The Chemistry Of Synthetic Dyes. Reactive Dyes (WORKING · 2025)

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.

Excellent, because the dye is chemically locked to the fibre. The Chemistry of Synthetic Dyes. Reactive Dyes

Known for incredibly vivid and brilliant shades. While reactive dyes are safer than many older

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 Known for incredibly vivid and brilliant shades

The "business end" that reacts with the fibre (e.g., vinyl sulfone or cyanuric chloride).

Typical of dyes (like Remazol). In an alkaline bath, the dye undergoes an elimination reaction to form a vinyl sulfone group, which then adds across the fiber's functional groups. Result: A highly durable covalent linkage. ⚡ Key Properties

A major challenge where the dye reacts with water instead of the fibre, creating "spent" dye that must be washed away.