The present invention comprises peroxygen bleach activator compounds of the general formula ##STR8## wherein R is a branched or linear alkyl or alkenyl group having from about 4 to about 14 carbon atoms; R1 is H, CH3, C2 H5 or C3 H7 ; X' is Cl, OCH3 or OC2 H5 ; and L is a leaving group the conjugate acid of which has a pKa in the range of from about 4 to about 30.