Aggregation Behaviour of Some Reactive Dyes

Abstract

The absorption spectra of aqueous solutions of monochlorotriazine reactive dyes, C.I. Reactive Red 9 and Reactive Orange 13 were measured in the presence of 5, 10, 25 and 50% (v/v) of ethanol, pyridine and dioxane-water mixtures and in varied concentrations of KCl, NaCl and LiCl. The varying position, intensity and shape of absorption bands are interpreted in terms of aggregation and disaggregation of dyes in solutions. The aggregation behaviour of the reactive dyes in solutions and in the presence of additives is related to their apparent deviations from Beer's law and aggregation numbers (N). The aggregation constant (K.) of the monomer/dimer equilibrium is calculated. Dyes in ethanol-water mixtures record a larger aggregation number and aggregation constant than in the presence of pyridine. Dioxane is classified as anon-polar solvent and hence has a more disaggregating influence. The value of the aggregation number and constant are increased with increasing salt conentration and the order of degree of aggregation is KCl > NaCl > LiCl related to the order of ionic radii of K+, Na+ and Li+ ions.