Thiazolo(5,4-d)thiazoles substituted with polycyclic aromatic groups or heterocyclic groups either directly onto the 2- and 5-positions or onto the 2- and 5-positions through conjugated linking groups, are valuable brightening agents for use in photographic elements or in polymeric materials.

A brightening method for parts of aluminum or aluminum alloy is described which is characterized, in particular, by the fact that the parts are treated in an alkaline electrolyte, operated with direct current, preferably having the composition at an operating temperature of about 70.degree.-80.degree. C.

A brightening composition consisting of a mixture of brighteners and 0 to 99.995% by weight of a commercially available washing agent, said mixture containing at least two brighteners of the formula ##STR1## in which A and B independently of one another denote a radical of the formula ##STR2## in which M represents hydrogen or an ammonium, alkaline earth metal, amine salt or alkali metal ion, as well as a process for brightening organic textiles are disclosed.

Optical brightening agents for use in textiles, paper, detergents correspond to the formula ##STR1## where R, R.sub.1 are preferably derived from amino-acids, particularly glutamic and iminodiacetic acids.

An optical brightener comprising one or more spiro compounds of the formula (I), ##STR1## where K.sup.1 and K.sup.2, which are identical or different, are conjugated systems, and .psi. is C, Si, Ge, Sn or Pb, is notable for high fluorescence quantum yields and a high temperature stability.

A hair brightening process and aqueous hair brightening compositions therefor are disclosed effective for removing discolorations from hair which is undesirably discolored due to chemical processes and environmental exposure or natural aging to provide a substantially more natural tone. The hair brightening compositions of the invention comprise certain hair brightening activating salts and organic colorants as active brightening ingredients which surprisingly remove discoloration without impart...

A simplified method for the optical brightening of paper either in the pulp mass, the size or metering press or by coating by the use of a formulation of an optical brightening agent together with a swellable layered silicate.

A simplified method for the optical brightening of paper either in the pulp mass, the size or metering press or by coating by the use of a formulation of an optical brightening agent together with a swellable layered silicate.

Fluorescent brightening compounds increase the apparent color intensity or shine of cosmetic compositions.

Liquid bleaching and brightening compositions are provided in which a polymeric matrix stably suspends a fluorescent whitening agent, and, optionally, pigment particles. A particularly preferred composition includes an aqueous solution having sodium hypochlorite in an amount of from about 3.5 wt. % to about 6.2 wt. %, an anionic or nonionic surfactant in an amount of from about 0.03 wt. % to about 0.3 wt. %, polymer in an amount of from about 0.03 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. %, a fluorescent whitenin...