Basic studies were performed towards the development of phosphate-free home laundry detergents. Five surfactants were synthesized with the idea that they might possess hard ion chelating properties. The cleaning abilities of these materials were compared to the widely used linear alkylbenzene sulfonate as incorporated into the same formulations. The detergent compositions contained 2% carboxymethylcellulose and the silicate content was varied. Sodium acetate and sodium carbonate were investigated as possible reservoirs of alkalinity. Surfactant compatibility with sodium chloride and sodium sulfate was examined. Other additives included trisodium nitrilotriacetate and sodium citrate at moderate levels. Fifteen detergent formulations were screened and the results leave little doubt that acceptable phosphate-free home laundry detergents can be developed. (Author)