WO1995020026A1

WO1995020026A1 - Liquid dishwashing detergent compositions

Info

Publication number: WO1995020026A1
Application number: PCT/US1995/000768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Robert Foley; Joanna Margaret Clarke; Yi-Chang Fu (Nmn); Phillip Kyle Vinson
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1994-01-25
Filing date: 1995-01-20
Publication date: 1995-07-27
Also published as: CA2179709C; MX9602985A; EP0741773A4; EP0741773A1; CA2179709A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to liquid dishwashing detergent compositions comprising a co-surfactant selected from amine oxides, betaines, branched alkyl carboxylates and non bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amides. Said dishwashing composition further comprises a bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amide for improved sudsing performance.

Description

LIQUID DISHWASHING DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to liquid detergent compositions, particularly to dishwashing compositions comprising a bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amide which exhibit improved sudsing.

Background of the Invention

The formulator of a manual dishwashing detergent composition is required to formulate compositions which meet a number of consumer relevant performance demands. Firstly, such a composition should be effective at removing soils from dirty "dishes" when used in a manual dishwashing process. The soils encountered in dishwashing are largely but not exclusively food based. Particularly difficult soils to remove include greasy soils, burnt-or baked-on soils or those which have been allowed to harden onto the dish article, as well as non-food soils such as lipstick on the rims of glasses or nicotine stains.

Once the soils have been removed from the dishes the dishwashing detergent should act so as to suspend these soils in the wash solution and thus prevent their redeposition onto the dishes, or onto the surface of the sink.

In addition, the manual dishwashing composition should be high sudsing and the sudsing should persist throughout the washing process. This is particularly important as sudsing is used as an indicator by the consumer of the performance of the detergent composition. Moreover, the consumer also uses the sudsing profile as an indicator that the wash solution still contains active detergent ingredients and the consumer usually renews the wash solution when the sudsing subsides. Thus, a low sudsing formulation will tend to be replaced by the consumer more frequently than is necessary because of the low sudsing level.

The manual dishwashing composition should also be mild to the skin, and particularly to the hands and should not cause skin dryness, chapping or roughness. Such skin complaints largely result from the removal of natural oils from the skin. Thus, the manual dishwashing composition should desirably be effective at removing grease from plates but not natural oils from the skin.

In order to address the consumer demand for effective removal of soils found in a dishwashing load, particularly greasy soils, liquid detergent compositions may comprise certain co-surfactants such as long chain amine oxides, betaines, non-bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amides and branched alkyl carboxylates, which have been found particularly effective in the removal of such soils, especially when present in high concentrations. However, a disadvantage of such compounds is their tendency to reduce the overall sudsing profile of the detergent composition.

Thus, it is an aim of the present invention to formulate a dishwashing composition which facilitates the removal of soils, especially oily and greasy soils and which produces a high and persistent level of sudsing.

It has now been found that this objective can be achieved by the incorporation of certain bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amides into liquid dishwashing detergent compositions comprising long chain amine oxides, betaines, polyhydroxyfatty acid amides, alkyl carboxylates or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, an additional advantage of the present invention is that the suds level produced by the addition of the bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amides is greater than the sudsing produced by conventional suds boosters such as shorter chain length amine oxides.

Polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have been disclosed as surfactants in the art, see for example US 5 194 639, US 5 174 927 and US 5 188 769.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is a liquid dishwashing detergent composition comprising at least 1% of a surfactant system, said system comprising a polyhydroxy fatty acid amide, characterised in that said system comprises a) a polyhydroxy fatty acid amide according to the formula:

Z Z

I I

N-X-N

I I

0=C C=0

I I

R R' wherein X is a bridging group having from 2 to 200 atoms; Z and Z' are the same or different alcohol-containing moieties having two or more hydroxyl groups, or one of Z or Z' is hydrogen; and R and R are the same or different hydrocarbyl moieties having from 1 to 21 carbon atoms and can be saturated, branched or unsaturated and mixtures thereof and b) a co-surfactant selected from C\ to Cjg amine oxides, C10-C16 branched alkyl carboxylates, Cβ-Cis betaines and non bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amides and mixtures thereof.

All weights, ratios and percentages are given as a % weight of the total composition unless otherwise stated.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention is a liquid dishwashing detergent composition comprising at least 1%, preferably from 10% to 60%, more preferably from 20% to 50% of a surfactant system. According to the present invention, the surfactant system comprises as an essential component a co-surfactant selected from C]6 to Cj8 amine oxides, C\Q-C\ branched alkyl carboxylates Cβ-C\% betaines and non bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amides and mixtures thereof. Preferably the compositions of the present invention comprise from 0.1% to 40%, preferably from 1% to 10%, most preferably from 2% to 8% of said co-surfactant.

Amine oxide surfactant

According to the present invention amine oxides suitable for use herein have the formula:

wherein R\ is selected from an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acylamidopropyl and alkyl phenyl group, or mixtures thereof, containing from 16 to 18 carbon atoms; and R2 and R3 are independently C1-.3 alkyl or C2-3 hydroxyalkyl groups, or a polyethylene oxide group containing from 1 to 3, preferably 1, ethylene oxide groups. These amine oxide surfactants in particular include C16-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and C16-C18 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxyethyl amine oxides. According to the present invention the compositions comprise from 0.1% to 20%, preferably from 0.5% to 10%, most preferably from 1% to 5% of said amine oxide.

Alkyl carboxylate surfactant

Alkyl carboxylates useful herein are those which contain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon. It is to be understood herein that the secondary carbon can be in a ring structure, e.g. as in p-octyl benzoic acid, or as in alkyl-substituted cyclohexyl carboxylates. These surfactants should contain no ether linkages, no ester linkages and no hydroxyl groups. There should be no nitrogen atoms in the head-group (amphiphilic portion). The alkyl carboxylate surfactants usually contain 11-15, preferably from 11 to 13 total carbon atoms, although slightly more (e.g., up to 16) can be tolerated,- e.g. p-octyl benzoic acid.

A highly preferred class of alkylcarboxylates comprises the secondary carboxyl materials of the formula R3 CH(R⁴)COOM, wherein R^ is CH3(CH2)x and R⁴ is CH3(CH2)y, wherein y can be O or an integer from 1 to 4, x is an integer from 4 to 10 and the sum of (x + y) is 6-14, preferably 7- 13, most preferably 8-10.

Another class of alkylcarboxylate soaps useful herein comprises those carboxyl compounds wherein the carboxyl substituent is on a ring hydrocarbyl unit, i.e., secondary soaps of the formula R5-R6-COOM, wherein R^ is C^-C^, preferably C^-C^, alkyl or alkenyl and R > is a ring structure, such as benzene, cyclopentane and cyclohexane. (Note: R^ can be in the ortho, meta or para position relative to the carboxyl on the ring.)

A further class of alkyl carboxylates comprises secondary carboxyl compounds of the formula CH3(CHR)k-(CH2)m-(CHR)n- CH(COOM)(CHR)₀-(CH2)p-(CHR)q-CH3, wherein each R is C1-C4 alkyl, wherein k, n, 0, q are integers in the range of 0-8, provided that the total number of carbon atoms (including the carboxylate) is in the range of 10 to 18. In each of the above formulas M can be any suitable, especially water-solubilizing, counterion, e.g., H, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkanolammomum, di- and tri- alkanolammonium, and C1-C5 alkyl substituted ammonium. Sodium is convenient, as is diethanolammonium.

Preferred alkyl carboxylates for use herein are water-soluble members selected from the group consisting of the water-soluble salts of 2- methyl-1-undecanoic acid, 2-ethyl-l-decanoic acid, 2-propyl-l-nonanoic acid, 2-butyl-l-octanoic acid, 2-pentyl-l-heptanoic acid and isopentadecanoic acid.

According to the present invention the compositions comprise from 0.1% to 20%, preferably from 0.5% to 10% of said branched alkyl carboxylate.

Non bridged Polyhydroxy fatty acid amide

According to the present invention the non bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amides suitable for use herein are according to the formula:

R -C-N-Z

* II I O R₁

wherein Ri is H, a C\.C hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl or mixtures thereof, preferably a C ..C4 alkyl, more preferably a C\ or C2 alkyl, most preferably a , and R2 is a C1-C21 hydrocarbyl, preferably straight chain C7-C19 alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably straight chain CJO- C\g alkyl or alkenyl or mixtures thereof; and Z is a polyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 2 hydroxyl groups directly connected to the chain or an alkoxylated derivative thereof. Z is preferably derived from a reducing sugar in reductive amination reaction; more preferably Z is a glycityl. Suitable reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, galactose, mannose and xylose. As raw materials high dextrose corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup and high maltose corn syrup can be utilised as well as individual sugars listed above. It should be understood that these corn syrups may yield a mixture of sugar components for Z. Z is preferably selected from the group consisting of

-CH (CHOH)nCH2θH, -CH(CH2θH)-(CHOH)n-l~CH₂OH, or -CH2- (CHOH)2(CHOR')(CHOH)-CH2θH and alkoxylated derivatives thereof, wherein n is an integer from 3 to 5 inclusive and R' is hydrogen or a cyclic or aliphatic monosaccharide. Most preferred are the glycityls wherein n is 4, particularly CH2(CHOH)4CH₂OH.

According to the formula R\ can be for example, N-methyl , N-ethyl, N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2-hydroxy ethyl, or N-2-hydroxy propyl. R5-CO-N< can be for example cocamide, stearimide, oleamide, lauramide, myristamide, capricamide, palmitamide, talloamide etc. Z can be 1- deoxyglycityl, 2-deoxyfructityl, 1-deoxymaltityl, 1-deoxylactityl, 1- deoxygalactityl, 1-doexymannityl, 1-deoxymaltotriotityl, etc. According to the present invention the compositions may comprise from 0.1% to 30%, preferably from 1% to 20%, most preferably from 3% to 10% of said polyhydroxy fatty acid amide.

Betaine surfactant

According to the present invention the betaines useful herein are those compounds having the formula R(Rl)2N⁺R2COO" wherein R is a C6-C18 hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C10- 6 alkyl group or C10-I6 acylamido alkyl group, each R is typically C1-C3 alkyl, preferably methyl, and R2 is a C1-C5 hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C1-C3 alkylene group, more preferably a C1-C2 alkylene group. Examples of suitable betaines include coconut acylamidopropyldimethyl betaine; hexadecyl dimethyl betaine; Cj2- 14 acylamidopropylbetaine; C8-14 acylamidohexyldiethyl betaine; 4[Ci4_i6 acylmethy lamidodiethylammonio] - 1 -carboxybutane; Cχ6_i8 acylamidodimethylbetaine; C12-I6 acylamidopentanediethyl-betaine;[Ci2- 16 acylmethylamidodimethylbetaine. Preferred betaines are C 2-I8 dimethyl-ammonio hexanoate and the C10-I8 acylamidopropane (or ethane) dimethyl (or diethyl) betaines. The complex betaines suitable for use herein have the formula:

R - (A)_n [N - (CHRι)χ]y N - Q (I)

I I

B B

wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having from 7 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms, A is the group (C(O)), n is 0 or 1, Ri is hydrogen or a lower alkyl group, x is 2 or 3, y is an integer of 0 to 4, Q is the group -R2COOM wherein R2 is an alkylene group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and M is hydrogen or an ion from the groups alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium and substituted ammonium and B is hydrogen or a group Q as defined.

According to the present invention the composition may comprise from 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5% of said betaines.

According to the present invention the sudsing performance of said liquid dishwashing detergent composition can be improved by the addition of a bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amide. The bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amide has the formula:

wherein: X is a bridging group having from about 2 to about 200 atoms; Z and Z' are the same or different alcohol-containing moieties having two or more hydroxyl groups (e.g., glycerol, and units derived from reducing sugars such as glucose, maltose and the like), or either one (but not both) of Z or Z' is hydrogen; and R and R' are the same or different hydrocarbyl moieties having from about 1 to about 13 carbon atoms and can be saturated, branched or unsaturated (e.g., oleoyl) and mixtures thereof.

Preferred X groups are selected from substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear alkyl, ether alkyl, amino alkyl, or amido alkyl moieties having from about 2 to about 15 carbon atoms. Preferred alkyl moieties are unsubstituted, linear alkyl moieties having the formula -(CH2)_n-, wherein n is an integer from 2 to about 15, preferably from 2 to about 10, and most preferably from 2 to about 6; and also unsubstituted, branched alkyl moieties having from 3 to about 15 carbon atoms, preferably from 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably from 3 to about 6 carbon atoms. Most preferred are ethylene and propylene (branched or linear) alkyl moieties. Also preferred are unsubstituted, branched or linear ether alkyl moieties having the formula - R2-(0-R2)_m-, wherein each R2 is independently selected from C2-C8 branched or linear alkyl and/or aryl moieties (preferably ethyl, propyl or combinations thereof) and m is an integer from 1 to about 5. X may also be unsubstituted, branched or linear amino and/or amido alkyl moieties having the formula -R2-(N(R3)-R2)_m-, wherein each R2 is independently selected from C2-C8 branched or linear alkyl and/or aryl moieties (preferably ethyl, propyl or combinations thereof), m is an integer from 1 to about 5, and R^ is selected from hydrogen, C1-C5 alkyl, and -C(0)R⁴-, wherein R⁴ is C1-C21 alkyl, including -C(0)R. The X moiety may be derived from commercially available amine compounds such as, for example, JeffaminesR (supplied by Texaco) such as JED600, JEDR148, JEDR192, JED230, JED2000, J-D230 and J-D400.

Preferred X moieties therefore include: -(CH2)2-, -(CH2)3-, -(CH2)4-, - (CH₂)5-, -(CH₂)6-, -CH₂CH(CH₃)(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)₂-0-(CH₂)2-, -(CH₂)₃- 0-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)2-0-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)2-0-(CH2)2-0-(CH₂)2-, -(CH₂)₃- 0-(CH2)2-0-(CH₂)3-, -(CH2)2-0-(CH2)3-0-(CH2)2-, -(CH2)2-NH-(CH2)2- , -(CH₂)3-NH-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)2-NH-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)2-N(C(0)RMCH₂)2-, -(CH₂)3-N(C(0)R)-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)2-N(C(0)R)-(CH2)3-, -(CH₂)₂- NH(C₆H4)NH-(CH₂)2-, -(CH₂)3-NH(C₆H4)NH-(CH2)3-, -(CH₂)₂- NHCH2(C₆H4)CH₂NH-(CH2)2-, -(CH2)3-NHCH2(C6H4)CH₂NH-(CH2)3-, etc.

Preferred Z and Z' groups are independently selected from polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moieties having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 2 hydroxyls (in the case of glycerol) or at least 3 hydroxyls ( in the case of other sugars) directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative (preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated) thereof. Z and Z' preferably will be derived from a reducing sugar, more preferably Z and/or Z' is a glycityl moiety. Suitable reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, galactose, mannose, and xylose, as well as glyceraldehyde. As raw materials, high dextrose com sy p, high fructose com sy p, and high maltose com sy p can be utilised as well as the individual sugars listed above. These com syrups may yield a mix of sugar components for Z and Z. It should be understood that it is by no means intended to exclude other suitable raw materials. Z and/or Z' preferably will be selected from the group consisting of -CH₂-(CH0H)-_p-CH20H, -CH(CH₂0H)-(CH0H)_p.ι-CH20H, -CH - (CH0H)2(CH0Rl)(CH0H)-CH20H, where p is an integer from 1 to 5, inclusive, and Rl is H or a cyclic mono- or polysaccharide, and alkoxylated derivatives thereof. Most preferred are glycityls wherein p is 4, particularly - CH2-(CH0H)4-CH20H.

Preferred R and R groups are independently selected from C3-C21 hydrocarbyl moieties, preferably straight or branched chain C3-C13 alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight chain C5-C11 alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably straight chain C5-C9 alkyl or alkenyl, or mixtures thereof. R-CO- N< and/or R'-CO-N< can be, for example, cocamide, stearamide, oleamide, lauramide, myristamide, capricamide, palmitamide, tallowamide, etc.

Examples of such compounds therefore include, but are not limited to:

CH3(CH2)6C(0)N[CH₂(CHOH)4CH2θH]-(CH2)2- [CH (CH0H)4CH20H]NC(0)(CH2)6CH3;

CH3(CH2)8C(0)N[CH2(CH0H)4CH₂0H]-(CH2)2- [CH2(CHOH)4CH2θH]NC(0)(CH2)8CH3;

CH3(CH2)iθC(0)N[CH2(CHOH)4CH₂OH]-(CH2)2- [CH2(CH0H)4CH20H]NC(0)(CH2)i 0CH3;

CH3(CH2)8C(0)N[CH₂(CHOH)4CH2θH]-(CH2)2-0-(CH₂)2-0-(CH2)2- [CH₂(CH0H)4CH20H]NC(0)(CH2)8CH3;

CH₃(CH2)8C(0)N[CH2(CHOH)4CH20H]-CH2CH(CH3)(CH2)3- [CH₂(CH0H)4CH₂0H]NC(0)(CH2)8CH3;

CH3(CH2)8C(0)N[CH2(CHOH)4CH₂OH]-(CH2)3-0-(CH2)2-0-(CH2)3- [CH₂(CH0H)4CH₂0H]NC(0)(CH2)8CH3;

CH3(CH2)3CH(CH2CH3)C(0)N[CH2(CHOH)4CH₂OH]-(CH2)2- [CH2(CH0H)4CH20H]NC(0)CH(CH₂CH3)(CH2)3CH3;

CH3(CH2)6C(0)N[CH2(CHOH)4CH₂OH]-(CH2)3-0-(CH2)2-0-(CH2)3- [CH (CH0H)4CH₂0H]NC(0)(CH2)6CH3; CH3(CH2)4C(0)N[CH₂(CHOH)₄CH2θH]-(CH2)3-0-(CH2)2-0-(CH2)3- [CH₂(CHOH)₄CH2θH]NC(0)(CH2)8CH3;

C₆H5C(0)N[CH2(CHOH)4CH2θH]-(CH2)3-0-(CH2)2-0-(CH₂)3- [CH2(CHOH)4CH2θH]NC(0)C6H₅;

CH3(CH2)4C(0)N[CH2(CH0H)₄CH 0H]-(CH2)2- [CH2(CHOH)4CH2θH]NC(0)(CH2)8CH3.

These compounds can be readily synthesised from the following disugar diamines: HN[CH2(CHOH)4CH2θH]-(CH2)2-[CH2(CHOH)4CH2θH]NH; HN[CH₂(CHOH)4CH2θH]-CH2CH(CH3)(CH₂)3-

[CH₂(CH0H)4CH₂0H]NH; HN[CH₂(CH0H)4CH20H]-(CH2)2-0-(CH2)2- 0-(CH2)2-[CH₂(CH0H)₄CH20H]NH; -fflSr[CH2(CH0H)₄CH20H]-(CH2)3- 0-(CH2)2-0-(CH2)3-[CH2(CH0H)4CH₂0H]NH; and

HN[CH2(CHOH)4CH2θH]-(CH2)3-[CH2(CHOH)4CH2θH]NH.

The compositions according to the present invention comprise from at least 0.05%, preferably from 0.1% to 30% , more preferably from 0.5% to 20%, most preferably from 1% to 10%, of said bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amide. According to the present invention the composition preferably comprises said bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amides and said co-surfactant in a ratio of from 1:50 to 50:1, preferably from 1:10 to 10:1, more preferably from 1:5 to 5:1.

According to the present invention ^'the detergent composition comprises a surfactant system, said system may comprise at least one additional surfactant (other than a polyhydroxyfatty acid amide (a) and amine oxide, betaine, non bridged polyhydroxyfatty acid amide or branched alkylcarboxylate (b)), the selected from anionic, nonionic, amphoteric and zwiterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Nonionic surfactant

Suitable nonionic detergent surfactants for use herein include nonionic condensates of alkyl phenols, nonionic ethoxylated alcohols and nonionic fatty acid amides. According to the present invention the compositions may comprise from 0% to 30%, preferably from 0.1% to 25%, more preferably from 0.5% to 20% of said nonionic surfactants. Nonionic condensates of alkyl phenols

The polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols are suitable for use herein. In general, the polyethylene oxide condensates are preferred. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms in either a straight chain or branched chain configuration with the alkylene oxide.

Nonionic ethoxylated alcohol surfactant

The alkyl ethoxylate condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide are suitable for use herein. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from 6 to 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms with from about 2 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Most preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from 8 to 14 carbon atoms with from about 6 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include TergitolTM 15-S-9 (the condensation product of Ci ι-Ci5 linear alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), TergitolTM 24-L-6 NMW (the condensation product of C12-C14 primary alcohol with 6 moles ethylene oxide with a narrow molecular weight distribution), both marketed by Union Carbide Corporation; NeodolTM 45.9 (the condensation product of C14-C15 linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), NeodolTM 23-6.5 (the condensation product of C12-C13 linear alcohol with 6.54 moles of ethylene oxide), NeodolTM 45.7 (the condensation product of C14-C15 linear alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide), NeodolTM 45.4 (the condensation product of C14-C15 linear alcohol with 4 moles of ethylene oxide), NeodolTM23-3 (the condensation product of C12-C13 linear alcohol with 3 moles of ethyene oxide) marketed by Shell Chemical Company, KyroTM EOBN (the condensation product of C13-C15 alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company, Dobanol 91 marketed by the Shell Chemical Company and Lial 11 1 marketed by Enichem.

Nonionic EO/PO condensates with propylene glvcol

The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol are suitable for use herein. Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the commercially-available PluronicTM surfactants, marketed by BASF.

Nonionic EO condensation products with propylene oxide/ethylene diamine adducts

The condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine are suitable for use herein. Examples of this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the commercially available TetronicTM compounds, marketed by BASF.

Alkylpolvsaccharide

According to the present invention the composition may comprise as an optional ingredient, alkylpolysaccharides i.e. nonionic alkylpolysaccharides or the corresponding sulphated polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. Alkylpolysaccharides suitable for use herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,565,647, Llenado, issued January 21, 1986, having a hydrophobic group containing from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 11 to about 30, more preferably 11 to 16 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group containing from about 1.0 to about 10, preferably from about 1.0 to about 3, most preferably from about 1.3 to about 2.7 saccharide units. Any reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms can be used, e.g., glucose, galactose and galactosyl moieties can be substituted for the glucosyl moieties. (Optionally the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-, etc. positions thus giving a glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside.)

. The intersaccharide bonds can be, e.g., between the one position of the additional saccharide units and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and/or 6- positions on the preceding saccharide units. Optionally, and less desirably, there can be a poly alky leneoxide chain joining the hydrophobic moiety and the polysaccharide moiety. The preferred alkyleneoxide is ethylene oxide.

Typical hydrophobic groups include alkyl groups, either saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched containing from 8 to 18, preferably from 10 to 16, carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl group is a straight-chain saturated alkyl group. The alkyl group can contain up to about 3 hydroxyl groups and/or the polyalkyleneoxide chain can contain up to about 10, preferably less than 5, alkyleneoxide moieties. Suitable alkyl polysaccharides are octyl, nonyldecyl, undecyldodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, and octadecyl, di-, tri-, terra-, penta-, and hexaglucosides, galactoses. Suitable mixtures include coconut alkyl, di-, tri-, terra-, and pentaglucosides and tallow alkyl tetra-, penta- and hexaglucosides.

The preferred alkylpolyglycosides have the formula: R2θ(C_nH_2nO)t(glycosyl)_x

wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof in which the alkyl groups contain from 10 to 18, preferably from 12 to 14, carbon atoms; n is 0-3 preferably 2 to 3, t is from 0 to 10, preferably 0, x is from 1.0 to 10, preferably from 1.0 to 3, most preferably from 1.3 to 2.7. The glycosyl is preferably derived from glucose. To prepare these compounds, the alcohol or alkylpolyethoxy alcohol is formed first and then reacted with glucose, or a source of glucose, to form the glucoside (attachment at the 1 -position). The additional glycosyl units can then be attached between their 1 -position and the preceding glycosyl units 2-, 3-, 4- and/or 6-position, preferably predominantly the 2-position.

According to the present invention the dishwashing compositions comprise from 0.5% to 50%, preferably from 1% to 30%, more preferably from 1.5% to 20% of said alkylpolysaccharide surfactant. Anionic surfactant

Anionic surfactants suitable for use herein may be essentially any anionic surfactant, including anionic sulphate, sulphonate or carboxylate surfactant.

Anionic sulphate surfactant

The anionic sulphate surfactant may be any organic sulphate surfactant. It is preferably selected from the group consisting of C10-C16 alkyl sulphate which has been ethoxylated with from about 0.5 to about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule, C9-C17 acyl-N-(Cι-C4 alkyl) glucamine sulphate, C9-Cπ-N-(C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulphate, and mixtures thereof, wherein the C9-C17 acyl group is derived from coconut dr palm kernel oil, as described in US patent 2 717 894. More preferably, the anionic sulphate surfactant is a C10-C16 alkyl sulphate which has been ethoxylated with from about 0.5 to about 12, moles of ethylene oxide per molecule. The C10-C16 alcohol itself is commercially available. C12-C14 alkyl sulphate which has been ethoxylated with from about 3 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule is also preferred.

Conventional base-catalysed ethoxylation processes to produce an average degree of ethoxylation of 12 result in a distribution of individual ethoxylates ranging from 1 to 15 ethoxy groups per mole of alcohol, so that the desired average can be obtained in a variety of ways. Blends can be made of material having different degrees of ethoxylation and/or different ethoxylate distributions arising from the specific ethoxylation techniques employed and subsequent processing steps such as distillation. The counterion for the anionic sulphate surfactant component is preferably selected from calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, ammonium, or alkanol-ammonium, and mixtures thereof, with calcium and magnesium being preferred for cleaning and sudsing respectively.

Anionic alkyl ethoxy carboxylate surfactant

Alkyl ethoxy carboxylates suitable for use herein include those with the formula RO(CH2CH2θ)x CH2COO-M+ wherein R is a C12 to Ci6 alkyl group, x ranges from O to 10, and the ethoxylate distribution is such that, on a weight basis, the amount of material where x is 0 is less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, most preferably less than 10%, and the amount of material where x is greater than 7, is less than 25%, preferably less than 15%, most preferably less than 10%, the average x is from 2 to 4 when the average R is C13 or less, and the average x is from 3 to 6 when the average R is greater than C13, and M is a cation, preferably chosen from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium mono., di-, and tri-ethanol- ammomum, most preferably from sodium, potassium, ammonium and mixtures thereof with magnesium ions. The preferred alkyl ethoxy carboxylates are those where R is a C\2 to C14 alkyl group.

Anionic alkyl polvethoxy polvcarboxylate surfactant

Alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants suitable for use herein include those having the formula:

R - O - (CH - CH - 0)x - R3

I I

Rl R₂

wherein R is a C to Ci8 alkyl group, x is from 1 to 25, Ri and R2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl acid radical, succinic acid radical, hydroxysuccinic acid radical, and mixtures thereof, wherein at least one R\ or R2 is a succinic acid radical or hydroxysuccinic acid radical, and R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon having between 1 and 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

Other anionic surfactants

Other anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can also be included in the compositions hereof. These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts) of soap, fatty oleyl glycerol sulphates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulphates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl succinates and sulphosuccinates, monoesters of sulphosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C12-C18 monoesters) diesters of sulphosuccin ite (especially saturated and unsaturated C6-C 4 diesters), N- acyl C6_20 siircosinates. Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, suc i as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tall oil. Further examples are given in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, P^rry and Berch).

Compositions according to the present invention comprise at least 3%, preferably from 3% to 40%, most preferably from 3% to 30% of said anionic surfactan s.

Amphoteπc surfactant

Suitable amphoteric surfactants for use herein include the alkyl amphocarboxylic acids of the formula:

O

II

RC — NHCH CH Ri

2 2

wherein R is a C8-Cιg alkyl group, and R is of the general formula:

wherein R¹ is a (CH2)_xCOOM or CH2CH2OH, and x is 1 or 2 and M is preferably chosen from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, mono- , di-, and tri-ethanolammonium, most preferably from sodium, potassium, ammonium and mixtures thereof with magnesium ions. The preferred R alkyl chain length is a C10 to C14 alkyl group. A preferred amphocarboxylic acid is produced from fatty imidazolines wherein the dicarboxylic acid functionality of the amphodicarboxylic acid is diacetic acid and/or dipropionic acid. A suitable example of an alkyl amphodicarboxylic acid for use herein ins the amphoteric surfactant Miranol(TM) C2M Cone, manufactured by Miranol, Inc., Dayton, NJ. In addition to the Ci6 to Cj8 amine oxides of the present invention, the detergent composition may comprise as optional ingredient other amine oxides according to the formula:

0 t R³(OR )_χN(R⁵)2

wherein R^ is selected from an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acylamidopropyl and alkyl phenyl group, or mixtures thereof, containing from 8 to 26 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 16 carbon atoms; R⁴ is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably 2 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof; x is from 0 to 3, preferably 0; and each R5 is an alkyl or hydyroxyalkyl group containing from 1 to 3, preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms, or a polyethylene oxide group containing from 1 to 3, preferable 1, ethylene oxide groups. The R^ groups can be attached to each other, e.g., through an oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure.

These amine oxide surfactants in particular include C10-C14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and C -C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxyethyl amine oxides. Examples of such materials include diethyldecylamine oxide, bis-(2- hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, dimethyldodecylamine oxide, dipropyltetradecylamine oxide, dodecylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide and dimethyl-2-hydroxyoctadecylamine oxide. Preferred are C10-C14 alkyl dimethylamine oxide, and C10-I4 acylamido alkyl dimethylamine oxide.

According to the present invention the detergent composition may comprise from 0% to 20%, preferably from 1% to 10% of said amine oxide.

Zwitterionic surfactant

Zwitterionic surfactants can also be incorporated into the detergent compositions herein. Sultaines

The sultaines useful in the present invention are those compounds having the formula (R(R1)2N⁺R2S03- wherein R is a Cβ-Ciδ hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C10-C 6 alkyl group, more preferably a C12-C13 alkyl group, each R is typically C1-C3 alkyl, preferably methyl, and R2 is a Ci- C hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C1-C3 alkylene or, preferably, hydroxy alkylene group.

Hydrotropes

A hydrotrope is typically added to the compositions of the present invention, and may be present at levels of from 0% to 40%, preferably from l% to 15%, by weight.

Useful hydrotropes include sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium salts of xylene sulphonate, toluene sulphonate and cumene sulphonate and mixtures thereof. Other compounds useful as hydrotropes herein include polycarboxylates and urea. Some polycarboxylates have calcium chelating properties as well as hydrotropic properties.

An example of a commercially available alkylpolyethoxy polycarboxylate which can be employed herein is POLY-TERGENT C, Olin Corporation, Cheshire, CT, USA.

Another compound useful as a hydrotrope is alkyl amphodicarboxylic acid of the generic formula:

(CH₂)_X COO- RCNHCH2CH2N<

(CH2)_X COOM

wherein R is a C% to Ci8 alkyl group, x is from 1 to 2, M is preferably chosen from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolammonium, most preferably from sodium, potassium, ammonium, and mixtures thereof with magnesium ions. The preferred alkyl chain length (R) is a Cio to C14 alkyl group and the dicarboxylic acid functionally is diacetic acid and/or dipropionic acid.

A suitable example of an alkyl amphodicarboxylic acid is the amphoteric surfactant Miranol R 2CM Cone, manufactured by Miranol, Inc., Dayton, NJ, USA. Organic solvent

The compositions of the invention will most preferably contain an organic solvent system present at levels of from 1% to 30% by weight, preferably from 1% to 20% by weight, more preferably form 2% to 15% by weight of the composition. The organic solvent system may be a mono, or mixed solvent system; but is preferably in mixed solvent system. Preferably, at least the major component of the solvent system is of low volatility. Suitable organic solvents for use herein have the general formula:

CH

3

RO(CH CHO)_nH

wherein R is an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkyl aryl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and n is an integer from 1 to 4. Preferably, R is an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is 1 or 2. Especially preferred R groups are n-butyl or isobutyl. Preferred solvents of this type are 1-n- butoxypropane-2-ol (n=l); and l(2-n-butoxy-l-methylethoxy)propane-2-ol (n=2), and mixtures thereof.

Other solvents useful herein include the water soluble CARBITOL or CELLOSOLVE solvents. These solvents are compounds of the 2-(2- alkoxyethoxy)ethanol class wherein the alkoxy group is derived from ethyl, propyl or butyl.

Other suitable solvents are benzyl alcohol, and diols such as 2-ethyl- 1,3-hexanediol and 2,2,4-trimethl-l,3-pentanediol. The low molecular weight, water-soluble, liquid polyethylene glycols are also suitable solvents for use herein.

The alkane mono and diols, especially the C1-C6 alkane mono and diols are suitable for use herein. C1-C4 monohydric alcohols (e.g.: ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol and mixtures thereof) are preferred, with ethanol particularly preferred. The C1-C4 dihydric alcohols, including propylene glycol, are also preferred. Thickening agents

The compositions according to the present invention may additionally comprise thickening agents, such as polyquaternium cellulose cationic polymer, for example QuatrisoftR available from the Americhol Corporation.

Calcium

Compositions according to the present invention may optionally comprise from 0.01% to 3%, more preferably from 0.15% to 0.9% of calcium ions. It has been found that the presence of calcium greatly improves the cleaning of greasy soils for compositions containing polyhydroxy fatty acid amide. This is especially true when the compositions are used in softened water, which contains few divalent ions.

The calcium ions can, for example, be added as a chloride, hydroxide, oxide, formate or acetate, or nitrate salt, xylene sulphonate, cumene sulphonate and toluene sulphonate. If the anionic surfactants are in the acid form, the calcium can be added as a calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide slurry in water to neutralise the acid.

The calcium ions may be present in the compositions as salts. The amount of calcium ions present in compositions of the invention may be dependent upon the amount of total anionic surfactant present herein. The molar ratio of calcium ions to total anionic surfactant is preferably from 1 :0.1 to 1 :25 more preferably from 1:2 to 1:10, for compositions of the invention.

Calcium stabilising agent

In order to provide good product stability, and in particular to prevent the precipitation of insoluble calcium salts malic, maleic or acetic acid, or their salts, or certain lime soap dispersant compounds may be added to the composition of the present invention comprising calcium . Where calcium is present, malic, maleic or acetic acid, or their salts can be added at levels of from 0.05% to 10% of the composition and a molar ratio with calcium of from 10: 1 to 1 : 10.

Magnesium

From 0.01% to 3%, most preferably from 0.15% to 2%, by weight, of magnesium ions are preferably added to the liquid detergent compositions of the invention for improved product stability, as well as improved sudsing.

If the anionic surfactants are in the acid form, then the magnesium can be added by neutralisation of the acid with a magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide slurry in water. Calcium can be treated similarly. This technique -minimises the addition of chloride ions, which reduces corrosive properties. The neutralised surfactant salts and the hydrotrope are then added to the final mixing tank and any optional ingredients are added before adjusting the pH.

PH of the compositions

The compositions according to the present invention formulated for use in manual dishwashing applications are preferably formulated to have a pH at 20°C of from 3 to 12, preferably from 6 to 9, most preferably from 6.5 to 8.5.

In another aspect of the present invention the composition may be formulated for use as in pre-treatment applications whereby the composition is applied in essentially the concentrated form onto the dishes. Preferably the composition is allowed to remain on the dishes for a period of time. Compositions for use in such applications preferably have a pH of from 3 to 14, more preferably from 3 to 5 or greater than 8.

Liquid compositions

According to the present invention the detergent compositions are liquid detergent compositions. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the compositions are high active formulations such that said compositions comprise 75% to 50% by weight, preferably from 70% to 55% by weight, most preferably from 65% to 55% by weight of a liquid carrier, e.g., water, preferably a mixture of water and a C1-C4 monohydric alcohol (e.g., ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, and mixtures thereof), with ethanol being the preferred monohydric alcohol or a mixture of water and C1-C4 dihydric alcohol (e.g.: propylene glycol). In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the detergent composition may be in a concentrated form, such that the composition is diluted in water prior to usage.

The bridged poly hydroxy fatty acid amides of the present invention may be prepared by the following method.

EXAMPLE I

Step 1 : Reductive Amination

Preparation of HNrCH (CHOH) CH θHl-rCH )2CH2(^,CHθm4CH2θH1NΗ

About 375 g (about 20 wt% based on amount of glucose used) of Raney Ni (Grace Raney Nickel 4200) is contained in a 2 gallon reactor (316 stainless steel baffled autoclave with DISPERSIMAX hollow shaft multi- blade impeller) pressurized to about 300 psig with hydrogen at room temperature. The nickel bed is covered with water taking up about 10% of the reactor volume. This is the first reductive amination run on the present load of nickel catalyst.

606.53 g of 50 wt% ethylenediamine solution in water (5.05 moles, 1.00 mole equiv. of ethylenediamine) is maintained in a separate reservoir which is in closed communication with the reactor. The reservoir is pressurized to about 100 psig with nitrogen. 3636.36 g of 55 wt% D-glucose solution in water (11.1 moles, 2.20 mole equiv. of glucose) is maintained in a second separate reservoir which is also in closed communication with the reactor and is also pressurized to about 100 psig with nitrogen.

The ethylenediamine is loaded into the reactor from the reservoir using a high pressure pump. Once all the ethylenediamine is loaded into the reactor, stirring is begun and the reactor heated to 50 deg. C and pressurized to about 500 psig hydrogen.

The glucose solution is then loaded into the reactor from the reservoir using a high pressure pump similar to the amine pump above. However, the pumping rate on the glucose pump can be varied and on this particular run, it is set to load the glucose in about 10 minutes. Once all the glucose is loaded into the reactor, the pressure is boosted to about 1300 psig hydrogen and the temperature raised to 60 deg. C for about 1 hour. The temperature is then raised to 70 deg. C for 10 minutes, 80 deg. C for 10 minutes, 100 deg. C for 10 minutes, and finally 120 deg. C for 5 minutes, while maintaining hydrogen pressure between 1300-1500 psig.

The reactor is then cooled to 70 deg. C and the reaction solution removed from the reactor under hydrogen pressure via an internal dip tube and through a filter in closed communication with the reactor. Filtering under hydrogen pressure allows removal of any nickel particles without nickel dissolution.

Solid product is recovered by evaporation of water. The product purity is approximately 85-90%. Sorbitol is the major impurity at about 10%. The product can be used as is or purified to greater than 99%.

Step 2: Amidation

fCH2b-rCH2(CH0ffldCH20HlNC(OyCH2 gCH

102.13 g of the disugar diamine product of Step 1 (0.263 moles) is dissolved in a solvent mixture of 295.16 g of water and 272.35 g of acetone. With good mixing, 110.32 g of decanoyl chloride (0.578 moles) is slowly added (approx. 1 drop/second) to the disugar diamine solution while simultaneously adding 10 wt% NaOH solution to maintain pH 9-11 throughout the reaction. Once all decanoyl chloride is added, the pH is adjusted to approximately 10 and the reaction is mixed for one hour. Solid, cmde product is obtained by evaporation of water and acetone. The solid, cmde product is dissolved in ethanol and the solution filtered to remove NaCl. The filtrate is then concentrated to obtain solid, salt free, cmde product. The product purity is approximately 80-90%. The cmde product can be used as is.

EXAMPLE II

Step 1 : Reductive Amination

Pre^paration of HNrC^fCHOffl^C^OHI-rc^ -CHC^b-O- (CH^ CH^fCHOH^OftOHINH:

l,2-Bis(3-aminopropoxy)ethane and glucose are reacted in the same manner as Step 1 of Example I for Reductive amination to produce the disugar diamine product.

Step 2: Amidation

Pre^paration of CH ⁽CH2 CrO⁾NrCH2 CHOm4CH20H1-rCH2 - o-rcH22-Q-^H2 -rcH2rcHom₄CH20HiNcro^ycH2^CH

312.12 g of the disugar diamine product of Step 1 (0.618 moles) is melted under nitrogen and then dehydrated ^"under vacuum. With good mixing, 27.35 g of propylene glycol and 234.92 g of methyl octanoate (1.48 moles), which are preheated to 130 deg. C, are added to the melted diamine. The reaction temperature is adjusted to 130 deg. C and 14.0 g of 25 wt% sodium methoxide (0.0618 moles) solution in methanol is added. Once reaction is homogeneous, the temperature is dropped to 90-100 deg. C and the reaction methanol is refluxed for 1-2 hours. After refluxing, the methanol is distilled out with the last remaining methanol being pulled out under vacuum for two hours. The reaction mix is poured out and allowed to cool to room temperature.

The cmde product is a viscous liquid with a purity of 70-80% which can be used as is or purified by column chromatography. Examples 1-4

The following compositions in accord with the invention were prepared.

o ³/.o By Weight of the Total Composition

1 2 3 4

C12-C14 alkyl ethoxy sulphate 9.30 9.30 15 9.30

C12 alkyl N-methyl glucamide 7 4 - 7

C12-C14 alkyl carboxylate 1 - 3.5 3.5

C12-C14 alkyl dimethyl betain - 1.55 2 1.55

C12/14 dimethyl amine oxide 4 1.16 5 1.16

C16 dimethyl amine oxide 3.9 7.75 5 -

Amide (from Ex. II) 3.9 3.9 5 7.75

Cl 1 alkyl ethoxylate (av. 9) 1.0 6.0 4 3.5

Ca++ 0.14 0.14 - 0.3

Mg++ 0.47 0.47 0.6 0.3

Sodium cumene sulphonate 3.7 3.7 3.7 -

EtOH 6 7 5 6

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition comprising at least 1% of a surfactant system, said system comprising a polyhydroxy fatty acid amide, characterised in that said system comprises a) a polyhydroxy fatty acid amide according to the formula:

Z Z

I I

N-X-N

I I

O=C C=O

I I

R R wherein X is a bridging group having from 2 to 200 atoms; Z and Z' are the same or different alcohol-containing moieties having two or more hydroxyl groups, or one of Z or Z' is hydrogen; and R and R' are the same or different hydrocarbyl moieties having from 1 to 13 carbon atoms and can be saturated, branched or unsaturated and mixtures thereof and

b) a co-surfactant selected from C 6 to Ci amine oxides, C10-C16 branched alkyl carboxylates, Cβ-Cis betaines, non bridged polyhydroxyfatty acid amides according to the formula:

R_?-C-N-Z 11 I 0 R₁

wherein R is H, a Ci-Cs hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl or mixtures thereof, R2 is a C -C21 hydrocarbyl and Z is a polyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 2 hydroxyl groups directly connected to the chain or an alkoxylated derivative thereof and mixtures thereof.

2. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein in component (a), X is selected from substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear alkyl, ether alkyl, amino alkyl, or amido alkyl moieties having from 2 to 15 carbon atoms; and Z and Z' are independently selected from polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moieties having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 2 hydroxyl groups directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative thereof.

3. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein X is selected from unsubstituted, linear alkyl moieties having the formula -(CH2)_n-_> wherein n is an integer from 2 to 15, unsubstituted, branched alkyl moieties having from 2 to 15 carbon atoms, unsubstituted, branched or linear ether alkyl moieties having the formula -R2-(0-R2)_m-, wherein each R2 is independently selected from C2-C8 branched or linear alkyl or aryl moieties and m is an integer from 1 to about 5, unsubstituted, branched or linear amino or amido alkyl moieties having the formula -R2-(N(R3)-R2)_m-₅ wherein each R2 is independently selected from C2-C8 branched or linear alkyl or aryl moieties, m is an integer from 1 to about 5, R-* is selected from hydrogen, C1-C5 alkyl, and -C(0)R⁴-, wherein R⁴ is C1-C21 alkyl; Z and Z' are independently selected from -CH2-(CHOH)-p-CH2θH, -CH(CH2θH)-(CHOH)p-.ι- CH2OH, -CH2-(CHOH)2(CHORl)(CHOH)-CH2θH, where p is an integer from 1 to 5, inclusive, and R is H or a cyclic mono- or polysaccharide, and alkoxylated derivatives thereof; and R and R' are independently selected from straight or branched chain C3-C13 alkyl or alkenyl moieties.

4. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein X is selected from -(CH2)2-, -(^2)3-, - (CH₂)₄-, -(CH₂)5-, -(CH₂)6-, -CH₂CH(CH3)(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂) -0- (CH₂)2-, -(CH₂)3-0-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)2-0-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)₂-0-(CH₂)2- 0-(CH₂)₂-, -(CH2)3-0-(CH₂)2-0-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)₂-0-(CH₂)3-0- (CH₂)₂-, -(CH₂)2-NH-(CH₂)2-, -(CH₂)3-NH-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)₂-NH- (CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)2-N(C(0)R)-(CH₂)2-, -(CH₂)3-N(C(0)R)-(CH₂)3-, - (CH₂)2-N(C(0)R)-(CH₂)3-, -(CH₂)2-NH(C₆H4)NH-(CH2)2-, -(CH₂)₃- NH(C₆H4)NH-(CH₂)3-, -(CH2)2-NHCH2(C₆H4)CH2NH-(CH₂)2-, - (CH2)3-NHCH2(C6H4)CH2NH-(CH2)3-; Z and Z' are independently selected from the group consisting of -CH2-(CHOH)4-CH2θH; and R and R' are independently selected from the group consisting of straight chain C5-C11 alkyl or alkenyl moieties.

5. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, comprising from 0.05% to 30% by weight of said polyhydroxy fatty acid amide compound (a).

6. A liquid dishwashing composition according to any of the preceding claims comprising from 0.1% to 40% by weight of said co-surfactant (b) or mixtures thereof.

7. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said co-surfactant (b) is a Ci6 amine oxide

8. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to any of th epreceding claims wherein said co-surfactant (b) is a non bridged polyhydroxy fatty acid amide wherein R2 is a C10-C18 alkyl group.

9. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of said polyhydroxy fatty acid amide (a) to said co-surfactant (b) is from 1:50 to 50:1.

10. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said surfactant system further comprises at least one surfactant other than the surfactants (a) and (b) of claim 1, selected from nonionic, anionic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof.

11. A liquid dishwashing detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, comprising, from 10% to 60% by weight of said surfactant system.