Synthesis of Super Hydrophobic Disperse Dyes Having Long Alkyl Substituents and Their Dyeability onto Unmodified Polypropylene Fibers

Abstract

The new series of super hydrophobic disperse dyes having different length of alkyl substituents was synthesized to dye pure polypropylene fibers. From butyl to dodecyl groups were introduced to an anthraquinoid chromophore. The adsorption interaction of the dyes toward the polypropylene fiber was increased with the increase of the length of alkyl chains due to enhancement of hydrophobicity of the dyes. The optimum alkyl group was determined as the longest dodecyl group in this study. Their absorption spectra in the visible range appeared almost the same regardless of the length of alkyl groups, which meant that the length of alkyl groups did not influence on optical properties of the dyes relating to color appearances. The color fastnesses of the dyed fabrics to washing, rubbing, and light were good enough for practical application.