Chemistry of disputed detergent unveiled

In a June 1994 issue of Nature, Unilever scientists described a family of organomanganese complexes that catalyze hydrogen peroxide bleaching at about 20 degrees C. One of these catalysts, known as Accelerator, is an ingredient in a controversial new detergent formulation - called Persil Poer in the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inChemical & Engineering News Archive Vol. 72; no. 26; pp. 5 - 6
Main Author FREEMANTLE, MICHAEL
Format Magazine Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Washington American Chemical Society 27.06.1994
Subjects
Catalysts
Chemistry
Detergent industry
Detergents
Hydrogen peroxide
Innovations
R&D
Research & development
United Kingdom > UK
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Summary:In a June 1994 issue of Nature, Unilever scientists described a family of organomanganese complexes that catalyze hydrogen peroxide bleaching at about 20 degrees C. One of these catalysts, known as Accelerator, is an ingredient in a controversial new detergent formulation - called Persil Poer in the UK and Omo Power in the Netherlands - launched recently by Unilever in Europe. Rival Procter & Gamble charges that the product damages clothes; Unilever has, at least temporarily, modified its formulation. According the chemist and consultant Alan E. Comyns, the development is the first report of hydrogen peroxide bleaching activity at such a low temperature. Hydrogen peroxide is the bleaching agent traditionally used in European detergents. However, as a liquid, it cannot be used directly. Furthermore, it loses its bleaching activity as the temperature falls below 60 degrees C.
ISSN:0009-2347
2157-4936
1520-605X
DOI:10.1021/cen-v072n026.p005a