Detergent composition

Abstract

A new class of compounds having fabric softening properties is formed by hydroxamic betaines having the general formula R.sup.1 (R.sup.2)(R.sup.3)N.sup.+ -- R.sup.4 --CO -- NH -- O.sup.- in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 are hydrocarbon groups having 1-25 carbon atoms with the proviso that the betaine contains not more than 45 carbon atoms, at least one carbon chain of at least 12 carbon atoms and the carbon chain of R.sup.4 between the quaternary N-atom and the CO-- group is no longer than 4 carbon atoms. The compounds, which can be used in a fabric softening rinse composition as well as in a detergent composition, remain in dispersion during the washing process, but deposit onto the fabric when the pH decreases during subsequent rinsing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.