Fragrance compositions and air care devices

Abstract

The present invention aims a new fragrance composition comprising a fragrance compound and a solvent or carrier, wherein at least 10% by weight based on the total weight of solvent and carrier of the fragrance composition is one or more specific low vapor pressure volatile organic compound (VOC). The new fragrance composition is particularly well adapted to air care devices like wicking or electrical systems (plug-in, reed diffusers . . . ).

Claims

1. A fragrance composition, comprising a fragrance compound and a carrier, wherein the carrier comprises, in an amount of at least 10% by weight based on the total weight of the carrier, at least one compound according to formula I: ##STR00005## wherein: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each, independently from one another, selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl, C4-C12 cycloalkyl, and aryl, R.sub.3 is H, linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, or C(O)R.sub.4, and R.sub.4 is linear or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl, wherein the fragrance composition comprises up to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of water.

2. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each, independently from one another, selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and phenyl.

3. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein R.sub.3 is H or C(O)R.sub.4, and R.sub.4 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, or tert-butyl.

4. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each methyl and R.sub.3 is H.

5. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is methyl, R.sub.2 is isobutyl, and R.sub.3 is H.

6. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is methyl, R.sub.2 is phenyl, and R.sub.3 is H.

7. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are methyl, R.sub.3 is C(O)R.sub.4, and R.sub.4 is methyl.

8. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, a blend of two or more compounds of formula I.

9. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the blend comprises the following compounds I.1 and I.2: ##STR00006##

10. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises the at least one compound of formula I in an amount of at least 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the carrier.

11. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises the compound of formula I in an amount of 100% by weight based on the total weight of the carrier.

12. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of the fragrance compound is from 10 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the fragrance composition.

13. A method for controlling evaporation of a fragrance composition that comprises a fragrance compound and one or more carriers, comprising as at least one of the one or more carriers at least one compound according to formula I: ##STR00007## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, independently from one another, are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl, C4-C12 cycloalkyl, and aryl, R.sub.3 is H, linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl or C(O)R.sub.4 group, and R.sub.4 is a linear or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl, in an amount of at least 10% by weight based on the total weight of the one or more carriers, wherein the fragrance composition comprises no greater than 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of water.

14. A method for controlling evaporation of a fragrance composition that comprises a fragrance compound and one or more carriers from an air care device selected from the group consisting of a wicking device, an electrical device, and an aerosol device, comprising including as at least one of the one or more carriers at least one compound according to formula I: ##STR00008## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, independently from one another, are selected the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl, C4-C12 cycloalkyl and aryl, R.sub.3 is H, linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl or C(O)R.sub.4 group, and R.sub.4 is linear or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl, in an amount of at least 10% by weight based on the total weight of the one or more carriers, wherein the fragrance composition comprises no greater than 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of water.

15. An air care device comprising the fragrance composition of claim 1, wherein the air care device is a wicking device, an electrical device, or an aerosol device.

16. The air care device of claim 13, wherein the air care device is an electrical liquid air freshener.

17. The air care device of claim 13, wherein the air care device is a plug-in.

18. The air care device of claim 13, wherein the air care device is a reed diffuser.

19. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one compound of formula I represents at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of carrier.

20. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one compound of formula I represents at least 60% by weight, based on the total weight of carrier.

21. A fragrance composition as claimed in claim 12, wherein the composition comprises from 20 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the fragrance composition, of the fragrance compound.

22. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fragrance composition comprises no greater than 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of water.

23. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fragrance composition comprises no greater than 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of water.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a more complete understanding of various embodiments of the described subject matter and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an evaporation comparison between the standard fragrance formulation A2 (DPM), and the Low Vapor Pressure VOC formulation A1 according to the invention, as described below in Example 1, measured as the amount of weight loss of fragrance over 30 days.

(3) FIG. 2 is an evaporation comparison between the standard fragrance formulation B2 (MMB), and the Low Vapor Pressure VOC formulation B1 according to the invention, as described below in Example 2, measured as the amount of weight loss of fragrance over 30 days.

(4) FIG. 3 is an evaporation comparison among Low VOC carrier formulations C1, C2, and C3, as described below in Example 3, measured as the amount of weight loss of fruit fragrance over 50 hours.

(5) FIG. 3bis is an evaporation comparison among Low VOC carrier formulations C4, C5, and C6, as described below in Example 3, measured as the amount of weight loss of vanilla fragrance over 50 hours.

(6) FIG. 4 is an evaporation comparison among Low VOC carrier formulations D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, as described below in Example 4, measured as the amount of weight loss of citrus fragrance over 240 minutes.

(7) FIG. 4bis is an evaporation comparison among Low VOC carrier formulations D5, D6, D7, D8, D9, and D10, as described below in Example 4, measured as the amount of weight loss of lavender fragrance over 240 minutes.

(8) FIG. 5 is an evaporation comparison among Low VOC carrier formulations E1, E2, and E3, as described below in Example 5, measured as the amount of weight loss of lavender fragrance over 60 hours.

(9) FIG. 6 is an evaporation comparison among Low VOC carrier formulations F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5, as described below in Example 6, measured as the amount of weight loss of citrus fragrance over 240 minutes.

(10) FIG. 6bis is an evaporation comparison among Low VOC carrier formulations F6, F7, F8, F9, and F10, as described below in Example 6, measured as the amount of weight loss of lavender fragrance over 240 minutes.

EXAMPLES

(11) The present application is further described by means of the examples, presented below, wherein the abbreviations have the usual meaning in the art.

(12) Methodology to Measure Evaporation Rate Weigh a Petri Dish of surface area around 70 cm2=PD.sub.initial Weigh 1 g of the formulation at the Peri Dish=F.sub.initial Leave the Petri Dish at room temperature (around 25 C.) and controlled humidity Weigh (Petri Dish+formulation) every 30 minutes during at least 8 hours=(PD+F)x, when x is each point of weighting Calculate the loss of weight for each point:

(13) $\%\mathrm{Weight}\mathrm{Loss}=\frac{\left[\left({\mathrm{PD}}_{\mathrm{initial}}+F_{\mathrm{initial}}\right)-{\left(\mathrm{PD}+F\right)}_x\right]100}{\left({\mathrm{PD}}_{\mathrm{initial}}+F_{\mathrm{initial}}\right)}$

Example 1

(14) A commercially-available lavender fragrance composition that contains Dowanol DPM Glycol Ether (A2) is compared to the same composition wherein the solvent or carrier has been 100% replaced by Augeo Clean Multi (A1).

(15) Dowanol DPM Glycol Ether, which is HVP-VOC, may not comply with the strictest environmental regulations, such as the regulations established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB).

(16) A formulation with a similar evaporation rate, and olfactive properties as the formulations containing HVP-VOCs is desired, yet using a low vapor pressure VOC solvent that complies with the strictest regulatory standards, (e.g., is CARB compliant).

(17) Formulation (A1) and Comparative formulation (A2) are described below in Table 1:

(18) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Fragrance Composition for a Reed Diffuser (Wick Device Type). A1 A2 Components % w/w % w/w Fragrance 20 20 Augeo Clean Multi 60-80 0 Dowanol DPM 0 60-80 (Glycol ether) Other Components 5-20 5-20

(19) Evaporation curves for Comparative Formulation A2 and Formulation A1 are shown in FIG. 1, measured as the amount of weight loss of the composition. As shown therein, evaporation profile of the Low VOC Carrier Formulation A1 over 30 days is similar to and even better than that of Comparative Formulation A2, which is not compliant with the regulations established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Indeed, Formulation A1 evaporates slower than A2, which means the solvent is able to carry the fragrance into the air for a longer period of time, showing better performance.

Example 2

(20) A commercially-available lavender fragrance composition that contain Methoxy methyl butanol (MMB)(B2) is compared to the same composition wherein the solvent or carrier has been 100% replaced by Augeo Clean Multi (B1).

(21) Methoxy methyl butanol (MMB), which is HVP-VOC may not comply with the strictest environmental regulations, such as the regulations established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB).

(22) A formulation with a similar evaporation rate, and olfactive properties as Comparative Formulation B2 is desired, yet using a low vapor pressure VOC solvent that complies with the strictest regulatory standards, (e.g., is CARB compliant).

(23) Formulation (B1) and Comparative formulation (B2) are described below in Table 2:

(24) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Fragrance Composition for a Reed Diffuser (Wick Device Type). B1 B2 Components % w/w % w/w Fragrance 20 20 Augeo Clean Multi 60-80 0 Methoxy methyl 0 60-80 butanol Other Components 5-20 5-20

(25) Evaporation curves for Comparative Formulation B2 and Low VOC Carrier Formulation B1 are shown in FIG. 2, measured as the amount of weight loss of the composition. As shown therein, evaporation profile of the Low VOC Carrier Formulation B1 over 30 days is similar to and even better than that of Comparative Formulations B2, which is not compliant with the regulations established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). As for example 1, the evaporation for formulation B1 is slower than B2, which means the fragrance remains in the air for a longer period of time.

Example 3Solvent Based Fragrance Compositions

(26) Commercially-available fragrances are solubilized into the solvents described below in Table 3, and the evaporation rate is measured.

(27) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Fragrance Composition for a Reed Diffuser (Wick Device Type). C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 Components % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w Fruit Fragrance 8 8 8 0 0 0 Vanilla 0 0 0 8 8 8 Fragrance Augeo Clean 92 0 0 92 0 0 Multi Dowanol DPM 0 92 0 0 92 0 (Glycol ether) Methoxy 0 0 92 0 0 92 methyl butanol

(28) From the Evaporation curves shown in FIGS. 3 and 3bis, measured as the amount of weight loss of the composition, evaporation profile of the Low VOC Carrier Formulations C1 and C4 over 50 hours is better than of Comparative Formulations C2, C3, C5 and C6, which are not compliant with the regulations established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Indeed, Formulations C1 and C4 evaporate slower than Comparative Formulations C2, C3, C5 and C6, which means the solvent of C1 and C4 is able to carry the fragrance into the air for a longer period of time, showing better performance.

Example 4Solvent Based Fragrance Compositions

(29) Commercially-available fragrances are solubilized into the solvents described below in Table 4, and the evaporation rate is measured.

(30) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Fragrance Composition for a Reed Diffuser (Wick Device Type). D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 Components % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w Citrus Fragrance 20 20 20 20 20 0 0 0 0 0 Lavender Fragrance 0 0 0 0 0 20 20 20 20 20 Augeo Clean Multi 0 40 40 0 0 0 40 40 0 0 Augeo Clean Plus 80 40 0 0 0 80 40 0 0 0 Augeo ACT 0 0 40 0 0 0 0 40 0 0 Dowanol DPM (Glycol ether) 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 0 80 0 Methoxy methyl butanol 0 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 0 80

(31) From the Evaporation curves shown in FIGS. 4 and 4bis, measured as the amount of weight loss of the composition, evaporation profile of the Low VOC Carrier Formulations D1 to D3 and D6 to D8 over 240 minutes is better than of Comparative Formulations D4 and D5 and D9 and D10, which are not compliant with the regulations established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Indeed, Formulations D1 to D3 and D6 to D8 evaporate slower than Comparative Formulations D4 and D5 and D9 and D10, which means the solvent of D1 to D3 and D6 to D8 is able to carry the fragrance into the air for a longer period of time, showing better performance.

Example 5Water Based Fragrance Compositions

(32) Fragrances compositions from commercially-available fragrances are prepared as described below in Table 5, and the evaporation rate is measured.

(33) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Fragrance Composition for a Reed Diffuser (Wick Device Type). E1 E2 E3 Components % w/w % w/w % w/w Water (pH > 7.5) 40 40 40 Lavender Fragrance 10 10 10 Augeo Clean Multi 50 0 0 Dowanol DPM 0 50 0 (Glycol ether) Methoxy methyl 0 0 50 butanol

(34) From the Evaporation curves shown in FIG. 5, measured as the amount of weight loss of the composition, evaporation profile of the Low VOC Carrier Formulation E1 over 50 hours is better than of Comparative Formulations E2 and E3, which are not compliant with the regulations established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Indeed, Formulation E1 evaporates slower than Comparative Formulations E2 and E3, which means the solvent of E1 is able to carry the fragrance into the air for a longer period of time, showing better performance.

Example 6Water Based Fragrance Compositions

(35) Fragrances compositions from commercially-available fragrances are prepared as described below in Table 6, and the evaporation rate is measured.

(36) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Fragrance Composition for a Reed Diffuser (Wick Device Type). F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 Components % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w Citrus Fragrance 5 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 Lavender Fragrance 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 Augeo Clean Multi 0 10 10 0 0 0 10 10 0 0 Augeo Clean Plus 20 10 0 0 0 20 10 0 0 0 Augeo ACT 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 Dowanol DPM (Glycol ether) 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 20 0 Methoxy methyl butanol 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 20 Lauryl alcohol 7EO 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 Water (pH > 7.5) 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50

(37) From the Evaporation curves shown in FIGS. 6 and 6bis, measured as the amount of weight loss of the composition, evaporation profile of the Low VOC Carrier Formulations F1 to F3 and F6 to F8 over 240 minutes is better than of Comparative Formulations F4 and F5 and F9 and F10, which are not compliant with the regulations established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Indeed, Formulations F1 to F3 and F6 to F8 evaporate slower than Comparative Formulations F4 and F5 and F9 and F10, which means the solvent of F1 to F3 and F6 to F8 is able to carry the fragrance into the air for a longer period of time, showing better performance.

(38) The use of such examples is illustrative only and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term or phrase used herein. Likewise, the invention is not limited to any particular preferred embodiments described herein. Indeed, many modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification.

(39) It is further to be understood that all values are approximate, and are provided for description.