Transition metal bleach activators for bleaching agents and

Abstract

Transition metal containing composition for use as a bleach catalyst comprising at least one transition metal ion coordinated with at least one chelating ligand to form a complex capable of binding O.sub.2 H.sup.-. The ligand(s) should have at least two strong donor functional groups capable of coordinating with a single one of the transition metal ions in the complexes to form a six-member or larger ring. The complexes are capable of coordinating peroxide groups while the ligand functions to substantially prevent precipitation of hydroxides of the transition metal ions in aqueous alkaline solutions of the transition metal containing composition. A detergent-bleach composition comprising an effective amount of a peroxide bleaching agent and an effective amount of the bleach catalyst described above, and a bleaching agent composition comprising a peroxide compound present in an amount effective to impart a bleaching action and a catalyst present in an effective amount to promote the bleaching action of the peroxide compound comprising the transition metal composition described above are also disclosed, as well as a catalyst present in an effective amount to promote the bleaching action of peroxide compounds in a detergent-bleach composition comprising the transition metal composition described above.