The Chemistry Of Synthetic Dyes. Reactive Dyes < 2027 >
Common in dyes. The chlorine atom on the dye molecule is displaced by the hydroxyl ( OHcap O cap H ) group of the cellulose or the amino ( NH2cap N cap H sub 2 ) group of protein fibres. Result: A stable carbon-oxygen or carbon-nitrogen bond. 2. Nucleophilic Addition
The chemistry of reactive dyes centers on their unique ability to form a permanent covalent bond with the substrate, typically cellulose (cotton) or protein fibres (wool/silk). Unlike other dyes that simply "sit" on or inside the fibre, reactive dyes become a chemical part of the fibre itself. 🧪 Chemical Structure Reactive dyes consist of four primary components: The Chemistry of Synthetic Dyes. Reactive Dyes
While reactive dyes are safer than many older synthetics (like those using heavy metals), they require large amounts of salt and water for the fixation and rinsing processes. Modern research focuses on "low-salt" dyes and increasing the to reduce chemical waste. Common in dyes
The part that provides color (usually azo, anthraquinone, or phthalocyanine groups). Solubilising Group: Often sulfonic acid salts ( SO3Nacap S cap O sub 3 cap N a ) that make the dye water-soluble. 🧪 Chemical Structure Reactive dyes consist of four
Excellent, because the dye is chemically locked to the fibre.
The dye attaches to the fibre through a chemical reaction triggered by alkaline conditions (high pH). There are two main types of reaction mechanisms: 1. Nucleophilic Substitution
A major challenge where the dye reacts with water instead of the fibre, creating "spent" dye that must be washed away.