Bleach activation

Claim 1

Use of a metal complex of formula (A) : [L n Mn m X p ] z Y q (A) wherein Mn is manganese, or iron or mixtures thereof, which can be in the II, III, IV or V oxidation state or mixtures thereof; n and m are independent integers from 1-4; X represents a co-ordination or bridging species; p is an integer from 0-12; Y is a counter-ion, the type of which is dependent upon the charge z of the complex which can be positive, zero or negative; q = z/[charge Y]; and L is a ligand being a macrocylic organic molecule of the general formula : wherein R 1 and R 2 can each be zero, H, alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted; t and t' are each independent integers from 2-3; D and D 1 can independently be N, NR, PR, O or S, wherein R is H, alkyl or aryl, optionally substituted; and s is an integer from 2-5, wherein if D=N, one of the hetero-carbon bonds attached thereto will be unsaturated, giving rise to a N=CR 1 -fragment, as a bleach and oxidation catalyst.