EP1208188A1 - Composition et procede de blanchiment d'un substrat - Google Patents

Composition et procede de blanchiment d'un substrat

Info

Publication number
EP1208188A1
EP1208188A1 EP00962335A EP00962335A EP1208188A1 EP 1208188 A1 EP1208188 A1 EP 1208188A1 EP 00962335 A EP00962335 A EP 00962335A EP 00962335 A EP00962335 A EP 00962335A EP 1208188 A1 EP1208188 A1 EP 1208188A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pyridin
alkyl
liquid
optionally substituted
bleaching
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00962335A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ronald Unilever Research Vlaardingen Hage
Simon M. Unilever Research Vlaardinen VEERMAN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Original Assignee
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/GB1999/002876 external-priority patent/WO2000012667A1/fr
Priority claimed from PCT/GB1999/002878 external-priority patent/WO2000012808A1/fr
Priority claimed from GBGB0004990.8A external-priority patent/GB0004990D0/en
Application filed by Unilever PLC, Unilever NV filed Critical Unilever PLC
Publication of EP1208188A1 publication Critical patent/EP1208188A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D401/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom
    • C07D401/14—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing three or more hetero rings
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D213/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings, not condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members
    • C07D213/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings, not condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having three double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members
    • C07D213/04—Heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings, not condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having three double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having no bond between the ring nitrogen atom and a non-ring member or having only hydrogen or carbon atoms directly attached to the ring nitrogen atom
    • C07D213/24—Heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings, not condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having three double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having no bond between the ring nitrogen atom and a non-ring member or having only hydrogen or carbon atoms directly attached to the ring nitrogen atom with substituted hydrocarbon radicals attached to ring carbon atoms
    • C07D213/36—Radicals substituted by singly-bound nitrogen atoms
    • C07D213/38—Radicals substituted by singly-bound nitrogen atoms having only hydrogen or hydrocarbon radicals attached to the substituent nitrogen atom
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D213/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings, not condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members
    • C07D213/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings, not condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having three double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members
    • C07D213/04—Heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings, not condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having three double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having no bond between the ring nitrogen atom and a non-ring member or having only hydrogen or carbon atoms directly attached to the ring nitrogen atom
    • C07D213/24—Heterocyclic compounds containing six-membered rings, not condensed with other rings, with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom and three or more double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having three double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members having no bond between the ring nitrogen atom and a non-ring member or having only hydrogen or carbon atoms directly attached to the ring nitrogen atom with substituted hydrocarbon radicals attached to ring carbon atoms
    • C07D213/54—Radicals substituted by carbon atoms having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most one bond to halogen, e.g. ester or nitrile radicals
    • C07D213/55—Acids; Esters
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/26—Organic compounds containing nitrogen
    • C11D3/28—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen in the ring
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/39—Organic or inorganic per-compounds
    • C11D3/3902—Organic or inorganic per-compounds combined with specific additives
    • C11D3/3905—Bleach activators or bleach catalysts
    • C11D3/3932—Inorganic compounds or complexes
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L4/00—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs
    • D06L4/10—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs using agents which develop oxygen
    • D06L4/12—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs using agents which develop oxygen combined with specific additives
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L4/00—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs
    • D06L4/10—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs using agents which develop oxygen
    • D06L4/13—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs using agents which develop oxygen using inorganic agents
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L4/00—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs
    • D06L4/10—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs using agents which develop oxygen
    • D06L4/15—Bleaching fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods; Bleaching leather or furs using agents which develop oxygen using organic agents

Definitions

  • This invention relates to compositions and methods for catalyticaUy bleaching substrates with atmospheric oxygen, using a metal-ligand complex as catalyst, which compositions are formulated as liquids.
  • This invention also relates to a method of treating textiles, such as laundry fabrics, using a metal-ligand complex as catalyst whereby bleaching with atmospheric oxygen is catalysed after the treatment, wherein the treatment composition is formulated as a liquid.
  • Peroxygen bleaches are well known for their ability to remove stains from substrates.
  • the substrate is subjected to hydrogen peroxide, or to substances which can generate hydroperoxyl radicals, such as inorganic or organic peroxides.
  • these systems must be activated.
  • One method of activation is to employ wash temperatures of 60 °C or higher. However, these high temperatures often lead to inefficient cleaning, and can also cause premature damage to the substrate.
  • a preferred approach to generating hydroperoxyl bleach species is the use of inorganic peroxides coupled with organic precursor compounds .
  • organic precursor compounds These systems are employed for many commercial laundry powders.
  • various European systems are based on tetraacetyl ethylenediamine (TAED) as the organic precursor coupled with sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate, whereas in the United States laundry bleach products are typically based on sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulphonate (SNOBS) as the organic precursor coupled with sodium perborate.
  • TAED tetraacetyl ethylenediamine
  • SNOBS sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulphonate
  • Precursor systems are generally effective but still exhibit several disadvantages. For example, organic precursors are moderately sophisticated molecules requiring multi-step manufacturing processes resulting in high capital costs. Also, precursor systems have large formulation space requirements so that a significant proportion of a laundry powder must be devoted to the bleach components, leaving less room for other active ingredients and complicating the development of concentrated powders. Moreover, precursor systems do not bleach very efficiently in countries where consumers have wash habits entailing low dosage, short wash times, cold temperatures and low wash liquor to substrate ratios.
  • hydrogen peroxide and peroxy systems can be activated by bleach catalysts, such as by complexes of iron and the ligand N4Py (i.e. N, N- bis (pyridin-2-yl-methyl) -bis (pyridin-2-yl) methylamine) disclosed in 095/34628, or the ligand Tpen (i.e. N, N, N' , N' -tetra (pyridin-2-yl-methyl) ethylenediamine) disclosed in W097/48787.
  • bleach catalysts such as by complexes of iron and the ligand N4Py (i.e. N, N- bis (pyridin-2-yl-methyl) -bis (pyridin-2-yl) methylamine) disclosed in 095/34628, or the ligand Tpen (i.e. N, N, N' , N' -tetra (pyridin-2-yl-methyl) ethylenediamine) disclosed in W097/48787.
  • a broad range of aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic aldehydes is reported to be useful, particularly para-substituted aldehydes such as 4 -methyl-, 4 -ethyl- and 4-isopropyl benzaldehyde, whereas the range of initiators disclosed includes N-hydroxysuccinimide, various peroxides and transition metal coordination complexes.
  • the aldehyde component and radical initiators such as peroxides are consumed during the bleaching process .
  • These components must therefore be included in the composition in relatively high amounts so as not to become depleted before completion of the bleaching process in the wash cycle.
  • the spent components represent a waste of resources as they can no longer participate in the bleaching process.
  • a further disadvantage associated with conventional bleaching compositions based on hydrogen peroxide or peroxy systems such those containing organic peroxyacids is that the compositions tend to be chemically or physically unstable in the presence of liquid solvents, carriers or other liquid components such as surfactants, particularly when formulated as aqueous compositions. Consequently, when formulated as liquids, these bleaching compositions on the one hand do not exhibit satisfactory storage stability, resulting in a rapid loss of bleaching activity or in a loss of structural integrity, for example phase separation, or require the incorporation of additional stabilising systems to minimise these effects with attendant disadvantages in terms of cost or processing. Decomposition of a hydrogen peroxide or peroxy liquid bleaching composition in a sealed container leads to an increase in the internal pressure of the sealed container.
  • liquid bleaching compositions are conveniently dosed into containers for storage or for use, or otherwise handled, and are desired by the consumer, particularly in the United States of America.
  • the present invention a liquid bleaching composition
  • a liquid bleaching composition comprising an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching of a substrate by atmospheric oxygen, and a liquid carrier or solvent, wherein the composition is substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system.
  • the composition is therefore preferably insensitive or stable to catalase, which acts on peroxy species.
  • the present invention provides a method of bleaching a substrate comprising applying to the substrate a liquid bleaching composition that comprises an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching of the substrate by atmospheric oxygen, and a liquid carrier or solvent, wherein the composition is substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system.
  • the present invention provides the use of an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching of a substrate by the atmospheric oxygen, as a catalytic bleaching agent in a liquid bleaching composition substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system.
  • a catalytic bleaching agent in a liquid bleaching composition substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system.
  • the present invention provides a method of treating a textile by contacting the textile with a liquid bleaching composition that comprises an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching by atmospheric oxygen, and a liquid carrier or solvent, wherein the composition is substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system, whereby the complex catalyses bleaching of the textile by atmospheric oxygen after the treatment.
  • a liquid bleaching composition that comprises an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching by atmospheric oxygen, and a liquid carrier or solvent, wherein the composition is substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system, whereby the complex catalyses bleaching of the textile by atmospheric oxygen after the treatment.
  • the present invention requires all or the majority of the bleaching species in the liquid bleaching composition (on an equivalent weight basis) to be derived from atmospheric oxygen.
  • the liquid composition will be made wholly or substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system.
  • the organic substance is a catalyst for the bleaching process and, as such, is not consumed but can continue to participate in the bleaching process. Since the bleaching system of the type used in the liquid bleaching composition is catalyticaUy activated and the bleaching species is derived from atmospheric oxygen, the present invention is advantageous in that it provides a bleaching composition which is not only convenient to handle by virtue of being in the form of a liquid, but which also is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
  • the liquid bleaching composition may be formulated as a concentrated bleaching liquid for direct application to a substrate, or for application to a substrate following dilution, such as dilution before or during use of the liquid composition by the consumer or in washing apparatus.
  • the liquid bleaching composition can for example be formulated as an aqueous medium, or so as to be dispersable into an aqueous medium, and is therefore particularly applicable to bleaching of laundry fabrics. Therefore, whilst the composition and method according to the present invention may be used for bleaching any suitable substrate, the preferred substrate is a laundry fabric. Bleaching may be carried out by simply leaving the substrate in contact for a sufficient period of time with a bleach medium constituted by or prepared from the liquid bleaching composition. Preferably, however, the bleach medium on or containing the substrate is agitated.
  • An advantage of the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention is that, by enabling a bleaching effect even after the textile has been treated, the benefits of bleaching can be prolonged on the textile. Furthermore, since a bleaching effect is conferred to the. textile after the treatment, the treatment itself, such as a laundry wash cycle, may for example be shortened.
  • the present invention also extends to a commercial package comprising a liquid bleaching composition comprising a ligand or complex as defined below together with instructions for its use.
  • the present invention also extends to use of a ligand or complex as defined below in the manufacture of a liquid bleaching composition, the bleaching composition substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or peroxy-generating bleach system.
  • the catalyst may comprise a preformed complex of a ligand and a transition metal.
  • the catalyst may comprise a free ligand that complexes with a transition metal already present in the water or that complexes with a transition metal present in the substrate.
  • the catalyst may also be included in the form of a composition of a free ligand or a transition metal-substitutable metal-ligand complex, and a source of transition metal, whereby the complex is formed in si tu in the medium. It is preferred that the catalyst is a pentadentate ligand or complex thereof .
  • the ligand forms a complex with one or more transition metals, in the latter case for example as a dinuclear complex.
  • Suitable transition metals include for example: manganese in oxidation states II-V, iron II-V, copper I-III, cobalt I-III, titanium II-IV, tungsten IV-VI, vanadium II-V and molybdenum II-VI.
  • the transition metal complex preferably is of the general formula:
  • M represents a metal selected from Mn(II) - (III) - (IV) - (V), Cu(I) -(II)- (III) , Fe (II) -(III)- (IV) -(V) , Co(I)-(II)- (III), Ti(II) - (III) - (IV) , V(II) - (III)- (IV) - (V) , Mo(II)- (III) - (IV) - (V) - (VI) and W(IV) - (V)-(VI) , preferably from Fe(II)-(III)-(IV)-(V) ;
  • L represents the ligand, preferably N,N-bis (pyridin-2- yl-methyl) -1, 1-bis (pyridin-2-yl) -1-aminoethane, or its protonated or deprotonated analogue;
  • X represents a coordinating species selected from any mono, bi or tri charged anions and any neutral molecules able to coordinate the metal in a mono, bi or tridentate manner;
  • the complex is an iron complex comprising the ligand N,N-bis (pyridin-2-yl-methyl) -1, 1-bis (pyridin-2-yl) -1- aminoethane.
  • the pretreatment method of the present invention may instead, or additionally, use other ligands and transition metal complexes, provided that the complex formed is capable of catalysing stain bleaching by atmospheric oxygen. Suitable classes of ligands are described below:
  • QI and Q3 independently represent a group of the formula:
  • Y independently represents a group selected from -0-, S-, -SO-, -S0 2 -, -C(O)-, arylene, alkylene, heteroarylene, heterocycloalkylene, -(G)P-, -P(O)- and -(G)N- , wherein G is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, each except hydrogen being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E;
  • R5, R6, R7, R8 independently represent a group selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, -R and -OR, wherein R represents alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl , aryl, heteroaryl or a carbonyl derivative group, R being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E, or R5 together with R6, or R7 together with R8, or both, represent oxygen, or R5 together with R7 and/or independently R6 together with R8, or R5 together with R8 and/or independently R6 together with R7, represent C ⁇ -6 -alkylene optionally substituted by C ⁇ -4 -alkyl, -F, -Cl, -Br or -I;
  • U represents either a non-coordinated group T independently defined as above or a coordinating group of the general formula (IIA) , (IIIA) or (IVA) :
  • Q2 and Q4 are independently defined as for QI and Q3 ;
  • Q represents -N(T)- (wherein T is independently defined as above) , or an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole;
  • Z2 is independently defined as for ZI;
  • Z3 groups independently represent -N(T)- (wherein T is independently defined as above) ;
  • ZI, Z2 and Z4 independently represent an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole.
  • ZI, Z2 and Z4 independently represent groups selected from optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl , optionally substituted imidazol-2-yl, optionally substituted imidazol-4-yl , optionally substituted pyrazol-1-yl , and optionally substituted quinolin-2-yl .
  • ZI, Z2 and Z4 each represent optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl .
  • the groups ZI, Z2 and Z4 if substituted, are preferably substituted by a group selected from C 1-4 -alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, methoxy, hydroxy, nitro, amino, carboxyl, halo, and carbonyl.
  • ZI, Z2 and Z4 are each substituted by a methyl group.
  • the ZI groups represent identical groups.
  • Each QI preferably represents a covalent bond or C1-C4- alkylene, more preferably a covalent bond, methylene or ethylene, most preferably a covalent bond.
  • Group Q preferably represents a covalent bond or C1-C4- alkylene, more preferably a covalent bond.
  • the groups R5 , R6, R7 , R8 preferably independently represent a group selected from -H, hydroxy-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl , halo-C 0 -C 2 o- alkyl, nitroso, formyl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl, carboxyl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl and esters and salts thereof, carbamoyl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl, sulfo-C 0 - C 2 o-alkyl and esters and salts thereof, sulfamoyl-C 0 -C 20 - alkyl, amino-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl , aryl-C 0 -C 20 -alkyl , C 0 -C 20 -alkyl , alkoxy-Co-C 8 -alkyl, carbonyl-C 0 -C 6
  • Non-coordinated group T preferably represents hydrogen, hydroxy, methyl, ethyl, benzyl, or methoxy.
  • the group U in formula (IA) represents a coordinating group of the general formula (IIA) :
  • Z2 represents an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole, more preferably optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl or optionally substituted benzimidazol-2-yl .
  • Z4 represents an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole, more preferably optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl, or an non-coordinating group selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or benzyl.
  • the ligand is selected from: 1, 1-bis (pyridin-2-yl) -N-methyl-N- (pyridin-2- ylmethyl) methylamine;
  • the group Z4 in formula (IIA) represents a group of the general formula (IIAa) :
  • Q4 preferably represents optionally substituted alkylene, preferably -CH 2 -CHOH-CH 2 - or -CH 2 -CH 2 - CH 2 - .
  • the ligand is:
  • the group U in formula (IA) represents a coordinating group of the general formula (IIIA) : [-02-Z -lj
  • j is 1 or 2, preferably 1.
  • the ligand is selected from:
  • the group U in formula (IA) represents a coordinating group of the general formula (IVA) :
  • the ligand is selected from:
  • Qi/ Q 2 Q 3 Q and Q independently represent a group of the formula:
  • Y independently represents a group selected from -0-, S-, -SO-, -S0 2 -, -C(O)-, arylene, alkylene, heteroarylene, heterocycloalkylene, -(G)P-, -P(O)- and -(G)N- , wherein G is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, each except hydrogen being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E;
  • R5, R6, R7, R8 independently represent a group selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, -R and -OR, wherein R represents alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or a carbonyl derivative group, R being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E, or R5 together with R6, or R7 together with R8 , or both, represent oxygen, or R5 together with R7 and/or independently R6 together with R8, or R5 together with R8 and/or independently R6 together with R7, represent C ⁇ -6 -alkylene optionally substituted by C 1 - 4 -alkyl, -F, -Cl, -Br or -I,
  • Ri, R 2 , R3, R comprise coordinating heteroatoms and no more than six heteroatoms are coordinated to the same transition metal atom.
  • At least two, and preferably at least three, of Ri, R 2 , R3 R independently represent a group selected from carboxylate, amido, -NH-C (NH)NH 2 , hydroxyphenyl , an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole.
  • substituents for groups Ri, R 2 , R3, R when representing a heterocyclic or heteroaromatic ring, are selected from C ⁇ - -alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, methoxy, hydroxy, nitro, amino, carboxyl, halo, and carbonyl .
  • the groups Qi, Q 2 , Q 3 , Q preferably independently represent a group selected from -CH 2 - and -CH 2 CH 2 - .
  • Group Q is preferably a group selected from -(CH 2 ) 2 - -/ CH 2 CH(OH)CH 2 -,
  • R represents -H or C ⁇ -4 -alkyl.
  • the groups R5 , R6 , R7 , R8 preferably independently represent a group selected from -H, hydroxy-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl, halo-C 0 -C 2 o- alkyl, nitroso, formyl-C 0 -C 20 -alkyl, carboxyl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl and esters and salts thereof, carbamoyl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl, sulfo-C 0 - Co-alkyl and esters and salts thereof, sulfamoyl-C 0 -C 2 o- alkyl, amino-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl , aryl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl , C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl, alkoxy-C 0 -C 8 -alkyl, carbonyl -C 0
  • the ligand is of the general formula (IIB) :
  • Preferred classes of ligands according to this aspect are as follows:
  • Ri R-2 R-3/ R 4 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from carboxylate, amido, -NH- C(NH)NH 2 , hydroxyphenyl, an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole.
  • Ri, R 2 , R3, R 4 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl, optionally substituted imidazol-2-yl, optionally substituted imidazol-4-yl, optionally substituted pyrazol-1-yl, and optionally substituted quinolin-2-yl .
  • R x , R 2 , R3 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from carboxylate, amido, -NH-C (NH)NH 2 , hydroxyphenyl, an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole; and
  • Ri, R 2 , R 3 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl, optionally substituted imidazol-2-yl, optionally substituted imidazol-4-yl, optionally substituted pyrazol-1-yl, and optionally substituted quinolin-2-yl; and
  • R 4 represents a group selected from hydrogen, C ⁇ -10 optionally substituted alkyl, C ⁇ - 5 -furanyl, C ⁇ - 5 optionally substituted benzylalkyl, benzyl, C ⁇ -5 optionally substituted alkoxy, and C 1-20 optionally substituted N + Me 3 .
  • R x , R 4 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl, optionally substituted imidazol-2-yl , optionally substituted imidazol-4-yl, optionally substituted pyrazol-1-yl , and optionally substituted quinolin-2-yl ;
  • R 2 , R 3 each independently represent a group selected from hydrogen, C ⁇ - ⁇ 0 optionally substituted alkyl, C ⁇ -5 - furanyl, C ⁇ -5 optionally substituted benzylalkyl, benzyl, C ⁇ - 5 optionally substituted alkoxy, and C ⁇ - 20 optionally substituted N + Me 3 .
  • N- (2-methoxyethyl) -N,N' ,N' -tris (3-methyl-pyridin-2- ylmethyl) ethylene-1, 2-diamine
  • N-methyl-N,N' ,N' -tris (5-methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl) ethylene- 1, 2-diamine ;
  • N-ethyl-N,N' ,N' -tris (5-methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl) ethylene- 1, 2-diamine
  • N-benzyl-N,N' ,N' -tris (5-methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl) ethylene- 1, 2-diamine;
  • Zi, Z 2 and Z 3 independently represent a coordinating group selected from carboxylate, amido, -NH-C (NH)NH 2 , hydroxyphenyl, an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole; Qi / Q 2# and Q 3 independently represent a group of the formula:
  • Y independently represents a group selected from -0-, S-, -SO-, -S0 2 -, -C(O)-, arylene, alkylene, heteroarylene, heterocycloalkylene, -(G)P-, -P(O)- and -(G)N- , wherein G is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, each except hydrogen being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E; and
  • R5, R6, R7, R8 independently represent a group selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, -R and -OR, wherein R represents alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or a carbonyl derivative group, R being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E, or R5 together with R6 , or R7 together with R8 , or both, represent oxygen, or R5 together with R7 and/or independently R6 together with R8, or R5 together with R8 and/or independently R6 together with R7, represent C ⁇ - 6 -alkylene optionally substituted by C ⁇ -4 -alkyl, -F, -Cl, -Br or -I.
  • Zi, Z 2 and Z 3 each represent a coordinating group, preferably selected from optionally substituted pyridin-2 -yl, optionally substituted imidazol-2-yl, optionally substituted imidazol-4-yl, optionally substituted pyrazol-1-yl , and optionally substituted quinolin-2-yl .
  • Zi, Z 2 and Z 3 each represent optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl .
  • Optional substituents for the groups Zi, Z 2 and Z 3 are preferably selected from C ⁇ -4 -alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, methoxy, hydroxy, nitro, amino, carboxyl, halo, and carbonyl, preferably methyl.
  • each Q l7 Q 2 and Q 3 independently represent C ⁇ - 4 - alkylene, more preferably a group selected from -CH 2 - and - CH 2 CH- .
  • the groups R5, R6 , R7, R8 preferably independently represent a group selected from -H, hydroxy-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl , halo-C 0 -C 20 - alkyl, nitroso, formyl -C 0 -C 20 -alkyl , carboxyl -C 0 -C 20 -alkyl and esters and salts thereof, carbamoyl-C 0 -C 20 -alkyl , sulfo-C 0 - C 20 -alkyl and esters and salts thereof, sulfamoyl-C 0 -C 20 - alkyl, amino-C 0 -C 0 -alkyl , aryl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl , C 0 -C 20 -alkyl , alkoxy-Co-C 8 -alkyl, carbonyl -C 0 -C 6
  • the ligand is selected from tris (pyridin-2- ylmethyl) amine, tris (3-methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl) amine, tris (5-methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl) amine, and tris (6-methyl- pyridin-2 -ylmethyl) amine .
  • Q independently represent a group selected from C 2 - 3 - alkylene optionally substituted by H, benzyl or C ⁇ -8 -alkyl;
  • Qi/ Q 2 and Q 3 independently represent a group of the formula:
  • Y independently represents a group selected from -0-, S-, -SO-, -S0 2 -, -C(O)-, arylene, alkylene, heteroarylene, heterocycloalkylene, -(G)P-, -P(O)- and -(G)N- , wherein G is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, each except hydrogen being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E; and
  • R5 , R6, R7, R8 independently represent a group selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, -R and -OR, wherein R represents alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or a carbonyl derivative group, R being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E, or R5 together with R6 , or R7 together with R8 , or both, represent oxygen, or R5 together with R7 and/or independently R6 together with R8 , or R5 together with R8 and/or independently R6 together with R7 , represent C ⁇ _ e -alkylene optionally substituted by C ⁇ -4 -alkyl, -F, -Cl, -Br or -I, provided that at least one, preferably at least two, of R x , R 2 and R 3 is a coordinating group.
  • At least two, and preferably at least three, of R l7 R 2 and R 3 independently represent a group selected from carboxylate, amido, -NH-C (NH) NH 2 , hydroxyphenyl, an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole.
  • Ri, R 2 , R 3 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from optionally substituted pyridin-2 -yl, optionally substituted imidazol-2-yl , optionally substituted imidazol-4-yl, optionally substituted pyrazol-1-yl, and optionally substituted quinolin-2-yl .
  • substituents for groups Ri, R 2 , R3 when representing a heterocyclic or heteroaromatic ring are selected from C ⁇ -4 -alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, methoxy, hydroxy, nitro, amino, carboxyl, halo, and carbonyl .
  • the groups Q 1# Q 2 and Q 3 independently represent a group selected from -CH 2 - and -
  • Group Q is preferably a group selected from -CH 2 CH 2 - and -
  • the groups R5, R6, R7 , R8 preferably independently represent a group selected from -H, hydroxy-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl , halo-C 0 -C 20 - alkyl, nitroso, formyl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl, carboxyl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl and esters and salts thereof, carbamoyl-Co-C 2 o- lkyl , sulfo-C 0 - C 2 o-alkyl and esters and salts thereof, sulfamoyl-C 0 -C 2 o- alkyl, amino-C 0 -C 2o -alkyl , aryl-C 0 -C 2o -alkyl , C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl, alkoxy-
  • the ligand is of the general formula (IID) :
  • RI, R2 , R3 are as defined previously for R x , R 2 , R3, and Qi, Q 2 , Q 3 are as defined previously.
  • Preferred classes of ligands according to this preferred aspect are as follows :
  • RI, R2 , R3 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from carboxylate, amido, -NH-C (NH)NH 2/ hydroxyphenyl, an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring selected from pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, quinoline, quinoxaline, triazole, isoquinoline, carbazole, indole, isoindole, oxazole and thiazole .
  • RI, R2 , R3 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from optionally substituted pyridin-2-yl , optionally substituted imidazol-2-yl , optionally substituted imidazol-4-yl , optionally substituted pyrazol-1-yl , and optionally substituted quinolin-2-yl .
  • two of RI, R2 , R3 each independently represent a coordinating group selected from optionally substituted pyridin-2 -yl , optionally substituted imidazol-2-yl , optionally substituted imidazol-4-yl, optionally substituted pyrazol-1-yl, and optionally substituted quinolin-2-yl ; and one of RI, R2 , R3 represents a group selected from hydrogen, C 1-10 optionally substituted alkyl, C ⁇ - 5 -furanyl, d- 5 optionally substituted benzylalkyl, benzyl, C ⁇ -5 optionally substituted alkoxy, and C ⁇ -2 o optionally substituted N + Me 3 .
  • the ligand is selected from:
  • IE IE
  • g zero or an integer from 1 to 6
  • r represents an integer from 1 to 6
  • s represents zero or an integer from 1 to 6
  • QI and Q2 independently represent a group of the formula:
  • each Yl independently represents a group selected from -0-, -S-, -SO-, -S0 2 -, -C(0)-, arylene, alkylene, heteroarylene, heterocycloalkylene, -(G)P-, -P(O)- and - (G)N- , wherein G is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, each except hydrogen being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups E;
  • each - [-N(Rl) - (QI) r -] - group is independently defined;
  • RI, R2, R6, R7, R8 , R9 independently represent a group selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, -R and -OR, wherein R represents alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or a carbonyl derivative group, R being optionally substituted by one or more functional groups
  • E, or R6 together with R7 , or R8 together with R9 , or both, represent oxygen, or R6 together with R8 and/or independently R7 together with R9, or R6 together with R9 and/or independently R7 together with R8 , represent C ⁇ -6 -alkylene optionally substituted by C ⁇ - 4 -alkyl, -F, -Cl, -Br or -I; or one of R1-R9 is a bridging group bound to another
  • Tl and T2 may together (-T2-T1-) represent a covalent bond linkage when s>l and g>0;
  • the groups R1-R9 are preferably independently selected from -H, hydroxy-Co-C 20 -alkyl, halo-C 0 -C 2o -alkyl , nitroso, formyl- Co-C 2o -alkyl, carboxyl-C 0 -C 20 -alkyl and esters and salts thereof, carbamoyl-C 0 -C 20 -alkyl, sulpho-C 0 -C 20 -alkyl and esters and salts thereof, sulphamoyl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyl, amino-C 0 - C 2 o-alkyl, aryl-C 0 -C 20 -alkyl , heteroaryl-C 0 -C 20 -alkyl, C 0 -C 20 - alkyl, alkoxy-C 0 -C 8 -alkyl, carbonyl-C 0 -C 6 -al
  • R1-R9 may be a bridging group which links the ligand moiety to a second ligand moiety of preferably the same general structure.
  • the bridging group is independently defined according to the formula for QI, Q2, preferably being alkylene or hydroxy-alkylene or a heteroaryl-containing bridge, more preferably C ⁇ - 6 -alkylene optionally substituted by C 1-4 -alkyl, -F, -Cl, -Br or -I.
  • RI, R2 , R3 and R4 are preferably independently selected from -H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and/or one of R1-R4 represents a bridging group bound to another moiety of the same general formula and/or two or more of R1-R4 together represent a bridging group linking N atoms in the same moiety, with the bridging group being alkylene or hydroxy-alkylene or a heteroaryl- containing bridge, preferably heteroarylene .
  • RI , R2 , R3 and R4 are independently selected from -H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, nitrogen-containing heteroaryl, or a bridging group bound to another moiety of the same general formula or linking N atoms in the same moiety with the bridging group being alkylene or hydroxy- alkylene .
  • the ligand has the general formula:
  • A represents optionally substituted alkylene optionally interrupted by a heteroatom; and n is zero or an integer from 1 to 5.
  • Tl and T2 independently represent groups R4 , R5 as defined for R1-R9, according to the general formula (HIE) :
  • preferred ligands may for example have a structure selected from:
  • the ligand is selected from:
  • Rland R2 are selected from optionally substituted phenols, heteroaryl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyls
  • R3 and R4 are selected from -H, alkyl, aryl, optionally substituted phenols, heteroaryl-C 0 -C 2 o-alkyls, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, alkoxy, more preferably RI and R2 being selected from optionally substituted phenols, heteroaryl-C 0 -C 2 -alkyls
  • R3 and R4 are selected from -H, alkyl, aryl, optionally substituted phenols, nitrogen-heteroaryl-C 0 -C 2 -alkyls .
  • the ligand has the general formula:
  • HIE in general formula (HIE)
  • the ligand has the general formula:
  • This class of ligand is particularly preferred according to the invention.
  • the ligand has the general formula:
  • RI, R2 , R3 are as defined for R2 , R4 , R5
  • the ligand is a pentadentate ligand of the general formula (IVE) :
  • each R 1 , R 2 independently represents -R 4 -R 5
  • R 3 represents hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl, or -R 4 -R 5
  • each R 4 independently represents a single bond or optionally substituted alkylene, alkenylene, oxyalkylene, aminoalkylene, alkylene ether, carboxylic ester or carboxylic amide
  • each R 5 independently represents an optionally N- substituted aminoalkyl group or an optionally substituted heteroaryl group selected from pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl , pyrimidinyl, triazolyl and thiazolyl .
  • Ligands of the class represented by general formula (IVE) are also particularly preferred according to the invention.
  • the ligand having the general formula (IVE) is a pentadentate ligand.
  • ⁇ pentadentate' herein is meant that five hetero atoms can coordinate to the metal M ion in the metal-complex.
  • one coordinating hetero atom is provided by the nitrogen atom in the methylamine backbone, and preferably one coordinating hetero atom is contained in each of the four R 1 and R 2 side groups. Preferably, all the coordinating hetero atoms are nitrogen atoms.
  • the ligand of formula (IVE) preferably comprises at least two substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl groups in the four side groups.
  • the heteroaryl group is preferably a pyridin-2-yl group and, if substituted, preferably a methyl- or ethyl-substituted pyridin-2 -yl group. More preferably, the heteroaryl group is an unsubstituted pyridin-2 -yl group.
  • the heteroaryl group is linked to methylamine, and preferably to the N atom thereof, via a methylene group.
  • the ligand of formula (IVE) contains at least one optionally substituted amino-alkyl side group, more preferably two amino-ethyl side groups, in particular 2-(N- alkyl) amino-ethyl or 2- (N,N-dialkyl) amino-ethyl .
  • R 1 represents pyridin-2 -yl or R 2 represents pyridin-2-yl-methyl .
  • R 2 or R 1 represents 2 -amino-ethyl , 2- (N- (m) ethyl) amino-ethyl or 2-
  • R 5 preferably represents 3-methyl pyridin-2-yl .
  • R 3 preferably represents hydrogen, benzyl or methyl.
  • More preferred ligands are: N,N-bis (pyridin-2 -yl-methyl) -bis (pyridin-2-yl) methylamine, hereafter referred to as N4Py.
  • the ligand represents a pentadentate or hexadentate ligand of general formula (VE) :
  • each R 1 independently represents -R 3 -V, in which R 3 represents optionally substituted alkylene, alkenylene, oxyalkylene, aminoalkylene or alkylene ether, and V represents an optionally substituted heteroaryl group selected from pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl , pyrimidinyl, triazolyl and thiazolyl ; W represents an optionally substituted alkylene bridging group selected from
  • R 2 represents a group selected from R 1 , and alkyl, aryl and arylalkyl groups optionally substituted with a substituent selected from hydroxy, alkoxy, phenoxy, carboxylate, carboxamide, carboxylic ester, sulphonate, amine, alkylamine and N + (R 4 ) 3 , wherein R 4 is selected from hydrogen, alkanyl, alkenyl, arylalkanyl, arylalkenyl, oxyalkanyl, oxyalkenyl , aminoalkanyl , aminoalkenyl , alkanyl ether and alkenyl ether.
  • 'pentadentate' is meant that five hetero atoms can coordinate to the metal M ion in the metal-complex.
  • 'hexadentate' is meant that six hetero atoms can in principle coordinate to the metal M ion.
  • one of the arms will not be bound in the complex, so that the hexadentate ligand will be penta coordinating.
  • two hetero atoms are linked by the bridging group W and one coordinating hetero atom is contained in each of the three R 1 groups.
  • the coordinating hetero atoms are nitrogen atoms.
  • the ligand of formula (VE) comprises at least one optionally substituted heteroaryl group in each of the three R 1 groups.
  • the heteroaryl group is a pyridin-2-yl group, in particular a methyl- or ethyl-substituted pyridin-2-yl group.
  • the heteroaryl group is linked to an N atom in formula (VE) , preferably via an alkylene group, more preferably a methylene group.
  • the heteroaryl group is a 3 -methyl -pyridin-2 -yl group linked to an N atom via methylene.
  • the group R 2 in formula (VE) is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl group, or a group R 1 .
  • R 2 is different from each of the groups R 1 in the formula above.
  • R 2 is methyl, ethyl, benzyl, 2 -hydroxyethyl or 2-methoxyethyl. More preferably, R 2 is methyl or ethyl .
  • the bridging group W may be a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group selected from -CH 2 CH 2 -, -CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -, -CH 2 CH 2 CH- 2 CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CgH 4 -CH 2 - , -CH -CgH ⁇ o ⁇ CH - , and -CH-C ⁇ oHg-CH 2 - (wherein -C 6 H 4 -, -C 6 H ⁇ 0 -, -C ⁇ 0 H 6 - can be ortho- , para- , or meta-C 6 H 4 -, -C 6 H 10 -, -C ⁇ 0 H 6 -).
  • the bridging group W is an ethylene or 1,4-butylene group, more preferably an ethylene group.
  • V represents substituted pyridin-2 -yl, especially methyl -substituted or ethyl -substituted pyridin- 2-yl, and most preferably V represents 3 -methyl pyridin-2- yi.
  • the counter ions Y in formula (Al) balance the charge z on the complex formed by the ligand L, metal M and coordinating species X.
  • Y may be an anion such as RCOO “ , BPh 4 " , C10 4 " , BF 4 " , PF e “ , RS0 3 “ , RS0 4 “ , S0 4 2” , N0 3 “ , F “ , Cl “ , Br “ , or I “ , with R being hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl.
  • Y may be a common cation such as an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or (alkyl) ammonium cation.
  • Suitable counter ions Y include those which give rise to the formation of storage-stable solids.
  • Preferred counter ions for the preferred metal complexes are selected from R 7 COO “ , C10 4 " , BF 4 “ , PF 6 “ , RSO 3 “ (in particular CF3SO3 “ ) , RS0 4 “ , S0 4 2” , N0 3 “ , F “ , Cl “ , Br “ , and I “ , wherein R represents hydrogen or optionally substituted phenyl, naphthyl or C ⁇ -C 4 alkyl.
  • the complex (Al) can be formed by any appropriate means, including in si tu formation whereby precursors of the complex are transformed into the active complex of general formula (Al) under conditions of storage or use.
  • the complex is formed as a well-defined complex or in a solvent mixture comprising a salt of the metal M and the ligand L or ligand L-generating species.
  • the catalyst may be formed in si tu from suitable precursors for the complex, for example in a solution or dispersion containing the precursor materials.
  • the active catalyst may be formed in si tu in a mixture comprising a salt of the metal M and the ligand L, or a ligand L-generating species, in a suitable solvent.
  • an iron salt such as FeS0 4 can be mixed in solution with the ligand L, or a ligand L-generating species, to form the active complex.
  • the ligand L, or a ligand L-generating species can be mixed with metal M ions present in the substrate or wash liquor to form the active catalyst in si tu .
  • Suitable ligand L-generating species include metal-free compounds or metal coordination complexes that comprise the ligand L and can be substituted by metal M ions to form the active complex according the formula (Al) .
  • alkyl Cl-C6-alkyl
  • alkenyl C2-C6-alkenyl
  • alkoxy Cl-C6-alkoxy
  • alkylene selected from the group consisting of: methylene; 1, 1-ethylene; 1, 2-ethylene; 1, 1-propylene; 1,2-propylene; 1, 3 -propylene; 2 , 2-propylene; butan-2-ol-l, 4-diyl ; propan-2- ol-l,3-diyl; and 1,4-butylene, aryl: selected from homoaromatic compounds having a molecular weight under 300,
  • arylene selected from the group consisting of: 1,2- benzene; 1, 3 -benzene; 1, 4 -benzene; 1 , 2 -naphthalene; 1,3- naphthalene; 1, 4 -naphthalene; 2 , 3 -naphthalene ; phenol-2,3- diyl; phenol -2 , 4-diyl; phenol -2 , 5-diyl ; and phenol -2, -6- diyl,
  • heteroaryl selected from the group consisting of: pyridinyl; pyrimidinyl; pyrazinyl; triazolyl, pyridazinyl; 1, 3 , 5-triazinyl; quinolinyl; isoquinolinyl ; quinoxalinyl ; imidazolyl ; pyrazolyl ; benzimidazolyl ; thiazolyl ; oxazolidinyl; pyrrolyl ; carbazolyl; indolyl ; and isoindolyl,
  • heteroarylene selected from the group consisting of pyridin-2, 3-diyl; pyridin-2 , 4-diyl ; pyridin-2 , 5-diyl , pyridin-2 , 6 -diyl ; pyridin-3 , 4-diyl ; pyridin-3 , 5-diyl quinolin-2 , 3-diyl ; quinolin-2 , 4-diyl ; quinolin-2 , 8-diyl ; isoquinolin-1, 3-diyl ; isoquinolin-1 , 4-diyl ; pyrazol-1,3- diyl; pyrazol -3 , 5-diyl; triazole-3 , 5-diyl ; triazole-1, 3- diyl; pyrazin-2 , 5-diyl; and imidazole-2 , 4-diyl, heterocycloalkyl: selected from the group consisting of: pyrrol,
  • each R is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; Cl-C6-alkyl-C6H5 ; and phenyl, wherein when both R are Cl-C6-alkyl both R together may form an -NC3 to an -NC5 heterocyclic ring with any remaining alkyl chain forming an alkyl substituent to the heterocyclic ring,
  • halogen selected from the group consisting of: F; Cl; Br and I ,
  • R is selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; phenyl; Cl-C6-alkyl-C6H5 ; Li; Na; K; Cs; Mg; and Ca,
  • R is selected from: hydrogen; C1-C6-alkyl; phenyl; Cl -C6-alkyl -C6H5 ; Li; Na; K; Cs; Mg; and Ca,
  • sulphone the group -S(0) 2 R/ wherein R is selected from: hydrogen; C1-C6-alkyl; phenyl; C1-C6-alkyl -C6H5 and amine (to give sulphonamide) selected from the group: -NR'2, wherein each R' is independently selected from: hydrogen; C1-C6-alkyl; Cl-C6-alkyl -C6H5 ; and phenyl, wherein when both R' are C1-C6 -alkyl both R' together may form an -NC3 to an -
  • carboxylate derivative the group -C(0)OR, wherein R is selected from: hydrogen, Cl-C6-alkyl; phenyl; Cl-C6-alkyl- C6H5, Li; Na; K; Cs ; Mg; and Ca,
  • carbonyl derivative the group -C(0)R, wherein R is selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl ; phenyl; Cl-C6-alkyl- C6H5 and amine (to give amide) selected from the group: -
  • each R' is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; Cl-C6-alkyl-C6H5 ; and phenyl, wherein when both R' are C1-C6-alkyl both R' together may form an - NC3 to an -NC5 heterocyclic ring with any remaining alkyl chain forming an alkyl substituent to the heterocyclic ring,
  • phosphonate the group -P(O) (OR) 2 , wherein each R is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; phenyl; Cl-C6-alkyl-C6H5; Li; Na; K; Cs; Mg; and Ca,
  • phosphate the group -OP(O) (OR) 2 , wherein each R is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; phenyl; Cl-C6-alkyl-C6H5; Li; Na; K; Cs ; Mg; and Ca,
  • phosphine the group -P(R) 2 wherein each R is independently selected from: hydrogen; C1-C6-alkyl; phenyl; and Cl-C6-alkyl-C6H5,
  • phosphine oxide the group -P(0)R 2 , wherein R is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; phenyl; and Cl-C6-alkyl-C6H5 ; and amine (to give phosphonamidate) selected from the group: -NR'2, wherein each R 1 is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; C1-C6- alkyl-C6H5; and phenyl, wherein when both R' are Cl-C6-alkyl both R' together may form an -NC3 to an -NC5 heterocyclic ring with any remaining alkyl chain forming an alkyl substituent to the heterocyclic ring.
  • alkyl Cl-C4-alkyl
  • alkenyl C3-C6-alkenyl
  • cycloalkyl C6-C8-cycloalkyl
  • alkoxy C1-C4 -alkoxy
  • alkylene selected from the group consisting of: methylene; 1, 2 -ethylene; 1 , 3-propylene; butan-2-ol-l , 4-diyl ; and 1,4- butylene,
  • aryl selected from group consisting of: phenyl; biphenyl , naphthalenyl ; anthracenyl ; and phenanthrenyl ,
  • arylene selected from the group consisting of: 1,2- benzene, 1,3 -benzene, 1,4 -benzene, 1, 2 -naphthalene, 1,4- naphthalene, 2 , 3 -naphthalene and phenol-2 , 6-diyl,
  • heteroaryl selected from the group consisting of: pyridinyl; pyrimidinyl; quinolinyl; pyrazolyl; triazolyl; isoquinolinyl ; imidazolyl ; and oxazolidinyl,
  • heteroarylene selected from the group consisting of: pyridin-2 , 3-diyl; pyridin-2 , 4-diyl ; pyridin-2 , 6-diyl ; pyridin-3 , 5-diyl ; quinolin-2 , 3-diyl ; quinolin-2 , 4-diyl ; isoquinolin-1, 3-diyl; isoquinolin-1 , 4-diyl ; pyrazol-3,5- diyl; and imidazole-2 , 4-diyl ,
  • heterocycloalkyl selected from the group consisting of: pyrrolidinyl ; morpholinyl ; piperidinyl ; and piperazinyl, amine: the group -N(R) 2 , wherein each R is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; and benzyl,
  • halogen selected from the group consisting of: F and Cl ,
  • R is selected from: hydrogen; C1-C6-alkyl; Na; K; Mg; and Ca,
  • sulphate the group -OS(0) 2 OR, wherein R is selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; Na; K; Mg; and Ca,
  • sulphone the group -S(0) 2 R, wherein R is selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl ; benzyl and amine selected from the group: -NR'2, wherein each R' is independently selected from: hydrogen; C1-C6-alkyl; and benzyl,
  • carboxylate derivative the group -C(0)OR, wherein R is selected from hydrogen; Na; K; Mg; Ca; Cl-C6-alkyl; and benzyl,
  • carbonyl derivative the group: -C(0)R, wherein R is selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; benzyl and amine selected from the group: -NR'2, wherein each R 1 is independently selected from: hydrogen; C1-C6-alkyl; and benzyl,
  • phosphonate the group -P(O) (OR) 2 , wherein each R is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl, benzyl; Na; K; Mg; and Ca, phosphate: the group -OP(O) (OR) 2/ wherein each R is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; benzyl; Na; K; Mg; and Ca,
  • phosphine the group -P(R) 2 , wherein each R is independently selected from: hydrogen; C1-C6-alkyl; and benzyl ,
  • phosphine oxide the group -P(0)R 2 , wherein R is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; benzyl and amine selected from the group: -NR'2, wherein each R' is independently selected from: hydrogen; Cl-C6-alkyl; and benzyl .
  • the liquid bleaching compositions according to the present invention may be used for laundry cleaning, hard surface cleaning (including cleaning of lavatories, kitchen work surfaces, floors, mechanical ware washing etc.) .
  • bleaching compositions are also employed in waste-water treatment, pulp bleaching during the manufacture of paper, leather manufacture, dye transfer inhibition, food processing, starch bleaching, sterilisation, whitening in oral hygiene preparations and/or contact lens disinfection.
  • bleaching should be understood as relating generally to the decolourisation of stains or of other materials attached to or associated with a substrate.
  • the present invention can be applied where a requirement is the removal and/or neutralisation by an oxidative bleaching reaction of malodours or other undesirable components attached to or otherwise associated with a substrate.
  • bleaching is to be understood as being restricted to any bleaching mechanism or process that does not require the presence of light or activation by light.
  • photobleaching compositions and processes relying on the use of photobleach catalysts or photobleach activators and the presence of light are excluded from the present invention.
  • the level of the organic substance is such that the in-use level is from 0.05 ⁇ M to 50 mM, with preferred in-use levels for domestic laundry operations falling in the range 1 to 100 ⁇ M. Higher levels may be desired and applied in industrial bleaching processes, such as textile and paper pulp bleaching.
  • the aqueous medium has a pH in the range from pH 6 to 13, more preferably from pH 6 to 11, and most preferably from 7 to 10.
  • the liquid bleaching composition of the present invention has particular application in detergent formulations, especially for laundry cleaning. Accordingly, in another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a liquid detergent bleach composition comprising a liquid bleaching composition as defined above and additionally a surface-active material, optionally together with detergency builder.
  • the liquid bleaching composition may optionally contain soluble and non-soluble enzymes, enzyme stabiliser systems, functional polymers, polymers to modify the appearance and sensory properties of the liquid bleaching composition and optionally other minors such as a perfume or a fluorescer.
  • the liquid bleach composition according to the present invention may for example contain a surface-active material in an amount of from 10 to 50% by weight.
  • the surface- active material may be naturally derived, such as soap, or a synthetic material selected from anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, cationic actives and mixtures thereof.
  • suitable actives are commercially available and are fully described in the literature, for example in
  • Typical synthetic anionic surface-actives are usually water- soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulphates and sulphonates having alkyl groups containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher aryl groups.
  • suitable synthetic anionic detergent compounds are sodium and ammonium alkyl sulphates, especially those obtained by sulphating higher (C 8 -C ⁇ 8 ) alcohols produced, for example, from tallow or coconut oil; sodium and ammonium alkyl (C 9 - C 2 o) benzene sulphonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyl (C 10 -C ⁇ 5 ) benzene sulphonates; sodium alkyl glyceryl ether sulphates, especially those ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil fatty acid monoglyceride sulphates and sulphonates; sodium and ammonium salts of sulphuric acid esters of higher (C 9 -C ⁇ 8 ) fatty alcohol alkylene oxide, particularly ethylene oxide, reaction products; the reaction products of fatty acids such as coconut fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralised with sodium hydroxide; sodium and ammonium salts of fatty acid amides
  • nonionic surface-active compounds which may be used, preferably together with the anionic surface- active compounds, include, in particular, the reaction products of alkylene oxides, usually ethylene oxide, with alkyl (C 6 -C 22 ) phenols, generally 5-25 EO, i.e. 5-25 units of ethylene oxides per molecule; and the condensation products of aliphatic (C 8 -C ⁇ 8 ) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, generally 2-30 EO.
  • alkylene oxides usually ethylene oxide
  • alkyl (C 6 -C 22 ) phenols generally 5-25 EO, i.e. 5-25 units of ethylene oxides per molecule
  • condensation products of aliphatic (C 8 -C ⁇ 8 ) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide generally 2-30 EO.
  • nonionic surface-actives include alkyl polyglycosides, sugar esters, long-chain tertiary amine oxides, long-chain tertiary phosphine oxides and dialkyl sulphoxides.
  • the non-ionic surfactant liquid may be applied/ added in the form of a water-soluble sachet.
  • Amphoteric or zwitterionic surface-active Compounds can also be used in the compositions of the invention . If any amphoteric or zwitterionic detergent compounds are used, it is generally in small amounts in compositions based on the much more commonly used synthetic anionic and nonionic actives .
  • the liquid detergent bleach composition of the invention may comprise from 1 to 40 % wt of anionic surfactant and from 0 to 40 % by weight of nonionic surfactant.
  • the liquid detergent may contain any mixture of non- ionic, anionic, cationic zwitterionic or combination thereof.
  • fatty acid soaps (0-30%) may be present.
  • the liquid detergent bleach composition of the present invention may also contains a detergency builder, for example in an amount of from about 5 to 80 % by weight, preferably from about 10 to 60 % by weight.
  • Builder materials may be selected from 1) calcium sequestrant materials, 2) precipitating materials, 3) calcium ion-exchange materials and 4) mixtures thereof
  • Examples of calcium sequestrant builder materials include alkali metal polyphosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate; nitrilotriacetic acid and its water- soluble salts; the alkali metal salts of carboxymethyloxy succinic acid, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, citric acid; and polyacetal carboxylates as disclosed in US-A-4, 144,226 and US-A-4 , 146 , 495.
  • precipitating builder materials examples include sodium orthophosphate and sodium carbonate .
  • Examples of calcium ion-exchange builder materials include the various types of water-insoluble crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicates, of which zeolites are the best known representatives, e . g. zeolite A, zeolite B (also known as zeolite P) , zeolite C, zeolite X, zeolite Y and also the zeolite P-type as described in EP-A-0 , 384 , 070.
  • zeolites are the best known representatives, e . zeolite A, zeolite B (also known as zeolite P) , zeolite C, zeolite X, zeolite Y and also the zeolite P-type as described in EP-A-0 , 384 , 070.
  • the liquid bleaching compositions of the invention may contain any one of the organic and inorganic builder materials, though, for environmental reasons, phosphate builders are preferably omitted or only used in very small amounts.
  • Typical builders usable in the present invention are, for example, sodium carbonate, calcite/carbonate, the sodium salt of nitrilotriacetic acid, sodium citrate, carboxymethyloxy malonate, carboxymethyloxy succinate and water-insoluble crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicate builder materials, each of which can be used as the main builder, either alone or in admixture with minor amounts of other builders or polymers as co-builder.
  • the liquid bleaching composition contains not more than 5% by weight of a carbonate builder, expressed as sodium carbonate, more preferably not more than 2.5 % by weight to substantially nil, if the composition pH lies in the lower alkaline region of up to 10.
  • the liquid bleaching composition of the present invention can contain any of the conventional additives in amounts of which such materials are normally employed in fabric washing detergent compositions.
  • these additives include buffers such as carbonates, lather boosters, such as alkanolamides, particularly the monoethanol amides derived from palmkernel fatty acids and coconut fatty acids; lather depressants, such as alkyl phosphates and silicones; anti-redeposition agents, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and alkyl or substituted alkyl cellulose ethers; stabilisers, such as phosphonic acid derivatives (i.e.
  • Dequest ® types fabric softening agents; inorganic salts and alkaline buffering agents, such as sodium sulphate and sodium silicate; and, usually in very small amounts, fluorescent agents; perfumes; enzymes, such as proteases, cellulases, lipases, amylases and oxidases; germicides and colourants.
  • Transition metal sequestrants such as EDTA, and phosphonic acid derivatives such as EDTMP (ethylene diamine tetra (methylene phosphonate) ) may also be included, in addition to the organic substance specified, for example to improve the stability sensitive ingredients such as enzymes, fluorescent agents and perfumes, but provided the composition remains bleaching effective.
  • the liquid bleaching composition according to the present invention containing the organic substance is preferably substantially, and more preferably completely, devoid of transition metal sequestrants (other than the organic substance) .
  • the present invention is based on the catalytic bleaching of a substrate by atmospheric oxygen or air
  • small amounts of hydrogen peroxide or peroxy-based or -generating systems may be included in the liquid composition, if desired, provided that the chemical and physical stability of the composition is not thereby adversely affected to an unacceptable level. Therefore, by “substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or peroxy-based or -generating bleach systems" is meant that the liquid bleaching composition contains from 0 to 50 %, preferably from 0 to 10 %, more preferably from 0 to 5 %, and optimally from 0 to 2 % by molar weight on an oxygen basis, of peroxygen bleach or peroxy-based or -generating bleach systems.
  • the liquid bleaching composition will be wholly devoid of peroxygen bleach or peroxy-based or -generating bleach systems.
  • At least 10 %, preferably at least 50 % and optimally at least 90 % of any bleaching of the substrate is effected by oxygen sourced from the air.
  • the organic substance in the liquid bleaching composition may be contacted to the textile fabric in any suitable manner.
  • it may be applied in a liquor that is then dried, for example as an aqueous spray-on fabric treatment fluid or a wash liquor for laundry cleaning, or a non-aqueous dry cleaning fluid or spray-on aerosol fluid.
  • aqueous spray-on fabric treatment fluid for example as an aqueous spray-on fabric treatment fluid or a wash liquor for laundry cleaning, or a non-aqueous dry cleaning fluid or spray-on aerosol fluid.
  • Other suitable means of contacting the organic substance in liquid form to the textile may be used, as further explained below.
  • any suitable textile that is susceptible to bleaching or one that one might wish to subject to bleaching may be used.
  • the textile is a laundry fabric or garment.
  • the method is carried out on a laundry fabric using an aqueous treatment liquor.
  • the treatment may be effected in a wash cycle for cleaning laundry. More preferably, the treatment is carried out in an aqueous detergent bleach wash liquid.
  • the treated textile is dried, by allowing it to dry under ambient temperature or at elevated temperatures.
  • the bleaching method of the fourth aspect may be carried out by simply leaving the substrate in contact with the organic substance in the liquid bleaching composition for a sufficient period of time.
  • the organic substance is in an aqueous medium, and the aqueous medium on or containing the substrate is agitated.
  • the treated textile is dried, by allowing it to dry under ambient temperature or at elevated temperatures .
  • the method according to the fourth aspect is carried out on a laundry fabric using aqueous treatment liquor.
  • the treatment may be effected in, or as an adjunct to, an essentially conventional wash cycle for cleaning laundry. More preferably, the treatment is carried out in an aqueous detergent wash liquor.
  • the organic substance is delivered into the wash liquor from a liquid concentrate.
  • the organic substance in liquid composition used in the method of the fourth aspect makes use of atmospheric oxygen in its bleaching activity. This avoids the requirement that peroxygen bleaches and/or other relatively large quantities of reactive substances need be used in the treatment process. Consequently, only a relatively small quantity of bleach active substance in liquid composition need be employed and this allows dosage routes to be exploited, which could previously not be used.
  • a liquid composition that is normally used in a washing process such as a pretreatment, main-wash, conditioning composition or ironing aid
  • other means for ensuring that the organic substance is present in the wash liquor may be envisaged.
  • the organic substance in the liquid composition can be presented in the form of a body from which it is slowly released during the whole or part of the laundry process . Such release can occur over the course of a single wash or over the course of a plurality of washes.
  • the organic substance in liquid composition can be released from a carrier substrate used in association with the wash process, e.g. from a body placed in the dispenser drawer of a washing machine, elsewhere in the delivery system or in the drum of the washing machine .
  • the carrier can be freely moving or fixed relative to the drum. Such fixing can be achieved by mechanical means, for example by barbs that interact with the drum wall, or employ other forces, for example a magnetic force.
  • the organic substance can be presented in the form of a liquid wash additive that preferably is soluble. Dosage of the additive can be unitary or in a quantity determined by the user. While it is envisaged that such additives can be used in the main washing cycle, the use of them in the conditioning or drying cycle is not hereby excluded.
  • the present invention is not limited to those circumstances in which a washing machine is employed, but can be applied where washing is performed in some alternative vessel.
  • the organic substance in liquid composition can be delivered by means of slow release from the bowl, bucket or other vessel which is being employed, or from any implement which is being employed, such as a brush, bat or dolly, or from any suitable applicator for liquid compositions.
  • Suitable pre-treatment means for application of the organic substance from the liquid composition to the textile material prior to the main wash include sprays, pens, roller-ball devices and impregnated cloths or cloths containing microcapsules. Such means are well known in the analogous art of deodorant application and/or in spot treatment of textiles. Similar means for application are employed in those embodiments where the organic substance in liquid composition is applied after the main washing and/or conditioning steps have been performed, e.g. prior to or after ironing or drying of the cloth.
  • the organic substance in liquid composition may be applied using tapes, sheets or sticking plasters coated or impregnated with the substance, or containing microcapsules of the substance.
  • the organic substance in liquid composition may for example be incorporated into a drier sheet so as to be activated or released during a tumble-drier cycle, or the organic substance in liquid composition can be provided in an impregnated or microcapsule-containing sheet so as to be delivered to the textile when ironed.
  • Example 2 This example describes a synthesis of the catalyst as employed in Example 2 :
  • MeN4Py ligand (33.7 g; 88.5mmoles) was dissolved in 500ml dry methanol. Small portions of FeCl 2 .4H 2 0 (0.95eq; 16.7g;
  • FeMeN4PyCl 2 complex was added to several liquid detergent products and the stability and activity observed during storage.
  • FeMeN4PyCl 2 was incorporated by post dosing a stock solution of 0.01 g/ml using an electrical stirrer (125 rpm, Heidolph RZR 2101) . The final concentration in the product was 0.1% for all products. To the reference a same amount of water was added by post dosing to compensate for the post dose volume of the stock solution.
  • FeMeN4PyCl 2 The activity of FeMeN4PyCl 2 was measured by washing tomato oil (TO) cloth samples in mini bottles for 15 minutes at a temperature of 25 °C and a dosage of 2 g/1 product at 10 °FH. All of the liquids prepared were initially stable and homogeneous.
  • compositions prepared As detailed above base liquids a) to d) have had FeMeN4PyCl 2 incorporated therein. Compositions 5 to 8 are control liquids without added FeMeN4PyCl 2 .
  • Cloth samples were washed in mini bottles with a liquid: cloth ratio of 1:20 and the samples were dried in a tumble dryer.
  • Bleaching activity was measured directly after the wash (after 2 hours) , and after 1 one-day (24 hours) storage in the dark in order to establish post wash bleach effects.
  • the five liquid formulations were stored under ambient conditions and the cleaning activity of the formulations without and with FeMeN4PyCl 2 was determined after certain periods of times. The times were immediately after preparation, and after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 weeks of storage. After the wash, the cloths were dried in a tumble drier and the reflectance was measured with a
  • MinoltaTM 3700d spectrophotometer at 460 nm.
  • the difference in reflectance before and after the wash is defined as a ⁇ R460 value .
  • composition 7 OMO-liquidoTM Brazil, 1999
  • Composition 9 non-aqueous liquid formulation:
  • Ligand 1 N,N-bis (pyridin-2-yl-methyl) -1 , 1-bis (pyridin-2- yl) -1-aminoethane (MeN4py) .
  • Ligand 2 N,N-bis (pyridin-2-yl-methyl) -1 , 1-bis (pyridin-2- yl) -l-amino-2-phenylethane (BzN4py) .
  • the synthesis of ligand 2 has been disclosed in EP 0909 809.
  • Ligand 3 N,N-bis (pyridin-2 -yl-methyl) -1, 1-bis (pyridin-2- yl) -aminomethane (N4py) .
  • the synthesis of ligand 3 has been disclosed in Wo-A-9534628.
  • Ligand 4 N,N,N' ,N' -tetrakis (pyridin-2ylmethyl) ethane- diamine (tpen) .
  • Ligand 4 was synthesised according to a modified literature procedure (see G. Hotgg, F. Wenk, Helv. Chim. Acta, 50(8), 2330 (1967).
  • Trispicen-NH (5.95 g, 17.9 mmol) and 1.67 g (18.4 mmol) of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde were dissolved in 120 ml 1,2- dichloroethane.
  • NaBH(OAc) 3 (18 mmol) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 16 h.
  • Ligand 5 N-methyl-N,N' ,N' -tris (3 -methyl -pyridin-
  • N,N,N' -tris (pyridin-2ylmethyl) ethane-diamine (trispicen-NH) N,N,N' -tris (pyridin-2ylmethyl) ethane-diamine (trispicen-NH) .
  • First N,N' -bis (pyridin-2ylmethyl) -ethanediamine (bispicen) was synthesised by the following procedure. Ethylenediamine (26 ml, 0.38 mol) was dissolved in 200 ml dry methanol. To this mixture 74 ml (0.76 mol) pyridincarboxaldehyde was added. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h, after which the mixture was left to cool to RT and in small portions 40 g of NaBH 4 was added. The mixture was subsequently stirred for 16 h at RT.
  • Ligand 7 N-methyl- ,N,N'N' -tris (pyridin-2ylmethyl) ethane- diamine (trispicen-NMe) .
  • Ligand 7 was prepared according to a modified procedure described by Bernal et al (J. Chem. Soc, Dalton Trans, 22, 3667 (1995)).
  • Trispicen-NH (lOg, 30 mmol) was dissolved in 25 ml formic acid and 10 ml water. To this mixture 36 % formaldehyde solution was added (16 ml, 90 mmol) and the mixture was warmed up till 90 °C for 3 h. Formic acid was evaporated and the 2.5 N NaOH solution was added until the pH was higher than 9. Extraction by dichloromethane and drying over sodium sulfate, filtration of the solution and subsequently drying yielded a dark-coloured oil (8.85g) . The oil was purified over a alumina column (elutant : ethyl acetate/ hexane/ triethylamine 9:10:1).
  • Ligand 8 tris (pyridin-2 -ylmethyl) amine (tpa) Ligand 8 was prepared according to literature procedures (see G. Hotgg, F. Wenk, , Helv. Chim. Acta, 50(8), 2330 (1967) .
  • Trispicen-NH (8.0 g; 24.0 mmol) was dissolved in 60 ml methanol/water 1/1 v/v) and was heated till 50 °C. FeCl 2 .4H 2 0 4,78g; 24 , Ommoles) was added in small portions. The dark blue-purple solution was stirred for 10 min at 50 °C. Subsequently 4.42 g (24 mmol) of KPF 6 was added and the solution was stirred for 2 days at RT. The dark powder was filtered, washed with methanol/water and then with ethyl acetate. The powder was dried in the air. Yield 11.6 g.
  • TrispicenNMe (6,0g; 17,3mmoles) was dissolved in 15 ml methanol/water l/l v/v) and was heated till 50 °C. FeCl 2 .4H 2 0 3,43g; 17, Ommoles), dissolved in 20 ml water/methanol 1/1), was added. The dark solution was stirred for 20 min at 50 °C. Subsequently 3.17 g (17 mmol) of KPF 6 dissolved in 10 ml water, was added and the solution was stirred for 15 h to yield a yellow precipitation. The solid was filtered off, wasged with methanol/water l/l, v/v) and ethyl acetate. Drying yielded 8.25 g of a pale-yellow powder.
  • FeMeN4PyCl 2 gives clear bleach benefits in a variety of liquid formulations (incl. rinse conditioner) on tomato-oil stains. 2) The bleach effect upon 24 hr storage of the cloths in the dark is much larger then 2 h after the wash.
  • liquid formulations for detergents and rinse conditioners or other liquid products that may be enhanced by conferring a bleaching ability to the liquid formulation.
  • present invention is applicable to known liquid formulations and liquid formulations to be developed.
  • the present invention extends to both isotropic and complex liquid compositions and formulations a brief discussion of which follows.
  • Some isotropic formulations are termed 'micro-emulsion' liquids that are clear and thermodynamically stable over a specified temperature range.
  • the 'micro-emulsion' formulation may be water in oil, or oil in water emulsions.
  • Some liquid formulations are macro- emulsions that are not clear and isotropic. Emulsions are considered meta-stable.
  • compositions containing fabric softening actives have been disclosed in WO 98/08924 and WO 98/4799, both Procter & Gamble.
  • Such compositions comprise bio-degradable fabric conditioners.
  • Clear fabric conditioning compositions have also been disclosed in EP 730023 (Colgate Palmolive) , WO 96/19552 (Colgate Palmolive), WO 96/33800 (Witco Co.), WO 97/03170 (Procter & Gamble) , WO 97/03172 (Procter & Gamble) , WO
  • Liquid formulations of the present invention may contain for example; monoethoxy quats; AQAs and bis-AQAs; cationic amides; cationic esters; amino/diamino quats; glucamide; amine oxides; ethoxylated polyethyleneimines; enhancement polymers of the form linear amine based polymers, e.g. bis-hexamethylenetriamine; polyamines e.g. TETA, TEPA or PEI polymers.
  • catalyst-liquid stability may be varied.
  • the aforementioned method determined the catalyst-liquid stability/compatibility by examining how the oxygen bleaching ability of a particular catalyst-liquid formulation varied with time.
  • the determination may be conducted by monitoring the concentration of a particular catalyst in a liquid formulation by known techniques, for example NMR, HPLC, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy, Infra Red, UV-visible measurements, etc, over a period of time.
  • another possible method of determining catalyst-liquid stability would be to analyse the activity of a certain transition metal compound by oxidation activity studies using a dye/compound that gives a colour change upon oxidation.
  • a dye/compound that gives a colour change upon oxidation is 2 , 2 ' -azinobis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) and many other dyes/compounds that give a colour change upon oxidation are known.
  • Methods for using a dye/compound that gives a colour change upon oxidation are known in the art for establishing activity of a variety of redox enzymes.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
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Abstract

L'invention concerne une composition blanchissante liquide permettant de blanchir des substrats par catalyse, notamment des tissus de buanderie, à l'aide d'oxygène de l'atmosphère ou d'air. Ladite composition de l'invention renferme, d'une part, une substance organique qui forme un complexe avec un métal de transition, le complexe catalysant le blanchiment d'un substrat au moyen de l'oxygène de l'air, et, d'autre part, un solvant ou porteur liquide. Cette composition est pratiquement exempte d'agent de blanchiment au peroxygène ou d'un système de blanchiment à base de péroxy ou générant ce dernier. Ladite invention a également trait à un procédé de blanchiment d'un substrat consistant à appliquer la composition de blanchiment liquide au substrat, ainsi qu'à un procédé de traitement d'un textile par mise en contact dudit textile avec ladite composition, le complexe catalysant le blanchiment du textile au moyen de l'oxygène de l'air après traitement.
EP00962335A 1999-09-01 2000-08-16 Composition et procede de blanchiment d'un substrat Withdrawn EP1208188A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
WOPCT/GB99/02876 1999-09-01
PCT/GB1999/002876 WO2000012667A1 (fr) 1998-09-01 1999-09-01 Composition et procede de blanchiment d'un substrat
PCT/GB1999/002878 WO2000012808A1 (fr) 1998-09-01 1999-09-01 Procede de traitement d'un textile
WOPCT/GB99/02878 1999-09-01
GBGB0004990.8A GB0004990D0 (en) 2000-03-01 2000-03-01 Composition and method for bleaching a substrate
GB0004990 2000-03-01
PCT/EP2000/008076 WO2001016271A1 (fr) 1999-09-01 2000-08-16 Composition et procede de blanchiment d'un substrat

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GB0313253D0 (en) * 2003-06-09 2003-07-16 Unilever Plc Bleaching composition
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WO2006128635A2 (fr) * 2005-06-01 2006-12-07 Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) Gmbh Procede pour produire des composes n,n-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl)-1,1-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1-amino alcane et sels de complexes metalliques contenant ces composes
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