Sulfur dye protection systems and compositions and methods employing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to sulfur dye protection systems and compositions and methods employing same, as well as processes for making sulfur dyes, especially bleach stable sulfur dyes, processes for dying textiles with sulfur dyes and textiles dyed by such processes. More particularly, the present invention relates to modifying existing dyes and/or making newly formed sulfur dyes. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to materials that can chemically or physically interact with sulfur dyes to protect the sulfur dyes from oxidation by oxidizing agents, such as bleaching agents.

1 . A composition comprising a lanthanide ion that interacts with a sulfur dye such that oxidation of the sulfur dye by oxidizing agents is inhibited and/or reduced, and a fabric softening agent.  
     
     
         2 . The composition according to  claim 1  wherein the lanthanide metal ion is selected from the group consisting of: La(III), Ce(IV), Gd(III) and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         3 . A kit comprising: 
 a. an article of manufacture comprising a composition according to  claim 1;  and    b. instructions for using the composition to treat a fabric in need of treatment.    
     
     
         4 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein the fabric softening agent is a member selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium compounds, smectite clays, polyethylene oxide materials, and tertiary amines.