Laser Raman studies of α–bromoacrylamide reactive dyes and wool

Abstract

The use of laser Raman spectroscopy in the investigation of interactions in α–bromoacrylamide reactive dye–wool fibre systems has been established. The spectra obtained (in particular using C. I. Reactive Red 84) provide some evidence to support the proposal that the dye reacts via addition at the double bond of the reactive group, followed by ring closure through nucleophilic substitution. Furthermore, preliminary studies of the effect of the commercial levelling assistant Albegal B on the aqueous dye environment have been made using C. I. Reactive Yellow 39. The results show that, whilst the primary interaction between the dye and auxiliary may be via the water–solubilising sulphonate groups of the dye, hydrophobic interactions are also important.