Tetra-acetylethylenediamine

In the context of peracid bleaching it is worthwhile recalling the reaction outlined in Scheme 10.30, in which peracetic acid is produced in situ by the action of the activator tetra-acetylethylenediamine (10.86) on hydrogen peroxide [244]. 

The instability of DAST-type brighteners towards chlorine-containing bleaches has been mentioned already. They also show limited stability towards per-acids. As recommended washing temperatures have tended to fall in recent years, a bleach consisting of sodium perborate activated by addition of tetra-acetylethylenediamine (11.63) has become an important component of household detergent formulations. This system is effective at temperatures as low as 40-50 °C. Since the FBA may be sensitive to the activated oxidant, however, in some formulations it is necessary to protect compounds such as 11.60 or 11.61 by encapsulating either the brightener or the activator, if adequate shelf-life is to be maintained. 

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