WO2024011447A1

WO2024011447A1 - A fabric softener active composition for preparing a transparent fabric softener composition

Info

Publication number: WO2024011447A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/105416
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tong Liu; Shuai SHI; Lengfeng ZHENG; Yuhui HUANG; Shenghong DONG
Original assignee: Evonik Operations Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-07-13
Filing date: 2022-07-13
Publication date: 2024-01-18
Also published as: WO2024012468A1

Abstract

A fabric softener active composition, comprising, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition: A) 20 to 80wt. %of at least one solubilizer, which is selected from the group consisting of mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, and alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, and B) 10 to 50wt. %of at least one softening ingredient, which is selected from the group consisting of di-long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl imidazoline quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated tri-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts. A transparent fabric softener composition and a fabric softener product are also provided.

Description

A fabric softener active composition for preparing a transparent fabric softener composition

Technical Field

The invention relates to a fabric softener active composition and a transparent fabric softener composition with improved properties as well as methods for their preparation.

Background art

Fabric softener compositions are normally opaque. Recent marked trends, however, show an increasing demand for fabric softener compositions having a transparent appearance.

WO2019048556A1 discloses a microemulsion technology to prepare transparent fabric softener active compositions and its use to prepare fabric softeners. Such microemulsions are difficult to prepare and its stability, especially at low temperature is not good enough. In addition, in the examples, the amounts of softening ingredient in the microemulsion in the examples of WO′556 is relatively high, i.e. exceeds around 10wt. %of the microemulsion. The fabric softeners further contain a large amount of oil and nonaqueous solvent. Furthermore, softeners obtained by dilution of the fabric softener active compositions of WO2019048556A1 are not fully transparent at low temperatures.

Summary of the invention

To at least partly solve the problems of prior art, the invention aims to provide a fabric softener active composition, which can be used to easily prepare a transparent fabric softener composition at room temperature with excellent stability at low temperature. Importantly, the transparent fabric softener composition can be further diluted but remains transparent.

The invention provides a fabric softener active composition, comprising, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition,

A) In sum 20 to 80 wt. %, preferably 30 to 80wt. %, more preferably 30 to 75 wt. %, even more preferred 35 to 70 wt. %and most preferred 45 to 60wt. %of at least one solubilizer, which is selected from the group consisting of mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts and mixtures thereof;

B) In sum 10 to 50wt. %, preferably 15 to 45 wt. %, more preferably 20 to 40 wt. %and most preferred 25 to 35wt. %of at least one softening ingredient, which is selected from the group consisting of di-long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated di-long chain alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl imidazoline quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated tri-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts and mixtures thereof; and

C) In sum 0 to 50 wt. %, preferably 5 to 45 wt. %, more preferred 10 to 40 wt. %, even more preferred 15 to 35 wt. %, particular preferred 20 to 35 wt. %and most preferred 25 to 35 wt. %of nonaqueous solvent (s) .

The amounts of components A) , B) and C) are selected from the ranges given above such that the components in sum, plus optionally further comprised components, total to 100%of the softener active composition.

In the context of the present invention, the term “quaternary ammonium salts” respectively "quat" is understood to mean a chemical compound containing both a quaternary nitrogen atom and one or more long-chain-alkyl groups in the cationic portion of an ion pair. This is preferably understood to mean a class of surface-active quaternary ammonium compounds having the general formula R R’R”R”’ N ⁺ A ^-, characterized in that at least one of the R to R”’ radicals is or comprises a long-chain-alkyl group. In the context of the present invention, the term “long-chain-alkyl group” is understood to mean an alkyl group having more than 4 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 24, even more preferred 11 to 21 carbon atoms. Preferably, one, two or three of the R to R”’ radicals are a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbyl radical which is optionally interrupted by oxygen or nitrogen atoms or carboxyl groups and optionally substituted.

In the context of the present invention, the term “long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts” is understood to mean a chemical compound containing both a quaternary nitrogen atom and an ester bond in the cationic portion of an ion pair. This is preferably understood to mean a class of surface-active quaternary ammonium compounds having the general formula RR’ R” R” ’ N ⁺ A ^-, characterized in that at least one of the R to R”’ radicals is a long-chain-alkyl radical having more than 4 carbon atoms and is bonded to the charged group via ester bonds C (O) O-or OC (O) -. Preferably, one, two or three of the R to R”’ radicals are a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbyl radical which is optionally interrupted by oxygen or nitrogen atoms or carboxyl groups and optionally substituted.

In the present invention, the fabric softener compatible anion A ^-is a counterion to the positive charge on the quaternary nitrogen group, where doubly or triply negatively charged ions are also to be included here, preferably a halogen ion, especially chloride, sulfate, phosphate, methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, tosylate, acetate, lactate or citrate, more preferably methylsulfate or a halogen ion such as Cl ^-, most preferably methylsulfate anion.

Caused by the production process of (alkoxylated or not alkoxylated) quaternary alkyl ammonium salts or alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts (also known as esterquats) these products typically result as mixtures of mono-, di-and trialkyl respectively mono-, di-and trialkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts with the respective numbers of long-chain-alkyl groups. In the present invention “on an average” in connection with “mono” means that the ammonium salt on an average comprises between 0.8 and 1.2, preferably 0.9 and 1.1, more preferred 0.95 and 1.05 and most preferred 0.98 and 1.02 long-chain-alkyl groups per molecule of the respective solubilizer. Accordingly “on an average” in connection with “di” means that the ammonium salt on an average comprises between 1.8 and 2.2, preferably 1.9 and 2.1, more preferred 1.95 and 2.05 and most preferred 1.98 and 2.02 long-chain-alkyl groups per molecule of the respective softening ingredient and “on an average” in connection with “tri” means that the ammonium salt on an average comprises between 2.8 and 3.2, preferably 2.9 and 3.1, more preferred 2.95 and 3.05 and most preferred 2.98 and 3.02 long-chain-alkyl groups per molecule of the respective softening ingredient . For example, an ester quaternary ammonium salt such as

WE 45 has an average number of fatty acid ester groups of two, it is described as a diesterquat.

In the present invention “mono long-chain-alkyl” is preferably to be understood as “on an average mono long-chain-alkyl” , “di long-chain-alkyl” is preferably to be understood as “on an average die long-chain-alkyl” and “tri long-chain-alkyl” is preferably to be understood as “on an average tri long-chain-alkyl” .

The fabric softener active composition may be used to prepare a transparent fabric softener composition. The transparent softener composition may simply be prepared by diluting the fabric softener active composition with water.

The fabric softener active composition can be free of any non-ionic surfactants. Preferably, the fabric softener active composition comprises non-ionic surfactants in sum in an amount of from 0 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0 to 2 wt. %, more preferred 0 to 1 wt. %even more preferred 0 to 0.5 wt. %, particular preferred 0 to 0.1 wt. %and most preferred does not comprise any non-ionic surfactants. All wt. %percentages relate to the total weight of the fabric softener active composition.

The fabric softener active composition can be free of any ester oil or mineral oil. Preferably it comprises ester oils and/or mineral oils in sum in an amount of from 0 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0 to 2 wt.%, more preferred 0 to 1 wt. %even more preferred 0 to 0.5 wt. %, particular preferred 0 to 0.1 wt.%and most preferred, does not comprise any ester oil or mineral oil. All wt. %percentages relate to the total weight of the fabric softener active composition. In connection with the present invention, the term “ester oil or mineral oil” is understood to mean water-immiscible liquids suitable for production of fabric softener compositions. In connection with the present invention, “water-immiscible” means that, at room temperature, aqueous mixtures of the oils at oil concentrations of 0.5%to 99.5%by volume, based on the overall mixture, lead to cloudiness already perceptible to the human eye or to the formation of two or more phases. In addition, in connection with the present invention, ester oils or mineral oils are preferably characterized in that they have an interfacial tension of > 5 mN/m with respect to water. Ester oils or mineral oils may be based, for example, on oleochemistry or silicone chemistry.

Component (s) A) is/are used in the present invention as solubilizer (s) . The amount of the solubilizer (s) A) comprised in the fabric softener active composition in sum is 20 to 80 wt. %, preferably 30 to 80wt. %, more preferably 30 to 75 wt. %, even more preferred 35 to 70 wt. %and most preferred 45 to 60wt. %, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition. The amount of the solubilizer should be sufficient to solubilize the softening ingredients in the final fabric softener. If the content of solubilizer A) in sum is below 20 wt. %the solubilizing effect may not be sufficient and opaque softener compositions may be obtained after dilution of the softener active composition with water. If the content of solubilizer A) in sum exceeds 80 wt. %softening efficacy maybe insufficient, i.e. may no longer meet consumers’ requirement.

Component (s) B) is/are used in the present invention as softening ingredient (s) . The amount of the softening ingredient (s) B) comprised in the fabric softener active composition in sum in sum is 10 to 50wt. %, preferably 15 to 45 wt. %, more preferably 20 to 40 wt. %and most preferred 25 to 35wt. %, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition. If the content of softening ingredients (s) (B) in sum is below 10 wt. %softening performance maybe insufficient. If the content of of softening ingredients (s) (B) in sum exceeds 50 wt. %dilution of the fabric softener active composition with water may lead to opaque, i.e. non-transparent, fabric softeners.

Solubilizer

The mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts preferably comprise on an average one linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated long-chain-alkyl group. More preferred they comprise on an average one C10 to 21, preferably C12 to 18 long-chain-alkyl group and three C1 to C4 short chain alkyl groups per molecule.

Preferred mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts are represented by the general Formula (1) below:

wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferably linear saturated, alkyl group with 10 to 21, preferably 12 to 18, more preferably 14 to 18 and most preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl and mixtures thereof;

R ², R ³, R ⁴ each independently represents linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion.

Preferred examples of mono long chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt according to Formula (1) include but are not limited to compounds wherein wherein R ¹ is a linear saturated C16 to C18 alkyl group, R ², R ³, R ⁴ each is methyl and A ^-is chloride. A commecial product of such compounds is

471 (tallow alkyl trimethyl ammonium, commercially available from Evonik Industries AG) .

The mono long chain alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts of the invention comprise on an average one linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated long-chain-alkyl group. More preferred they comprise on an average one C10 to C21, preferably C12 to C18 alkyl group, and optionally further short chain, linear or branched, C1 to C4 alkyl groups.

Preferred mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts are represented by Formula (2) :

wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred linear saturated, alkyl group with 10 to 21, preferably 12 to 18, more preferably 14 to 18, even more preferred 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ² is an alkylene group comprising 1, 2 or 3 carbon atoms;

R ³, R ⁴, R ⁵ each independently represents a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.

Preferably the mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts are mono C10 to C21, preferably C12 to C18, alkyl amido trimethyl quaternary ammonium salts. Most preferred salts include but are not limited to compounds according to Formula (2) wherein R ¹ represents a linear saturated C10 to C21, preferably C11 to C17 alkyl group, preferably a tallow alkyl or palm alkyl group comprising 16 to 18 carbon atoms, R ² is propyl, R ³, R ⁴, R ⁵ each represents methyl and A ^-is methylsulfat or Cl ^-. A commercial product of such compounds is

1618 AM (palmitamidopropyltrimonium chloride, commercially available from Evonik Industries AG) .

The alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts of the invention preferably refer to ethoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts comprising on an average one linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated long-chain-alkyl group. More preferred it comprises on an average one C10 to C21, preferably C12 to 18, alkyl group. If the ammonium salts are partly propoxylated, the amount of propoxyl groups is preferably selected such that the solubilizer still has good water solubility.

More preferred it refers to, an ammonium salt according to Formula (3) :

wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred linear saturated, alkyl with 10 to 21, preferably 12 to 18, more preferably 14 to 18, even more preferred 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ² is a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group;

x, y each independently represents an integer between 0 to 15 and x+y>=2; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.

Preferred examples of the alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts are ethoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts. Most preferred examples include but are not limited to compounds according to Formula (3) wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, preferably a linear saturated, C16 to C18 alkyl group, R ² is methyl, A ^-is methylsulfate or Cl ^-, and x, y each independently represents an integer between 0 to 4, and the average value of x+y is 4. A commercial product of such compounds is

108 from Evonik Industries AG.

The alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts of the invention preferably refer to ethoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts comprising on an average one linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, long chain alkyl group. More preferred it comprises on an average one C10 to C21, preferably C12 to18, alkyl group. If the ammonium salts are partly propoxylated, the amount of propoxyl groups is selected such that the solubilizer still has good water solubility.

More preferred it refers to an ammonium salt according to Formula (4) :

wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred linear saturated, alkyl group with 10 to 21, preferable 12 to18, mored preferably 14 to 18, even more preferred 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ² is an alkylene comprising 1, 2 or 3 carbon atoms;

R ³ represents a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group;

x,y each independently represents an integer between 0 to 15 and x+y>=2; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.

Preferred examples of the alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts are ethoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts. Most preferred examples include but are not limited to compounds according to Formula (4) wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred a linear saturated, alkyl group with 12 to18, preferably 16 to 18, carbon atoms, R ² is propylene, R ³ is methyl, A ^-is methylsulfat or Cl ^-; and x, y each independently represents an integer between 0 to 15 and x+y>=2.

Softening ingredients

The di-long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts of the invention preferably refers to di-long chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salts having independently from each other on an average two, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, preferably unsaturated, long-chain-alkyl groups. More preferred they comprise on an average two C10 to C21, preferably C12 to 18, alkyl groups, more preferred C16 to C18 alkyl groups. Even more preferred are C16 to C18 alkyl groups with one or two double bonds, most preferred having an iodine value (IV) of above 90. Most preferred it refers to a salt according to Formula (5) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, preferably linear unsaturated, alkyl group with 10 to 21, preferably 12 to 18 and more preferred 16 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably comprising one or two double bonds, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of C16 to 18 alkyl groups with an iodine value (IV) of above 90.

R ³, R ⁴ each independently represents a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.

The di-long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts are preferably di-C16 to C18 alkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium salts.

More preferred examples of the di-C16 to C18 alkyl quaternary ammonium salts include but are not limited to compounds according to Formula (5) wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear unsaturated C16 to C18 alkyl group and the iodine value (IV) is above 90, R ³ and R ⁴ are methyl and A ^-is methylsulfat or Cl ^-.

The di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts of the invention refer to quaternary ammonium salts having on an average two linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, long-chain-alkyl groups. More preferred they comprise on an average two, C10 to C21, preferably C12 to C18 and even more preferred C16 to C18 alkyl or alkenyl groups. Most preferred C16 to C18 alkyl groups with one or two double bonds, most preferred having iodine value (IV) of above 90. Most preferred it refers to an ammonium salt according to Formula (6) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, preferably a linear, alkyl group with 10 to 18, preferable 11 to 17, carbon atoms and preferably one or two double bonds, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ³ is methyl, ethyl, propyl or hydroxyethyl, preferably methyl or hydroxyethyl;

R ⁴ is a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group, more preferred a methyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or MeSO ₄ ^-.

Preferred examples of the di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts include but are not limited to compounds according to Formula (6) wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl group with 16 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably comprising one or two double bonds, R ³ is hydroxyethyl or methyl, R ⁴ is methyl and A ^-is methylsulfate or Cl ^-. A commercial product of such compounds with R ³ is hydroxyethyl. is

WE 45 VEG and a commercial product of such compounds with R ³ is methyl, is

CR 3099, both from Evonik Industries AG.

The ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts of the invention refer to quaternary ammonium salts having on an average two, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated long-chain-alkyl groups, preferably C10 to C21, more preferred C12 to 18, even more preferred C16 to C18 alkyl groups. More preferred it refers to ammonium salts according to Formula (7) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred saturated alkyl group comprising 10 to 18, preferably 11 to 17 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ³ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl or CH ₂CH ₂OH or (CH ₂CH ₂O) _nH, wherein n is an integer from 2 to 5, preferably R ³ is methyl or hydroxyethyl or propyl or isopropyl ;

x, y each independently is an integer from 1 to 10, and X+Y ≥4;

R ⁴ is a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.

The ethoxylated tri-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts of the invention refer to quaternary ammonium salts having on an average three, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated long-chain-alkyl groups, more preferred C10 to C21, more preferred C12 to18, even more preferred C16 to C18 alkyl groups. Most preferred it refers to ammonium salts according to Formula (8) :

wherein R ¹, R ² R ³ each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred saturated alkyl group comprising 10 to 18, preferably 11 to 17, carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

x, y, z each independently represents an integer from 1 to 10, and x+y+z ≥4;

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.

The di-long-chain-alkyl imidazoline quaternary ammonium salts of the invention refer to ammonium salts having on an average two, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, long-chain-alkyl groups, preferably C10 to C21, preferably C10 to C18, more preferred C12 to C18 alkyl groups. Most preferred it refers to ammonium salts according to Formula (9) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl group with 10 to 18, preferably 11 to 17, carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ³ is an alkylene comprising 1, 2 or 3, preferably 2 carbon atoms;

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.

Preferred examples of the di-long-chain-alkyl imidazoline quaternary ammonium salts include but are not limited to compounds according to Formula (9) , wherein

R ¹ and R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl group with 16 to 18 carbon atoms, R ³ is ethylene, R ⁴ is methyl and A ^-is methylsulfate or Cl ^-. A commercial product of such compounds is

Soft LD from Evonik Industries AG.

The di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts or ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts of the invention refer to ammonium salts having on an average two linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated, long-chain-alkyl groups, preferably C10 to C21, more preferred C10 to C18 C12-18 alkyl groups. More preferred it refers to ammonium salts according to Formula (10) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred saturated, alkyl group with 10 to 18, preferably 11 to 18, more preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, pal alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ³ is methyl or ethyl or - (CH ₂CH ₂O) _xH, x represents an integer between 1 and 10;

R ⁴ is a linear or branched C1 to 4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.

Preferred examples of the di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts according to Formula (10) include but are not limited to compounds wherein R ¹, R ² are tallow, R ³ is - (CH ₂CH ₂O) _xH, x represents an integer between 0 and 10, R ⁴ is methyl and A ^-is methylsulfate or Cl ^-.

A commercial product of such compounds is

222 LM from Evonik Industries AG.

Nonaqueous solvent can be present as component C) and is preferably selected from the group comprising, preferably consisting of, hydrotropes, for example from the group of the aliphatic alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol or propane-1 , 3-diol, cyclic carbonates such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, glycerol carbonate, esters of mono-or polycarboxylic acids such as ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, glycerol, isopropyl alcohol, dipropylene glycol, glycol ethers (available, for example, under the

name from Dow Chemicals) and polyols. Polyols which are contemplated here may possess 2 to 15 carbon atoms and at least two hydroxyl groups. Typical examples are: glycerol, alkylene glycols, as for example ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, 1, 2-propanediol, 1, 2-butanediol, 1, 2-pentanediol, 1, 2-hexanediol and also polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, polyhydroxycarboxylic acids, butyl diglycol and mixtures of these solvents.

Especially preferred, the nonaqueous solvent C) is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol or propane-1 , 3-diol, glycerol, glycol, 1, 2-propylene glycol, 1, 3-propylene glycol, butylene glycol and dipropylene glycol.

The amount of the nonaqueous solvent C) comprised in the fabric softener active composition in sum is 0 to 50 wt. %, preferably 5 to 45 wt. %, more preferred 10 to 40 wt. %, even more preferred 15 to 35 wt. %, particular preferred 20 to 35 wt. %and most preferred 25 to 35 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition.

In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric softener active composition comprises:

A) in sum 30 to 50 wt. %of mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (2) and/or (4) as defined above;

B) in sum 20 to 40 wt. %of di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, preferably of Formula (6) and/or (7) and/or (8) as defined above; and

C) in sum 10 to 40 wt. %of a nonaqueous solvent, preferably selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, more preferred a polyol solvent, most preferred propylene glycol, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition, wherein the amount of each compound A) to C) is selected from the ranges given before such that they total in sum, plus optionally further comprised compounds, like the components described below as fabric softener compatible components, to 100 wt. %of the fabric softener active composition.

In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric softener active composition comprises:

A) in sum 30 to 80 wt. %of mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (1) as defined above;

B) in sum 10 to 50 wt. %of di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, preferably of Formula (10) as defined above; and

C) 10 to 40 wt. %of a nonaqueous solvent, preferably selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, more preferred a polyol solvent, most preferred a glycol, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition, wherein the amount of each compound A) to C) is selected from the ranges given before such that they total in sum, plus optionally further comprised compounds, like the components described below as fabric softener compatible components, to 100 wt. %of the fabric softener active composition.

In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the softener active composition comprises:

A) in sum 30 to 50 wt. %of mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (1) as defined above;

B) in sum 20 to 40 wt. %of di-long chain ester quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (6) and/or (7) and/or (8) as defined above; and

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric softener active composition comprises:

A) in sum 40 to 60 wt. %of mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (1) as defined above;

B) in sum 20 to 30 wt. %of di-long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium, salts of Formula (5) as defined above; and

A) In a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric softener active composition comprises: in sum 50 to 70 wt. %of ethoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (3) as defined above;

B) in sum 10 to 30 wt. %of di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, preferably of Formula (10) as defined above; and

C) 20 to 30 wt. %of a nonaqueous solvent, preferably selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, more preferred a polyol solvent, most preferred a glycol, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition, wherein the amount of each compound A) to C) is selected from the ranges given before such that they total in sum, plus optionally further comprised compounds, like the components described below as fabric softener compatible components, to 100 wt. %of the fabric softener active composition.

In a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric softener active composition comprises:

A) in sum 50 to 70 wt. %of ethoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (3) as defined above;

B) in sum 20 to 50 wt. %of di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (6) and/or (7) and/or (8) as defined above; and

C) 10 to 30 wt. %of a nonaqueous solvent, preferably selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, more preferred a polyol solvent, most preferred a glycol, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition, wherein the amount of each compound A) to C) is selected from the ranges given before such that they total in sum, plusoptionally further comprised compounds, like the components described below as fabric softener compatible components, to 100 wt. %of the fabric softener active composition.

A) In a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric softener active composition comprises: in sum 40 to 70wt. %of mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (2) and/or (4) as defined above;

B) in sum 20 to 40wt. %of ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, preferably Formula (7) and/or (8) as defined above; and

A) In an eight preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric softener active composition comprises: in sum 30 to 80 wt. %of mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (2) and/or (4) as defined above;

B) in sum 10 to 50 wt. %of di-long-chain-alkyl imidazoline quaternary ammonium salts, preferably according to Formula (9) as defined above; and

The invention further provides a fabric softener composition, comprising,

1) the fabric softener active composition of the invention, and

2) water.

The fabric softener composition of the invention is a transparent liquid, preferably it is a transparent liquid at temperatures of from 0℃ to 15℃, more preferred from 0℃ to 25℃, even more preferred from -5℃ to 30℃, particular preferred from -5℃ to 40℃, especially preferred from -5℃ to 50℃ and most preferred from -5℃ to 60℃. The fabric softener active composition is fully dissolved in the water and forms an aqueous solution.

“Aqueous solution” means that the fabric softener composition is thermodynamically stable. When the fabric softener active composition is dissolved in water micelles, i.e. aggregates of the surfactant molecules, are formed, which are dispersed in water. The aqueous solution of the invention is neither a suspension nor a microemulsion nor an emulsion. A suspension is a heterogenous fluid containing solid particles. The particle size is typically larger enough for sedimentation. Emulsion respectively microemulsion refers to a heterogenous system comprising a first liquid phase creating droplets. Which are dispersed in a second liquid phase (solvent) . Emulsions and microemulsions tend to separate the phases. Thus, the fabric softener composition of the invention is much more stable than a fabric softener composition of a suspension, a microemulsion or an emulsion.

The fabric softener composition can be free of any ester oil or mineral oil. The fabric softener composition preferably comprises ester oils and/or mineral oils in sum in an amount of from 0 to 1 wt.%, preferably 0 to 0.5 wt. %, more preferred 0 to 0.1 wt. %even more preferred 0 to 0.05 wt. %, particular preferred 0 to 0.01 wt. %and most preferred does not comprise any ester oil or mineral oil.

The fabric softener active composition can be free of any non-ionic surfactants. Preferably, the fabric softener composition comprises non-ionic surfactants in sum in an amount of from 0 to 1 wt. %, preferably 0 to 0.5 wt. %, more preferred 0 to 0.1 wt. %even more preferred 0 to 0.05 wt. %, particular preferred 0 to 0.01 wt. %and most preferred does not comprise any non-ionic surfactants. All wt. %percentages relate to the total weight of the fabric softener active composition.

The transparent fabric softener composition comprises an effective amount of the fabric softener active composition of the invention. in other words, the amount of the fabric softener active composition of the invention should make the fabric softener composition to achieve a softening effect. The amount of the fabric softener active composition in the fabric softener composition of the invention may be determined according to the amount of component B) or both components A) and B) of the fabric softener active composition by a person skilled in the art.

The fabric softener composition preferably has a content of both components A) and B) of the fabric softener active composition in sum from 3.5 to 70wt. %, based on the total weight of the fabric softener composition. In addition, when the fabric softener composition is diluted with water, for example, for 10 times, 100 times, 1000 times, or even infinite times, the fabric softener is always transparent.

The amount of water should be sufficient to dissolve the fabric softener active composition to form a transparent aqueous solution.

The fabric softener composition may further comprise other fabric softener compatible components usable in a conventional fabric softener composition, for example, one or more additive and/or auxiliary selected from the group of the emollients, viscosity regulators, pearlescent additives, dyes, insect repellents, preservatives, perfumes, dyes and defoamers.

The perfume used may be any of the fragrances or fragrance mixtures known to be suitable for fabric softeners from the prior art, preferably in the form of a perfume oil. Examples of fragrances or scents are disclosed inter alia in DE 197 51 151 A1, page 4 lines 11-17. More particularly, the compositions according to the invention may contain from 0.01%to 10%by weight, more preferably 0.1%to 5%by weight, based on the overall composition of the composition, of one or more perfumes.

Dyes used may be any dyes known to be suitable for fabric softeners from the prior art, preference being given to water-soluble dyes. Examples of suitable water-soluble commercial dyes are

Walkblau NBL 150 (manufacturer: Clariant) and

Azorubin 85 E122 (manufacturer: BASF) . More particularly, the compositions according to the invention may contain from 0.001%to 0.1%by weight, more preferably from 0.002%to 0.05%by weight, of one or more dyes.

As viscosity regulator for reducing the viscosity, the fabric softener composition may comprise an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt, or mixtures thereof, preferably calcium chloride, preferably in an amount of 0.05%to 2%by weight, based on the overall composition of the composition.

As viscosity regulator for increasing the viscosity, the aqueous fabric softener composition may comprise a thickener known to be suitable from the prior art, preference being given to the polyurethane thickeners known from WO 2007/125005. Examples of suitable thickeners are

Visco Plus 3030 (manufacturer: Evonik TEGO Chemie) ,

880 and 882 (manufacturer: Rohm &Haas) ,

CDE (manufacturer: BASF) ,

KF 720 F (manufacturer: Evonik

GmbH) and

K100 from Neochem GmbH.

Defoamers used may be any defoamers known to be suitable for fabric softener compositions from the prior art. Examples of suitable commercial defoamers are Dow

DB-110A and

7001 XP. More particularly, the compositions according to the invention may contain from 0.0001%to 0.05%by weight, preferably from 0.001%to 0.01%by weight, of one or more different defoamers.

As preservative, the fabric softener composition may comprise active bactericidal and/or fungicidal ingredients known to be suitable from the prior art, preference being given to water-soluble active ingredients. Examples of suitable commercial bactericides are methylparaben, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one. The aqueous fabric softener composition may likewise comprise an oxidation inhibitor as preservative. Examples of suitable commercial oxidation inhibitors are ascorbic acid, 2, 6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) , butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) , tocopherol and propyl gallate. More particularly, the compositions according to the invention may contain from 0.0001%to 0.5%, more preferably 0.001%to 0.2%by weight, of one or more different preservatives. More particularly, the compositions according to the invention may contain from 0.001%to 0.1%by weight, preferably 0.001%to 0.01%by weight, of one or more different oxidation inhibitors.

In some embodiments, the transparent fabric softener composition, comprises, based on the total weight of the transparent fabric softener composition,

A) 3 to 8wt. %of at least one solubilizer as defined above, preferably selected from the group consisting of mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, and alkoxylated mono long chain alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts,

B) 1 to 5wt. %of at least one softening ingredients as defined above, which is selected from di-long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl imidazoline quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated tri-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts,

C) Optionally a nonaqueous solvent as defined above and

D) Balanced amount of water.

The invention further provides a fabric softener product, comprising,

a) the fabric softener composition of the invention; and

b) a carrier or a package which contains the fabric softener composition.

The package is typically a container such as a bottle.

The invention further provides use of the fabric softener active composition of the invention in preparation of a transparent fabric softener composition or a fabric softener product comprising the transparent fabric softener composition.

The fabric softener active composition is easy to prepare and the corresponding prepared fabric softener composition presents the following advantages:

-easy to prepare;

-easy to use, it remains stable and transparent after 10 times, 100 times or more times or infinite times of dilution with deionized water at room temperature;

-great softness performance, which can be easily perceived by consumers;

-the fabric softener composition is transparent from room temperature to 0℃, or even -5℃ if it is still in liquid state;

-the fabric softener composition in a freezing state at -15℃ can restore back at room temperature to a transparent state within 24 hours.

Therefore, the transparent fabric softener composition has excellent stability at low temperature and can be diluted without becoming hazy.

The fabric softener composition may have a mean particle size of the micells, i.e. a micelle size, of below 50nm, preferably below 40nm, more preferred below 30nm, even more preferred below 20nm, particular preferred below 15nm, very particular preferred below 12nm to 1 nm and most preferred 10nm to 2nm, as determined according to the method “ISO 22412-2017 Particle size analysis -Dynamic light scattering (DLS) ” .

Other advantages of the present invention would be apparent for a person skilled in the art upon reading the specification.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention is now described in detail by the following examples. The scope of the invention should not be limited to the embodiments of the examples.

Materials

The following materials were used in the examples as solubilizer:

1618 AM (long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts (palmitamidopropyltrimonium chloride) , 60 wt. %; propylene glycol, 40 wt. %, Evonik Industries AG) ;

471 (mono tallow alkyl trimethyl quaternary ammonium salts, 50 wt. %; isopropyl alcohol (IPA) , 50 wt. %, Evonik Industries AG) ; and

108 (ethoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, 100 wt. %; Evonik Industries AG) .

The following materials were used in the examples as softening ingredient:

Soft LD (imidazolinium compounds, 2- (C17 and C17-unsaturated alkyl) -1- [2- (C18 and C18-unsaturated amido) ethyl] -4, 5-dihydro-1-methyl, methyl sulfates, 90 wt. %, IPA 10 wt. %, Evonik Industries AG) ;

WE 45 VEG (di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, 85%; ethanol, 15%, Evonik Industries AG) ;

CR 3099 (di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, 98%; Evonik Industries AG) ; and

222LM (di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, 90 wt. %, IPA 10 wt. %; Evonik Industries AG) .

Example 1

A fabric softener active composition was prepared by the following method:

Preheat 500g

1618 AM to be a transparent liquid, then mix the liquid with 500g

WE 45 VEG to obtain a homogeneous softener active composition 1#.

The prepared softener active composition 1#was a transparent liquid at 25℃.

A transparent fabric softener composition (Softener 1-1#) was prepared by diluting 100g the above softener active composition 1#using 900g DI water (de-ionized water) at RT (room temperature) .

Softener 1-1#

A transparent fabric softener composition (Softener 1-2#) was prepared by diluting 500g the softener active composition 1#using 500g DI water.

Softener 1-2#

Example 2

A fabric softener active composition was prepared by the following method: mix 600g

471 with 400g

Soft LD to obtain a homogeneous softener active composition 2#.

A transparent fabric softener composition was prepared by diluting 100g the softener active composition 2#using 900 g DI water.

Softener 2-1#

A transparent fabric softener composition was prepared by diluting 200g the softener active composition 2#using 800g DI water.

Softener 2-2#

Example 3

A fabric softener active composition was prepared by the following method:

Preheat 700g

1618 AM to obtain transparent liquid and 300g

222 LM to obtain transparent liquid state, then mix the two liquids to obtain a homogeneous softener active composition 3#.

A transparent fabric softener composition was prepared by diluting 150g the softener active composition 3#using 850g DI water.

Softener 3-1#

Example 4

A fabric softener active composition was prepared by the following method:

Blend 800g

108 and 200g

CR 3099 to obtain a homogeneous softener active composition 4#.

A transparent fabric softener composition was prepared by diluting 200g the softener active composition 4#using 800g DI water.

Softener 4#

Example 5

A fabric softener active composition was prepared by the following method:

Blend 850g

471 and 150g

222 LM to obtain a homogeneous softener active composition 5#.

A transparent fabric softener composition was prepared by diluting 200g the softener active composition 5#using 800g DI water.

Softener 5#

Example 6

A fabric softener active composition was prepared by the following method:

Blend 650g

108 and 350g

Soft LD to obtain a homogeneous softener active composition 6#.

A transparent fabric softener composition was prepared by diluting 100g the softener active composition 6#using 900g DI water.

Softener 6#

Performance test

All fabric softener composition prepared in Examples 1-6 are transparent at room temperature and delivered the following additional benefits:

-great softness performance, which can be easily perceived;

-when dissolved in water, for example, when 10g fabric softener composition was dissolved into 1 L water at room temperature, it had a transparent appearance; and

-it maintained a transparent liquid state at -5℃ for at least 24h, and it quickly (1-2 hours at room temperature) restored to native transparency at room temperature from freezing state at -18℃.

Comparative Example 1

The fabric softener composition according to Example 10 of WO 2019/048556A was prepared.

The composition of the fabric softener active composition according to Example 10 of WO 2019/048556 was as follows:

*

EC 11 (end-capped fatty alcohol ethoxylate) , commercially available from Evonik Industries AG.

When diluted for 10 times (100 g Softener 1-1#diluted with 900 g DI water) , the softener 1-1#was still transparent but the fabric softener composition according to Example 10 of WO 2019/048556A became hazy.

Particle size analysis

The particle size of softener 1-1#and a commercial fabric softener was also determined according to the method “ISO 22412-2017 Particle size analysis -Dynamic light scattering (DLS) ” . The results showed that:

the micelle particle size of softener 1-1#was around 9nm,

the micelle particle size of softener 1-1#after 100 times dilution was around 5nm,

the particle size of a commercial fabric softener composition, which forms an dispersion was around 300nm,

the particle size of the commercial fabric softener composition after 100 times dilution was around 100-200nm.

The composition of the commercial fabric softener composition was as following:

WE 28 SH*: di- (palm carboxyethyl) hydroxyethyl methylammonium methosulfate, CAS Number 157905-74-3, commercially available from Evonik Industries AG.

The commercial fabric softener was milky and opaque. After 100 times dilution, it was cloudy and not transparent.

As used herein, terms such as “comprise (s) ” and the like as used herein are open terms meaning “including at least” unless otherwise specifically noted.

All references, tests, standards, documents, publications, etc. mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference. Where a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included. Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.

The above description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, this invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. In this regard, certain embodiments within the invention may not show every benefit of the invention, considered broadly.

Claims

A fabric softener active composition, comprising, based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition:

A) In sum 20 to 80 wt. %, preferably 30 to 80wt. %, more preferably 30 to 75 wt. %, even more preferred 35 to 70 wt. %and most preferred 45 to 60wt. %of at least one solubilizer, which is selected from the group consisting of mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, and alkoxylated mono long to chain to alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts;

B) In sum 10 to 50wt. %, preferably 15 to 45 wt. %, more preferably 20 to 40 wt. %and most preferred 25 to 35wt. %of at least one softening ingredient, which is selected from the group consisting of di-long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl imidazoline quaternary ammonium salts, di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated tri-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts; and

C) In sum 0 to 50 wt. %, preferably 5 to 45 wt. %, more preferred 10 to 40 wt. %, even more preferred 15 to 35 wt. %, particular preferred 20 to 35 wt. %and most preferred 25 to 35 wt. %of nonaqueous solvent (s) ,

wherein the amounts of components A) , B) and C) are selected from the ranges given above such that the components in sum, plus optionally further comprised components, total to 100%of the softener active composition.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1, wherein the fabric softener active composition comprises non-ionic surfactants in sum in an amount of from 0 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0 to 2 wt. %, more preferred 0 to 1 wt. %even more preferred 0 to 0.5 wt. %, particular preferred 0 to 0.1 wt. %and most preferred does not comprise any non-ionic surfactants.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the solubilizer mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (1) :

wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferably linear saturated, alkyl group with 10 to 21, preferably 12 to 18, more preferably 14 to 18 and most preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl and mixtures thereof;

R ², R ³, R ⁴ each independently represents linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^- is a fabric softener compatible anion.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (2) :

wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred linear saturated, alkyl group with 10 to 21, preferably 12 to 18, more preferably 14 to 18, even more preferred 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ² is an alkylene group comprising 1, 2 or 3 carbon atoms;

R ³, R ⁴, R ⁵ each independently represents a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (3) :

wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred linear saturated, alkyl with 10 to 21, preferably 12 to 18, more preferably 14 to 18, even more preferred 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ² is a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group;

x, y each independently represents an integer between 0 to 15 and x+y>=2; and

A ^- is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the alkoxylated mono long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (4) :

wherein R ¹ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred linear saturated, alkyl group with 10 to 21, preferable 12 to18, mored preferably 14 to 18, even more preferred 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ² is an alkylene comprising 1, 2 or 3 carbon atoms;

R ³ represents a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group;

x,y each independently represents an integer between 0 to 15 and x+y>=2; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the softening ingredient di-long-chain-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (5) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, preferably linear unsaturated, alkyl group with 10 to 21, preferably 12 to 18 and more preferred 16 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably comprising one or two double bonds, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of C16 to 18 alkyl groups with an iodine value (IV) of above 90,

R ³, R ⁴ each independently represents a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (6) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, preferably a linear, alkyl group with 10 to 18, preferable 11 to 17, carbon atoms and preferably one or two double bonds, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ³ is methyl, ethyl, propyl or hydroxyethyl, preferably methyl or hydroxyethyl;

R ⁴ is a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group, more preferred a methyl group; and

A ^- is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or MeSO ₄ ^-.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the ethoxylated di-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (7) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred saturated alkyl group comprising 10 to 18, preferably 11 to 17 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ³ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl or CH ₂CH ₂OH or (CH ₂CH ₂O) _nH, wherein n is an integer from 2 to 5, preferably R ³ is methyl or hydroxyethyl or propyl or isopropyl;

x, y each independently is an integer from 1 to 10, and X+Y ≥4;

R ⁴ is a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^- is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the ethoxylated tri-long-chain-alkyl ester quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (8) :

wherein R ¹, R ² R ³ each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred saturated alkyl group comprising 10 to 18, preferably 11 to 17, carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

x, y, z each independently represents an integer from 1 to 10, and x+y+z ≥4;

R ⁴ is a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^-is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the di-long-chain-alkyl imidazoline quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (9) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl group with 10 to 18, preferably 11 to 17, carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, palm alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ³ is an alkylene comprising 1, 2 or 3, preferably 2 carbon atoms;

R ⁴ is a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^- is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.
The fabric softener active composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the di-long-chain-alkyl amido quaternary ammonium salts have the general Formula (10) :

wherein R ¹, R ² each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, more preferred saturated, alkyl group with 10 to 18, preferably 11 to 18, more preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferred the long-chain-alkyl group is selected from the groups consisting of tallow alkyl, pal alkyl or mixtures thereof;

R ³ is methyl or ethyl or - (CH ₂CH ₂O) _xH, x represents an integer between 1 and 10;

R ⁴ is a linear or branched C1 to 4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl group; and

A ^- is a fabric softener compatible anion, preferably Cl ^-or CH ₃SO ₄ ^-.
A fabric softener composition, comprising:

1) the fabric softener active composition according to any one of claims 1-12, and

2) water.
The fabric softener composition of claim 13, wherein the fabric softener composition is transparent.
The fabric softener composition of claim 13 or 13, wherein the fabric softener composition is an aqueous solution of micelles dispersed in water, preferably the mean particle size of the micelles, measured according to “ISO 22412-2017 Particle size analysis -Dynamic light scattering (DLS) , is below 50nm, preferably below 40nm, more preferred below 30nm, even more preferred below 20nm, particular preferred below 15nm, very particular preferred below 12nm to 1 nm and most preferred 10nm to 2nm.
The fabric softener composition of claim 13 or 14, wherein the fabric softener composition comprises ester oils and/or mineral oils in sum in an amount of from 0 to 1 wt. %, preferably 0 to 0.5 wt.%, more preferred 0 to 0.1 wt. %even more preferred 0 to 0.05 wt. %, particular preferred 0 to 0.01 wt. %and most preferred does not comprise any ester oil or mineral oil.
The fabric softener composition of claim 13 or 14, wherein the amount of both components A) and B) of the fabric softener active composition in sum is from 3.5 to 70wt. %, based on the total weight of the fabric softener composition.
A fabric softener product, comprising

a) the fabric softener composition according to any one of claims 13 to 17; and

b) a carrier or a package which contains the fabric softener composition.
Use of the fabric softener active composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in preparation of a transparent fabric softener composition or a fabric softener product comprising the transparent fabric softener composition.