FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the use of branched polyesters which are obtained by polycondensation of citric acid with at least one polyalcohol, and optionally with a polycarboxylic acid component, as an additive in dishwashing detergents, detergents, detergents or treatment compositions of water and mixtures containing such branched polyesters. The use of branched polyesters which are obtained by polycondensation of: (a) citric acid (component A) with (b) at least one polyalcohol having at least 2 and up to 6 hydroxyl groups (component B) and (c) optional component of a polycarboxylic acid (component C), and optionally reacting with (d) at least one D component selected from the group consisting of: alkyl or alkenylcarboxylic acids having 6-30 carbon atoms in alkyl or alkenyl, alkyl or alkenyl alcohols with a 6-30 carbon atoms, alkyl or alkenylamines with 6-30 carbon atoms, aliphatic isocyanates with 6-30 carbon atoms, in the course of this polycondensation or thereafter, as an additive in dishwashing detergents, detergents, detergents or in a water treatment composition. The branched polyesters have a molecular weight Mn from 400 to 5000 g/mol, the molecular weight Mw from 500 to 50000 g/mol, an acid value of 60 to 600 mg KOH/g of polymer and a glass transition temperature in the range of -50 to +50°C. The mole ratio of citric acid to polyalcohol is 3.5:1 to 1.0:1.5, and where appropriate, the proportion of polycarboxylic acids is at most 30 mol % relative to the amount of citric acid used.
EFFECT: use of substances for purification purposes, in particular as an additive to phosphate-containing and phosphate-free cleaning compositions for machine dish washing and for the purpose of preventing sedimentation in plumbing systems.
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