Studies on Aminoanthraquinone Compounds IV–Photochemistry of some Simple Derivatives in Solution and on Polymer Films

Abstract

An attempt has been made to determine the validity of the concept of the dye–ethanolsystem as a model for the photochemical degradation of textile materials sensitised by anthraquinone vat dyes. The action of (a) near–ultraviolet and visible radiation and (b) short–wave ultraviolet radiation (mainly 253–7 mμ) on anaerobic solutions of 1–aminoanthraquinone in ethanol, n–hexane, ethyl acetate, and carbon tetrachloride has been studied. Extensive fading of the dye occurs in these solvents with both typesof radiation. In the hydrogen–containing solvents characteristic spectra of reduction products of 1–aminoanthraquinone are produced, whereas in carbon tetrachloride there is extensive general destruction of the absorbing systems. The spectral changes occurring on the irradiation under anaerobic conditions of 1, 5–diaminoanthraquinone and 2–aminoanthraquinone in solution in ethanol and dyedon polymer films of N–methoxymethyl nylon, nylon 6. 6, and secondary cellulose acetate are compared. Only with 1, 5–diaminoanthraquinone and 1–aminoanthraquinone on N–methoxymethylnylon film are the changes on irradiation in dry nitrogen similar to those in ethanol. It is concluded that the photochemical behaviour ofanthraquinone dyes in organic solvents and in polymer systems can show considerable differences.