Types of Dyes

Inkjet Dyes or Salt Free Dyes

Digital Textile Printing Dyes

Types of Dyes

Dyes may be classified in several ways. These are classified based on the commercial names and chemical nature. Dyes are complex unsaturated aromatic compounds fulfilling characteristics like intense color, solubility, substantiveness and fastness. Dyes can be defined as the different type of coloring particles which differ in each type from the other in chemical composition and are used for coloring fabrics in different colors and shades which are completely soluble in liquid media.

Here we will try to give a general view of the types of dyes that can be categorized under a few major classes.

Chemical classification of the Dyes

According to a system of chemical classification, dyes can be divided according to the nature of their Chromophore.

Group	Uses
Anthraquinone dyes, derivatives of anthraquinone >C=O and>C=C	Textiles
Arylmethane dyes Diarylmethane dyes, based on diphenyl methane Triarylmethane dyes, based on triphenyl methane
Azo dyes, based on a -N=N- azo structure
Acridine dyes, derivatives of acridine >C=N-and>C=C	Textiles, leather
Leather and textile dyes	Leather and textile
Cyanine dyes, derivatives of phthalocyanine
Diazonium dyes, based on diazonium salts
Nitro dyes, based on the -NO2 nitro functional group
Nitroso dyes, are based on a -N=O nitroso functional
Phthalocyanine dyes, derivatives of phthalocyanine >C=N	Paper
Quinone-imine dyes, derivatives of quinone	Wool and paper
Xanthene dyes, derived from xanthene -O-C6H4-O	Cotton, Silk and Wool
Indophenol dyes, derivatives of indophenol >C=N-and>C=O	color photography
Oxazone dyes, derivatives of oxazone
Oxazin dyes, derivatives of oxazin -C-N=C =C-O-C=	Calico printing
Thiazin dyes, derivatives of thiazin
Thiazole dyes, derivatives of thiazole >C=N-and-S-O=	Intermediate
Fluorene dyes, derivatives of fluorene
Rhodamine dyes, derivatives of rhodamine
Pyronin dyes

Dyes according to the nuclear structure

Industrial Classification of the Dyes

Dyes are now classified according to how they are used in the dyeing process. Majority of the dyestuff is primarily consumed by the textile industry, and 60% of the dyestuffs are based on azo dyes.

Major classes of dyes in textile finishing is given here:

Acid
Azoic
Basic
Direct
Disperse
Mordant
Reactive
Solvent
Sulphur
Vat

Classification based on the source of materials

A very common classification of the dyestuff is based on the source from which it is made.

Natural Dyes
Synthetic Dyes

Other important dyes
A number of other classes of dyes have also been established, that includes the following:

Fluorescent Dyes - A very innovative dye. Used for application in sports good etc.
Fuel Dyes - Used in fuels.
Leather Dyes - Used for leather.
Leuco Dyes - Has a wide variety of applications including electronic industries and papers.
Inkjet Dyes - Writing industry including the inkjet printers.
Oxidation Dyes - Used mainly for hair.
Optical Brighteners - Used primarily for textile fibres and paper.
Smoke Dyes - Used in military activities.
Solvent Dyes - For application in wood staining and production of colored lacquers, solvent inks, waxes and coloring oils etc.
Sublimation Dyes - For application in textile printing.

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Chemical classification of the Dyes

Dyes according to the nuclear structure

Industrial Classification of the Dyes

Classification based on the source of materials