and (G).

(17) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise the compounds (A), (B), (C), (D) and (F). It is particularly preferable in this case if the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 of the compounds (A), the radical M.sup.11 of the compounds (B), the radical M.sup.5 of the compounds (C) and the radical M.sup.6 of the compounds (D) are selected from the group comprising H and Na. The proviso applies in this case that the amount of the compounds (A) must be greater than the amount of the compounds (F).

(18) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise the compounds (A), (B), (C), (D) and (G). It is particularly preferable in this case if the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 of the compounds (A), the radical M.sup.11 of the compounds (B), the radical M.sup.5 of the compounds (C) and the radical M.sup.6 of the compounds (D) are selected from the group comprising H and Na. The proviso applies in this case that the amount of the compounds (A) must be greater than the amount of the compounds (G).

(19) In one embodiment, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention comprise the compounds (A), (B), (C), (D), (F) and (G). It is particularly preferable in this case if the radicals M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 of the compounds (A), the radical M.sup.11 of the compounds (B), the radical M.sup.5 of the compounds (C) and the radical M.sup.6 of the compounds (D) are selected from the group comprising H and Na. The proviso applies in this case that the amount of the compounds (A) must be greater than the sum total of the amount of the compounds (F) and (G).

(20) If desired, the aqueous surfactant compositions according to the invention can additionally comprise one or more further surfactants which, in structural terms, do not belong to the aforementioned compounds (A), (B), (D), (E), (F) or (G). These surfactants may be anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphoteric surfactants.

(21) Use of the Compositions

(22) A further subject matter of the invention is the use of the aforementioned compositions for cosmetic products, and also detergents and cleaners.

(23) With regard to cosmetic products, particular preference is given here especially to those which are present in the form of hair shampoos, shower gels, soaps, syndets, washing pastes, washing lotions, scrub preparations, foam baths, oil baths, shower baths, shaving foams, shaving lotions, shaving creams and dental care products (for example toothpastes, mouthwashes and the like).