MX2007000486A - Volatile material-containing compositions having an end of service indicator. - Google Patents

Abstract

Volatile material-containing compositions having an end of service indicator and methods of indicating the end of service of a volatile material emitted from a volatile material-containing composition are disclosed.

Description

COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING VOLATILE MATERIAL AND HAVING AN END OF SERVICE INDICATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compositions containing volatile material and having an end-of-life indicator of that material and to methods for indicating the end-of-life of a volatile material emitted from a composition containing that material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The compositions comprising volatile material are used for various purposes. These purposes include, but are not limited to, releasing volatile materials such as perfumes or perfumed materials, insecticides, environmental modifiers, aromatherapy, aromatherapy, or any other volatile material that acts to condition, modify, or any other way load the atmosphere or modify the environment. The known compositions used for these purposes have several disadvantages. A significant disadvantage is that the user may find it difficult to determine when the volatile material has run out. For the purpose of this application, we will call the "end of life" the case in which the amount of a volatile material has been reduced so much that it no longer provides the benefit anticipated by the manufacturer. It may be difficult to determine the end of the useful life of the volatile material because the carrier of that material may still be present and therefore a visual indication that the volatile material has been exhausted is not generated. This situation is complicated when multiple perfume ingredients are present. Commonly, the more volatile perfume ingredients (referred to as "high notes" and "middle notes") are depleted before the lower notes are less volatile ingredients. This confuses the user since the device continues to emit a fragrance, but the character of that fragrance is different (predominantly "low notes"). In this case it is possible that the user does not receive a clear visual or olfactory indication of the end of the useful life, since the device continues to emit fragrance. Unfortunately, a fragrance in which the "low note" predominates is usually not as desirable as the overall profile of the perfume. Many times, the user will prefer to replace the composition containing volatile material at that time. Therefore, the need to have means that visually indicate the end of the useful life of a material that contains a volatile persists.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to compositions containing volatile material and having an end-of-life indicator of that material and to methods for indicating the end-of-life of a volatile material emitted from a composition containing that material. Various non-limiting modalities are described herein, each of which may constitute an invention in its own right or together with other components. In a non-limiting embodiment, the composition containing volatile material comprises a carrier, at least one volatile material and at least one volatile colorant. When no energy is applied in the composition, it has a first state and after the application of energy exhibits a second energized state. The volatile material and dye are emitted at a first level from the composition containing volatile material in the first state and the volatile material and dye are emitted at a second higher level from the composition containing volatile material in the second state. When no energy is applied to the composition containing volatile material, it returns to the first state. Preferably, the composition releases less than 10 mg / hour of the volatile material and less than 10 μg / hour of the volatile dye at 25 ° C and 50% relative humidity (RH). Methods for providing a visual indication of the depletion of a volatile material from a composition containing that material are also described. Many other modalities are also possible, including, among others, those described in the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to compositions containing volatile material and having an end-of-life indicator of that material and to methods for indicating the end-of-life of a volatile material emitted from a composition containing that material. Various non-limiting modalities are described herein, as are several components of the system, each of which may constitute an invention in its own right or together with other components. The volatile materials can be issued in various facilities, which include, among others, rooms, houses, hospitals, offices, theaters, buildings, and the like, or within various vehicles such as trains, subways, automobiles, airplanes and the like. The term "volatile materials" as used herein refers to a vaporizable material. The terms "volatile materials", "aroma" and "fragrances", as used herein, include, without limitation, pleasant or fragrant scents and therefore also encompass perfumes that function as insecticides, environmental modifiers, deodorants, aromacology, aromatherapy or any other volatile that acts to condition, modify or otherwise charge the atmosphere or to modify the environment. However, it should be understood that perfumes, aromatic materials, and fragrances will frequently include one or more volatile materials (which may form a unique and / or distinct unit composed of a collection of volatile materials). The term "volatile dyes", as used herein, refers to soluble or insoluble coloring matter that is vaporizable. The chemical composition can be a component or a mixture of components. Preferably, the volatile colorant vaporizes rapidly at a relatively low temperature. For example, it is preferred that the volatile colorant have a vapor pressure at room temperature greater than 0.0013 Pa (1x105 torr). Preferably, the volatile dye has a Kovats index (determined by means of a DB-5 column) of from about 1000 to about 2000. More preferably, the volatile dye has a Kovats index of from about 1000 to about 1700. The index of Kovats (Kl or retention index) is defined by the selective retention of solutes or perfume raw material (PRM) on the chromatographic columns. It is determined mainly by the stationary phase of the column and the properties of the solutes or PRM. In a specific column system, the polarity, molecular weight, vapor pressure, boiling point, and property of the stationary phase of the PRM determine the extent of retention. To systematically express the retention of the analyte in a given GC column, a measure called the Kovats index (or retention index) is defined. The Kovats index (Kl) identifies the volatility attributes of an analyte (or PRM) on a column in relation to the volatility characteristics of a series of n-alkanes in that column. The typical columns used are DB-5 and DB-1. It can be shown that they are related in the manner shown in Figure 1, which illustrates the kovat index of n-alkanes in GC columns. By means of this definition, the Kovats index of a PRM, x, eluted at time t ', between two n-alkanes with a number n of carbon atoms and where N has corrected retention times t'n and t 'N respectively will be calculated as: K / = 100 (n + l? G r '-109"') (1) \ og t'N - \ og t'n ' In stationary phases of nonpolar CG to little polar, the Kl of the PRM are correlated with their relative volatility. For example, PRM with lower Kl tend to be more volatile than PRM with higher Kl. The classification of the PRMs with their corresponding Kl values offer a good comparison of the evaporation rates of the PRM in liquid-gas partition systems. The volatile colorant provides a visual indication of the end of life by evaporating at a rate correlated with one or more volatile materials. Evaporation of the colorant causes a color change in the composition containing volatile material. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the composition containing volatile material is initially blue in color. As the composition is used, the volatile dye is depleted and the blue color decreases. Depending on the carrier and other factors, the end of the service life may be indicated by a total loss of color or a reduction in color tone. In a preferred embodiment, the composition containing volatile material is contained in a device having a color code or color guide by which the user of the device can easily interpret color changes in the composition. The type and amount of the volatile dye used in the composition will vary depending on the desired indication. For example, in one embodiment the depletion of the volatile dye will be correlated with the depletion of the "middle note" perfume ingredient of the volatile material. In another embodiment, the depletion of the volatile dye will be correlated with the depletion of the "high note" perfume ingredient of the volatile material. In an alternative embodiment, the depletion of the volatile dye will be correlated with the depletion of a volatile material other than a perfume. In a preferred embodiment, the volatile colorant is based on the structure of the azulene (bicyclo (5.3.0) decapentane). A "azulene-based structure" is a 10-carbon structure in which a seven-member ring is fused to a five-membered ring. Preferably, the volatile dye is selected from the group consisting of 6-methyl-azulene; 1- (1-azulenyl) -2,2,2-trifluoro-ethanone; 4,6,8-trimethyl-azulene; 7-ethyl-1,4-dimethyl-azulene; 1,4-dimethyl-7- (1-methylethyl) -azolene; azuleno, and mixtures of these. More preferably, the volatile dye is selected from the group consisting of 1,4-dimethyl-7- (1-methylethyl) -azulene, azulene, and mixtures thereof.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the composition containing volatile material comprises a carrier, at least one volatile material and at least one volatile colorant. When no energy is applied in the composition, it has a first state and after the application of energy exhibits a second energized state. The volatile material and dye are emitted at a first level from the composition containing volatile material in the first state and the volatile material and dye are emitted at a second higher level from the composition containing volatile material in the second state. When no energy is applied to the composition containing volatile material, it returns to the first state. Preferably, the composition releases less than 10 mg / hour of the volatile material and less than 10 μg / hour of the volatile dye at 25 ° C and 50% relative humidity (RH). More preferably, the composition releases less than 5 mg / hour of the volatile material and less than 5 μg / hour of the volatile dye at 25 ° C and 50% relative humidity (RH). Even more preferably, the composition releases less than 1 mg / hour of the volatile material and less than 1 μg / hour of the volatile dye at 25 ° C and 50% relative humidity (RH). Preferably, the composition contains up to about 0.1% volatile dye by weight. More preferably, the composition contains up to about 0.08% volatile dye by weight. Preferably, the composition contains at least about 0.001% volatile dye by weight. More preferably, the composition contains at least about 0.003% volatile dye by weight.

In one embodiment, a system for dispensing fragrances into the environment may be provided, comprising one or more components containing one or more fragrances or aromatic materials. In this embodiment, the system preferably comprises a dispensing device, such as a device and one or more elaborate articles comprising aromatic material, or "elaborate articles comprising fragrances", h may be supplied in the form of "cartridges" of fragrances. Each cartridge can provide a single volatile composition, or a combination of different volatile materials as a combination of different perfumed materials. In certain embodiments, each cartridge provides a collection of fragrances that transmit, e.g. eg, a subject, an experience, a physiological effect, and / or a therapeutic effect. The volatile compositions of interest herein may be delivered in any suitable form. In some embodiments, the fragrances are supplied by volatile compositions containing perfumes, such as perfume oils, h are incorporated into or within a suitable carrier. The carriers can be supplied in the following non-limiting forms: a solid, a liquid, a paste, a gel, beads, encapsulates, wicks, a carrier material, as a carrier material impregnated with or comprising the perfume, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carrier is in the form of a malleable solid h can be dissolved and in h the perfume ingredients are added to form a composition having the form of a malleable solid structure or matrix at room temperature (25 ° C (73 ° C)). ° F), 50% relative humidity). In certain embodiments, the volatile composition has a viscosity of about 1 Pa.s (1000 cps) to about 1000 Pa.s (1, 000,000 cps) or greater, measured at a shear stress of 100 Pa in a rotating rheometer, such as AR2000 equipment (TA instruments New Castle, Delaware, USA), using a cone and plate geometry with a diameter of 40 mm at 25 ° C. That composition can take the form of a gel when its viscosity is at least about 13 Pa.s (13,000 cps). In certain embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a malleable solid its viscosity may be from about 100 to about 1000 Pa.s (100,000 to about 1, 000,000 cps). In a non-limiting mode, at room temperature, the composition is in the form of a structure that is a manageable polymeric structured solid. Such a structure can be porous or non-porous. The structure can be homogeneous (which in this description can also be called "continuous"), or non-homogeneous. In many embodiments, it is desirable that the structure be permeable to the volatile materials it contains. This will allow the structure to release the volatile materials contained therein at the time desired. In preferred embodiments of such embodiment, the composition comprises a structured, operable, homogeneous and non-porous polymeric solid.

The volatile composition can be formed in a variety of different ways. In one embodiment, the composition can be made by adding one or more volatile ingredients and one or more volatile dyes in a carrier such as polyethylene glycol (or "PEG"). Volatile ingredients such as perfumes and volatile dyes are preferably miscible with the carrier and after cooling form a material resembling a malleable solid at room temperature. PEG can be achieved in various molecular weights. Although polyethylene glycols having low molecular weights (or "MW") (eg, molecular weights less than 400) can be used as perfume solvents, these polyethylene glycols are liquid at room temperature, and can be used, but are not preferred for use in the compositions described herein. In preferred embodiments of the composition, the MW of the PEG is greater than or equal to 1000 or greater than or equal to 4000. It is desirable that the MW of the PEG be greater than or equal to about 8000. The molecular weight of the PEG can be as high as 24,000. or older. All molecular weights specified herein are weighted average molecular weights. Other suitable carriers are hydrogenated castor oil and long chain fatty acids, particularly those with a chain length greater than or equal to 14 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, it is desirable that the majority of the composition comprises such a carrier, and the volatile ingredient (s). Accordingly, such a carrier and the volatile ingredient (s) may comprise more than about 20%, alternatively, more than about 50% of the composition, by weight.

In certain embodiments, it may be desired that the composition (and / or carrier) is also substantially free of HPC (hydroxypropylcellulose). It may also be desirable to use a structuring agent with the carrier. A structuring agent can be used for any suitable purpose. Examples of this type of purpose include, but are not limited to, providing the structure formed by the composition with greater stability. The structuring agent can reduce the tendency of the structure to release volatile material (s) and volatile dye (s) at low temperatures (eg, at room temperature). , storage or shipment). Accordingly, the volatile material (s) and the volatile dye (s) will not be released until energy structure is applied to the structure to release the volatile material (s). (en) and the volatile dye (s). Any suitable structuring agent can be employed. Suitable structuring agents comprise any substance that includes a divalent cation. The substances comprising divalent cations include, among others, molecules containing magnesium and calcium, such as magnesium and calcium chloride, magnesium carbonate and calcium. Other suitable structuring agents include, but are not limited to, castor oil derivatives, which include, hydrogenated castor oil. It may also be considered desirable that the composition include at least one wax. Waxes can be used for any suitable purpose, including, increasing the melting temperature of the structure formed by the composition to improve stability.

Any suitable wax can be used. In certain embodiments, it is desirable that the wax has a melting point that is higher than that of the carrier. If the carrier is a PEG, the melting point of the wax may be, for example, greater than about 50 ° C. Suitable waxes include, but are not limited to, waxes that are derived from the carrier, e.g., PEG derivatives. Waxes that are derived from the carrier may be preferred because the structuring agents that are capable of structuring the carrier will also be able to structure the waxes for the purpose of further raising the melting point of the entire matrix. It may also be considered desirable that the wax has no affinity for the volatile material so as not to affect the emission ratio or the supply of the volatile material. In a modality, the composition is formed by the combination of polyethylene glycol (or "PEG"), hydrogenated castor oil and a low level of at least one wax, at least one volatile ingredient and at least one volatile dye. The volatile ingredient (s) may include a number of components or compositions, including but not limited to: fragrances (or essential oils), flavors, pesticides, repellents, or mixtures thereof. The volatile ingredient (s) and the volatile colorant (s) may be combined with the carrier material in any suitable form. Various suitable ways to combine the volatile ingredient (s) and the volatile dye (s) with the carrier material include, but are not limited to: uptake; the volatile ingredient (s) and the volatile dye (s) can be dissolved in the carrier material; the volatile ingredient (s) and the volatile dye (s) can be partially or completely encapsulated in the carrier material. The components of the composition can be incorporated into the composition in any suitable amount. In some embodiments, it may be desired that the concentration of the volatile material (s) is greater than about 5% of the composition. More preferably, the concentration of the volatile material (s) is greater than about 10% of the composition. In some embodiments, the concentration of the volatile material (s), such as perfume ingredients, may be as high as about 75%, or even more, of the composition. In other embodiments, the amount of the volatile material (s) may range from about 25% to about 75% of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition contains up to about 0.1% volatile dye by weight. In other embodiments, the composition contains up to about 0.08% volatile dye by weight. In some embodiments, the composition contains at least about 0.001% volatile dye by weight. In other embodiments, the composition contains at least about 0.003% volatile dye by weight. The carrier (such as polyethylene glycol) can comprise the remaining material (csp) of the composition. In some embodiments, the carrier may fluctuate from about 25% to about 75%, or more. In alternative embodiments, the carrier may be present in an amount less than this range. The level of the structuring agent (such as hydrogenated castor oil) can range from about 0 to about 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or more. The level of the wax may range from about 0 to about 3%, 5%, or more. All percentages set forth in this description are by weight of the composition, unless stated otherwise. The amounts of the components are usually selected so that they add up to 100%. However, it is also possible to add other components to the composition, in which case the weights of the components, such as for example the carrier, the volatile material (s), the volatile dye (s) (en), the structuring agent and the wax can add less than 100% of the composition. To emit the volatile material (s) and the volatile dye (s), the structure (or matrix) comprising the composition can be thermally activated or energized in any other way. Such a structure can undergo a transition between a variety of different states depending on the temperature at which the structure is heated. For example, in some embodiments, the composition can exist in any of the following phases: solid, gel, liquid and mixtures thereof. Each phase of the composition can provide different volatilization characteristics. In the case of fragrance materials, this may include different volatilization rates, intensities, fragrance peculiarities, emission profiles, etc. In some modalities, the change of state of the composition is reversible insofar as it can return to more solid states. In some embodiments, it is possible to fluctuate the shape or condition of the composition from a solid-like state to a gel-like state by controlling the proportions of the components of the composition. For example, the composition will become less like a solid and more gel-like with the addition of an additional structuring agent, such as, for example, hydrogenated castor oil. To regulate or control the release of the volatile material, the process of liquefaction / gelation / reversible solidification of the structure can be used. In most compositions, in the case of fragrance compositions, at lower temperatures, the more volatile perfume components (the "high notes") will volatilize first. In the case of certain embodiments of the compositions described herein, if the composition is heated above its melting point (until it becomes a liquid), the perception of the volatile composition will be more authentic in the desired character essence. , fragrance, taste, etc., of the volatile material, since all the components of the material will be emitted in the same intensity at the desired temperature and moment, from the most volatile components of perfume (the "high notes") to the components less volatile ("low notes"). Therefore, in certain modalities, there is a minimum of division of the composition of volatile material and the consistency of the character / concentration over time. In the case of the examples specified in this document, the melting point of the matrix is approximately 52 ° C. When no energy is applied, the structure returns to the solid state resembling a wax or a manageable solid that reduces the tendency of the volatile material to escape.

In some embodiments, it is desired that the composition be heated to a temperature that exceeds the melting point of the carrier. The addition of perfume ingredients will, generally, lower the melting temperature of the composition. As the perfume ingredients are volatilized, the melting temperature of the remaining portion of the composition will increase. If the composition is always heated to a melting temperature above that of the carrier, then it will always provide sufficient energy to the composition to emit the volatile components therefrom. The composition may provide certain advantages. However, it should be understood in this regard that the composition need not provide any of these advantages unless specified in the appended claims. In some embodiments in the case of fragrance compositions, the composition may provide a more lasting aroma. For example, certain gels that have previously been used to contain volatile materials will release the more volatile perfume components even without being heated, or otherwise energized. This will reduce the longevity of these compositions, and will affect the character of the perfume that is emitted when the composition is heated. In some embodiments, the composition may retain the volatile material (s) better than some other compositions during periods in which it is not intended that the volatile material (s) be emitted. In some embodiments, the composition may be more compatible with the material of the container in which it is placed (which may be referred to as "support material"). Frequently perfume oils are not compatible with plastics. However, when perfume oils are incorporated into the composition described herein, the composition may be more compatible with plastic materials. Without theoretical limitations of any kind, it is believed that the composition containing the volatile material described herein will have higher surface tension than that of the perfume oil, to reduce or eliminate the migration of the perfume oil from the composition, a phenomenon known as capillary absorption. . In some embodiments, the composition will have a surface tension greater than 2E-6 N / m (20 dyne / cm) and less than 2.5E-7 N / m (25 dyne / cm). In some embodiments, the composition will have good stability at elevated temperatures (eg, up to about 120 ° F or 50 ° C) and / or high humidity (eg, up to about 80% relative humidity or greater or equal to that humidity), even when the concentration of the volatile material is high. That is, the composition will not change shape or physical state under these conditions. In certain embodiments, the composition provides a structure that will not change its physical state (e.g., becoming more liquid) even when it absorbs water, such as moisture. The composition can, in some embodiments, also have the advantage of comprising relatively high levels of volatile material (eg, from about 25% to about 75% by weight of the composition). The composition can also incorporate a large amount, grade, spectrum (or catalog) of different volatile materials. This is possible due to the ability of the carrier to alter / adjust to match the polarity of the volatile material by modifying the level of the structuring agent (eg, hydrogenated castor oil). For example in the case of the compositions described herein, the polarity of the volatile material (s) may be in the range of about 2 to about 5 Debyes; however, the compositions may remain stable over a wide range of storage conditions. This makes possible the combinations of perfumes that usually are not compatible to be incorporated in compositions (for example vanilla, coffee, cinnamon), which are very polar, can be combined with fruits (eg, lemon), or other types of perfume ingredients that are at the other end of the polarity spectrum. In addition, the structure of the composition incorporating the volatile material (s) may be reversible (ie, it may be converted from a more solid state (eg, a manageable solid) to a more liquid state. , and then back to a more solid state). This can give the composition management, storage and processability benefits. The term reversible is used with respect to a change in the physical state of the composition and is not related to the ability to return to its initial condition. It should be understood that the amount of volatile components released or lost during use is an irreversible process. In a preferred embodiment, the composition containing volatile material of the present invention is contained in a device. Preferably, the device has a window through which a user of the device can see the composition as it changes color. In addition, the device preferably has a color code or a color guide by which the user of the device can easily interpret color changes in the composition. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for providing a visual indication of the depletion of a volatile material from a composition containing that material. The method comprises the provision of a composition containing volatile material comprising a carrier, a volatile dye miscible in the carrier and at least one volatile miscible material in the carrier. The composition has a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the carrier. When no energy is applied in the composition, it has a first state and after the application of energy exhibits a second energized state. The composition containing volatile material is heated to a temperature above the melting temperature of the carrier and that causes a portion of the volatile material and the volatile dye to evaporate during heating. The evaporation of the volatile dye causes a color change in the composition containing volatile material. Preferably, when no heat is applied to the composition containing volatile material, it returns to the first state. In a preferred embodiment, the evaporation rate of the volatile dye is within about 10% of the evaporation rate of the volatile material. More preferably, the evaporation rate of the volatile dye is within about 8% of the evaporation rate of the volatile material. Even more preferably, the evaporation rate of the volatile dye is within about 5% of the evaporation rate of the volatile material.

EXAMPLES Table 1 provides some non-limiting examples of the fragrance compositions that can be made according to the description herein.

TABLE 1 The description of all patents, patent applications (and any patents granted thereon, as well as any corresponding applications for published foreign patents) and the publications mentioned throughout this description are considered part of the present reference. . However, it is expressly denied that any of the documents incorporated herein by reference teach or describe the present invention. It shall be understood that each maximum numerical limit given in this specification shall include any lower numerical limit, as if said lower numerical limitations had been explicitly annotated herein. Any minimum numerical limit cited in this specification shall include any major numerical limit as if such major numerical limits had been explicitly quoted herein. Any numerical range quoted in this specification shall include any minor interval that falls within the larger numerical range as if all minor numerical intervals had been explicitly quoted herein. Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be obvious to persons with experience in the industry that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without deviating from the spirit and scope thereof. Additionally, insofar as the present invention has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this is only in the form of illustration and not in a limiting manner and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, which should be interpreted as generally as the previous industry allows.

Claims (10)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. A composition comprising volatile material; the composition comprises: a) a carrier; b) at least one volatile material; and c) at least one volatile dye; wherein the composition has a first state when no energy is applied to the composition and a second energized state when energy is applied to the composition; wherein the volatile material and the volatile dye are emitted at a first level from the composition containing volatile material in the first state and the volatile material and the volatile dye are emitted from the composition containing volatile material at a second higher level in the second state; wherein the composition containing volatile material returns to that first state when no energy is applied to that composition containing volatile material and wherein the composition releases less than 10 mg / hour of the volatile material and less than 10 g / hour of the colorant Volatile at 25 ° C and 50% relative humidity (RH).

2. The composition containing volatile material according to claim 1, further characterized in that the composition releases less than 5 mg / hour of the volatile material and less than 5 μg / hour of the volatile dye at 25 ° C and 50% relative humidity (HR).

3. The composition containing volatile material according to claim 1, further characterized in that the composition has a viscosity of about 100 to 1000 Pa.s (100,000 and 1,000,000 cps).

4. The composition containing volatile material according to claim 1, further characterized in that the carrier comprises at least one of the following components: polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 4000; hydrogenated castor oil; and fatty acids having a chain length greater than or equal to 14 carbon atoms. The composition comprising volatile material according to claim 1, further characterized in that the composition remains as a flexible solid under at least one of the following conditions: a temperature of up to about 50 ° C and a relative humidity greater than or equal to to approximately 80%. 6. The composition containing volatile material according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one volatile material is selected from the group consisting of essential oils, flavors, pesticides, repellents, and mixtures thereof. The composition containing volatile material according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one volatile colorant has a structure based on azulene. 8. The composition containing volatile material according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one volatile dye is selected from the group consisting of 1,4-dimethyl-7- (1-methyl-ethyl) -azulene, azulene and mixtures of these . 9. The composition containing volatile material according to claim 7, further characterized in that the composition contains up to about 0.1% volatile dye by weight. 10. A composition comprising volatile material; the composition comprises: polyethylene glycol comprising between about 25% and about 75%, by weight of that composition; at least one volatile material comprising from about 5% to about 75%, by weight of the composition; and at least one volatile colorant comprising from about 0.001% to about 0.1% by weight of that composition; wherein the composition is in the form of a flexible solid at room temperature.